Montana 5740/5740C updates

[Maka]

Hello All,

I know many 5740's are in use and wanted to get some feedback or reviews on how hey are performing. Your thoughts and experiences will help others who want info about this model of Montana.

I would like to keep this to the 5740's for now but do some other models soon.

Thanks,
Maka

 

[jc7622]

I have a 5740C w/ FEL. It has about 100 hours on it now. I use it for two purposes. I use it in my vineyard for spraying, mowing, moving supplies, etc. I also use it in my periodically in my construction company for more rigorous uses such as hauling dirt, box blading, leveling, ripping stumps, moving rocks, etc.

This is my first tractor (but I have rented them for years) and I have been happy with it. I am definately glad I got the FEL. I don't know how I ever lived without one now. It lifts right at about 2000# like the manual says. I am extremely glad that I also bought the 4WD model. I have to use it all the time in the construction use when I am driving into ditches and up steep slopes.

I am demanding on my equipment and the tractor has some battle scars. Mainly it is the result of working in amongst the trees. I have lost one mirror, one light and a part of the roof. Of course this was my fault.

Mechanically speaking it was performed fine. There was a problem in the beginning with a small aluminum hose fitting on the A/C system breaking. I noticed the last one the dealer replaced was shaped slightly different, so I assume they switched to an improved part. So far it has held up and I assume it is now fixed. I did have a few bolts start to back out on the front axle after about 20 hours. Those were retorqued and has remained in place ever since. A couple of the couplings on the FEL hydraulic lines leaked initially, but have been tightened down and are fine now.

Those have been the only problems to date, so that is pretty good. I am extremely happy with it. It appears to be an excellent tractor.

 

[Maka]

Hello JC and thanks. This type of info is very helpful to others who are considering this model. Anyone else?

Thanks,
Maka

 

[California_Kid]

I have a Montana 5740C with a FEL. So far I have racked up 90 hours without any problems. At 50 hours I changed all of the filters and oil. I was able to buy everything I needed at a local Napa store.

When I first started looking for a tractor I wasn’t going to get one with a cab. Hey I live in California why would I need one but I am so glad I did get one. This last summer we had weeks of 100+ days, but inside of the cab you could hang meat. I can work all day long and not have to take a week off to recover heat stroke. The cab has lots of room and has no blind spots. The Cab air filters keep the dirt and dust outside. I even added a 12 volt icebox to store some cool ones. The external work lights are very useful when the sun goes down before the work is done.

So far I have used the tractor to dig 50+ post holes, grade my 2.5 mile driveway with an 8 foot blade, level a parking area with a 7’ box blade, disc the fields and clear fire breaks with the FEL and brush hog.

The tractor has lots of power and is an animal when it comes to traction. When grading my driveway, the 8 foot blade had become filled with dirt and was spilling over the top of the blade but the 5740C kept pulling the blade all the way up the road. I have used the tractor in places I wouldn’t dare go with my D-8 Cat.

The only thing that Montana needs to be improved is the operators manual. It is a computer translation from Korean to English and when you read some of the sentences you say to yourself Huh! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif The Montana Tractor web site should have a section for customers to look up part numbers and prices.

I am sure there are many excellent tractors on the market but I feel the Montana 5740C is one of the best values for the money. The Montana design, quality workmanship is something you only expect to see in higher priced tractors from the big 3. I am looking forward to many years of service from this tractor. My only regret is I did not buy one sooner. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Maka]

Thanks California Kid.

Maka

 

[cowboydoc]

I'd like to know where the value is on these tractors?? The comparable tractor to this one is the JD 5225. With a loader and spec'd out exactly like the 5225 I got a quote from a dealer for $32,594 for a 5740C. Best cash deal I was told. From JD for a 5225 I got a quote of $30,800 for the exact equipped machine. Where's the value in these?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Maka]

OK Richard /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif By the way I think this was a request for updates on the 5740 from people who use them. Everyone on this whole forum knows your color of choice and the reason for your post. If you don't yet know Richard just look at his profile and you will see all you need to know.

But hey, you are welcome to hang out here and maybe, just maybe, we can convert you. Nawwww, on second thought probably not. But, we appreciate your interest in the Montana forum.

Have a good one.

Maka

 

[cowboydoc]

Didn't answer my question Maka. AS a dealer why is the JD less money than the Montana. Numerous posts on here and other forums about how the Montana is the best buck for the money. It was a legitimate question. I wasn't trying to be coy with my question. I buy Deere because I believe it is the best tractor for the money. Doesn't mean if there was something better I wouldn't switch. I just don't see where the value is here? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Maka]

Richard, I just called the same two dealers you did and the Deere 5225 with cab and loader best cash price was $37,500.00 and the Montana dealer was $32,594.00.

Looks like the Deere is not quit the price bargain. Maybe they misquoted when you spoke to them.

Thanks,
Maka

 

[montanaman]

"Best cash price?" What exactly is that? As a dealer, I really don't care to throw out best cash prices. When a customer calls for a price, the first thing I ask is what tractor MY price is being compared to. If it's a guy looking for a Montana price, I point him to his nearest dealer and if it's a guy looking at another brand of tractor, I usually find what he wants me to price for him, is two steps above the tractor price he is bringing me. I really don't care what you can get a Kubota BX for when you ask me for a price on a 5740C!

Point is that you RARELY get a "best cash price" without showing up in person and acting like you are actually interested in buying something.

If price was the only point in a purchase, there would be a LOT more tractors coming in from China.

