JD 5103, 5203, 5303

timb · Jun 26, 2003

Richard / John,

Couple of thoughts / questions -

Is that a 521 loader or a 510 (thought that was the loader for the '03's)?

By "collar shift" 9/3 I assume that's completely non-synchro?

With something the size (and weight) of a 2WD 5303 how limited would the loader be for any digging (packed dirt or loose material) compared to a lighter CUT with MFWD? (although I know you mentioned only bale transport).

cowboydoc · Jun 26, 2003

You probably aren't going to be limited at all by digging. MFWD helps some but when you're digging you lose alot of that traction. Add in the extra hp, torque, and traction of the bigger tractor and I don't think you'd lose anything. Yes you're right I think it is the 510 loader.

cowboydoc · Jun 26, 2003

John,

You're exactly right on that non-synchro transmission. That is the only drawback to this machine and why I thought of going to the 5205. I drove this one and it does shift very easily but you do have to be stopped for sure.

rancar · Jun 26, 2003

Hi Tim...

"...With...a 2WD 5303 how limited would the loader be for any digging (packed dirt or loose material) compared to a lighter CUT with MFWD?..."

Here's just my 2 cents. You'll have a bigger bucket with the 5303 than let's say with the 4710. So, you'll be able to move more material at any given time. However, a tractor's MFWD's capabilities should not be too quickly discounted. For digging into piles of dirt, I would think the 4710 will still offer greater traction than the 5303 and would be more efficient in terms of the time required to fill that bucket and in doing FEL work, especially under soft ground conditions.

...Bob

cowboydoc · Jun 26, 2003

John,

Best I could get him to do on the 5205 with mfwd was $21,650. I think I'll probably go with the 5303. More hp for pulling equipment if I need it and I really don't use the loader for much besides moving round bales. If I have alot of loader work to do, moving dirt, roads, gravel, etc., I use the skidsteer anyway. Definitely a much nicer tractor but I just don't think I need it. What do you think?

JohnMiller3 · Jun 26, 2003

I think that 5303 (package) spells VALUE...

Just take it out for a spin and "play" with the loader aspect going forward/reverse and simulating round bale moving... (that's the only apparent weakness, I can see)

(remember this is nothing like your PowrReverser on your 4600...) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

timb · Jun 26, 2003

Richard & John,

All things being reasonably equal I prefer to buy U.S-made stuff when I can. Not a huge deal but not overly thrilled by the Indian origin of the '03's. Where are the other "5"s built? I thought the 5x20's were coming off a line in Georgia, but is that only "final assembly" or a "real" production plant? What about the '05's?

JohnMiller3 · Jun 26, 2003

...a 2WD 5303 how limited would the loader be for any digging (packed dirt or loose material)... 

Hi Tim,

Well, I look at this package as getting the loader for FREE and not necessary buying this as a construction type loader for moving tons of dirt... (even though it's more than capable of doing it, however much slower)

For farm use, this is ideal... the non-synchro transmission has been used since God was a kid... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The price is even better... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

(and the hydraulic horsepower on this 5303 would put many large compacts to the back seat...)

rancar · Jun 26, 2003

Tim...

 I thought the 5x20's were coming off a line in Georgia, but is that only "final assembly" or a "real" production plant? 

I believe the plant in Augusta, Georgia is only final assembly point. All 4x10 series tractors are assembled there. Many components come from Japan.

...Bob

timb · Jun 26, 2003

Bob - no doubt given the choice I'd prefer MFWD but the teaser is that a 2WD Power Reverser straddle-mount 5220 appears to street for about $500-$1000 less than a MFWD 4710 with reverser. Gonna come down to what my mix of chores are really gonna be (versus what I'd like to dream about doing). Once you start down that slope the 05 and 03 series are very interesting as well.

Where'd I lay that dang powerball ticket??