Wombat125
Gold Member
I know that a tractor is supposed to be a tool and all that, but come on, I bought a 55 hp tractor for 5 acres. I think it is firmly in the toy category.
Part of the reason I ended up with a 5003 series tractor is that it was the same price as a few of the 3020 series and cheaper than the 4020 series. I have no space and clearance constraints, so what the heck. I tried to get a 5203, but they were even more elusive than the 5303.
The other reason for this model is that it is simple. Really simple. It has the same 2.9L, 3-cyl, wet sleeve diesel that JD has been using for the past 14 years. It has no computers, no electronics, no hydrostatic drive. I do like that the transmission is fully synchronized within each of the three ranges.
The only options I ordered it with is the mid mount SVCs, 522 loader, hood guard, and block coolant heater. I've since wondered if I should have also ordered the second rear SVC. I did buy the rear work light for $45 and installed it myself. Running the wires down the ROPS required a fish tape and a few creative obscenities, but it works well.
I initially looked at Kubotas, but there wasn't a dealer close buy. I also looked at NH, but didn't like the ergonomics. Nothing wrong with the tractors, they just weren't for me. I bought from Potestio Brothers in Parker, CO. My neighbors seem to hold them in fairly high regard. I have no complaints about the transaction.
My only problem now is that buying new implements seems insanely addictive. I bought a 7.5 King Kutter disc harrow and a 6 Frontier rotary cutter from Craigslist. They are both probably slightly undersized, but a very good deal. I also bought a Cat 1 iMatch quick hitch, which I installed tonight. I hooked the disc and rotary cutter up a few times prior to the iMatch, and hope to never do it again. Pallet forks and a road grader are already on my short list.
I just want to offer a big thank you to the whole lot of you TBNers. There are very few Internet forums that I've ever attended that have been so rich in knowledge and member integrity.
Part of the reason I ended up with a 5003 series tractor is that it was the same price as a few of the 3020 series and cheaper than the 4020 series. I have no space and clearance constraints, so what the heck. I tried to get a 5203, but they were even more elusive than the 5303.
The other reason for this model is that it is simple. Really simple. It has the same 2.9L, 3-cyl, wet sleeve diesel that JD has been using for the past 14 years. It has no computers, no electronics, no hydrostatic drive. I do like that the transmission is fully synchronized within each of the three ranges.
The only options I ordered it with is the mid mount SVCs, 522 loader, hood guard, and block coolant heater. I've since wondered if I should have also ordered the second rear SVC. I did buy the rear work light for $45 and installed it myself. Running the wires down the ROPS required a fish tape and a few creative obscenities, but it works well.
I initially looked at Kubotas, but there wasn't a dealer close buy. I also looked at NH, but didn't like the ergonomics. Nothing wrong with the tractors, they just weren't for me. I bought from Potestio Brothers in Parker, CO. My neighbors seem to hold them in fairly high regard. I have no complaints about the transaction.
My only problem now is that buying new implements seems insanely addictive. I bought a 7.5 King Kutter disc harrow and a 6 Frontier rotary cutter from Craigslist. They are both probably slightly undersized, but a very good deal. I also bought a Cat 1 iMatch quick hitch, which I installed tonight. I hooked the disc and rotary cutter up a few times prior to the iMatch, and hope to never do it again. Pallet forks and a road grader are already on my short list.
I just want to offer a big thank you to the whole lot of you TBNers. There are very few Internet forums that I've ever attended that have been so rich in knowledge and member integrity.
