Need Opinions on buying a new 5525

[cmfarmer]

I put up hay on about 180 acres total in 23 fields. The largest field is 25 acres, I guess, and the smallest is maybe 1.5. All the ground is steep and surrounded with woods. That's why I decided to go with the 5525, because I need something nimble but with the power.

He did quote 44,000 on a 6415 but after adding a loader we were over 6,000 more than the 5525. I had already had to convince my wife that we just HAD to pay 24,000 more for a tractor since we bought the last one. I don't know if I had anything more, if you get my drift.

 

[cowboydoc]

Having gone through the same scenario a couple years ago I was disappointed with using a 5420 to bale hay, same tractor as 5525 just a little less power. The roundbaler was just a little too big to bale hay on hills. When square baling with a full hayrack I did not like the stability at all. It just wasn't heavy enough. My dealer was great and gave me full credit for the 5420 on the 6415. For 180 acres I would seriously look into the 6415. I also have several small fields and it isn't an issue. It's going to be alot easier now to pay the $6k and know you have the right tractor for the next 20 years than to get into haying season and realize you need a bigger tractor.

Another factor is that the extra $6k is more than worth it as the 6415 is that much and more tractor than the 5525. Also you will work the 6415 way less than the 5525 and it will likely last much longer. You will max your power on the 5525 where the 6415 will likely rarely hit full power.

 

[ddivinia]

$44K is a good price on the 6415. When I was looking, it was liek $9K more for a 6415. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the bigger unit, but overall the 5525 does what I need without a problem.

D.

 

[ddivinia]

How big is your baler?

D.

 

[cowboydoc]

I've got a 535, 557 and a 567.

 

[ddivinia]

Which size baler seems to work best on the 5525. I was leaning towards a 457. It looked like it would work fine with my 5525.

Comments?

D.

 

[cowboydoc]

I think the 457 would be fine for the 5525.

 

[ddivinia]

OK, cool and all the cool computer stuff is available on the 457.

What are you using for a cutter and a rake?

Do any sqaure bales?

Thanks,
D.

 

[cowboydoc]

We have a 735 mower conditioner and a 4995 swather. We have an older 1460 for small fields. For squares we use a 328. Depending on the situation we use the older side delivery JD rakes or the the 700 series wheel rakes.

 

[ddivinia]

Cool deal, I am thinking I will get a wheel rake, one of the new frontier disc mowers, a 457 baler and maybe a 348 square baler. Always something to buy around here.

D.