looking at JD 5225,5325, 5425

[AKfish]

Having a cab with air conditioning is not a real issue up here. (Now, a cab with heat in the winter -- that's a whole different deal!)

Might see 80 degrees every other year or so. Not this year.. Lot's of cloudy gray skies this summer and on the cool side. Saw 74 degrees a day or two; I think!

Neighbor has a New Holland baler and a New Holland mower/conditioner. He uses a reconditioned-rebuilt Farmall M to run them. I'm not sure about the HP of the M; but I'd be surprised if it's 50 PTO horses. Likely 40-45. The mower looks to be about a 9' model. Hay wasn't too good this year and it was late. Maybe average somewhere in the 80 bales/acre range. Quality will be down as most guys couldn't get it off the field until the timothy had gone to seed, also.

Anyway, most of the horse owners here about -- feed the small square bales. There are a few big round balers around but you've got to make a significant investment into a big enough tractor to move 'em around for storage and feeding, etc.

Some guys will get worried about losing a good weather window and wrap up the hay that's ready with a big baler but that limits your sales to a smaller market or someone with a few cows to feed.

I'm just brainstormin' and thinkin' out loud a bit... don't know if I'd like to stick my fingers into a little hayin' work or settle into some landscape jobs...

So, I just keep lookin' at the 110 TLB or maybe a 5000 series tractor.

Appreciate reading about other's experiences and the price quotes that are out there in the "Lower 48".

AKfish

 

[burnetma]

Michelle,

I have had my 5420 for about 1.5 years now. I purchased it with MFWD Open Station Power Reverser dual rear and mid remotes, 541 MSL Loader w/84" bucket for $33,500. I got such a good deal because it was a left over 2004 and another customer had returned the older MSL Loader because he did not like the total dump angle.

I use it about every day for loader work, but also haying, mowing, grading and other utility jobs. I absolutely love the machine and get more respect for it everyday.

I agree with all the points you and others have made in these posts. Here are my opinions based on my experience using a similar machine in upstate NY, for what they are worth (about 1 cent).

1. I do not see what you intend to do with the tractor in this series of posts, but your usage will help you decide on the model. If you are not going to hay, plow or pull a large brush cutter, the 5225 or 5325 will be more than enough tractor for general utility work. However, if you are going to do any of the above task, I would strongly recommmed the 5425 or 5525. Note that your land, which is likely hilly, will also dictate HP and weight requirements.

2. The open station and Power Reverser are really nice especially for loader work and long days in the seat.

3. I would also strongly recommend getting the Universal Skid Steer style bucket disconnect system and the triple mid SCV's. These two features will allow you to use skid steer attachments. You will be able to rent equipment rather than buy and dramatically increase the flexibility of the machine. Examples: Hydraulic post hole diggers, post pounders, grapples, rotary brooms, pallet forks, etc... I wish I had these features on my machine. I will have to buy a conversion plate ($450) for the bucket connection and a third valve ($400) to get to use these tools.

4. An inexpensive feature that is also a must is the flexible rock shaft ends on the three point. This will eliminate a lot of cussing when hooking up three point equipment, which on a tractor this size can get heavy and makes it an easy one person job. IT also eliminates the pinch hazards.

5. Get the dealer to throw in as many added goodies as possible to "make the deal", because you will have little leverage later and Deere stuff is quite pricey

Best of luck and let us know what you end up getting.
Mark