5403 vs 5425 "age-old" questions

jdmar · Mar 15, 2009

OK, so I have searched here a lot and have some ideas but still would welcome advice. I always get great advice on TBN. I am looking for a tractor to do general ground engaging field work, brush hogging and may do hay with square bailer in the next few years (likely no more than 25 acres in hay). I have 43 total acres to care for. I currently have a way-too-small 4300 (32 engine HP) that I will keep since it has a loader and backhoe and many attachments that work well with it. I do not need the new tractor to have a loader (if good price used it is OK though). I do not need MFWD since I have muck soil and it tears into the ground and you end up with more ruts/getting stuck than just 2WD. If I can't get in and out of the field with 2WD I shouldn't be there yet!

I have generally been looking used to save some money (my 4300 was bought "used" with 150 hours and has been great) but I came across what might be a good new deal. My options are...

1) 2008 NEW 5403 with 64 PTO HP (75 engine), 9F/3R SyncReverser, two rear SCV, front weights (about 200-400 punds). Nice very basic tractor but not all the "bells and whistles" that can get on the 5425. It is the turbo 3cylinder versus 5cylinder in the 5425. IF I ever get a loader (not likely) it is the 512 which is NOT detachable--a pain for what is primarily a field tractor. But I do like new...warranties and all that. I could likely get for $16,000-17000 without a problem since they are asking 17,400. ? if decent price? The used ones seem to go for little less than this.

2) Several options of used 5425, 65 PTO HP (81 engine), 9F/3R SyncShuttle on most, some with front weights, some with telescoping lift arms (nice for hook-up), single or dual rear SCVs (would like two), some with 540/540E PTO--may be nice to have the 540E but only on occassion I imagine, some even have the loader hydraulics but these would likley never be used.
Most of these are asking $18,900 to 23,000 used with about 250-400 hours on them. Not many hours but hard to tell how hard they were used sometimes.

Any real advantage to one or the other for my uses. I am not looking at the "loaded" 5425 so all the bells and whistles really don't apply to me I think. I am not getting the MFWD, cab, 12/12 or 24/24 synchreverser, etc. Is a 5 cylinder really any better than the 3 cylinder that has been around forever. Any repair history or cost differences? I would consider the slightly smaller versions also (5203, 5303, and 5225, 5325) but that usually saves very little $ and I don't want to get something that is just on the edge for doing hay. The tractor weights are about the same but the higher power maybe useful--brush hogging, hay, etc.

Any ideas would help....thanks ahead of time
Peter

RollingsFarms · Mar 15, 2009

jdmar said:
OK, so I have searched here a lot and have some ideas but still would welcome advice. I always get great advice on TBN. I am looking for a tractor to do general ground engaging field work, brush hogging and may do hay with square bailer in the next few years (likely no more than 25 acres in hay). I have 43 total acres to care for. I currently have a way-too-small 4300 (32 engine HP) that I will keep since it has a loader and backhoe and many attachments that work well with it. I do not need the new tractor to have a loader (if good price used it is OK though). I do not need MFWD since I have muck soil and it tears into the ground and you end up with more ruts/getting stuck than just 2WD. If I can't get in and out of the field with 2WD I shouldn't be there yet!

I have generally been looking used to save some money (my 4300 was bought "used" with 150 hours and has been great) but I came across what might be a good new deal. My options are...

1) 2008 NEW 5403 with 64 PTO HP (75 engine), 9F/3R SyncReverser, two rear SCV, front weights (about 200-400 punds). Nice very basic tractor but not all the "bells and whistles" that can get on the 5425. It is the turbo 3cylinder versus 5cylinder in the 5425. IF I ever get a loader (not likely) it is the 512 which is NOT detachable--a pain for what is primarily a field tractor. But I do like new...warranties and all that. I could likely get for $16,000-17000 without a problem since they are asking 17,400. ? if decent price? The used ones seem to go for little less than this.

