50+ PTO HP Hydro

[SDT]

I'm in the market for a 50 - 55 PTO HP tractor with hydrostatic transmission. I've shopped NH, MF and Kubota but there are no JD dealers in my area and the JD website is dismal.

The Kubota M5740/M6060 is the closest that I've found to my needs but I'm uncomfortable with the 148 CI/2700 RPM engine.

I'm not familiar with the JD large CUT/small utility line. Does JD offer anything suitable for my needs?

I will not compromise on HP (50 PTO HP absolute minimum) or hydrostatic transmission. I much prefer cubic inches to turbos.

SDT

 

[TripleR]

Look at the 4520 and 4720, very nice machines.

 

[arlen4720]

Yeah, like tripleR said, JD 4520, or 4720. The 4720 will give you 58 plus HP at the PTO, and has a nice hydro tranny. It does have a turbo.
PTO speed has the engine spinning at 2400rpm, but max power of 59 at the PTO is at 2200rpm. Take a look at the nebraska test for more info.
Why are you averse to turbos? Just the added parts?

 

[SDT]

Yeah, like tripleR said, JD 4520, or 4720. The 4720 will give you 58 plus HP at the PTO, and has a nice hydro tranny. It does have a turbo.
PTO speed has the engine spinning at 2400rpm, but max power of 59 at the PTO is at 2200rpm. Take a look at the nebraska test for more info.
Why are you averse to turbos? Just the added parts?

Not averse to turbos but much prefer cubic inches. A turbo is simply another expensive device that will eventually require service or replacement. I much prefer cubic inches and lower rated speed engines.

SDT

 

[TripleR]

With a newer tractor, it is going to be hard to find one with that power with HST and no turbo, many had to go that route to meet EPA regulations.

 

[jenkinsph]

SDT,
I agree with TripleR, don't know of any hydro tractors in this hp range that are natural aspirated. I have a 4520 that is 50+ pto hp and also has the economy pto feature too. A 5740 Kubota or the new replacement if available is another good choice. The 4720 mentioned above is another good choice. All of these have good support and seem to be popular tractors. I should also mention that I don't see many threads about bad turbo's on tractors, pickup trucks seem to have much more turbo issies.

 

[SDT]

With a newer tractor, it is going to be hard to find one with that power with HST and no turbo, many had to go that route to meet EPA regulations.

I agree, and will compromise on the turbo but would like a few more cubic inches than the Kubota L6060 (148.5) and a few fewer RPMs (2700).

I'm old school and like cubic inches and low RPMs if possible.

The tractor that I plan to replace is a 2007 MF 533 (2007 version of the 135). It has a 202 CI 3 cylinder Perkins engine that produces 540 PTO RPM at about 1750 RPM, leaving lots of governer and foot throttle remaining before the 2100 RPM rated speed.

I use the 533 tractor and a HD 6' cutter as my "first round" tractor to cut in mowing jobs. I have some steep, irregular and heavily obstructed (trees) parcels to mow, and spend a great deal of time reversing to back in under trees, etc., making the first one or two rounds. I then usually switch off to a larger tractor/mower set-up.

The 533 is rugged and economical but the 4X2 transmission is sliding gear (unsynchronized) and the tractor has drum brakes. MY "first round" work is ideal work for a hydro, and modern brakes would make life easier and a bit less dangerous on some of my steep ground. FWA is not needed but icing on the cake.

I will check out the 4520/4720 models. On paper they look more suitable than the Kubota L5740/6060. My closest JD AG dealer is about 50 miles away but there is a JD lawn/garden dealer (questionable reputation) about 20 miles away. Perhaps they can sell the CUTs?

Thanks for the advice.

SDT

 

[TripleR]

Good luck and I know what you mean, I used a Massey Ferguson 375 MFWD as our small tractor for many years and really like the Perkins engine, my brother uses it now. My left leg just no longer gets along well with a foot clutch thus the HST and hydraulic shuttle on our M8540. I really like the John Deere 4520/4720 and looked at them, but can't use left foot brakes, so I got the L5740 before the L6060 came out.

I am sure you will be hapy with the John Deere.

 

[SDT]

Good luck and I know what you mean, I used a Massey Ferguson 375 MFWD as our small tractor for many years and really like the Perkins engine, my brother uses it now. My left leg just no longer gets along well with a foot clutch thus the HST and hydraulic shuttle on our M8540. I really like the John Deere 4520/4720 and looked at them, but can't use left foot brakes, so I got the L5740 before the L6060 came out.

I am sure you will be hapy with the John Deere.

I found two JD lawn and garden dealers within 25 miles that can sell the 4000 line. I've spoken to both and one has a 4720 open station in stock. He is sending me a brochure (eyes are no longer good enough to read the specs on the website) and I plan to stop in for a look next week. It's a pricy bugger but has more HP at lower RPM than does the Kubota L6060 and does not have particulate filters (How does JD get away with that?). I will certainly pay more to avoid particulate filters and/or DEF.

It also has the economy PTO feature, which is very desireable for my purposes as most of the time, I do not need 50+ HP for what I plan to use it for. The economy PTO feature allows one to cruise along in the light stuff at lower RPM saving fuel and keeping the hours down while maintaining blade tip speed. More and more manufacturers are offering this and it is a great feature. The Kubota does not have this feature.

SDT

 

[arlen4720]

That's good that you found a dealer. The 4000 series are still interium tier 4 at this point (I think), and the DPF will be appearing soon, so it's good you are ready to buy now.
The ePTO is a great feature, unfortunately mine does not have it You will like the eHydro tranny also.