Feedback requested on first tractor purchase, Considering JD 5065M.

[tmac196]

I am new to farming and relatively new to owning a 30 acre horse farm. I am currently raising 8-9 acres of mix and grass hay. Our first two seasons, I cut my teeth by hiring and observing (working) for neighbors who cut/conditioned and subsequently baled my hay. I learned much, but realized, perhaps not unexpectedly that this arrangement leads to problems being at the mercy of the contractors schedule. After some consideration, I decided to enter the baling side (I'll continue to contract the hay mowing/conditioning for now) and purchased a used New Holland 565 baler at the close of this hay season. My current tractors are too old and underpowered to run the baler efficiently so I have spent a good deal of time considering what type of tractor to purchase.

Considerations: I farm flat, sandy soil. Minimum PTO HP requirements suggested by NH for the baler is 35, but more were recommended for more effective baler operation. Baler weighs 3500 lbs. and I will pull and load a hay trailer behind the baler. Additional duties for the tractor include light discing 6 foot bush hog, 6 foot finish mower, 6 foot arena groomer and snow blowing during the winter. I do not yet have a specific need for a FEL.

Here are the specs:


2012 JOHN DEERE 5065M
-2WD
-150 HOURS
-65 ENGINE HP,
-5 CYLINDER JD DIESEL ENGINE
-GLOW PLUGS FOR EASY STARTS
-50 PTO HP
-12X4 SYNCSHUTTLE PLUS TRANSMISSION
-16.9-30 REAR TIRES @ 80%
-REAR TIRES ARE NOT LOADED
-11L15 FRONT TIRES @ 80% (3 RIB)
-TILT & TELESCOPIC WHEEL
-540 PTO
-SUPENSION SEAT
-REAR WORK LIGHT
-DELUXE TELESCOPIC LINKS
-TOP LINK
-STABILIZER BARS
-FOLDABLE ROPS
-DIFFERENTIAL LOCK
-TOOL BOX
-TRACTOR IS IN "NEW CONDITION"
-FACTORY WARRANTY UNTIL 6-26-2015

After review of this information, I am looking for your feedback about this specific choice of tractor for my application and experiences with this tractor, in particular. Has this make and model had any problems develop since it's introduction? Am I missing anything? Are there other considerations I haven't thought of?

 

[arlen4720]

The 5xxxM's are fine machines. I personally would want more horse power than the 65, because if you decide you want to run a nice disk mower, or a round baler, 85-100 hp would be nice.
Also, if you are going to do any thing where your are backing up allot, like snow blowing, you may like a 16x16 better.
The problems that I recall on this forum and others have been very few with this model. I do recall that there were a couple cases of defective castings that caused the pump to suck air.
Finally, I can't comprehend not needing a loader on any type of livestock operation. Even for things like changing a tire on a wagon or baler, manure/bedding cleanup, putting lime down, etc.

 

[corey9212]

I am new to farming and relatively new to owning a 30 acre horse farm. I am currently raising 8-9 acres of mix and grass hay. Our first two seasons, I cut my teeth by hiring and observing (working) for neighbors who cut/conditioned and subsequently baled my hay. I learned much, but realized, perhaps not unexpectedly that this arrangement leads to problems being at the mercy of the contractors schedule. After some consideration, I decided to enter the baling side (I'll continue to contract the hay mowing/conditioning for now) and purchased a used New Holland 565 baler at the close of this hay season. My current tractors are too old and underpowered to run the baler efficiently so I have spent a good deal of time considering what type of tractor to purchase. Considerations: I farm flat, sandy soil. Minimum PTO HP requirements suggested by NH for the baler is 35, but more were recommended for more effective baler operation. Baler weighs 3500 lbs. and I will pull and load a hay trailer behind the baler. Additional duties for the tractor include light discing 6 foot bush hog, 6 foot finish mower, 6 foot arena groomer and snow blowing during the winter. I do not yet have a specific need for a FEL. Here are the specs: 2012 JOHN DEERE 5065M -2WD -150 HOURS -65 ENGINE HP, -5 CYLINDER JD DIESEL ENGINE -GLOW PLUGS FOR EASY STARTS -50 PTO HP -12X4 SYNCSHUTTLE PLUS TRANSMISSION -16.9-30 REAR TIRES @ 80% -REAR TIRES ARE NOT LOADED -11L15 FRONT TIRES @ 80% (3 RIB) -TILT & TELESCOPIC WHEEL -540 PTO -SUPENSION SEAT -REAR WORK LIGHT -DELUXE TELESCOPIC LINKS -TOP LINK -STABILIZER BARS -FOLDABLE ROPS -DIFFERENTIAL LOCK -TOOL BOX -TRACTOR IS IN "NEW CONDITION" -FACTORY WARRANTY UNTIL 6-26-2015 After review of this information, I am looking for your feedback about this specific choice of tractor for my application and experiences with this tractor, in particular. Has this make and model had any problems develop since it's introduction? Am I missing anything? Are there other considerations I haven't thought of?

A few things I would suggest, if your soil is sandy I would get 4wd, I would get the rears loaded or at least weight on the front cause if it's a round baler you will feel it wrapping the bale (my 5115M would bounce like crazy.) also a 540-540e-1000 PTO would be an asset cause then you have better variety when it comes to attachments. Just my opinion from baling with the 5115M and working in sandy soil as well.

 

[JDTank]

Step up to the 5085M.

The engine in the 5085 and up machines is an entirely different beast from the lower line 5M machines. A lot of more power and torque.

