M5040 or Grand L

Wombat125 · Jul 20, 2009

TAS Fla said:
Now, I'm struggling between the M5040 and a JD 5103. I can get a new overstock 5103 4/wd w/ loader for a couple of grand less. There's more bang for the buck with the 5040. My brain says, go orange while my heart is saying, go green.

I think it would be hard to go wrong with either one of these machines.

I liked the M5040 because it uses external rockshaft cylinders.

I ended up going with the 5000 series Deere because:

Weighs 1100 lbs more than comparable M5040
Wet sleeve motor
Turbo motor (I live at 6600 feet above sea level)
And most importantly because a good dealer is close to my house.

big bubba · Jul 20, 2009

Have you priced at other dealers? On the central website w/accessories? The should to be the price new. You might for fun check out the 7040 (limited slip diff), a few years ago just 3K difference from the 5040. definitely go hyd shuttle. and get the rear tires filled. M is the only way to go. bb

bpsooner · Jul 23, 2009

Go to the John Deere site and read the reviews on the 5103. I was considering the exact same thing until I started reading people's opinion that had a 5103. Some positive and some negative. There were some posts that said they had mechanical issues and the dealer said there was no waranty on that model. Those types of remarks from people owning the 5103 scared me away. But others love the 5103.
I am very happy with the M5040. You will not regret purchasing that tractor. Good Luck......

Charlesaf3 · Jul 24, 2009

You might think about whether you want to give up HST. It really depends on whether you have a lot of loader work.

horsinaround · Jul 24, 2009

I just got an L5740... What a tractor. The HST is great and I won't be looking back.

SCDolphin · Jul 25, 2009

I have a 55 acre place with about 13 acres of crop area rest in pines and a 2 acre pond. I love the look of the bigger front tires on the 5xxx series JD and the Bigger Kubotas but the clutch on the JD was a bear to depress so I went with Grand L 5240. My only regret was not getting a cab. At the time I could not justify the extra 5 K but that AC and satellite radio would have been sweet.

I have disked all my fields with my tractor but I have had a friend disk the area with a old JD with a much larger disc when I have been short on time.

How did things get done with a mule and 40 acres?

Good luck...........get what you really want because the dollar will continue to take a dump.