990 or 5103?

Hzgray · Mar 2, 2006

I recently purchased 17 acres in which I am building a home. The property is already cleared pasture and fenced with a few trees. I plan on letting a neighbor keep a few cows on my property to keep the grass down until I am out of the Navy in a few years. Anyhow I would expect to build and maintain about 600ft of gravel driveway and mow ~ 5 acres around my house. I imagine I will probably do a little landscaping. Also, my property is relatively flat. I expect I may need to move some hay around eventually when I get my own cattle. I am also debating the purchase of a loader. I am thinking the 990 may be too small but certainly not sure. I am thinking that 2wd is sufficient as long as I ensure the ground is dry. As a reference the previous owner used a Ford 660 but "took his time". Thanks

deerefan · Mar 2, 2006

I fought w/ the same decision. I bought the 5103 b/c it was the same price but had more weight and power. You won't go wrong with either one. They are, in my opinion, the best "no frills" tractor deal out there now.

gizmo · Mar 3, 2006

I maintain about ten acres and 1000' of gravel driveway with my 990 and it's size is well suited to my needs. It's big enough to move trees and drag a blade, yet small enough to maneuver in the woods. I would suggest that you go ahead and get the 4WD even if you don't get the loader. It makes a big difference, especially when pulling a blade or trying to get out of the mud.

I can't speak to the 5103, but I have no regrets (other than not getting in on the 300CX loader instead of the 430) with my purchase.

Big_Cajun · Mar 3, 2006

Either machine would do you fine...if you plan on shredding, the 5103 may allow you to go about it a bit faster. Also, the 5103 has a bigger frame. Just pick the one you like best.

BC

ddivinia · Mar 3, 2006

4WD is one determing factor. If you don't want/need 4WD, then either will probably do what you want. (5103 is not available in 4wd).

990 is 42hp
5103 is 50hp

990 - 2wd without SCV -$13,499
990 4wd with SCV - $16,559
300CX loader is around $3,814

5103 - base price without discounts is $15,829
512 loader - $4223

I would be leaning towards the 5103 myself. More power, heavier, etc, etc. 5103 is bargain city.

Have you considered a TWENTY Series?

D.

Ledgemere Farm · Mar 3, 2006

I think you will get more "bang for your" buck out of the 5103.

Hzgray · Mar 3, 2006

All,
Thanks for the information. You confirmed what I was already thinking. I am really leaning towards the 5103. I've been quoted $14,000 from the dealers in my area. However, I ran across a Ford 3930 in decent shape for $9500 with 1700 hrs. I am asking about that in the Ford section. If this is a good deal (albeit riskier) I'd rather save the bucks for attachments. Either one has good dealers. Too many decisions...

cowboydoc · Mar 3, 2006

Depending on how long you are going to keep the tractor I would go new. You just never know what someone else has done to one. I always question why newer tractors were traded. Alot of times you are buying someone else's problems. No surprises with a new one and one major breakdown makes up the difference between new and used. $4500 difference between the two does not even come close to making up for that 1700 hours of use on the tractor.

dgl24087 · Mar 3, 2006

Personally, I feel that the larger tractor is always better. I have a 1975 JD 1530, 45 PTO HP, and I wouldn't even think of using a compact, I use it for much the same purposes that you are planning for your tractor. The 3930's are good tractors, overall, but the later years with turbos seem to be troublesome, from what I have been told. I see a lot of those tractors in ads listed as having new engines. Ford 3910's are much the same tractor, and appear to be very reliable.

wolc123 · Mar 4, 2006

I dont know if you have pulled the trigger yet, but I would look at the 4120 also. It is a more modern design than the 990 or 5103 and weighs in right beween these two models. The 990 would be good around the house and the 5103 in the fields, but the 4120 would perform as good or better than these models at both tasks. Its going to set you back around $3000 more, but to me that is worth it especially when you consider the added features and the USA manufacture vs Japan (990), or India (5103).

tarscraper · Mar 8, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I dont know if you have pulled the trigger yet, but I would look at the 4120 also. It is a more modern design than the 990 or 5103 and weighs in right beween these two models. The 990 would be good around the house and the 5103 in the fields, but the 4120 would perform as good or better than these models at both tasks. Its going to set you back around $3000 more, but to me that is worth it especially when you consider the added features and the USA manufacture vs Japan (990), or India (5103). )</font>

An extra 3k to know it was "assembled" in the US? From parts that come from all over the world? The 990 and 5103 are used on homesteads AND small farms very frequently. Get the tractor with the features you need and you can afford. The 4120 is a good tractor. It is slightly easier to use than a gear tractor for a newbie. A weekend on a gear tractor and you would be just as comfortable. It is not a big deal. There is something to be said for simplicity and value.

brandon07 · Mar 8, 2006

Only reason I didn't get the 5103 instead of my 990 is I wanted 4wd. You here on here all the time that the 5103 owners loose traction before they loose power.

ddivinia · Mar 9, 2006

4WD is very handy.

All of the listed tractors are excellent units. The 5103 is a bargain in my book. The 4120 is a lot more tractor from a feature and ease to use perspective. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

D.

Turkflyer · Mar 9, 2006

They "lose traction before they lose power" because they aren't ballasted properly.

deerefan · Mar 9, 2006

Correct...with good ballasting the 5003 series would be unstoppable. I keep mine lightly ballasted to keep myself out of trouble (getting stuck). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Turkflyer · Mar 9, 2006

That's the beauty of the design. They can be light to prevent compaction, or can be ballasted to pull properly. You have the best of both worlds.

5103Owner · Mar 9, 2006

Mine is heavy, loader, tires filled, whenever I get stuck (lotta mud lately) I use the loader to get myself out, gotten me out every time so far. The wieght is an advantage in the spring, it'll pull a 2 bottom plow or an 8' disk no problem.