New MX5100 owner with a few questions

md1 · Oct 28, 2012

Hi guys this is my first post, I just purchased a 2012 MX5100 2wd and geared last week. My family own a Dairy farming back in the 60's and 70's. They had to sell when I was 13. My farther kept 50 acres and a 1950's ford 800 which is getting tired. So that is one reason I got the Kubota for him to use and for me to play with. I got to play this weekend doing some bushhoging and I love it. Now for a few questions
1- the manual says to use 45 cetane diesel or higher. All I can find here in Va is 40.
will that be fine?
2- the fuel that came from the dealer is red. What I purchased is almost clear. Did the dealer use off road diesel?
3- My father now 76 has a bad knee from being a heavy equipment mechanic is having a little problem getting on and off. Is there a kit for a other step?
Thanks
Mark

teampryor · Oct 28, 2012

I can answer #2, Off road diesel has red dye added and is cheaper due to road taxes, road diesel does not.

TripleR · Oct 29, 2012

I've never even paid any attention to the cetane rating, I just get off road diesel delivered to our farms and use it in everything; sorry I can't help.

I'm not aware of a kit, but you could get a welder to fab something up, I use a camper step to help me get on my tractors or park close to something I can step off of or on to.

Enjoy your new tractor.

PAPPASMURF · Oct 29, 2012

40 cetane should be fine....octane represents the fuel's ability to resist pre-ignition. In diesels, just the opposite is desired. The fuel should readily ignite, and cetane is a measurment of that characteristic. In both cases, the higher the number, the better the performance. Generally, diesel cetane falls around low to mid 40s. Premium diesel should be 50+ cetane. Red Diesel is (as indicated by teampryor) off road diesel, and to my understanding is only red to indicate "off road" thus avoiding road useage taxes: I always put lucas fuel treatment in my diesel fuel to add protection / performance in lower cetane fuel.....never had a problem, but I'm not an expert by no means!:confused3:

As far as the step...I would imagine finding a good welder in town that could fabricate another one to attach to the tractors last step would be the cheapest and easiest thing to do.

Hope this helps! Good luck and Welcome to TBN!!:welcome:

Steppenwolfe · Oct 29, 2012

Hey, Neighbor...( I'm in Henry Co. ) I literally just bought an MX5100 on Saturday, being delivered this Friday. Small world. I think we both picked out great machines. Anyway, I agree on finding a welder and buy some Kubota paint ; you'll never know it wasn't stock. Good luck with your 5100. I do believe I ran across a thread detailing the higher intelligence, and good looks of 5100 owners. And if there's not one, there should be... Take care.

bigbull338 · Oct 29, 2012

when i bought my MX5100 HST 4x4 w/LA844 quicktatch loader i was going to have the shop make me a 2nd step to bolt on to the org step.an then flip the 2nd step up out of the way once i got on the tractor.but i never had it made since i catch aholt of the loader as im stepping up on the tractor.i to have a bad leg,so i know why you want todo that for your fil.