Comparison Moving up from 1978 Ford 3000 Diesel

[dbuster]

Time to move up to more HP and all of the new conveniences of a new tractor. Need to be able to trailer it to 3 different properties for planting food plots in the fall, Bush Hogging in the summer, and regular clean up etc. Closest dealers are 50 miles for NH, JD or Kubota. Other brands are 100 miles or more. I was thinking a JD 5065E but I see two 1 star reviews on their website. Any of the 3 brands are far more comfortable than my old Ford. I am currently using 5 ft implements: Mower, Disc, Box Blade, Cultipacker, etc. I would like rear hydraulics to possibly use a no-till drill and I may add a tiller at some point. I need 4WD and a FEL that can be easily removed when not in use. I would appreciate any opinions/advice since I do not have much experience with tractors. This 66 year old has waited a long time for this and is looking forward to power steering. I just want to make sure I make the right choice. Thanks in advance.

 

[GManBart]

Are you thinking cab or open station? It looks like there are Kioti and LS dealers that are within 25-35mi (give or take) of Selma....might be worth considering.

I don't think the Deere 5000E series are bad machines, but they have had a couple of issues that generated some negative press on the models under 85hp, and some folks don't seem to like the fact that they're made in India. I haven't followed it closely, but I recall issues with high temps from the hydraulic system, and a couple of related fires and fuel tanks melting. In some of the discussions there are people claiming 3pt hitch and brake failures that are also associated with the hydraulic heat issue. One fairly long thread on the topic:

http://www.****************.com/for...failed-again-burned-hole-fuel-tank-again.html

 

[terryknight]

i have a 5055E and it is a barebones utility tractor. i too have read about the problem high temp hydraulic fluid, but that has been rectified by deere, there was a part change and all produced after a certain number have the updated parts, i can't remember that number. also read about the brake issue, my tractor doesn't have it, and i haven't driven one with it some i can't comment, but i suggest you try the brakes and see if you feel they meet your requirements. yes they are made in India, in a Deere factory. to me not a big deal. I bought mine in 2013 now have 250+ hours on it. only issue was to tighten the radiator clamps and check coolant level, that has been document and is even in the owners manual. i do not know how the new tier 4 tractors are doing, but the grain place at the end of the street has one and uses it for everything haven't heard of any problems. 5ft implements are too small. i run a 7 ft blade also small, 7.5 ft rear mower, too small. 6ft box blade too small, but it's what i have. if i were to do it over i would have gotten the power reverser and the 65 as opposed to the 55. i have two set of remotes, very nice to have. R1 tires i prefer over R4. downward exhaust SSQA front weight bracket. out the door was just under $30K. i also really like my Deere dealer

 

[dbuster]

Yes open station. Sometimes I work in wooded areas with a lot of low hanging limbs. Thanks for the link I will read that thread also.