Ordered a 5609 today

[tjkadar]

The more familiar I get with the machine, the more impressed I am with it. Still trying to figure it all out. Being able to program the 'hardness' of shifts between gears and ranges, forward, and reverse separately is pretty cool. Although I have them all set the same now.

There are so many different methods you can use to shift gears, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. I find I use the T-handle the most, then the loader buttons, and the shuttle shift lever last.

Heck, having the turn signal mounted on a stock like a normal car is nice. And they are self cancelling too! That alone is much, much better than the JD. Not to mention the ride - far more comfortable than the Deere. On the road and off.

Gotta make some round bales runs tomorrow that have some road transits on them. We'll see if the tractor does go 25 mph.

 

[radrock]

What a big beautiful beast.... Has to be a thrill to operate it!!

 

[Wakey]

What a nice piece of machinery!

Which drag do you use in the arena?

 

[tjkadar]

What a nice piece of machinery!

Which drag do you use in the arena?

I use a Reveal 4-n-1. Great tool to keep the footing at its best. I've used box blades, straight blades, chain drags, harrow drags, rakes, and probably a few other things. The 4-n-1 is by far the best tool I've used to date. I also use it to keep the dirt roads in good repair and pasture maintenance. To break up manure and thatch, I drag a chain harrow behind the 4-n-1. Does a better job than either one alone.

 

[wmonroe]

Incredible tractor! Any pics of it in action?

 

[tjkadar]

Incredible tractor! Any pics of it in action?

I'm a lousy picture taker... I did some round bales, dragged the riding arena and a pasture. Nothing too exciting. Still getting used to operating the machine. Much more comfortable with it now than I was this morning. Starting to get the hang of it!

 

[tjkadar]

Two things that could be improved - the DCC (Digital Control Center) is practically invisible from the driver's seat if you're wearing sun glasses. Needing a key every single time you want to get into the toolbox is a PITA.

Being able to change gears and forward/reverse on the FEL's joystick is awesome. Bumping up or down a gear or two is quick and easy. The John Deere's gear shift lever was clunky and the transmission was not the best shifting either. With that tractor, you put it in one gear and hoped you wouldn't need to change it. Now, it is as simple as the push of a button or the bump of a lever.

Tractor is deceptively quiet. The more I drive it, the more I am impressed by it.

 

[TomSeller]

Two things that could be improved - the DCC (Digital Control Center) is practically invisible from the driver's seat if you're wearing sun glasses. Needing a key every single time you want to get into the toolbox is a PITA.
.

I could live with those. I am sure glad you are liking the tractor.

 

[wmonroe]

Those aren't big issues to have to live with.

 

[tjkadar]

They are very minor issues. The toolbox thing bugs me but I'll make a fix for it soon. Few other set up issues need to be corrected, like the third function for the FEL has two male fittings. Should get it all straightened out Wednesday.

 

[CaptHowdy]

Very nice! Glad to see you finally got your tractor. You're a patient, patient man.

 

[tjkadar]

Tractor has performed flawlessly to date. Most comfortable seat I've ever sat in... wish I could get one as a recliner for the house!

 

[MO MF Dealer]

Great looking tractor! Welcome to the Massey Ferguson Family!

 

[tjkadar]

Great looking tractor! Welcome to the Massey Ferguson Family!

Thanks! Started out with a Ferguson over 35 years ago and now I'm back.

 

[TomSeller]

Thanks! Started out with a Ferguson over 35 years ago and now I'm back.

What was the original model?

 

[tjkadar]

1953 Harry Ferguson TO-30.

 

[tjkadar]

The 5609 has about 70 hours on it now. I'm averaging 1.04 gallons of fuel per hour over the lifetime of the tractor. The economy PTO is a great fuel saver.

Tractor remains a joy to operate. Again, the seat is fantastic. I'm getting the hang of all the different programming options.

One of my favorites is the ability to program rpm ranges (low and high). The program has the option to be on all the time, on when the PTO is on, or one when the 3 pt. hitch is lowered. For the PTO, you basically bracket 540 rpms on the PTO with the rpm range. Push a button to engage the 'program,' and another to turn on the PTO and the tractor will automatically spin up to whatever rpm is needed to maintain 540 pto rpm.

I do almost all my shifting via the joystick buttons now. You can up-shift and down-shift gears and ranges (road mode, in field mode it is gear changes only. Have to use the t-handle for ranges shifts), forward and reverse, and neutral all using buttons on the joystick. Very slick.

Used a root grapple on it and blew out the hydraulic seals on one side of the grapple. Seal was damaged by sand and grit.. Anyway, with the combined hydraulic flow, the grapple opens and closes pretty darned fast. Operation of the FEL is quick - at times, maybe too quick? Naw... Its pretty nice.

It is a great tractor. I did the 50 hours service myself and was happy how easily accessible all the filters were. Still in the honeymoon stage...

 

[tjkadar]

Really enjoying the cab on the MF. Very quiet even running at PTO rpm. Plus, its nice and dry when you have to top fields in the rain. :dance1:

 

[jsftractors]

The 5600 Series are excellent tractors as you have experienced and the ability to customize virtually every function to your preference is fantastic. You're correct, it takes a while to get comfortable with operating all the options but once you do it is a blast to operate. The 5600 is 10 steps up from a 4600 and not really much bigger in overall size. Congrats and that equine savings is a sweet deal.....

 

[tjkadar]

The 5600 Series are excellent tractors as you have experienced and the ability to customize virtually every function to your preference is fantastic. You're correct, it takes a while to get comfortable with operating all the options but once you do it is a blast to operate. The 5600 is 10 steps up from a 4600 and not really much bigger in overall size. Congrats and that equine savings is a sweet deal.....

The Equine Savings made the tractor affordable. Without it, we wouldn't have gone Red.

I'm still not proficient in all the different options - yet.

Another option I like it the dry swap for the PTO shaft to swap between 540 and 1,000. That was a lot easier than expected and completely, totally dry.