Buying Advice Help finding right model JD

cheeser · Aug 25, 2010

OK guys....I need help finding the right model John Deere tractor to look for. I am looking for a 50ish HP model that I will use a loader and backhoe with. I want a no-frills tractor so I don't want all the digital and electronic stuff that will go wrong. I'm thinking low end ag tractor vs. the lighter smaller ones that you need tweezers to work on.

I was looking at the 5205's which I thought might be good, but I read on another website of people having trouble with the instrument panels, the rockshafts freezing up, fuel sensors leaking etc. I remember the old 2020s and 4020s that took farm abuse and ran forever.

Does JD still make this kind of quality in a 4WD tractor today or do I need to think Orange? If so, which JD models are tried and true?

I appreciate the help.

cheeser · Aug 25, 2010

uh oh...I think I posted this in the wrong section....if I did, sorry. This is my first post.

wmonroe · Aug 31, 2010

I'm an orange fan myself, but if you want a JD they make a quality tractor that will last you a long time with proper care. Every manufacturer is going to have issues and knowing a couple farmers that run Deere exclusively I would feel confident.

Jeff Quinn · Aug 31, 2010

I traded off a like-new 2001 5205 with 4WD this morning. perfect tractor, but I wanted a cab. Never had any trouble with it, and bought it new 9 years ago. If I could have put a cab on it, it would still be here. Real workhorse. Has a JD 521 loader on it. If interested, I traded it to Little Tractor in Metropolis, IL. Little Tractor & Equipment: Kioti Tractors, Mower Aerator & Implement Dealer in Metropolis, IL.
Ask for James Little. great guy. I do not know how much he wants for it, but it only has 321 hours, and has always been kept inside.

BleedGreen · Aug 31, 2010

If you are looking "new" I would recommend the John Deere 5D and 5E Series Utility Tractors - or the previous models of 5003 Series. Let me know if I can help, either PM or here. Thanks!