Great ideas everyone but doesn't appear I will be able to afford a FEL. I checked all the used inventory and I did find a 5055e for a really good price.
Does everyone think that the 5055e be enough tractor for me?
I did find a 5075e for only $2,000 more, should I just spend the extra money on it since it's in the price range?
I've been following the thread and just wanted to put in my opinions. Too bad about not being able to afford the FEL. But FEL's are kinda addicting. Once you do do add one, you'll never want to be without it. So avoid it while you can.... If you can. I agree with others about SSQA and simply dropping the bucket when not using the FEL. Much easier than taking off the FEL and accomplishes the same thing. As for maintenance, I've had about half a dozen FELs on tractors from 15 to 110hp and used them all hard. Don't think I can remember a single repair issue other than grease zerks.
Your "unfixable" leak on the JD2350 bothers me. If that were my tractor I'd want to know more about the hows and whys of that "repair". There's got to be more to that story. I was a mechanic for year. Something just doesn't sound right. Seals are easy to fix and they are fixes which last a long time. Makes me wonder if the mower or PTO shaft are out of balance - but of course both those are things that any mechanic would have checked out when doing that job for the second time so he probably did that. Still, something is being overlooked.
I think that 6000 hours on a 1980s tractor means it is time to look at new ones too. Sure, that tractor will probably last another 6000 hours for some young farmer and it will be without major repairs and be a good deal for them. But it needs to go to someone who doesn't mind replacing the belts, hoses, leaks, switches, and such which are simply part of owning an older machine. It'll make someone a good machine; let it go.
Sure, I'd stick with JD if that makes you comfortable, but I'd sure go with either a different JD dealer or if staying with this one I'd write some sort of guarantee about repairs that last into the next sales contract. Like I said - and others have said the same thing - those repeated repairs sound wrong.
Do have someone take a look at the mower. What kind of shape is it in? Time for a new tractor might well be time for a new mower too.
$2000 for the extra HP is a no-brainer if the condition of the machines seems the same. For me, condition always is the number one thing I'm looking for in used. Comfort too. Drive both around. Extra HP is nice. You don't have to advance the throttle, but it's there if you need it.
Good Luck, rScotty