Wombat125
Gold Member
I just spoke to my dealer last night. He said that JD was discontinuing the 5003 line. Deere is apparently being very hush hush about what it will be replaced with, although it is thought that there will be more cab options on the succeeding line.
He also said that if you don't currently have a deal inked for a current 5003 series, that you probably won't get one. Not only that, but you'd be lucky to get its replacement by the end of the year. In a related note, Denver Int'l airport is trying to order eight of the smaller 7000 series JD's and doesn't understand why they can't get them until Feb 2009.
He also said that tractor prices are likely to go through the roof in the next couple months. Raw materials and freight are clobbering the tractor industry. High ag demand doesn't help us consumers either.
My guess is that the 5003 series retirement is largely being driven by emissions. The current Powertech 2.9L is a tier 2 motor.
I have a 5303 on order that should be here in a week or two. Now I'm kind of torn:
Based on these factors, I think it's best that I stick with my 5303 order. Am I on track here?
He also said that if you don't currently have a deal inked for a current 5003 series, that you probably won't get one. Not only that, but you'd be lucky to get its replacement by the end of the year. In a related note, Denver Int'l airport is trying to order eight of the smaller 7000 series JD's and doesn't understand why they can't get them until Feb 2009.
He also said that tractor prices are likely to go through the roof in the next couple months. Raw materials and freight are clobbering the tractor industry. High ag demand doesn't help us consumers either.
My guess is that the 5003 series retirement is largely being driven by emissions. The current Powertech 2.9L is a tier 2 motor.
I have a 5303 on order that should be here in a week or two. Now I'm kind of torn:
1. I hope the replacement isn't too snazzy, so that I'm not disappointed with my 5303.
2. JD will have only offered the 5003 series with MFWD for about one year. I'm a little concerned about owning an oddball in JD history as far as parts availability goes.
2. If the succeeding line is a ground up redesign, I'll be glad not to have purchased the first year build of the new model.
3. I suspect the new models will be substantially more expensive.
4. I suspect the new models will have substantially more complex engine management and emissions controls.
2. JD will have only offered the 5003 series with MFWD for about one year. I'm a little concerned about owning an oddball in JD history as far as parts availability goes.
2. If the succeeding line is a ground up redesign, I'll be glad not to have purchased the first year build of the new model.
3. I suspect the new models will be substantially more expensive.
4. I suspect the new models will have substantially more complex engine management and emissions controls.
Based on these factors, I think it's best that I stick with my 5303 order. Am I on track here?