I'm happy to be able to offer good price, good tractor, and good service and those that aren't stuck on any certain brand will see that.

Ken

 

[Maka]

Well put Ken. I think you nailed it right on.

Maka

 

[gamble77]

Yeah, I tell customers that are close to me that if they want the "best cash price" to come shake my hand and let me see their face...we can work on price from then. Now if you are calling from several states over then it is a different situation.

 

[cowboydoc]

You called the same two dealers? REALLY?? Can you tell me the names of those two dealers? I can tell you the names, phone #'s, and prices were as I quoted. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Don't think there was a misquote.

 

[Maka]

Of course not Richard. I have no clue who or even if they are and neither does anyone else here and that was my point. To show the ridiculousness of it.

The Montana price you put down is simply suggested list, big deal. By the way would you please give us suggested list on the Deere? I would like it if you would send me the dealer name you got your price on for the Deere as well. Just PM it to me.

Now Richard with your permission can we drop this discussion and come back to the original topic before it was hi-jacked and that is reviews of people who use the 5740/5740C.

Thanks Much,
Maka

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

Hi Maka, I'll see if I can get us back on post topic here.

I only have 13 hours on my 5740, but so far am very pleased with the tractor.

The only real issue I have right now is with the bucket on the FEL. I have bent the bottom lip on the bucket, as such, when looking at it from the front it appears to be /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif, and also the other direction that gives it a /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif, appearance. I haven't decided if I want to beef up the cutting edge with old grader blade or trade up to a heavier and 6" wider bucket.

Another small issue for me is the position of the foot throttle. It is out to far to the right and to high off of the platform for my taste. I plan on moving it in closer to the brake pedals and lowering it a bit so I can get my toe on it without having to lift my leg.

OK, now the good things.

Engine: This Mitsubishi fires up so fast it's almost scary, dosen't smoke, and appears to be very fuel effecient. After doing a little rotary mowing, tree grubbing and driving around just for fun... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, it's burning approx .76 gal per hour.

This tractor is very easy to operate, the operators platform is roomy and comfortable.

The clutch is smooth, stong and very easy to depress. Could do loader work all day on this machine with out leg fatigue. Shifting in and out of 4 wheel drive is effortless, as is shifting from Hi to Low range on the tranny. The FWD/RVRS shuttle lever is a bit tight, but loosening up with use.

Steering is very responsive and I like the fact that the steering cylinders are mounted behind, and protected by the front axle.

The turning brakes are great. No chatter, squealing or noise of any kind when in use.

I like the pop up hood which affords quick and easy access to the engine, no side panels or shrouds to mess with. The 50 hour service will be a breeze.

Another nifty surprise was the tool kit and grease gun that that the dealer pulled out of the truck and handed to me, when he deliverd the tractor.

Over all this 5740 is a rugged well built machine for the $$. Personally, I don't think a better value can be found. Matched? Perhaps, but not beat.

 

[cowboydoc]

The Montana price I listed was told to me from Southern Iowa Equipment to already be 20% off of list. List prices mean nothing as you dang well know being a dealer. I could care less what the list price is what I want to know is what do I have to pay for it. And no I didn't just call up. I have talked to this dealer several times. This wasn't a bs question. I am trading our 5303 JD for a tractor with a cab. It's only used for mowing and some light haying so I thought if this Montana that is so highly talked about could be bought for so little I would see what the pricing was. I visited both dealers and got both dealers best price. That's the facts pure and simple. I have never posted here before and I'm not a dang troublemaker here. I saw you posted on this right at the time I was looking for one. Well to me they are overpriced and not much of a value. I wanted your honest opinion not your dang righteousness. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And you guys call JD dealers arrogant. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[jc7622]

Tillerofdaearth:
I too felt the gas pedal was awkward but don't give it a second thought. Leave it alone for a while and see if it grows on you. My plan was origanally to move it also, but now I am starting to think it is actually correctly placed. Maybe the designers of the tractor were on to something

Cowboydoc:
I agree with you that the Montana tractors are definately a much better buy and better built tractor than the JD.

 

[cowboydoc]

<font color="green">I agree with you that the Montana tractors are definately a much better buy and better built tractor than the JD. </font>

I didn't say that. I don't think the Montana is a better built tractor. More function, choices, and better motor and transmission, in my opinion on the JD than the Montana. BUT I didn't need that so much with this tractor as it was only going to be used for mowing mostly. I figured if it was that much cheaper I might think about it.

BTW I did get a VERY cordial and nice PM from a Montana dealer that explained the pricing. Thanks to him for clearing up the pricing issue and his price was less than the JD.

 

[jc7622]

I looked at the JDs, New Hollands, Mahindras and Kubotas before I bought mine. Montanas in my opinion are the best bang for the buck.

I have guys that I hire to do everything from grading work with little New Hollands to big stuff with dozers and Komatsu trackhoes. They have all been impressed with the quality of my 5740C. I think you are on the right board and looking at the right brand.

 

[muddstopper]

Here is the price quote I got from a Montana Dealer, over the phone, yesterday for a new 5740, FEL(bucket and Pallet forks), $24875. No cab. This dealer is a little to far away from me but have since found a couple dealers a little closer but havent talked to them. Does this price sound about right.


After doing some compareing to similar siz/hp utility tractors I like the way the 5740 compares. What I havent be able to determine is the PTO hp. It isnt listed in the spec sheet. Can someone here tell me what it is supposed to be.