Thoughts on MX5100...a couple of questions

[Herkypilot]

I have a shuttle shift MX5100 and the clutch is required for changing position of the shuttle shift (and stopping). I've driven a B3030 HST and yes for confined areas moving back and forth, HST is the way to go. If you are doing a lot of field work, then it's not a great advantage. Don't go R-1 tires if he's planning on doing any yard work. They will flat out tear up a lawn, but they do have great traction. I pulled a full sized 3 axle dump truck out of my muddy pasture with the gear set to 3 Lo. Pretty impressed with the power and traction (so was the truck driver).

Another thing to watch during the purchase - pay attention to the bucket they add to the 877 Quick Attach loader. I went out of state to pick mine up and the dealer ordered the light duty bucket. I would have preferred the HD bucket, but the dealer never asked the question and I didn't think about it until I was there to pick it up. They didn't have a 72" HD bucket on the lot to switch it out so I settled on it. I haven't had a problem in the 7 hours I've used it so far, but I've been moving heavy rock along with some digging with it and I'm concerned about long term durability. I may add a tooth bar.

Lastly, I have a 20' 10K equipment trailer I bought new the same day I bought the tractor. I had the tractor/loader and my SQ172 6' Bush hog loaded up. Loader bucket was 1/2 way across the front edge of the trailer bed and the Bush Hog was hanging off the back edge by 2 feet. I believe 20' would do it, but 22' would certainly have it covered and the price diff really wasn't that much. One thing to consider, if you have equipment which will hang off the back, make sure you buy a trailer with removable ramps (which I have) otherwise you may have a clearance problem if it's something like a rotary cutter.

HP

 

[Code54]

I believe the differences are going to be the Turbo, 3pt extensions. I think that's it maybe one or two others but the extensions are nice. I was looking at the mx4700 and decided to spend a little more for the extras.

CORRECT - the turbo does help offset the loss from HST (and help the PTO output some) so that is helpful, otherwise in loader work, moving stone, Backhoe work there really won't be a noticeable difference.
Also the Adj rear links are just plain AWESOME! they make hooking up much quicker and easier. To me they were worth the difference alone!

 

[OrangeToys]

CORRECT - the turbo does help offset the loss from HST (and help the PTO output some) so that is helpful, otherwise in loader work, moving stone, Backhoe work there really won't be a noticeable difference.
Also the Adj rear links are just plain AWESOME! they make hooking up much quicker and easier. To me they were worth the difference alone!

that's why I bought the bigger one

 

[firejunkie]

The MX4700/5100 are the same, lifting cap, speeds, weight are identical. The turbo helps a bit in the working range of the unit, and probably more towards the upper limits of the tractors capabilities. The adjustable links are a nice touch but I got the pats quick hitch. I did not opt for the 5100 because the difference in price got me a few attachments and the Construction attachments Sever duty bucket instead of the light duty stocker. If you want the bit of extra "pep in your step" and adjustable links get the 5100, But the 4700 is identical in every other way.

 

[Herkypilot]

Also the Adj rear links are just plain AWESOME! they make hooking up much quicker and easier. To me they were worth the difference alone!

I believe a dealer mentioned that someone requested the dealer "upgrade" their MX4700 to the adjustable 3pt hitch and he said the bill was over $1K to do it. So if you want the convenience of adjustable 3 pt hitch, just go with the MX5100. Others have just changed out the turn buckles with adjustable linkages for about $140 if you order yourself. Then you could either use Pat's easy hitch or a quick hitch system.


HP

 

[reggiejr]

