Hoosier Hay Man
Platinum Member
I got a quote for a 5055D (2wd) and 5055E(4wd)with loader. Is the 4wd worth the extra cost? I know these are India built Deeres, has anybody have any experience with them?
Need info on 5055 Series
- Thread starter Hoosier Hay Man
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deere5105
Veteran Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2009
- Messages
- 1,082
- Location
- South Mississippi
- Tractor
- 2008 John Deere 5303 MFWD, 2004 John Deere 5205
I use a 5105 which I believe is the last model of this size they made in the USA. The 5103 replaced it and it was made in India. From what I can tell they are a little heavier, but with a little less horsepower. If I had to replace mine today I would probably be looking at the 5055 instead of the 5045. Seems the 5055 would be a more comparable machine. I added a loader recently and have been so far pleased with it. I have never owned or operated a 4WD tractor so I can't speak to that side of the question, but many on here believe you need the 4WD with a loader. In some situations I agree, but not all. I am in the process of studying adding ballast to the rear. I recommend getting the largest tires you can get. This gives you more ballast if you fill the tires and more contact area on the ground. I have not read where there were a lot of complaints on these units. I figure if it was Deere would be doing something different by now.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
HHM,
I can tell you this much the 5055 series tractors are a lot lighter than any of the other tractors in your stable comparing lbs/hp.. It has been my experience that when operating a new tractor in 4x2 that you can spin the rears much quicker than the old designs, so I would say yes to 4x4 in most cases. I would also plan on adding some weight on the tractor.
Steve
I can tell you this much the 5055 series tractors are a lot lighter than any of the other tractors in your stable comparing lbs/hp.. It has been my experience that when operating a new tractor in 4x2 that you can spin the rears much quicker than the old designs, so I would say yes to 4x4 in most cases. I would also plan on adding some weight on the tractor.
Steve
Users got by for 20 plus years w/ out 4wd tractors and did fine. There are some issues w/ 2wd loader tractors it is nice having the heavier front end for the big loader work (busting axle knees and spindles). And ballast, chains, etc are more important in bad climates or mud. IMO the biggest down side to getting a late model 2wd machine is if or when you get to where you want a different unit you will take it in the shorts when selling or trading because most purchasers will be looking for a 4wd unit.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
This is true and the manufacturers made the tractors with built in weight so a 30 hp tractor weighed about 4000 lbs and a 50 hp weighed 6000 lbs before adding ballast. Today my 4520 60 hp cab tractor only weighed about 4400 lbs and I have added the max load of weights to the rear axle and standard front bracket to get to approximately 5500 lbs. Basically the tractor manufacturers are selling us much lighter built tractors and then turn around and sell us the weight that was removed from prior designs. When you compound this with a front loader that most older tractors did not have then you tend to need the front axle to be a drive axle too.
Steve
Also should have stated that EVERY user I have sold a late model 2wd tractor to later regreted it. And wished they had bought the 4wd version, this was after I did my darndst (sp?) to get them to spend the extra for it. That being said I still don't think there is anything wrong with buying a 2wd unit if it fits the bill and does what is needed. And understand the limitations.
bglz42
Silver Member
I bought the 5045D and love it. Sometimes I wish I'd have bought the 4wd, but I got such a deal... I just get over it!
The tractor does everything I ask of it. So far, so good!
Jim
The tractor does everything I ask of it. So far, so good!
Jim
Wombat125
Gold Member
In the endless debate of 2wd vs 4wd, it always seems like snow is the great mandator. Try to buy a 2wd tractor in a snow state and folks will look at you like a space alien.
This is consistent with my experiences. I could probably run all summer in 2wd with the only exception being pulling the Road Boss grader sometime and I could probably fix that if I added some ballast. Come winter, I would be in big trouble without 4wd.
Regardless of which state you live in, I kind of think the small incremental cost of adding 4wd on a purchase this large is worth it.
This is consistent with my experiences. I could probably run all summer in 2wd with the only exception being pulling the Road Boss grader sometime and I could probably fix that if I added some ballast. Come winter, I would be in big trouble without 4wd.
Regardless of which state you live in, I kind of think the small incremental cost of adding 4wd on a purchase this large is worth it.