Buying Advice Kubota M5660 JD 5045 Been Covered Before But Have Some Specific Questions

[Mike_H]

The first machine I looked at was the M5660 and honestly based on first impression I would have bought that machine. It looks pretty stout, good horsepower for what I probably need and price is right at 32k with loader which I can live with. However to be fair I also looked at the Deere afterwards and I was pretty impressed in construction as well and it gives the appearance of more machine (I knew in would be heavier but was surprised, almost 1500lbs extra?). Price for the 5045 is also at 32. I have to add another 4K to move to the 55 w/ power rev trans.
I am moving up from a smaller Deere with SyncReverser trans and need this machine to run an 8' bush hog for mowing pastures, loader work and clearing with a small root rake (to be fair it's not like dense forest land, mostly smaller brush but I'm thinking the extra weight there would be handy)

-I drove the 5045 w/ 9/3 and I don't really mind the clutching (I have to do it now too) Any other drawbacks? I know it is a dry clutch
-Can the 5045 run the 8' mower if it's just grass cutting mainly
-How much will the weight difference hurt the Kubota w/ clearing work (again I know this is no full size wheel loader)
-I really can't justify the 4K extra for the 5055, any other things I'm missing other than the hp (at the pto I think it's less than 5?), option for the pwr rev and econo pto.
-Does anyone know who makes a simple root rake (not the fancy grapple ones that cost 2k) that fits the Deere system or would I have to convert to standard skid steer?

 

[johncanfield]

I have a Deere 4720, 66hp and about 55 hp at the pto. This is a just a little too small for the Deere MX8 shredder on a 3 point lift. The previous owner (I'm the second owner) configured the MX8 as a pull shredder, I used it one time and took it off. Too much hassle to put it on and take off to use other 3 point implements. Pretty sure the 5 series is large enough for an 8 footer but double check with your dealer. There's all kind of attachments available for the Deere loader quick match, no need to go skid steer unless you need some 'exotic' attachments.

 

[rScotty]

Mike, I'm not seeing what you are. I wonder if I'm looking at the same tractors. On tractordata.com both machines seem to be about the same weight. The Kubota runs more hp. plus has a shuttle shift. What's the advantage to the JD?
BTW, I've got that same Kubota motor in the M59. It's a good one and been around forever.
rScotty

 

[Notforhire]

I had a 5055e and I'm not a big fan of the 9/3 transmission. While bush hogging I often found it necessary to back into a small area. Reverse gear is closer in ratio to second gear instead of first. In mid range, with the engine running at PTO speeds, it flys in reverse! I found it necessary to shift to low range then reverse so I could back up safely.

 

[Mike_H]

Thanks very much for the real world feedback John. My worry is that the 5045 is only rated 37 pto hp and the 5055 45 pto hp. Sounds like both might be lagging hp wise. I'm pretty sure the weight would be possible.

 

[Mike_H]

RScotty, I was going by specs in the brosure and online. I'm seeing 4387 for the Kubota M5660 4wd and 5919 for the 5045 open station 4wd. I have no doubt the Kubota driveline would be reliable so my only concern was the weight and that the Deere just looks like "more machine" in person. I'll double check the weights one more time.

 

[Mike_H]

Notforhire, thanks! More real world experience, that's just what I was looking for. I did not run it for very long, I was just thinking about my current machine where I also have to clutch although it does has the 12f/12r. But often, if I'm going into a dirt pile for example to load a truck or trailer I will go into the pile in a b or c range low gear, back out and then shift to a higher gear for transport and then shift back down low when I go to dump into the trailer. I have no doubt the pwr rev would be handy once I get the hang of it.

 

[rScotty]

RScotty, I was going by specs in the brosure and online. I'm seeing 4387 for the Kubota M5660 4wd and 5919 for the 5045 open station 4wd. I have no doubt the Kubota driveline would be reliable so my only concern was the weight and that the Deere just looks like "more machine" in person. I'll double check the weights one more time.

Looks like the JD factory sites online aren't working so well this weekend. I got curious & tried several different online sites, & the tractors still only look to be a few hundred pounds apart....if that.

Reversers are convenient, but I also have no problem with using a foot clutch. When I am doing a lot of loading what I do prefer is for each fwd and rev pair to be the same gear ratio. I think your 12/12 has that.
rScotty

 

[Mike_H]

RScotty you are 100% correct the fwd/rev speeds on my current one are pretty much the same. It's basically like the pwr rev with clutching between fwd and rev. Notforhire made a good point about the speed diff on the 9/3 and how it's more magnified as you operate at higher engine speeds.
I'm starting to lean towards the Kubota. For the clearing the weight would help but most of the work is probaby done with loader power which should be pretty equal. Unless they will come down from 36.5 for the 5055 I'm thinking that one is out and if I have any thought of going with the 5045 I would go back and really try to run it a bit more simulating some loader and maneuvering work to make sure I could deal w/ the 9/3

 

[sixdogs]

I have the same engine as that M5660 in a different Kubota tractor and it is a beast for something that size. Paired with the "M" chassis, I think that would be an excellent machine. Toss on one or two sets of rear weights weights and you'll be happier.

I don't care for the 9/3 shift on the JD's. Never what I seem to want for gear. Where is the 5045 made?