Just to add a little more to my original comment about hst over gear/shuttle shift style tranny.
I too like your brother run heavy equipment for a living and coming from the construction field all the equipment Ive operated at work for the most part is manual trans gearshift with a forward/reverse lever on the column (shuttle shift).
I never really noticed it before but now that I own an hst tractor when i'm at work running a gear tractor it feels so cumbersome now as i'm always wasting time shifting to be in the ideal gear range while working.
Now when i'm at work I often think to myself i wish i had my kubota right now id be done this job in half the time because im always in the correct gear range I just pop it in L-M or High and crawl or fly with a roll of the foot its just soo precise.
Don't get me wrong the gear tractor has its strengths like on long duration type jobs like plowing or long distance steady speed field type work but IMO hst is way more efficient for general jobs with lots of maneuvering like plowing snow,grubbing brush,loader work,moving gravel, grading ect.... even for someone that is most comfortable on a gear tractor will lots of experience would appreciate the fine precision control of the hst.And the broad gear ranges vs. gear shift and clutch.
Not trying to push my beliefs on you just want to offer my opinion because im so impressed with the hst system.If it were my bro id offer him the same advise.I would at least demo both units before pulling the trigger on one.:thumbsup: best of luck Reggie

 

[KeithInSpace]

Looking to demo both. They don't have a HST MX on the lot, but he can get the feel for things by driving a large L with HST. They have "his" geared MX5100 that he can compare it to.

After learning a bit more about both, I'm leaning toard the HST as my suggestion. My brother is trying to wrap his brain around what that means in the real world. I ran through a couple of scenarios, but it will come down to a test drive.

A lot of decisions to make in the next few days.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Hmmmm...need to push the clutch in.

On his construction equipment, I don't think he has to operate the clutch very much.

This is key...

He is used to equipment with either a torque converter or hydraulic shuttle trans, there is no clutching to move from forward to reverse.

The geared version of the MX4700/5100 you have to clutch each time you change direction. May or may not be a big deal, but if a lot of loader work is planned HST is defiantly a huge plus.


Just an example, we have a M9540 Kubota on the the farm as well as a 5045e Deere, both with loaders. The M9540 has hydraulic shuttle shift where you just flip the lever and the tractor changes direction (like most construction equip.). I can run it 8hrs a day and get out feeling good and refreshed. The 5045e has a synchronized shuttle transmission similar to the MX Kubotas and after a couple hours of loader work my clutch leg is getting pretty weary.

And to quantify that last statement, EVERY vehicle we own has a manual transmission, as well as about half our tractors, so I drive something with a clutch daily.

In your situation I'd go with the MX4700 with the HST trans. HST will be much more productive for loading, grading, dirt work etc. To me the turbo is a reason to stay away from the MX5100....

 

[Martian]

This is key...

He is used to equipment with either a torque converter or hydraulic shuttle trans, there is no clutching to move from forward to reverse.

The geared version of the MX4700/5100 you have to clutch each time you change direction. May or may not be a big deal, but if a lot of loader work is planned HST is defiantly a huge plus.


Just an example, we have a M9540 Kubota on the the farm as well as a 5045e Deere, both with loaders. The M9540 has hydraulic shuttle shift where you just flip the lever and the tractor changes direction (like most construction equip.). I can run it 8hrs a day and get out feeling good and refreshed. The 5045e has a synchronized shuttle transmission similar to the MX Kubotas and after a couple hours of loader work my clutch leg is getting pretty weary.

And to quantify that last statement, EVERY vehicle we own has a manual transmission, as well as about half our tractors, so I drive something with a clutch daily.

In your situation I'd go with the MX4700 with the HST trans. HST will be much more productive for loading, grading, dirt work etc. To me the turbo is a reason to stay away from the MX5100....

Thought I was the only person who wasn't a fan of the turbo for a second. Overcomplicates things and is too easy to break and to costly to repair IMO. I'd get the 4700 and HST. Simpler and easier for loader work and changing directions:thumbsup:

 

[KeithInSpace]

My brother has been reading this thread and we both very much appreciate the thoughts and suggestions. He was blowing through town this evening and I met him at the dealership to talk through some options and help get a final configuration on the table.

He is sold on the MX5100. He doesn't like leaving power on the table.

Thanks to you guys and the thoughts in this thread, he is now going with a HST.

Loader and backhoe.

Pallet forks, 7' box blade, and disk harrows.

Now it gets fun:

He is serious about front hydraulics and a 4 in 1 bucket. This instead of a hydraulic thumb or a grapple. Pretty cool direction, I thought.

He is also sold on a top and tilt kit for the back. Given the amount of road he is maintaining, it is a very good addition.

There you have it. One heck of a tractor setup. Should get a 'best and final' offer before Saturday.