some insight into confusing model numbers please

[johns_dmax]

I'm looking to upgrade to a 60HP 4X4 with loader and a shuttle shift of some type. We're going to purchase 120 acres soon and will need to do general clean up, mowing, possibly haying...

Is there a way to decode the model numbers to try to determine which tractor is a budget level and which is a top end? I've looked online and its hard to tell and the dealers want to sell you what they have on hand.

I've found this out so far:
NH TT series only has a syncro shift in top gears not reverse so its out.
NH 2420 has a nice setup in the 12 spd with its electro-hydraulic shift but its a compact so its out.
Deere 5203 was priced at $21K with loader and shuttle shift but I'm concerned about increased wear in clutch from loader use. Nice overall size and weight.
The Deere dealer offered my $12500 for my TC30 with 7308 loader for trade. Good deal with the $21K price?

Any dealers out there that can shed some light on this subject? I know all manufacturers are going to be chaning up their models to make more sense so maybe I just need to be more patient.

 

[Soundguy]

Can't comment on the machines you mention.. except that the trade $$ you were offered sounds pretty decent..

For 120 AC.. I'd say you are in the shallow end of the pond with 60hp.. but it should at least let you run a round bailer, maybee with a wagon.. depending on grade.., or most any square bailer, with kicker and wagon, again.. depending on grade. For mower, you will likely top out at 10' rough cut.. etc. Not sure what you will be using to cut hay.. but disc mowers should be fine to find for that size.. not show about the mowco's.. etc..

soundguy

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Your looking at some real basic tractors. The NH is made in Turkey (I think) and the Deere in India. Neither are known for their quality. Given that you should probably be in a larger tractor anyway, it may not be a bad idea to look used.

 

[johns_dmax]

When I get around to haying I'll be using a small square baler, wife prefers them over round for the horses. Most of the property will be left as is with some riding trails cleared. Our main purpose now will be to ride, hunt, and fish if there's enough water.

On the sites that have a "build your own" I can get an idea of what the lineup is but on the NH site there's no such animal. Whats up next from the TTs? Is it the TN or the TDs, how about the 4000 series?

I guess I need to go during the middle of the week when no one is around and drag around a saleman and have them explain the different models and get prices. Way to many to look at and not enough time!

 

[Soundguy]

My 'small' largeish tractor is a ford 5000.. 70 engine / 67 pto.. and that is the minimum I'd go on 120 ac.. in fact.. I'd want larger .. larger mowers.. implements.. etc.

120ac is a candadate for 2 tractors without batting an eye. Even if one of them is an older ford TW or 8000/8/9-700 .. etc.

soundguy

 

[flusher]

I'm looking to upgrade to a 60HP 4X4 with loader and a shuttle shift of some type. We're going to purchase 120 acres soon and will need to do general clean up, mowing, possibly haying...

Is there a way to decode the model numbers to try to determine which tractor is a budget level and which is a top end? I've looked online and its hard to tell and the dealers want to sell you what they have on hand.

I've found this out so far:
NH TT series only has a syncro shift in top gears not reverse so its out.
NH 2420 has a nice setup in the 12 spd with its electro-hydraulic shift but its a compact so its out.
Deere 5203 was priced at $21K with loader and shuttle shift but I'm concerned about increased wear in clutch from loader use. Nice overall size and weight.
The Deere dealer offered my $12500 for my TC30 with 7308 loader for trade. Good deal with the $21K price?

Any dealers out there that can shed some light on this subject? I know all manufacturers are going to be chaning up their models to make more sense so maybe I just need to be more patient.

120 acres is a bunch. Trying to get one tractor to handle all your needs may be a real challenge, especially if your budget is around $20K.

How many acres do you plan to mow? If more than 20-30, I'd be looking at a 2WD tractor 70 hp or higher with a cab, if possible, and a mower at least 10 ft wide. Smaller tractors will get the job done, but you'll be racking up a lot of seat time doing the work with smaller implements.

 

[gamble77]

Take a look at the Deere 5x25 series, you can get a 5225/5325 with the PowerReverser transmission. The 5X03 series Deeres are great machines and do not have any known quality issues as another poster implied earlier in this post...it would probably do all you want it too you just won't have the fancy clutch.

 

[johns_dmax]

Just configured the 5325, ouch. Big jump in price. Isn't there something in between it and the 5203? If I pay that much for a tractor I'll be looking at less land.

