L5240 vs. MX5100

[Mikey007]

If price was no object (I think there's about a $5,000 premium for the L5240 over the MX5100) is there any reason why I should buy the MX5100 instead of the Grand L5240. Both would be HST and open station.

I do a lot of tractor work (plowing and/or tilling) in smaller (1/4 to 1 acre) market garden plots. Plus manure management (loader work) and bush hogging about 12 acres a year.

I know many like the "simplicity" of the MX5100 but I actually like the HST Plus features of the Grand L's and think I would find the features useful.

Spec wise I think they are both quite similar in their capabilities. I just want to make sure I'm not overlooking some advantage of the MX machine (besides a lower price!)

Opinions, please!

 

[crazyal]

To me price would be the only reason I would buy the 5100 over the 5240. If the 5100 just fit you much better, I guess that could be a reason. Of course, like you said some prefer less electronics but to me the advanced transmission in the GL40 tractors is worth every cent. When it comes to loader work using the H-DS so you don't have to stop and downshift before digging into a pile then stopping and shifting back up is worth it's weight in gold.

 

[KYDan]

My son has the 5040 with the all the bells and whistles and it is a great tractor and I like it very much. I bought a new MX5100 in August of this year and love it. The transmission is not an issue, the MX is available with the same HST transmission. I had an L2900 prior to the MX and I loved it, however, I could not justify the price difference for what I do. I think the frames are the same on the 5240 and the MX and they both have the same 3 pt hitch. There is no cab option for the MX. Basically, it's an amenities question and what your budget is. Most of what I do with mine is loader work and brush mowing and the MX is great for that. I can't use a cab due to trees. It would take me years to trim all of them up to provide adequate clearance for a cab or canopy. I don't know what engine the 5240 has, but I assume it is a different one than the MX, both the 4700 and 5100 utilize the same engine with the 5100 being turbocharged. I just read the post that said the 5240 had an HD-S transmission, so it appears there is a difference?

 

[Grandad4]

Take it from a guy who doesn't own either one of those tractors... me! Actually, I do have an L4610, a Grand L from 10 years ago. The new MX models, particularly with HST, resemble my tractor in so many ways, which I figure is a good thing because ours has been dead solid reliable and hard-working during the 10 years we've had it. The new Grand L's are an evolution from the earlier designs, having some improvements. The most obvious one is the new HST+ that nearly everyone thinks is great. As far as actual work though, you can't find much that one will do that the other wouldn't handle also.

 

[bigbull338]

i have the MX5100 HST 4x4 w/LA844 quick tatch loader.an i would not buy the 5240 for 1 reason,when something goes wrong with the computer system your down.an those repairs can be an are very costly.

 

[TripleR]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the MX5100, but my choice would be the L5240. My L5030 doesn't have the HST+ and it does everything I need, but I can certainly see where the HST+ would be a benefit to me inn the way I use our tractors.

I believe the GL Series 3 has the seat that swivels a little bit making it easier to turn around to keep track of what is going on and what you may be backing into which would be really nice.

I don't think the MX5100 has the tilt steering wheel, but may be wrong and don't know if it has the rubber deck. I have no concerns about reliability in the electronics etc., go crawl up into a big ag tractor or combine and see what all they have and they are reliable.

 

[bigbull338]

your right the MX5100 HST doesnt have tilt steering wheel.

 

[TripleR]

your right the MX5100 HST doesnt have tilt steering wheel.

I wasn't sure, I think they are essentially the same frame etc. as the GL though aren't they with maybe bigger front tires/wheels on the MX?

I didn't really look at them too close as I need a cab; not as tough as I use to be. :laughing:

 

[bigbull338]

from what i see of the MX an GRAND L tractors the frames are pretty well the same as the motors are from 4 to 10hp of eachother.