Thoughts on 5100m and 5115m loader tractors

[Seven Gables]

Looking at possibly buying one of these two tractors with cab and loader. One I'm considering is a 2014 5100m with H260 loader, notice the newer ones use a 540m loader, what's the difference they look the same? Also is there any significant difference between the 2014 model 5100m and the newer model 5100m? Any issues with any of them, any thoughts or advice appreciated. B

 

[workinonit]

I was going to buy a used 5100M when I bought my 5090E. I just have no time or inclination to deal with other peoples problem child tractors so I went new. I think those 2 tractors are basically the same, just as my 5090E and a 5100E are exactly the same. I was going to buy the 5100E but the dealer didn't have one and couldn't get one. As far as the loaders, I think they are pretty much the same loader too. I know with the 540M which I bought you can get the single point hook up and I think the quick detach is a bit updated. I know from a post I read today they use the same global hookup.

 

[ovrszd]

Following this discussion. Please keep us posted on your decision. Awesome tractors.

 

[Seven Gables]

Thanks for the replies , thought of another question as to the transmission choices . This 2014 5100m has the 16x16 transmission which I assumed you could button/power shift thru 4 of the gears within a range without foot clutching, but it appears you have to foot clutch and move the 4 speed gear selector thru the H pattern, is this correct ? Does opting for the 32x16 transmission allow you to button/ power shift thru at least 4 gears without foot clutching ? My ts115a with 16 speed allows me to clutchless button shift thru all 8 gears in both hi and lo range. Even my 1996 7740sle w 16 speed had clutchless button shifting thru both the top and bottom 8 gears. I really like this feature in whatever brand, and would want to step up to the Deere tranny that does this. Thanks,B. ps the last Deere I owned was a 1952 AO,

 

[Ortimber]

I have a 2017 5100M with the H260 loader. The 540 loader is essentially the same, but Deere made a number change. I have the 32x16 transmission. It has a foot clutch, and a button to declutch, which allows you to shift thru the gears 1-4. There is also a button that let's you shift from either low or hi for each gear, which does not require any clutching. That is the only change you can make without using the clutch. Honestly, the transmission is one of my favorite features of the tractor.

I'm approaching 400hrs, and it hasn't given me any trouble at all. If I had to be critical of anything, I would say that it's a little noisy (comparing to my dad's Kubotas), and visibility while doing loader work, especially with forks is marginal.

 

[Seven Gables]

Thanks Ortimber, I see now from your explanation how the 32-16 works . That would be the trans I would want for running my RAD mfg. 3 pt snowblower , wouldn't have to get my left foot to the clutch as I sit facing to the right with all controls in front of me. Another question I have , What does the premium cab add to the standard cab? So far I know you get some bigger speakers above the front window which I could take or leave. What else? It isn't soundproofed any better is it? Kinda think I'd want that 3rd hyd set to the loader in case I wanted to add a grapple. Does the global quick hitch system work well? Not familiar with it. Thanks

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe go to Deere's website and read up on the M models and the E models.

 

[beenthere]

The E stands for "economy" I believe, and cheaper means there are things left off.. maybe some finer things desired, maybe not.

But as ovrszd said, read up on them for the best decision.

 

[ovrszd]

Several years ago I realized when reading specs on an economy model it's more important what's not mentioned rather than what is mentioned.

 

[Ortimber]

Thanks Ortimber, I see now from your explanation how the 32-16 works . That would be the trans I would want for running my RAD mfg. 3 pt snowblower , wouldn't have to get my left foot to the clutch as I sit facing to the right with all controls in front of me. Another question I have , What does the premium cab add to the standard cab? So far I know you get some bigger speakers above the front window which I could take or leave. What else? It isn't soundproofed any better is it? Kinda think I'd want that 3rd hyd set to the loader in case I wanted to add a grapple. Does the global quick hitch system work well? Not familiar with it. Thanks

From what I remember, the premium cab is basically the same, but you can get a sunroof, better speakers as you said, and I think there is also a high back air ride seat.
One option that I got that I really like is the electro-hydraulic 3 point control.

The global carrier is fine, I don't really think it's better or worse than a SSQA. If you have skid steer attachments already, I'd stay with that platform

 

[Seven Gables]

I have been reading as much as I can find on the Deere site, from there brochure the premium cab adds ; sunroof, radio,speakers , rear window wiper, floor mat in back of seat and couple other insignificant to me items. I took the time to use their Build your own page and that was really quite informative and interesting . That gave the base price for each model I looked at 5100m and 5115m , then showed all the options you could add and their respective list prices. The list base price for each 4wd , no cab , 66,000 and 71000 respectively . The 15 hp increase between the two about 5k, that was one thing I was curious about, now I know. Standard cab add 12,365 , premium cab add 14,122. Opened my eyes to all the options available and respective price. Only thing I couldn't make it do was add loader models available and prices. Came out with about 85k /5100 and 90k/5115 optioned my way. That included loader prep package but no loader. List prices are always sky high , makes you feel good when your salesman shows you a substantially lower sales price.