Not going to be mowing/haying more that 20-30 acres. Mostly clearing fence lines, clearing around the barns and trails. Used equipment around here is REALLY used and if you see a something in good shape it won't be there the next time you go by.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Check out the Mahindra 5530 4WD or 6030 4WD. mahindrausa.com

 

[flusher]

Check out the Mahindra 5530 4WD or 6030 4WD. mahindrausa.com

These are good choices. I have a Mahindra 5525 2WD tractor (55 hp engine, 45 hp pto) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket) that I bought last March for $19.1K. One of those 4WD models would probably run around $22K with that FEL.

I have a 6-ft Hawkline rotary mower (brush hog) that is easily handled by the 5525. I only mow about 7 acres. For 20 acres you might want to step up to a larger mower. The 7ft Bush Hog Squealer might be a good choice

http://www.bushhog.com/ContentFiles/Documents/Specs/SQ84T.pdf

These Mahindra tractors generally outweigh their competitors. For example, my 5525 weighs 5370 lb. The 5530 weighs 6083 lb. The JD 5203 weighs about 4500 lb. These numbers without weighted tires. This difference may become important if you decide to go haying. Heavier tractors generally have an advantage in plowing.

 

[johns_dmax]

The main problem I have with Mahindra is the local dealer, there's only one. They used to sell grey market tractors but changed over to Mahindra because "I sell 200 tractors a year so why not sell new ones". Not a lot of brand loyalty there. What will they decide to sell next year?

I've got all the major brands within an hours drive from my house so I guess I need to go kick some tires and get a line up of features on each brand's offerings. My wife told me it will be a couple of months before I can actually purchase one anyway. We're AQHA members so the discount they have with Deere was kind of leading me in that direction but who knows what I'll end up with. Thanks for you're input.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

First, let me say that the "issue" brought up about the country of origin being a red flag relating to quality...... PURE BS. One particular model mentioned, the 5X03 series Deere's are among the HIGHEST quality tractors on the market. The fact that Deere builds them in India is purely incidental. I find it VERY ironic that a dealer who also sells a foriegn made tractor would raise the issue of foriegn built products representing low quality. Based on the fact that just about every tractor on the market is made whole or in part in foriegn countries, that statement automatically discredits anyone who would make such a statement in my eyes.

I farmed over 190 acres (and as much as 250 at one point) for more than 35 years with a 60 HP tractor as my largest for almost all of those years. (and a 2wd 60HP tractor at that) You can find the occasional job for a bigger tractor, but 99.9% of the time, a 60 HP tractor was MORE than adaquate for my needs, and I'm sure you would find the same. At one point, I did get the "MORE POWER" syndrome. I bought a 110HP MFWD tractor. I sold it after a few seasons. Mostly a waste of resources, and required more, different, and EXPENSIVE implements to put it to use.

For the needs you mention, a 60 HP MFWD tractor w/loader would be ideal. Since the average man can only operate one tractor at a time, unless you either want to collect tractors, or have an unlimited budget, why not get the ONE tractor that serves your needs best?

 

[RollingsFarms]

First, let me say that the "issue" brought up about the country of origin being a red flag relating to quality...... PURE BS. One particular model mentioned, the 5X03 series Deere's are among the HIGHEST quality tractors on the market. The fact that Deere builds them in India is purely incidental. I find it VERY ironic that a dealer who also sells a foriegn made tractor would raise the issue of foriegn built products representing low quality. Based on the fact that just about every tractor on the market is made whole or in part in foriegn countries, that statement automatically discredits anyone who would make such a statement in my eyes.

I farmed over 190 acres (and as much as 250 at one point) for more than 35 years with a 60 HP tractor as my largest for almost all of those years. (and a 2wd 60HP tractor at that) You can find the occasional job for a bigger tractor, but 99.9% of the time, a 60 HP tractor was MORE than adaquate for my needs, and I'm sure you would find the same. At one point, I did get the "MORE POWER" syndrome. I bought a 110HP MFWD tractor. I sold it after a few seasons. Mostly a waste of resources, and required more, different, and EXPENSIVE implements to put it to use.

For the needs you mention, a 60 HP MFWD tractor w/loader would be ideal. Since the average man can only operate one tractor at a time, unless you either want to collect tractors, or have an unlimited budget, why not get the ONE tractor that serves your needs best?

when you say 60hp tractor, do you mean engine or pto? I apologize if i hijacked the thread, didn't mean to at all.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

when you say 60hp tractor, do you mean engine or pto? I apologize if i hijacked the thread, didn't mean to at all.

