5103 question

davidki · Nov 12, 2005

Well, Snooze you loose... I had a few things to do yesterday morning so I didn't get to the dealer until about 11:30am and was told the unit was sold that morning and the guy had already picked it up, so I decided to look at new and you guys are right, not much different for a brand new one I was quoted $18795 OTD for the 5203 and $19,795 OTD for the 5303 so I think the 2 year warranty and brand new is worth a little more and who knows he may slide a little on these prices! Thanks for the reply guys..
Dave

ThistleKop · Nov 22, 2005

Cowboy doc, A while back you were helpful on another thread to enlighten me on the features of the 5303. However, I have one more question: Aside from hp(the engine) how do the 5103, 5203, 5303 differ? Are they built on the same frame, transmission, lift capacity etc.? That's more than one question. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks.

TK

andrewj · Nov 23, 2005

i'll let cowboy doc answer but seems at least one difference is wheel/tire size, therefore ground clearance.

ThistleKop · Nov 23, 2005

AndrewJ, Thanks. I appreciate any and all info about the differences. I don't have a need for the horsepower of the 5303 but I'm used to a heavy, large frame utility tractor and still have a bias toward them.

TK

Turkflyer · Dec 25, 2005

The only difference (outside of a possible tire size) is the engine hp. All have the 3029 engine. The 5303 has a turbo and is rated at 65 engine hp. It actually puts out about 69 hp. With the torque rise on that engine, it can pull with larger tractors if properly ballasted.

ThistleKop · Dec 26, 2005

( The only difference (outside of a possible tire size) is the engine hp. All have the 3029 engine. The 5303 has a turbo and is rated at 65 engine hp. It actually puts out about 69 hp. With the torque rise on that engine, it can pull with larger tractors if properly ballasted. )



Thanks, Turkflyer
TK

dheck1961 · Dec 27, 2005

My 2 cents: I've had the 5303 with the FEL/6' bucket since July '04 - it now has over 325hrs on it. The price difference between the 5103 up to the 5303 wasn't that much and I felt the extra power was worth it. The only maintenance it's had has been grease, oil, fuel and check all bolts, etc. for it's scheduled checks. I use it to cut/bale around 15 acres of hay, put in wood, etc. I also have a 6' brush-hog and 6' rototiller, both of which it turns effortlessly. After using older, unreliable equipment ('67 Case, '51 IH, '58 IH, etc.) I broke down and bought this tractor new - best money I ever spent on a tractor. I've used this tractor with a home-made skidder rig to pull entire oak tops out of the woods with little effort.

However, having said that there are some drawbacks. 2WD vs 4WD: I wish I had a 4WD - the "stomp pedal" to lock the rear wheels together now has stripped gears so it's useless. MOST situations I can get back out of using the FEL to push myself, but of course if you have a load in it that means dumping it. I made a weight barrel that is about 900lbs and that helps quite a bit. Standard transmission vs 'shuttle shift': A synched/shuttle shift transmission is not offered on this tractor. I've driven tractors since I was 12 so I didn't see this as a problem. When doing a lot of FEL work, and believe me if you get a FEL you'll use it all the time, it's a pain in the neck not having a synched or shuttle shift transmission.

OK, so that was more like 7 or 8 cents... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ddivinia · Dec 27, 2005

That is solid advice on that tractor. Why is the differential lock broken? You might want to get that fixed under warranty before it runs out.

I agree on the 5103 vs. 5303 - not much price difference, but a lot more power. Of course, not having a turbo has advantages (from the view of having less to break).

D.

cowboydoc · Dec 27, 2005

I agree with D. There's no reason that should have stripped out. Bring it to Deere's attention. They will make it right and get it fixed the right way.

Turkflyer · Dec 27, 2005

Yes, notify your dealer about the dif lock pedal. That tractor needs ballast to have good traction. It was designed to be light when needed to reduce compaction, but able to take ballast for good tillage. Fill the rear tires to 75% with calcium chloride/water, and add rear wheel weights. For maximum traction, it needs to weigh 125 lbs/hp (about 8125lbs for that model), with 70% on the rear wheels, 30% on the front wheels.