Buying Advice Purchasing 100HP tractor, JD 5M vs KB M5

Ortimber · Nov 10, 2017

I wouldn't have any problem looking at a few other brands, but the two dealers (green and orange) have both been great to our families for many years and they are both a short drive away. I know each brand has many good and a few bad points and although maybe a little close minded on my part, I'm staying with my two original choices this time around.

My dad went down and took a look the JD last night. He is a NH and Kubota guy. His initial impressions were the same as mine in that he noticed how heavy the machine looked. The size of the rear end and all the components seemed large for a 100HP machine. Other observations were that the cab was very well thought out and comfortable but thought the location of the trans range selection lever was in a weird spot.
Another negative was that the engine was much noisier than his 8560 and 125X Kubota. I would have to agree. I think he is not leaning one way or another but he tried to make a deal on another M125X while we were at the dealer. I think he likes orange better!

ovrszd · Nov 10, 2017

Ortimber said:
I wouldn't have any problem looking at a few other brands, but the two dealers (green and orange) have both been great to our families for many years and they are both a short drive away. I know each brand has many good and a few bad points and although maybe a little close minded on my part, I'm staying with my two original choices this time around.

My dad went down and took a look the JD last night. He is a NH and Kubota guy. His initial impressions were the same as mine in that he noticed how heavy the machine looked. The size of the rear end and all the components seemed large for a 100HP machine. Other observations were that the cab was very well thought out and comfortable but thought the location of the trans range selection lever was in a weird spot.
Another negative was that the engine was much noisier than his 8560 and 125X Kubota. I would have to agree. I think he is not leaning one way or another but he tried to make a deal on another M125X while we were at the dealer. I think he likes orange better!

Good that you have a second set of eyes that you trust to help you choose. My Sons and I share this technique frequently.

Ortimber · Nov 10, 2017

Well fellas (and ladies) the temptation got me. I signed the papers today. Now the long wait until it comes home.

It was a hard decision for sure and the new M5 Kubotas are sure nice too. More pics to come...

ovrszd · Nov 10, 2017

She's a Beaut!!!!!! Anxious to hear your opinions and watch you use it. Also curious about tires size. So when you get it home give us a thorough pictorial and discussion of the features!!!! :cool2:

Ortimber · Nov 10, 2017

ovrszd said:
She's a Beaut!!!!!! Anxious to hear your opinions and watch you use it. Also curious about tires size. So when you get it home give us a thorough pictorial and discussion of the features!!!! :cool2:

Oh I certainly will. I should have it next week. The 3rd function valve/controls, loader mount, and filling the tires is really all that needs done.

Tires are 18.4R30 and 12.4R24 radials.

FWIW, I chose this machine for fairly simple reasons. Its so comfortable, the ride is smoother, and I like the weight. The 32/16 trans isn’t bad either.

ovrszd · Nov 11, 2017

Ortimber said:
Oh I certainly will. I should have it next week. The 3rd function valve/controls, loader mount, and filling the tires is really all that needs done.

Tires are 18.4R30 and 12.4R24 radials.

FWIW, I chose this machine for fairly simple reasons. Its so comfortable, the ride is smoother, and I like the weight. The 32/16 trans isn’t bad either.

I thought the tires looked to be that size. Same as my M9540. Very similar sized tractor. I'll study the specs to see the weight difference. I expect it to be significant. A favorable gain in this size tractor. My Kubota is 12/12. Wish it had twice that many forward gears. I have no use for creeper gears, would really like my forward gears to be hydraulically split.

Ortimber · Nov 11, 2017

I don’t think you can have too many gears. I’m trading in my M7040 and unfortunately it only has 8/8 which isn’t nearly enough. My new tractor does not have creeper gears either but does have electric/hydraulic splitting. It is my understanding that the range selection is also sync’d. That is a very nice feature.

Without the loader, the claimed weight of the 5100M is 9,000LBS.

ovrszd · Nov 11, 2017

Ortimber said:
I don’t think you can have too many gears. I’m trading in my M7040 and unfortunately it only has 8/8 which isn’t nearly enough. My new tractor does not have creeper gears either but does have electric/hydraulic splitting. It is my understanding that the range selection is also sync’d. That is a very nice feature.

Without the loader, the claimed weight of the 5100M is 9,000LBS.

With rear fluid, 300lb rear wheel weight, cast iron rear wheel centers, radial tires, FEL, my M9540 is just under 11K. You are going to exceed that by quite a bit. After you get it set up post total weight if you get a chance. I'd be very interested.

I look forward to following your progress with this tractor. Very nice. :thumbsup:

Ortimber · Nov 28, 2017

Update: New tractor was delivered the day before Thanksgiving. What a treat!

I only have a few pics, but I will post up more and also share my observations on the new machine.