Need Opinions on buying a new 5525

cmfarmer · Mar 5, 2006

I had decided to buy a 5525 over a McCormick CX85 based in part on what I read in this forum.

I was talking to my neighbor yesterday and told him that and he proceeded to tell me how he's used another neighbor's 5310 and couldn't stand it. Complained about the turning radius, underpowered (although it's probably 20 PTO hp less than the 5525), FEL visibility and the tractor reliability and fitment in general.

Would like to hear from any and all owners, past, present, or future, of either tractor - good and bad - or for that matter anyone that has an opinion.

I am going to buy a cab, MFWD, hydraulic reverser tractor for mainly hay work on steep, smaller fields and also use it for some hay type loader work.

Thanks.

cowboydoc · Mar 5, 2006

We have had a 5300 and 5425. They were both excellent tractors. The 5300 was similiar to the 5301, 2, and 3 series from Deere with the exception of the metal fenders. The difference between the 5310 and 5525 is night and day. There isn't even a comparision. Turning radius is excellent, FEL visibility with any cab is going to be somewhat limited but Deere does have the full view front cab that is as good as it gets in my opinion. The hoses sometime get in your way but not bad. Not sure what he meant about reliability but the JD's for the most part are very reliable and fit and finish is exellent. If one thing is out of place Deere has what I consider to be hands down the best customer service and repair work on the market. Whatever the problem they will make it right and likely you won't have any problems.

cmfarmer · Mar 6, 2006

Thanks, cowboydoc. I didn't want to make a long first post, but he also mentioned an injection pump problem and also that the brakes took a lot of effort, amongst other complaints.

He really disliked the 5310 (w/ cab and MFWD, BTW) so I was just trying to get a wider cross section of opinion.

Thanks again.

Turkflyer · Mar 6, 2006

There was a brake valve recall on the 5x10 series, which was solved quickly by Deere a few years ago. The 5525 is a whole new tractor. Try it for yourself. That's the only way to judge it.

ddivinia · Mar 6, 2006

I bought a 5525 MFWD Cab Power Reverser last year and I just love it. I ended up adding a 542 SL FEL with trash grapple to move 100s of down trees on my place. I have rigth at 60 hours on it and it has been flawless.

When I bought my 5525 I already had a 4720. I still have my 4720 and have no intentions of getting rid of it. I wanted a bat wing mower and the 4720 would not handle it. So, I got the 5525 and a HX15.

I was debating between the 5525 and the 6415. The 6415 was another $9K and I just could not justify the extra money. Sometimes I wish I had the full size frame tractor (weights a lot more, which can be a plus).

Overall, I am very pleased with my 5525. I have not had a single issue with it so far. It is very solid, and is laid out well.

I am very pleased with my purchase and I would do it again. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Regards,
D.

cmfarmer · Mar 7, 2006

Thanks, d. I test drove one today, brakes and turning seem fine to me.

I read about your experiences with the 5525 before I started this thread. It appears you're well versed on this machine. I don't want to start a specific thread, but what, in your opinion, would be a good price for one with a regular cab, reverser, ext. links, EH lift and non-SL 542 with the heavier bucket?

Thanks.

Kyle_in_Tex · Mar 7, 2006

cmfarmer, are you looking at 2wd or MFWD? Cab or open? What tranny?

What does your neighbor have that he would be so displeased with a 5310???

ddivinia · Mar 7, 2006

I paid $41K for my tractor without a FEL essentially like you asked about. I paid $8900 for the 542 SL with a trash grapple. The FEL without the grapple was around $5500 I think and without the 3rd svc. It was like $2100 for the grapple bucket and $1100 for the 3rd valve (joystick upgrade, etc). You shoudl seriously consider getting every valve they offer - never know when you might need it.

What all are you thinking of getting with your 5525?

D.

k9kent · Mar 7, 2006

Isn't there a transmission adjustment around 150 hrs. on the 12/12 pwr rev transmission on the 5025 series?

I am considering trading my JD4700 on a new 5325 this spring.

ddivinia · Mar 8, 2006

I do not see one listed in the manual for the power reverser.

On the sync shuttle - adjsut clutch first 100 hours.

There is a procedure in the manual for adjusting the ePTO linkage.

D.