 

[tmac196]

Thank you for your comments. I will operate a small square baler. We do not like round bales for our horse operations for a number of reasons.

I read somewhere that most hay baling is still performed by tractors with less than 50 hp. If this is true, then I am not sure the extra cost and the potential reduced fuel economy of a bigger machine is justified.

While sandy, my soil is dry and flat. The dealer suggested it would be unnecessary in the conditions in which I operate to load the tires on my tractor. Your thoughts?

I have thought long and hard about a FEL. I have read that once you own one, you wonder what you ever did without one. Yet, I haven't needed one thus far. On the other hand, I don't want to make a mistake not considering a FEL and regretting it and taking a loss on a trade up at a later time.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[vtsnowedin]

Thank you for your comments. I will operate a small square baler. We do not like round bales for our horse operations for a number of reasons.

I read somewhere that most hay baling is still performed by tractors with less than 50 hp. If this is true, then I am not sure the extra cost and the potential reduced fuel economy of a bigger machine is justified.

While sandy, my soil is dry and flat. The dealer suggested it would be unnecessary in the conditions in which I operate to load the tires on my tractor. Your thoughts?

I have thought long and hard about a FEL. I have read that once you own one, you wonder what you ever did without one. Yet, I haven't needed one thus far. On the other hand, I don't want to make a mistake not considering a FEL and regretting it and taking a loss on a trade up at a later time.

Decisions, decisions...

I think if you could run my 5045E for one day your mind would be made up. You might go for a 5065E or a 5075E to have plenty of power at the PTO but you would find that the loader and the loaded rear tires are just what you need . If you have horses there is sure to be piles to be loaded into the spreader.

 

[deere5105]

I think if you could run my 5045E for one day your mind would be made up. You might go for a 5065E or a 5075E to have plenty of power at the PTO but you would find that the loader and the loaded rear tires are just what you need . If you have horses there is sure to be piles to be loaded into the spreader.

+2. Started with 50 HP 2WD JD 5105. Added FEL. Year later traded on a 64 HP 4WD JD 5303 with FEL and really like it. The 5105 would turn a little sharper and quicker, but no way I would go back. Wouldn't mind having both, but if in your position I would be giving the JD 5065E a look. Since the "E" series have the same frame size, if finances allowed I would buy as much HP as I could up to the 5075E. I personally wouldn't don't think I would go less than the 5055E and if buying new or can find used I recommend going with the 16.9-28 rear tires.

 

[Hogdaddy]

The problems that I recall on this forum and others have been very few with this model. I do recall that there were a couple cases of defective castings that caused the pump to suck air.

Are you talking the fuel pump, hyd., or what? I have a 5085M that I like very much, accept it loses power quickly and suddenly when in a pull. (It doesn't have to be a hard pull either)

 

[arlen4720]

Are you talking the fuel pump, hyd., or what? I have a 5085M that I like very much, accept it loses power quickly and suddenly when in a pull. (It doesn't have to be a hard pull either)

Sorry, I should have clarified...the hydraulic pump would lose it's prime then, as the pump would wear, it would take longer and longer to put out proper flow and pressure.

HERE IS THE THREAD There was at least one other here that had the problem as well.

Hopefully your problem is a simple one.

 

[Hogdaddy]

Thanks for the quick reply back arien4720.

I'm pulling my hair out over my problem, but received some good info about check valves in the fuel line. I have yet to have time to check them out.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would think a 4720 cab tractor to a 5085M cab or anything in between should work for you. Almost no one is looking for a late model 2wd tractor today, what may appear to be a good deal will take a hit when and if you try to sell or trade later. If you are dead certain you will stick with small square bales and have others handle the cutting a 50+ pto hp tractor is all you need. On a small horse farm I see some benefits to the small squares as you can meter it out and have less waste.

On a small horse farm with improvements that need to be made a 4720 would be a good choice without breaking the bank. Adding a fel, cab and the right implements you need to get the work done would be less money and a good fit imo. Nine acres doesn't take long to prepare for grass and hay, I do several of these jobs each year with the 4520 cab currently. I would think that once you have some permanent pasture and hay fields that you would wind up with a lot of odd jobs to do. A 4720 cab tractor would make these jobs fun and easy to do.

If you have 30 acres to work intensively and need everything done fast a 5085M would be the ticket. Just recognize that the larger tractor and all the larger implements will cost much more. Cab tractors are the way to go with new tractor purchases imo

 

[tmac196]

Jenkinsph-

Thanks for the comments, especially thought provoking about the desirability of a late-model 2WD tractor which explains why it is priced as it is.

Having never used a tractor with a cab, I cannot appreciate what I am missing. Why do you recommend them so? This appears to be about a $6-7000.00 upgrade no matter what.

Is it just me or does anyone else find the late model 4WD John Deere tractors with the large front wheels unattractive? I just like the aesthetic of the smaller front wheel.

 

[jenkinsph]

tmac,
I recommend the cabs because they offer so much comfort#1 and are so much quieter to operate. How many people do you know who ride around in an open convertible in a snow or dust storm? At 61 I can pass on getting sick in the winter, cold and wet is no fun. Another plus is keeping the seat and operator station with gauges and switches out of the weather. Better for mowing and hay operations too.

I do prefer the smaller front tires on my 4520 and 110tlb for fel work as it is easier to see the bucket. I think the larger tractors can make good use of the larger tires for improved traction and that is their purpose after all. Very popular in architecture "form follows function". That said I just like most tractors particularly the older Moline and Oliver in 2wd models.

 

[bigblock]

Nothing like running over a yellow jacket nest to make you appreciate a cab.