Buying Advice model comparisons

[Soup Can]

I am a new member and have enjoyed reading everyone's opinions on all the different makes and models. I currently have a John Deere 50 hp tractor and I want to buy a larger tractor with cab and some larger implements for my ranch work.
Based on the size of the implements that I want to buy I have almost decided to buy a JD 6115D. I was also considering the 5095M. These tractors are close to same cost with the 6115 having more hp and a few less perks.
I would like to get some opinions from some people that know alot more about this than I do.

What are the pros and cons to these tractors?

Which one should I buy?

Is there another model I should consider?

Some advice and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Martian]

What do you plan to do with the few extra HP?

In my book, I've gotten spoiled and now like the convenience and luxury features, even if they cost me a couple extra HP. Are you considering getting a cab? Loader?

 

[Soup Can]

Definetly a cab and loader. With extra hp a can pull a biggger disc. My ranch is over 800 acres. When all is done I will have 30-40 acres of food plots with another 100 or so acres of cleared pasture that will be shreaded periodically.
After checking out both the 6115d and the 5095m it feels like the german made 6115 is better put together as opposed to the 5095 built in Mexico.
I know the 6115 is more basic but seems like all I need.

 

[Martian]

I believe your mistaken. The 5095M is built in Augusta, Georgia and the 6115D is built in Mexico. Both are nice tractors, but I wouldn't think you'd see much difference in the net power for pulling a disc as much as something involving the PTO, though. I'd highly suggest asking the dealer to let you borrow each and see how you like them and how they meet your demands before purchasing.

I am surprised you've been working 800 acres with only a 50HP tractor - lot of land for that size machine!

 

[Soup Can]

my ranch is in south texas. it is 90 % brush. I only use the tractor for the food plots and mowing senderos, dragging roads etc...
I do need another tractor and a bigger tractor. not planning on selling the 50 hp tractor. You are correct on where the tractors are put together.
Not sure where I got that info. It is the bigger 6330 and 6430 that are built in Germany. The 6115 has 117 engine hp and 95 pto.
It is I

 

[Soup Can]

i think 95 engine and 70 pto on the 5095.

 

[Martian]

For specs you'll want to check out Tractordata.com

For the 5095M:
TractorData.com John Deere 5095M tractor information

For the 6115D:
TractorData.com John Deere 6115D tractor information

Go try them both out and see how you like each. See if you can live without the couple frills of the 5095M or you'd prefer them. Good luck on your decision!

 

[RollingsFarms]

The biggest difference is with the 6d tractors you only get a 9x9 power reverser and with the M you have three transmission choices. The basic option being a 12x4. I would want a lot more gears in a 100hp tractor then only 9 but that's just personal preference.

 

[vtsnowedin]

The biggest difference is with the 6d tractors you only get a 9x9 power reverser and with the M you have three transmission choices. The basic option being a 12x4. I would want a lot more gears in a 100hp tractor then only 9 but that's just personal preference.

I don't have enough seat time to say one way or the other but does it really make that much difference. Of course your lowest gear will pull the maximum load that the engine can deliver and higher gears pull lighter loads faster and the highest gear moves the tractor from field to field at a reasonable speed but having the difference between low and high split nine ways or twelve ways can't make all that much difference can it. Can the operator of a 12 speed find a gear that is just right that the operator of a 9 speed can't find and has to settle for a gear that is a third of a gear to slow?

 

[tessiers]

I think you will see a lot of difference in a 84 hp or a 100 hp tractor. I would not consider a sub 100 hp tractor for serious farming unless it was a small helper tractor, which you already have with the 50hp. Seams most equipment for serious farming is designed for tractors over 100 hp. The other thing to consider is the weight. The 5095 tops out at about 8000 lbs the 6115 over 12,000. That will be a huge difference in dragging a disk. with current 4x4 tractors you will run out of traction way before hp and thats where weight is king. My vote would be the 6115, but I am a farmer and comfort takes a back seat to work every time. If I wanted to be comfortable I would be in a lawn chair with a cold one.

 

[Bob Ha]

I think you will see a lot of difference in a 84 hp or a 100 hp tractor. I would not consider a sub 100 hp tractor for serious farming unless it was a small helper tractor, which you already have with the 50hp. Seams most equipment for serious farming is designed for tractors over 100 hp. The other thing to consider is the weight. The 5095 tops out at about 8000 lbs the 6115 over 12,000. That will be a huge difference in dragging a disk. with current 4x4 tractors you will run out of traction way before hp and thats where weight is king. My vote would be the 6115, but I am a farmer and comfort takes a back seat to work every time. If I wanted to be comfortable I would be in a lawn chair with a cold one.

Ditto on what tessiers posted.

 

[Soup Can]

Martian, thanks very much for all your input.
Tessiers, I agree the 6115 is the way to go for me.
It allows me to use larger implements.

If anyone out there THAT owns a 6115D or the 5095M, I would like to know your opinion of the tractor. Thanks

 

[boggen]

every else has noted "WEIGHT" and HP. figure would hit on some other things.

being this is in the general /buying / pricing / comparisons forum. have you looked at other manufactures machines?

some machines can be setup fairly awkward. and there should be actual "physical seat time" in a tractor for a test drive. to see if you like it or not.

do you have a dealer you can count on? dealer can make things a lot easier if and when something happens.

have you asked around to other farmers, to see about a renting there tractor or have them disc or what not? those higher size tractors cost so much, that you really need to get the use out of them. and perhaps someone nearby be willing to work out something with ya. or vice vs.

have you thought about duellies... (4 wheels in back 2 wheels in front)?

have you checked on pricing for extra weight on the front? and then extra rear weight?

do you already have a large shed to store the larger size tractor in? or if you need to build a bigger shed?

have you looked into GPS packages for given setup? so you can get a monitor to show when to turn and how much to turn for max usage of land?

have rear wiper blades? vs getting out a 5 gallon bucket, and a squigge on a long handle to try and clean window.

do you have enough rear hyd remotes for equipment.... raise and lower gear wheels. so you can haul equipment on roads, to lowing/raising wings on equipment that fold out once in a field, to something that might let you adjust given equipment.

do you have 540RPM or 1000RPM PTO and does equipment you want or already have, require a specific RPM.

does machine come with latches for engine hood and like that you can lock / put a paddle lock on?

check info for how much FUEL the machine uses.

is it easy to get into all the filters and check on them / clean / replace them?

are there places for mice and other rodents to find a place and build a nest in. and can you reach or remove a shield or cover, or like to clean things out fairly easily?

if you need to split tractor or take good amount of stuff off to replace fan belt or like. is there a replacement belt hidden away. you can undo some plastic tie wraps. and just slip new belt on vs taking everything apart?

ya some of above may seem pretty dumb. but larger the machine is. more muscle and work it can take to repair something. and if machine is only for discing / planting / harvesting and only gets used a couple times of the year for a couple weeks. it will be setting there rest of year. being able to check everything can make a big difference on cost of labor of doing maintenance work / checking of things.