I'm "old school". From back in the day when it was PTO OR BELT.

 

[chh]

You might want to check out these guys. They aren't too far from you and a very established dealer. He was advertising some lease return 500 series MF a couple of weeks ago in the High Plains Journal.

Livingston Machinery Company

You can also check out fastline and tractorhouse. The last time I checked there where several decent looking tractors in your size range and in your general area.(Or closer to OKC than to me here in eastern OK)

Montana also has a tractor in your size range. I was fairly impressed with the 70 hp cab models they have.

For a 9' disc hay mower you are going to need 55 to 60 pto hp.(some brands and models recommend more) Anything that size should run a lighter 15' batwing or a heavy 10' brush hog if you needed it.

 

[Soundguy]

Not discounting what FWJ said about it being cheapest to own 1 tractor that will do most or all of your stuff, and you can only oeprate one at a time.. However.. it's ahrd to beat having a big utuility or ag tractor for the brute work, and a scut / cut for small jobs and easy maneuvering... if you can aford it.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Not discounting what FWJ said about it being cheapest to own 1 tractor that will do most or all of your stuff, and you can only oeprate one at a time.. However.. it's ahrd to beat having a big utuility or ag tractor for the brute work, and a scut / cut for small jobs and easy maneuvering... if you can aford it.. etc.

soundguy

Ah, but I DIDN'T say "cheapest" did I? Although, it's usually financially impractical to own several tractors, various implements (of common purpose, but different sizes) when one will do the job. There CAN be a time savings, but at an expense. Sometimes that time savings can't outstrip the cost generated. Is it practical to save 10 or 15 hours a year at the expense of buying a $10,000 tractor? How about a $10,000 tractor and a $5000 implement to go with it? If you make $1000 an hour in that "time saved", maybe so. It comes down to a matter of PERSONAL CHOICE, and NOT a matter of economic good judgement unless there's a sound business/economic NEED. You just "gotta want to" own several when one does the job. BTDT, got a barn full myself.

If the man plans on buying ONE tractor, it makes more sense to buy one that will achieve most of his needs. A pair, one too big for a lot of his chores, and the other too small, just doesn't make much sense. If he's got an unlimited budget, and the desire to own several tractors, then by all means, buy 'em ALL. But, in the case of the OP, he's asking about which tractor (singular) to buy to do fullfill what apparent needs he has.

 

[greggh]

Deere 5203 was priced at $21K with loader and shuttle shift but I'm concerned about increased wear in clutch from loader use. Nice overall size and weight.
The Deere dealer offered my $12500 for my TC30 with 7308 loader for trade. Good deal with the $21K price?

I own a 5203 and I have no complaints. The price seems OK. The tractor is a fine machine but I have heard that JD is going to replace the 5x03's with something different. I don't know if it will be the same tractor with a different numbering system or what.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[johns_dmax]

Thanks for all the input. I've only got the OK from the boss to have 1 tractor with whatever implements I need. Looking for 60HP at the engine, salesman don't talk PTO HP. So far the JD 5203 is on top of the list. Nice machine for the price and as far as new models no info as yet on features.

When I get something new I'll post pics in the appropriate section. Until I decide there's more looking and comparing.

 

[Soundguy]

Yeah.. I'd go with that.

And i didn't mean that you actually said cheapest.. i just paraphrased a bit..

But yeah.. if you can only own one.. get the closest thing to doing all you need.

Like you, I am of the mentality to have a tractor per implement.. plus a few spares...

soundguy

Ah, but I DIDN'T say "cheapest" did I? Although, it's usually financially impractical to own several tractors, various implements (of common purpose, but different sizes) when one will do the job. There CAN be a time savings, but at an expense. Sometimes that time savings can't outstrip the cost generated. Is it practical to save 10 or 15 hours a year at the expense of buying a $10,000 tractor? How about a $10,000 tractor and a $5000 implement to go with it? If you make $1000 an hour in that "time saved", maybe so. It comes down to a matter of PERSONAL CHOICE, and NOT a matter of economic good judgement unless there's a sound business/economic NEED. You just "gotta want to" own several when one does the job. BTDT, got a barn full myself.

If the man plans on buying ONE tractor, it makes more sense to buy one that will achieve most of his needs. A pair, one too big for a lot of his chores, and the other too small, just doesn't make much sense. If he's got an unlimited budget, and the desire to own several tractors, then by all means, buy 'em ALL. But, in the case of the OP, he's asking about which tractor (singular) to buy to do fullfill what apparent needs he has.