Firewood Work Tractor

[Daves3032E]

I am considering adding a new tractor for firewood / light logging work. It feels like what I really need is something to skid bigger / longer wood with and to handle my log trailer. The trailer would have a minimum of 1 cord on it at a time and weighs about 2,300 lbs empty (555 lb empty tongue weight - gets lighter sometimes when loaded). At times my wife helps and it sure would be handy to have another operator (she currently operates the 3032e with log grapple / winch as well as unloads logs from the trailer). I have decided that a loader is not a requirement and the 3032e has been able to handle 95% of any loader work that have I needed.

I initially thought the 5045E (MFWD) would be a perfect choice well, until price got in the way. I have one sales guy at one location that will sell me one for ~$23,300 (with 500 lbs of weight up front) while another location for the same dealer $26,740 (without the weight). Whatç—´ the deal with that??? There are other goof things as well. Like one salesman saying I have to have the loader controls with the MFWD option and the other saying I can get it without it.

I got a quote for the NH Workmaster 50 (loaded rears and 500 lbs on the front) for $24,800.

Got several quotes from two dealers of Mahindra -just too expensive! The tractor has to fit on my 80 wide trailer and the models that were available were over $26k with no additional weights.

I tried to get a quote from a MF/Kioti dealer, but not a peep from them.

Tried getting a quote on a Branson - again, not a word.

Then I saw an ad on CL for an LS dealer. Hmmm... why not. Found the closest LS dealer and he paired me up with a quote on a K5047 (remote hydraulics, 3rd function kit (WR Long), and loader - a $200 option!) for ~$20,500!

I didn't consider Kubota - the pedal really bothers me and they were difficult to work with on financing when I looked for my first tractor (Deere was easy to work with).

So boils down to getting the 5045E or the K5047. From the little research I've done, it seems like LS is pretty decent, and the price - wow. I would really enjoy having another Deere around though.

What to do! Is there something else I should be considering?

 

[TJP89]

The LS will out perform that JD all day long, just from my quick look at the specs. I actually can't see why you're hesitating. More expensive tractor w/o loader or less expensive tractor w/ loader...hmm, I'll take the LS. That price is actually less than the OTD price for my CK35. LS has no major issues, and a good reputation. I think the only thing holding you back is the off brand versus the name brand. That doesn't really matter as LS has shown themselves to be plenty reliable. I'd get the LS and not look back.

 

[Daves3032E]

The LS will out perform that JD all day long, just from my quick look at the specs. I actually can't see why you're hesitating. More expensive tractor w/o loader or less expensive tractor w/ loader...hmm, I'll take the LS. That price is actually less than the OTD price for my CK35. LS has no major issues, and a good reputation. I think the only thing holding you back is the off brand versus the name brand. That doesn't really matter as LS has shown themselves to be plenty reliable. I'd get the LS and not look back.

Being off brand was the biggest thing. That LS just seems to have so much value. Would be nice if I could find some more reviews of the K5047.

 

[BAP]

Quote Originally Posted by TJP89 View Post
The LS will out perform that JD all day long, just from my quick look at the specs. I actually can't see why you're hesitating. More expensive tractor w/o loader or less expensive tractor w/ loader...hmm, I'll take the LS. That price is actually less than the OTD price for my CK35. LS has no major issues, and a good reputation. I think the only thing holding you back is the off brand versus the name brand. That doesn't really matter as LS has shown themselves to be plenty reliable. I'd get the LS and not look back.
Being off brand was the biggest thing. That LS just seems to have so much value. Would be nice if I could find some more reviews of the K5047.

I am not sure what specs you are looking at that makes the LS a better value. Comparing the specs of the two tractors shows the JD 5045E weighs about 1000lbs heavier, has an engine with 20 cubic inches more and a turbo which will make it snappier and is power rated at 2100rpm versus 2600 rpm for the LSK5047. All these things will help especially if you are dragging wood. The LS may be a good tractor, I have no experience on them, but on paper the JD has a little better specs.

 

[Daves3032E]

I am not sure what specs you are looking at that makes the LS a better value. Comparing the specs of the two tractors shows the JD 5045E weighs about 1000lbs heavier, has an engine with 20 cubic inches more and a turbo which will make it snappier and is power rated at 2100rpm versus 2600 rpm for the LSK5047. All these things will help especially if you are dragging wood. The LS may be a good tractor, I have no experience on them, but on paper the JD has a little better specs.

I'm not sure how much engine I'd need. I don't think I've ever had my 3032e at full throttle while skidding. About the weight though... The additional weight of the loader (1278 lbs) and bucket (300 lbs???) would make it heavier.

 

[Daves3032E]

OK, update...

I initially tried getting financed for the K5047, but that was denied (Agri-Credit). The amount was $24,040.

Which is funny, because last week I was approved through Deere Financial, for up to $35,000 and 0%@84 mo.

So I should be taking delivery of a 2015 5045E within the next 3 weeks!

This is what I ordered:

- MFWD
- H240 Loader (500 Series Carrier)
- Telescopic End Links
- 14.9-28 Rear Tires, 9.5-24 Front Tires
- Creeper Gear Kit
- 3pt Heavy Hitch Trailer Mover For Gooseneck (2-5/16")
- Bushings for Cat I
- 2nd SCV
- 7 ft Hydraulic Angle Back Blade (Frontier RB2184H)

Not a bad little combination.

 

[terryknight]

congrats on the new tractor

 

[Green Power]

Congrats on the new tractor, did you get it in yet?

 

[Daves3032E]

Congrats on the new tractor, did you get it in yet?

Not yet. It was scheduled for 11/6/15, but there was a problem with the creeper gear kit that Deere hasn't designed/figured out yet, so instead I'm getting a CID Professional Series stump bucket with the dual JDQA/CUT mounts so it will work on the 5045E and 3032E. Looking at 11/14/15 for delivery.

 

[Daves3032E]

Delivered today!