5m series vs 6m series

[Slippy]

So in another thread I original looked for help comparing the 5E to the 5m series and I have pretty much decided the 5E, although a very nice tractor, is not what I want.

Of course I have made the mistake of now looking at the 6m series and now looking for some guidance in comparing the two. When I climbed into the cockpit of the 6m I was very impressed. Seemed to me to be a completely different tractor. There are some differences between the 5E and the 5M, sure, but from what I could tell, a whole different ball game in moving from the 5m to the 6m, agree?

As I understand it, the transmission is all together different, and from what I can tell, much better in the 6m.
Controls, extras, all much better on the 6m?

Assuming most of you agree the 6m is a much, shall I say robust tractor, I must ask the next question: horsepower to weight ratio?

The 5115m is a 115hp engine with 100hp pto. Weight around 9000lbs. Seems to be good engine and pto hp for the weight of the tractor.
The 6105m is a 105hp engine with 87hp pto. weight around 11,000lbs.

In comparison, thats 10 less engine hp, 13 less pto hp, and 2000lbs more weight.

I realize application can make a huge difference in picking the right tractor, but I am just trying to compare the raw data.
If you need the weight, etc., got that. But what am I missing here.
Seems to me the performance in the field will be decrease inherently. From a raw data perspective, you actually are moving down in performance and might as well get a lower hp 5m series tractor and save a bunch of money when comparing hp output. Now, what does that really mean in terms of putting the wheels to the ground?

If any one has experience with the 5m or 6m series, I am excited to learn of your actual experiences. Is one likely to be disappointed in 6m feeling that it is under hp for the weight? In looking at the 6m series line, you have to jump two models to get a similar engine and pto hp rating as the 5115m, and still have the 2000lb weight difference.

I know this will come up, so please know the primary use will be to pull an 8 foot moco, round bailer, and hay trailer with hydraulic arm pick up carrying 10 4x5 round bails, application ground is rolling hills, steep in places.

Thanks!

 

[AKfish]

You're just moving into a class of tractor's that have more row-crop, ground engaging capabilities. Longer wheelbase, wider track, more weight. For a mid-size operator; they are a very flexible machine.

Run around the hay field and get down in the dirt when needed!

There are farm operations (hay producers) that use the older, 7000 series platforms as "Utility" tractors! Haul 4 round bales at a time.

AKfish

 

[bigblock]

The 5M will do everything that you are saying that you want to do and will do it for considerably less money. I am very happy with my 5M and can't imagine needing more weight or power at the present time but everybody's situation is different. That's why they make so many different models. If a 6M floats your boat and you have the funds then get what you like.

Deere has a 6R series that really has the bells and whistles, and up to 210 horses!

 

[corey9212]

As my dealer puts it for the tractor letter meanings:

E = Economy
M = Mercedes
R = Rolls Royce

Lol.

 

[AKfish]

As my dealer puts it for the tractor letter meanings:

E = Economy
M = Mercedes
R = Rolls Royce

Lol.

Or....

E = Everyman
M = Middleman
R = Richman



AKfish

 

[corey9212]

Or....

E = Everyman
M = Middleman
R = Richman



AKfish

Nice analogy

 

[Edward. S]

Or....

E = Everyman
M = Middleman
R = Richman



AKfish

I got some of each! If you count my older 5000 series as a Everyman.

But if I was in your situation I would pick a 6M. With a 6M there's more weight that's pushing down so you get more traction. It will feel more stable too.

 

[cheoah]

Kind of depends on how much acreage, or how much money you want to spend. My 5085 M doesn't really do the jobs my 6330 does, and not so much about horsepower. If you need to lay down a bunch of hay fast, or do tillage, then a 6 platform will serve you better.

Practically speaking, with an 8 foot mower and no more than 20 or so acres of hay to cut in a day, a 5 will handle it. And it is a little more nimble, uses less fuel and costs less to purchase.

Just set my bale wrapper up on the 5M. Hoping to make baleage this weekend.

When I replace my 6110, I'm not sure the 5115M will do it. Prolly going to have to get another 6 and they are not cheap.

