Which tractor do I need?

[Khiggins]

I have about 30 acres with the strong possibility of getting another 50 or so in the next few years. The land consists of about 12 acres rolling fields, a creek, and the remainder in woods with some hills. I like the 5055e 4wd, I have never owned a tractor and don't know what to buy? I will be bush hogging, digging, clearing paths, clearing a place for a house, grading, gardening, and moving debris around. My father in law, who has used a ford 2600 for everything his whole life to do everything under the sun, went to the jd dealer and said I should get the 4005? I want a fel, grader box and a 6 or 7 ft bush hog, and a set of pallet forks.

 

[AKfish]

Welcome to TBN, Khiggins. So, you've got around 12 acres that you'll be actively working each year and some added chores in the woods as time permits... 'bout right?

And maybe another 50 acres on the far horizon?

Don't mess around and spend nearly $30K for the 4005 with attachments!! :thumbdown: You'll end up selling it and taking a big hit when you move up to the 5000 series tractor!

The 5045e thru 5075e are the same tractor - identical - except for the turbocharger and injector pump/injectors. And they're not a whole lot more $$ than what you'll have invested in the 4005!

Have you or your FIL done a "side by side" sit in the seat and run the machine comparison of the 4005 or the 5000e's?

When I was looking at upgrading to either a 4000 series or a 5000 series machine... my wife says at the dealership one day -- heck, they're almost the same size!?!

(Why would I argue...?)

AKfish

 

[flyingcow]

AKfish, i agree.

 

[Khiggins]

I thought the 5000 series was a better fit for what I need but am being told it's too big, I have only looked at the 5055e and the 5075e as my local dealer has a 5075e on the lot. I have not even seen the 4005 in person. What are the downsides of the 5055e over the 4005 and what would a 4005 be able to do vs the 5075? Is the 5055e not as safe because it is heavier and taller? Thanks for the info! I only want to buy once!

 

[dntfxr]

I'm in the same boat as you and I've considered both machines too. The 5000e is a lot more machine with a better tranny and really the only drawback I can see is it is a little taller for getting under limbs, and a little larger turning radius. But you can get the exhaust mounted horizontally and fold down the ROP so it may have an advantage there too. Im still undecided on how much HP I need and how much more fuel each model uses but I've narrowed my choices down to one of the 5000e or a similar model from another manufacturer. I really think I like that green paint better though! Let us know what you decide!

 

[wbuoni]

My 5055E was dropped off Saturday morning and I can not be more pleased with my decision. Not a lot of bells and whistles, just a solid running machine. :thumbsup:

 

[bill in ny]

the 5055e is cat2, and the 4005 is cat1 if that makes any difference to you. cat2 equipment is usually stronger and bigger, but also more expensive. ask yourself how long you want be mowing, then figure out what size mower will get the job done in that amount of time. that will give you an idea of what size tractor to buy.

 

[bill in ny]

i paid $21470 for a 4005 with loader, two rear remotes, canopy, wheel spacers, and loaded rear tires. the 5055e list for over $24000 without the loader.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

If I only could have 1 tractor, I would go with the bigger 5055e and a 6 foot cutter. The bigger wheels ride better in bumpy conditions and give you a much better chance of getting unstuck when you slip it into 4WD(after getting stuck in 2WD).
The fact you mentioned pallet forks tells me you want to lift stuff and you'll get a lot more lifting capacity with the bigger machine.
The main things you'll give up is maneuverability in tight spaces and a bit less fuel while piddling around. Once you hook up a mower and get into the deep grass the fuel usage difference will be minimal. Are you going to be cleaning out stalls?

 

[Khiggins]

Is there anything a 4005 can do that the other won't, besides turning tighter and possibly going under some tree limbs? Are the large front tires an advantage or disadvantage? I sure like the way they look but what about performance?

 

[AKfish]

Is there anything a 4005 can do that the other won't, besides turning tighter and possibly going under some tree limbs? Are the large front tires an advantage or disadvantage? I sure like the way they look but what about performance?

