5055D w/ 512 FEL
Model Year: 2009
My family purchased a 240 acre farm (75% wooded) in central Alabama. The pastures and roads had not been maintained in quite some time, so we began a search for a tractor/loader combo. We purchased a 5055D with 19 hours on it, and had a new 512 front end loader installed before delivery. We payed about $20K for it, a six foot rotary cutter, and 6ft box blade as a package. Considering what we got, it was a great deal. Daily maintenance is a breeze. The hydraulic/transmission level has a sight gauge on the rear of the tractor, the oil and coolant levels can be checked from the ground, and the battery is in a easily accessible location. Operators station layout is very good. The suspended seat is comfortable and adjustable for height and weight, and visibility is better than I expected with a loader installed. There is plenty of legroom and seat width (I'm a big guy, 6'2 and built like an offensive lineman). Controls are within easy reach, although the loader control limits seat accessibility from the right side. The tractor cranks right up, even in the cold (mind you it is Alabama and my idea of cold is anything below 40 degrees). Steering is effortless, even with a bucket full of dirt and the brakes are very sound. The tractor is a bit loud at PTO speed, so I wear hearing protection. 3 point hitch control is quick and responsive, and the remote hydraulics work well. I pulled a Bush Hog 2610L (10ft) mower with it through some pretty tough cutting. In ideal conditions, the mower is a bit big for the tractor, but it did its job at a good pace and without issue. We figured it uses right around 3 gallons per hour when at PTO speed. The 512 loader is a great add on. I would consider this a "light-duty" loader, but its still excellent for moving the debris and material that we have used it for. I recommend water in the rear tires for traction and ballast if you are going to add the loader. The loader is fast and responsive. It crowds a pile of material and rolls back quickly, making full buckets an easy task. Considering what we have in this machine and what it returns to us, I give it 5 stars.
Pros: Powerful, responsive, & good quality for the price.
Cons: Accessiblity from the right side because of loader controls, not 4WD.
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