looking at JD 5225,5325, 5425

piotrowski · Jul 14, 2006

I ordered a 5225 with these options: MFWD, 12/12 trans, isolated platform, dual scv rear, cold weather package, rear work light, R1 tires, quick coupler, 542sl loader, hood guard, 73" bucket w/bolt on edge, pallet forks, loaded rear tires and rt1170 tiller for $39,000. Expecting delivery in the middle of August.

ddivinia · Jul 14, 2006

Cool deal - congrats. You are going to love it.

D.

ddivinia · Jul 30, 2006

Did you make a decision between the 6403 and 25 series?

The 6403 looks like a deal. I considered instead of my 5525, but I like some of the features on the 5525. Also, you can't get a power reverser trans in the 03. Tranmission selection is pretty limited in the 6403. For row crop work the 6403 might be a better choice with the extra weight and power.

D.

ddivinia · Jul 30, 2006

Did you make a decision between the 6403 and 25 series?

The 6403 looks like a deal. I considered instead of my 5525, but I like some of the features on the 5525. Also, you can't get a power reverser trans in the 03. Tranmission selection is pretty limited in the 6403. For row crop work the 6403 might be a better choice with the extra weight and power.

D.

AKfish · Jul 31, 2006

Not intending to hijack this thread --- but since you guys are kicking the tires on the 25 series; I'd like to hear about the differences between them and the 05 series -- the 5105 and the 5205 in MFWD.

Is it like comparing the value line of small compact tractors -- the 790 and 990 to the 3X20 and 4X20 series compacts?

The 05 series appears to offer comparable HP for considerably less dollars than the 25 series. Thanks for any comments.

AKfish

ddivinia · Jul 31, 2006

I consider an 05 also. There are just more options on the 25. Specifically I love the power reverser trans. What are you going to do with the tractor?

D.

AKfish · Jul 31, 2006

Just finishing up the haying season here in Alaska. It's always a hurry up and wait affair... Can't bale until later in the afternoon typically -- after the dew has dried off the hay. And then it's work on the baler and then work on the baler some more.

Most of the farmers up here are always short on baler tractors. Somebody usually will lend a hand and a tractor with the raking and the tedding but baling and running the mower conditioner is another deal altogether.

So, I've been thinking and looking around for a tractor that can pull a baler and the mower/conditioner.

Looked at the 25 series and looked at the 05's. Over 10K difference in price for a similar laid-out tractor.

Is the difference necessary or would the 5205 do the job that the 5325 would do?

Appreciate the feedback. AKfish

floridahay · Jul 31, 2006

I have just purchased a 5203 and love it so far. I looked at the 05 series and I would only be interested in it over the 03 series if I wanted to get the 4wd. Except for that they are about the same tractor except for the 8 speed syncro transmission on the 05. From what I have read on this forum the 03 transmission is a stronger transmission. I don't know where the difference comes in but the 03 is a heavier tractor also. As far as the 5025 series goes I just don't need all the bells and whistles as much as I need the money that they cost. My dealer says that he sells very few of the 25 series because of the significant price difference. For what you get the 03 series looks to be a hard combination to beat to me. Turkflyer can answer any questions you may have about any of these tractors!

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 31, 2006

Akfish, are you talking about a tractor with a cab or open station? I'm suppossing a cab due to Alaska's weather. A big round baler likes or needs about 65 PTO hp and Cowboydoc has documented where the air conditioner pulls about 5hp and the result left him wanting for HP. You might be an experienced hayer but for those that are not I'll explain my opinion. As a bale grows inside the baler, you can feel it start consuming more and more HP. I don't feel it is a linear amount of power because a 6' baler will bale a 5 or 5.5 foot diameter bale relatively easy but when you pack it full and tight into a full 6 footer and the belts are stretching, I seen it work a 105 HP tractor to its full potential. So, if you don't need A/C in your cab, and you make slightly smaller bales, 65 Hp will work out fine.

We have a 5420 and I can tell when the heat causes HP loss. It has the isolated platform and I love it but wish it were an A/C cab model...Kyle

ddivinia · Jul 31, 2006

Can't get the 03 or 05 in a cab. I have a 4720 open station and a 5525 cab. Down here in Texas in the heat and other nasty stuff - a cab is worth it. If I was in the market for a general open cab tractor - an 03 would do it. The 05 can get 4wd and the trans is nicer.

D.