some insight into confusing model numbers please

johns_dmax · Jul 3, 2008

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 · Jul 3, 2008

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 · Jul 3, 2008

Farmwithjunk said:
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 · Jul 3, 2008

RollingsFarms said:
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 · Jul 3, 2008

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 · Jul 4, 2008

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 · Jul 4, 2008

Soundguy said:
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 · Jul 7, 2008

johns_dmax said:
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 · Jul 7, 2008

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 · Jul 9, 2008

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

Farmwithjunk said:
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.