Well... those big front tires will do what you've just mentioned - won't turn tight and you'll hit some low lying limbs!

But, they'll also give you added ground clearance and improved traction with the added footprint!

So, what're lookin' for? Low limbs and tight turns or ground clearance and traction?

AKfish

 

[Turbys_1700]

The 5 Series from Deere is a very good value with some really nice features for an economy utility tractor...
Keep in mind that the added cost of the 5 series over the 4005 will be soon forgotten after 20 years of service...
To me it's a no brainer...
If money is not an issue go with the 5 series...
The resell value of Deer is excellent also...

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Is there anything a 4005 can do that the other won't, besides turning tighter and possibly going under some tree limbs? Are the large front tires an advantage or disadvantage? I sure like the way they look but what about performance?

Ag tires will out perform all others. If you are doing field work, Ag tires are king. If you are going to be on a lawn and don't want to tear it up, R4's may be the ticket.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Ag tires will out perform all others. If you are doing field work, Ag tires are king. If you are going to be on a lawn and don't want to tear it up, R4's may be the ticket.

AG tires on the lawn is very weight dependent...
My NH 1720 weighs 3300# with fluid in the rears...
It does not tear up the yard at all at that weight running AG tires...
I do not turn fast and sharp though...
I really like the AG tires on my smaller framed tractor...
I would think that anything over 4K# with AG tires could be pushing it on a lawn for finish mowing...

 

[jenkinsph]

The 4005 is simply smaller and less capable, fine for small jobs and acreage. For your intents and purposes I would go with the 5055e and up (more hp). If the difference in price is reasonable I would look at the 5075 as my feeling is a 60hp pto tractor is a good all around size for Cat 2 implements. This is enough tractor to work the larger acreage too if it materializes in the future.

The larger front tires are a plus imo.


If you need to do lawn work get a separate rider for that purpose.

 

[Khiggins]

Just left the dealer and drove both side by side. I like the manuverability of the 4005 but i reallylike the much stronger build of the 5075e it just looks so much healthier. I have not owned a tractor before and the 5075 felt a little tall but im sure with some time i would become used to it. I think long term the bigger is better. My fater in law came and drove both and sticks with his original opinion of the 4005, he says more manuverable and less likely to turn over? I like the loader capacities of the 5 series and the overall power engine/pto, being double the 4005?

 

[Bigfoot62]

Just left the dealer and drove both side by side. I like the manuverability of the 4005 but i reallylike the much stronger build of the 5075e it just looks so much healthier. I have not owned a tractor before and the 5075 felt a little tall but im sure with some time i would become used to it. I think long term the bigger is better. My fater in law came and drove both and sticks with his original opinion of the 4005, he says more manuverable and less likely to turn over? I like the loader capacities of the 5 series and the overall power engine/pto, being double the 4005?

Which tractor do I need?

When I read the title of your thread, my first thought was "probably more tractor than you think."

Seriously, I still have a Ford 2600, and my father felt the same way. Actually, I talked him into getting the 2600. Before that, he only had a John Deere B and a Farmall Super A. Comparitively speaking, the 2600 was a "beast." Since he passed away, however, I have bought larger tractors with 4wd and FEL's. Yes, you can bush-hog that 13 acres with a 2600, but it goes a lot faster with a larger tractor and a bigger cutter. Plus, it's not nearly as hard on a bigger tractor to do the work. Example, the PTO clutch needs to be replaced on the 2600 right now. That's mostly due to over-working a small tractor.

 

[foreman Etexas]

This 1!!!

 

[Khiggins]

The more people I talk to the more confused I get, I don't care that it's big and tall but dater in law keeps saying I will roll or flip this tractor because the center of gravity it too high, he thinks I will tump it over bush hogging? Any thoughts?

 

[Bigfoot62]

You could turn ANY tractor over, if the conditions were right.

But, if a 5 or 6 series John Deere 4wd tractor with a cab was that easy to turn over, the road ditches would be full of them. Around here, that's just about all they use to mow the right-of-ways.