 

[Slippy]

That is helpful information, thank you. I bale between 250 to 300 acres. I have an International 1086 that I like to mow with. It is 130 pto and handles my 10ft moco just fine. However, if it is down, I would like to be able to use this as a back up. But for the most part, I anticiapte the 5 or 6 series would be used to run the baler (4x5) and collect hay with my hydraulic arm bale trailer that will haul 10 bales. So I certainly appriciate that a bigger heavier tractor would handle the bigger load, but it is the loss of hp in the lower range 6m series that concernes me. With only 87 pto and my mower has a min requirement of 75, and I know from experience that the 130ptohp on my 1086 is the power range I need, I'm just concerned I will not be happy with the 6105m. To get enough hp to equal the 5115m I have to move up two models, and the price is just to high.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

slippy,

I am not ready for a tractor anytime soon But I think I understand your problem pretty well. JD seems to spec out their platforms based on the market price they are trying to get and not for the normal job requirements that farmers have. A discbine takes a decent sized tractor to physically handle it, but the pto requirement usually puts you up to another platform level and bringing with it a drastic price jump with it. I Don't know that I have found a good answer for your particular question yet, but I am not too familiar with the other brands models. Would a 6D series do what you need it to do for a better price albeit without the bells and whistles? I think they go all the way to a 6140D which gets back to 120-125pto hp.

 

[corey9212]

That is helpful information, thank you. I bale between 250 to 300 acres. I have an International 1086 that I like to mow with. It is 130 pto and handles my 10ft moco just fine. However, if it is down, I would like to be able to use this as a back up. But for the most part, I anticiapte the 5 or 6 series would be used to run the baler (4x5) and collect hay with my hydraulic arm bale trailer that will haul 10 bales. So I certainly appriciate that a bigger heavier tractor would handle the bigger load, but it is the loss of hp in the lower range 6m series that concernes me. With only 87 pto and my mower has a min requirement of 75, and I know from experience that the 130ptohp on my 1086 is the power range I need, I'm just concerned I will not be happy with the 6105m. To get enough hp to equal the 5115m I have to move up two models, and the price is just to high.

The 5115M is a good tractor with lots of hp both in engine and in PTO for its size. I plan on using mine for baling (nowhere near that many acres) but I wouldn't hesitate to use it for that many. It's a comfy tractor that I could spend all day in working rough fields and pastures.

 

[AKfish]

That is helpful information, thank you. I bale between 250 to 300 acres. I have an International 1086 that I like to mow with. It is 130 pto and handles my 10ft moco just fine. However, if it is down, I would like to be able to use this as a back up. But for the most part, I anticiapte the 5 or 6 series would be used to run the baler (4x5) and collect hay with my hydraulic arm bale trailer that will haul 10 bales. So I certainly appriciate that a bigger heavier tractor would handle the bigger load, but it is the loss of hp in the lower range 6m series that concernes me. With only 87 pto and my mower has a min requirement of 75, and I know from experience that the 130ptohp on my 1086 is the power range I need, I'm just concerned I will not be happy with the 6105m. To get enough hp to equal the 5115m I have to move up two models, and the price is just to high.

My buddy uses his JD 3010 and JD 2640 with his hi-moisture 4x5 baler. They're both around 70hp @ pto. He puts up around 300 haylage bales (1,500-1,700lbs) and around 100 dry hay rounds (few hundred small squares, too) and those tractors hardly break a sweat! He's got a 10' JD MoCo (disc) that he cuts with too. (Can't remember the model number..) But, those tractor's swing that mower just fine.

The new, 5M's are heavier and longer - model changes with 2012 tractors.

If you're planning to use the tractor as a primary "backup" machine for the MoCo and generally run the baler and bale trailer - I think the 5115M would handle that work without a problem. In a pinch, for a season or part of a season - it should swing that MoCo without a problem as well.