2) Several options of used 5425, 65 PTO HP (81 engine), 9F/3R SyncShuttle on most, some with front weights, some with telescoping lift arms (nice for hook-up), single or dual rear SCVs (would like two), some with 540/540E PTO--may be nice to have the 540E but only on occassion I imagine, some even have the loader hydraulics but these would likley never be used.
Most of these are asking $18,900 to 23,000 used with about 250-400 hours on them. Not many hours but hard to tell how hard they were used sometimes.

Any real advantage to one or the other for my uses. I am not looking at the "loaded" 5425 so all the bells and whistles really don't apply to me I think. I am not getting the MFWD, cab, 12/12 or 24/24 synchreverser, etc. Is a 5 cylinder really any better than the 3 cylinder that has been around forever. Any repair history or cost differences? I would consider the slightly smaller versions also (5203, 5303, and 5225, 5325) but that usually saves very little $ and I don't want to get something that is just on the edge for doing hay. The tractor weights are about the same but the higher power maybe useful--brush hogging, hay, etc.

Any ideas would help....thanks ahead of time
Peter

you're looking at two great tractors for what you're wanting to do. i think you might be mistaken in thinking the 5425 having the 5 cyl engine. the 5225 and 5325 are the tractors that have this engine while the 5425, 5525, and 5625 share a 4cyl that's a 4.5L. it is also turbocharged btw. the one thing that you might have noticed, is that i see more 5403's in 2wd configuration then i have 5425's in 2wd configuration. why that is i don't know. so you may have a little harder time finding a 5425 setup like you're wanting, although not impossible by any stretch. it really comes down to whether you want the larger cubic inch engine of the 5425 over the 2.9 3cyl of the 5403. both are very capable engines, but i would give the tip of the hat to the 5425 when you want that lugging power doing ground engaging work. also the extra weight of the 5425 will be a good thing. really though, either tractor will suit your needs perfectly. the 5403 also has an e-pto setting, but i don't think it's the same thing as offered on the 5025 series. i just see a little mark on my 5203's dash that says e-pto and i've run my bush hog in this setting a few times doing light work and it works fine. also, the 522 loader CAN fit on the 5403. don't let anyone tell you otherwise as i've seen this myself with my own eyes. it can be done. i also agree that you will be just fine with the 9x3 transmission on either tractor. i do the same chores as you mentioned(besides haying) and i wouldn't need anything else other then the syncshuttle 9x3 i have now. you really just need to keep your eyes open for the tractor that's setup as close to what you have in mind at the price you're willing to pay. in the end i think you will be happy with either tractor and whichever one you decide on should serve you with many years of hard work.

jdmar · Mar 15, 2009

Thanks. I forgot that the 5425 is the bigger 4-cylinder. I had been looking hard at a 5225 for a while and was thinking about that engine. I just think I would like the greater hoespower of the slightly larger tractors. I appreciate the advice about the larger displacement. Right or wrong I think of it working less hard for its HP and therefore lasting longer. Also pulling harder when pushed. I know that is a gross oversimplification though.

jenkinsph · Mar 15, 2009

That is a tough call, there both good tractors but in your case I think I would go for the 5403. You don't need all the options of the other tractor and can either save some money in these tough economic times or use the difference for extras and or implements. I agree with you about the fel too as I don't want one in the way on my field tractor.

Steve

RollingsFarms · Mar 15, 2009

jdmar said:
Thanks. I forgot that the 5425 is the bigger 4-cylinder. I had been looking hard at a 5225 for a while and was thinking about that engine. I just think I would like the greater hoespower of the slightly larger tractors. I appreciate the advice about the larger displacement. Right or wrong I think of it working less hard for its HP and therefore lasting longer. Also pulling harder when pushed. I know that is a gross oversimplification though.