 

[ovrszd]

Good job on using the "build your own" feature. It's very informative.

Print off the two tractors and then compare features to ensure you don't miss something. The option list also allows you to see what features are standard on each model.

I would have thought the 115 might have a size larger tire? How did the weight compare? This would tell you if there are some structural differences that didn't show up elsewhere.

It's been a few years since I used the JD site. My memory says there was some odd way you had to add the loader? Can't remember for sure but I figured it out. I was comparing the JD to a similar Kubota.

 

[workinonit]

540M loader with 85" bucket w/grapple added about $11k. My 5090E I got the air suspension seat. They didn't have a 5100 or I would have gotten it but the 5090 is the same tractor. I think that's basically the case with the 5100M and 5115M.

 

[Ortimber]

540M loader with 85" bucket w/grapple added about $11k. My 5090E I got the air suspension seat. They didn't have a 5100 or I would have gotten it but the 5090 is the same tractor. I think that's basically the case with the 5100M and 5115M.

Correct. The 5100M and 5115M are identical in every way except for engine tuning.

 

[Seven Gables]

Thanks for the informative replys , all coincide with what I've read. I realize I need to go see one of these tractors at a JD dealer to really see if it fits with my needs, probably do that within a week. Got so many things to get done around the orchard before snow flies I hate to take a day to do it. One spec on the 540m/h260 nsl loader I'm not sure of is the Reach at ground level, reach at max height . Brochure says 101" & 41" respectively . No diagram to show where the measurements are coming from. I would of assumed both were measured from the nose/ grill to the lip of the bucket flat on ground and also lip of bucket with the bucket floor level at max height. My big concern is that 101" dimension , i can't believe from nose of grille to bucket lip flat on ground is that far and if it is manueuverability in tighter orchard situations may be an issue. I measured one of my 545d's , nose to bucket lip flat on ground right about 60". From the pictures it looks a little longer than my 545 but surely not almost 3 1/2 ft more. Does anyone know from where to where jd is obtaining these measurements? Or just as good tell me what this measurement is on your 5m. Thanks to all, B

 

[Ortimber]

I will try and get you that measurement this weekend.

 

[Seven Gables]

I will try and get you that measurement this weekend.

Thanks Ortimber but curiosity got the best of me and yesterday morn took a run to my closest jd dealer and got a look. They had two 5115m with no loader mounted and a 5100e w 540m mounted so took measurements off that. Bucket flat on ground front of grill to bucket lip 77" near as I could eyeball straight down to bucket lip. So that I think will work. I was still curious where there 101" reach spec was measured so I went from center of front axle to bucket lip, bingo 101". Took some time to look over one of the 5m they had, looks stout, standard cab , air seat , 3 rear remotes, manual levers for 3pt which I was I was very impressed with how easily they moved and short distance to move with finger tips. This was a 2018 w about 200hrs, had the 16 speed and tires were downsized from standard to 16.9 x 30 rears. Would of been more interested if it had the 32 speed and 18.4 x30. Overall like the 5m series and think it will fit w what I need it for. Just gonna try take my time and keep looking till I find the right one.

 

[Ortimber]

Thanks Ortimber but curiosity got the best of me and yesterday morn took a run to my closest jd dealer and got a look. They had two 5115m with no loader mounted and a 5100e w 540m mounted so took measurements off that. Bucket flat on ground front of grill to bucket lip 77" near as I could eyeball straight down to bucket lip. So that I think will work. I was still curious where there 101" reach spec was measured so I went from center of front axle to bucket lip, bingo 101". Took some time to look over one of the 5m they had, looks stout, standard cab , air seat , 3 rear remotes, manual levers for 3pt which I was I was very impressed with how easily they moved and short distance to move with finger tips. This was a 2018 w about 200hrs, had the 16 speed and tires were downsized from standard to 16.9 x 30 rears. Would of been more interested if it had the 32 speed and 18.4 x30. Overall like the 5m series and think it will fit w what I need it for. Just gonna try take my time and keep looking till I find the right one.

You are right, the M series machines are stout. Like I mentioned earlier, I highly suggest you get a tractor that has the electro-hydraulic 3 point control and the 32 speed transmission. Good luck in your search!