AKfish

 

[Edward. S]

My buddy uses his JD 3010 and JD 2640 with his hi-moisture 4x5 baler. They're both around 70hp @ pto. He puts up around 300 haylage bales (1,500-1,700lbs) and around 100 dry hay rounds (few hundred small squares, too) and those tractors hardly break a sweat! He's got a 10' JD MoCo (disc) that he cuts with too. (Can't remember the model number..) But, those tractor's swing that mower just fine.

The new, 5M's are heavier and longer - model changes with 2012 tractors.

If you're planning to use the tractor as a primary "backup" machine for the MoCo and generally run the baler and bale trailer - I think the 5115M would handle that work without a problem. In a pinch, for a season or part of a season - it should swing that MoCo without a problem as well.

AKfish

But the problem is with the 5M's that is with the 18.4R30 standard tires they seem to bottom out and scrape the surface of the soil if its loose. If you need clearance, its better on a 6 series.

 

[corey9212]

But the problem is with the 5M's that is with the 18.4R30 standard tires they seem to bottom out and scrape the surface of the soil if its loose. If you need clearance, its better on a 6 series.

That's just the standard tires, you can get some 420/85R34 for them, that will add some height and according to my dealer there is one more size bigger that you can add as well.

 

[jenkinsph]

The 5's and 6's are both great tractor platforms, some jobs require a larger platform and some a smaller platform will work. If you need a backup for a 130 hp tractor I would look at the 6 series tractors. I know when I was running 18.4 38 tires there was plenty of ground clearance. While I like the 5115M and know it would be a great addition for my work I think you should be looking for a 6 series with at least 115 pto hp or more. I say this because while tractors are expensive you wouldn't wan't to be in the position of having to buy another large tractor while paying for this one. So I say cover yourself and get another full size tractor.

 

[cheoah]

That is helpful information, thank you. I bale between 250 to 300 acres. I have an International 1086 that I like to mow with. It is 130 pto and handles my 10ft moco just fine. However, if it is down, I would like to be able to use this as a back up. But for the most part, I anticiapte the 5 or 6 series would be used to run the baler (4x5) and collect hay with my hydraulic arm bale trailer that will haul 10 bales. So I certainly appriciate that a bigger heavier tractor would handle the bigger load, but it is the loss of hp in the lower range 6m series that concernes me. With only 87 pto and my mower has a min requirement of 75, and I know from experience that the 130ptohp on my 1086 is the power range I need, I'm just concerned I will not be happy with the 6105m. To get enough hp to equal the 5115m I have to move up two models, and the price is just to high.

Slippy if it is in your price range I'd really consider the 6, but then your 1086 becomes more of a backup. I cut hay today with my 6330, I run a Kuhn 10' mower conditioner and it handles it perfectly, running 5-7 mph. I think the features of a modern tractor may make it more appealing to run. I've owned several Mannheims and I like them a lot. I also think you'll be happy hauling 10 bales at a time (no brakes?) with either big tractor.

The 5, like I said before, will make a fine backup tractor, but not sure what condition your International is in, and how much your 5M will be pressed into service. If you cut that much hay, and you can see your current big tractor costing you time and money, then a new 6 could be a good choice. The clearance is a good point. I had the swather choked down today since I'm baling from the swath for baleage tomorrow, and the extra clearance helps. Like you say, you can put bigger tires on your 5 too.

Any way you can test out a 6 on your mower? My mower calls for 80 hp PTO and the 80 on my 6330 handles it just fine. Runs a 5 x 4 baler just fine. Heres a video from cutting hay today

 

[Slippy]

Thats a thought. I will take a look. Thanks.

 

[Slippy]

To get 115 pto in the 6 series I would have to jump up two models. Thats a lot of $.

 

[msch2112]

My 5105M has treated me fine for haying, grading, loader, and mowing.


Mike

 

[AKfish]

If your 1086 is gettin' along in hours... maybe the "fill-in" role will really be a "replacement" role for whatever tractor you buy. If that's really the gist of the matter... maybe you should be lookin' at the 6D's.

I think the 5115M is a real capable platform. But, it might not be a good fit to shoulder the heavy lifting for 300 acres of hay @ 2-3 cutting's a season.

AKfish