4520 vs 5203 (Both 4WD)

[CWP37]

I priced a new model 5203 4WD (with a lot of bells and whistles) at $27,250. For that price, it seems I'm close to a 4520 4WD w/ PowerReverser. Is that true? If so, it clouds my thinking a little. Old iron or new tech?

 

[Z-Michigan]

4520: hydroshuttle (really nice to have)
12x12 gears (nice, only a modest upgrade)
weaker loader (though 400CX on paper is as strong as a 522)
shorter wheelbase
category 1 hitch (only)
likely get stuck with R4 tires unless you special order

5203:
more power
3 cylinder engine instead of 4 - might be more fuel efficient
probably get R1 tires unless you special order
category 1&2 hitch = more flexibility
dry clutch shuttle (not as nice)
generally stouter construction
designed to run more hours of harder use
fewer electronic gizmos to break
more likely to still be common 20 years from now (in terms of good running older tractors)

Either one should be just fine.

 

[unreconstructed]

Chip,

You gonna have to quit talking about that new 5203. You are giving me the buying bug!!

If I had about 30k to spend, I think I would get tell that fella at Brady to ditto whatever Chip did and keep my old 5203 and still one of those fancy hydaulic post hole diggers with a rock bit on it.

I am tired of the dirt out here in West Texas, except when digging post holes. I dug 4 with a rock bar at Menard the other day. Too #*^$ old for such nonsense.

ge bates.

 

[froggy]

You are having the same problem that I will be facing next year on whether to buy new a large CUT or a utility tractor in same or more horsepower range. Either way it will be a tractor with a power reverser/shuttle transmission. Will be interesting to see how this plays out for you.

 

[AKfish]

Yes, Sir... This is a conundrum! I've been pondering the CUT vs Utility tractor question for the past year or so myself.

It really comes down to a question of what kinds of chores will you likely be using the tractor for.

Mowing a large lawn or a large hay field - pasture area?

Clean the barn and corral area or haul large, 1,200lb round/square bales?

If the answer falls along the lines of what a CUT does best; then go with that--

If you figure that the work involves more heavy duty work and possibly larger CAT II attachments; go with the Utility model.

I'm leaning more and more towards the 5203 FWD. I can use it for some of my smaller jobs (although, not as quickly done...) but I can't use a 4520 to do the more heavy duty jobs.

AKfish

 

[ddivinia]

I priced a new model 5203 4WD (with a lot of bells and whistles) at $27,250. For that price, it seems I'm close to a 4520 4WD w/ PowerReverser. Is that true? If so, it clouds my thinking a little. Old iron or new tech?

I remember when you bought your 5103, but I don't remember what all you do with it. I have a 4720 and love it. I also bought a 5525 for bigger work (cab). THey didn't make a 4720 cab at the time or I might have gone that route, but 15' batwing needs a bigger tractor.

D.

 

[CWP37]

Yesterday was a sad day. Sold my 5103. It seems she's in good hands, though.

Now I've got to get another tractor. Got a couple of quotes.

4720-400CX loader with similar options $30,125.00.
5203 4WD-522 loader $26,500

It seems I'm leaning toward the 5203. Not because of cost, but I kind of like the size better. Also, the whole price difference in the 4000 series bugs me. Far as I've read, 4120-4720 are the same tractor with price bumps for programming the engine. Maybe I'll go ride a 4000 again.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I had the same issue with 4x20 pricing for the same reason. Gee, for $3600 less what's stopping you? If you liked the 5103 I think you would find the 5203 MFWD better in certain important ways and as good in all other ways. Only reasons I would get the 4720 instead would (1) wanting HST for loader work, especially pallet forks or digging holes, or (2) wanting HST for maneuvering in tight areas like inside of barns or mowing inside of small pastures. HST would be really, really nice to have if either of those apply to you. If I was mowing large areas and never confined, I would get the 5203. The 5203 is probably more durable, but I'm sure it would take a very long time to wear out a 4720 anyway.

 

[CWP37]

I do have one small (about 1/2 acre) pasture by the creek that I couldn't mow well with my 5103. Got it stuck down there once. Don't really know if a 4720 would be any different, though. Probably better off just clearing it a little better.

I'm really leaning toward the 5203, unless I find a helluva deal on a 5205 or 4720.

 

[ddivinia]

I do have one small (about 1/2 acre) pasture by the creek that I couldn't mow well with my 5103. Got it stuck down there once. Don't really know if a 4720 would be any different, though. Probably better off just clearing it a little better.

I'm really leaning toward the 5203, unless I find a helluva deal on a 5205 or 4720.

That HST trans is hard to beat. I believe that is standard on the 4720. I have a 4720 and I love it. If you mow a lot of open space, you will want cruise control. Your foot will get tired on that pedal.

D.