i also looked hard at the 5225, 5303, and 5203. ended up buying the 5203 and my dealer told me to try it out for a few weeks and if i didnt like it he'd come pick it up and let me get something else. been happy with the 5203 the 7 months ive had it, it's done everything i've asked of it. i knew i was never going to be doing any haying so i was looking for something between 50-65hp. didn't really need 4wd, but got a better deal and better financing for buying it over 2wd. can't say that i've used it that much either, so i could surely live without it. maybe in 10-20 years when i buy my next tractor i'll get more hp but only in a 2wd configuration. as for the comparing the 2.9 to the 4.5 goes, you WILL see a difference in lugging power when in tough spots with ground engaging equipment. now, dont be scared of that little 2.9 engine and its lugging power either. that's a tough lil' son of a gun! i just think since you're going to be doing round bales youll appreciate the extra displacement of the 4.5. the 5403 is really a tractor for someone who wants to do haying but is on a budget or isnt going to be doing it full time. now there are plenty of 5303's around here that are being used for haying by alot of people, and i mean these things get WORKED and never a days problem. i just think if you're even considering the 5425, you must not mind spending the money and in return you get better 3pt lift capacity, more scv options, etc.

jdmar · Mar 16, 2009

Well, the 5403 is gone...darn. My local dealer (nice people) have a 5403 but it is MFWD and too much money. But I am goin to try and look at a 5425 with less than 300 hours, one remote but hydraulics for a loader (so I can tag off those easy enough). It also has the 16.9 rears that I want. He said he would take $18,500 for it. Seems like a good price to me. He said not many who want the 5425 want the "stripped" version. But that is just right for me. It would run about $500 to get to me...but I'd have an awfuly nice tractor for under $20,ooo. Let me know what ya thinks.
If I can get my brother in law to take his rollback maybe I can get it delivered for diesel and beer cost!
Peter

jenkinsph · Mar 16, 2009

Why not offer 18,500 delivered and seal the deal. With checkbook in hand he will most likely do it. This assumes you like the tractor.

Steve

unreconstructed · Mar 16, 2009

I have a 5203 in 2wd and a 5325 in 4wd. I don't think it is just the 4wd--these two models have distinctively different feels to them. The '25 series is a heavier tractor and
will be obvious if you can test operate them both.

I have nothing against the '03--it has served me well. But if I had to pick I would keep the
5325.

I have not operated the '03 series in 4wd.

JD3520Turbo · Mar 16, 2009

I have been looking at 5225s because they are the cheapest 5,000 series tractor you can get with a power reverser. I want to use the front end loader a good bit, and like the idea of not clutching. If you are thinking about running a bailer sometime, I would got with the 5425. I just saw one sell at an auction with 780 hours on it with no loader, power reverser, and the Isolatated work station for 19,500. It needed tires badly and had a busted tail light and the tilt wheel was broken. But the engine sounded good.

My little 3520 is a nice little tractor, but is just a little short on lift capacity adn weight. It does fine at home, but on the farm, it feels a little small.
They want 17K difference for a 5225 MFWD with Isolated station, and loader. A little steep for my pocket book.

jenkinsph · Mar 17, 2009

JD3520Turbo said:
I have been looking at 5225s because they are the cheapest 5,000 series tractor you can get with a power reverser. I want to use the front end loader a good bit, and like the idea of not clutching. If you are thinking about running a bailer sometime, I would got with the 5425. I just saw one sell at an auction with 780 hours on it with no loader, power reverser, and the Isolatated work station for 19,500. It needed tires badly and had a busted tail light and the tilt wheel was broken. But the engine sounded good.

My little 3520 is a nice little tractor, but is just a little short on lift capacity adn weight. It does fine at home, but on the farm, it feels a little small.
They want 17K difference for a 5225 MFWD with Isolated station, and loader. A little steep for my pocket book.

Sometimes it is good to have both a small tractor like the 3520 and a larger tractor for heavy work in the field. I think the 6000 series are well priced considering their size and ability with ground engaging tools. There are some good deals on these out there now.

Steve