How well built are the JD 5055e Tractors

SETexan · Aug 30, 2012

vtsnowedin said:
I suppose it comes down to what you consider "A Lot" . What capacity that the T4020 has that is JD has less of will let you run a piece of equipment on one but not the other? What feature lets you do a job with one and not the other? I'm not saying they are equal, I don't have both spec sheets printed out in front of me. Just asking what you have found that matters to you. And what is the price difference?

One of the biggest and main differences is the Power shuttle. I use my shuttle alot and is a feature i really like. although, it is not a huge deal breaker but, the JD doesn't have a shuttle, even though, 2 to reverse are above/below each other. Other than that the it comes down to the other options the T4020 has that the JD doesn't offer. I wasn't trying to offend but, it is hard to compare the two because they are in two different classes.

SETexan · Aug 30, 2012

Thanks, for all that have responded!!!

Hopefully, i will have a new tractor this weekend (waiting on it to get to the dealer).

vtsnowedin · Aug 30, 2012

SETexan said:
One of the biggest and main differences is the Power shuttle. I use my shuttle alot and is a feature i really like. although, it is not a huge deal breaker but, the JD doesn't have a shuttle, even though, 2 to reverse are above/below each other. Other than that the it comes down to the other options the T4020 has that the JD doesn't offer. I wasn't trying to offend but, it is hard to compare the two because they are in two different classes.

I'm not taking offense or trying to give any.
I was trying to get at what are the real differences between the two tractors. If you have a set of equipment you want to use and a piece of land to use it on then there are break points between tractors. This tractor will pull your baler and a loaded kicker wagon up the road from your lowest field back to the barn in one trip while that tractor has to make two trips. That sort of thing, which is hard to pick out reading flashy brochures at the dealers. The shuttle shift is a nice feature if you do a lot of loader work but it won't help you pull a large round baler on hilly ground. If you drive on public roads a lot going between fields then a higher speed road gear becomes important to you along with high visibility warning lights. Out in the woods where I am having lights enough to see what I'm doing in a blowing snowstorm at two AM matters but there isn't anybody coming along that needs to see me or my tractor. Cup holders and the like are nice of course but would you really pick a tractor because it had two extra power outlets and a kicker of an FM radio over a tractor that got your work done quicker and at less cost?

jenkinsph · Sep 2, 2012

SETexan,
You should be aware that the new 5xxxE tractors coming out will be available with the power reverser trannies.

dntfxr · Sep 2, 2012

That's what I've been waiting for, that is good news!

FunnelWeb · Sep 2, 2012

Can anyone comment on the durability or otherwise of the plastic bonnets on the 50xxE tractors?

jenkinsph · Sep 4, 2012

FunnelWeb,
I have read a few threads where this has been discussed and will say there are two camps of thought some prefer steel bonnets while others prefer the plastic bonnets. Which is better is hard to determine, I have had both and could go either way. I don't really see where it would be a deal breaker or have much significance to me when choosing a tractor. There are some who think the plastic is a cheaper way to go but I suspect it may be more costly than sheetmetal.

FunnelWeb · Sep 4, 2012

Thanks jenkinsph for the reply.

SETexan · Sep 4, 2012

as far as having plastic fenders and hoods if that is what you are talking about? I use to hate the plastic until i owned a tractor with plastic. one positive for the plastic is i usually get my tractor in place it should NOT be and instead, of scratching metal and it rusting it just scratches the plastic. from a distance the tractor still looks good. I'm not sure if you meant bonnet as in hood or something else. But if you did then, i am like jenkinsph i would take a tractor either way.

jenkinsph, i appreciate the information on the shuttle but, it is too late for me as i have bought my tractor. I hope to have home this week!

FunnelWeb · Sep 4, 2012

SETexan said:
as far as having plastic fenders and hoods if that is what you are talking about? I use to hate the plastic until i owned a tractor with plastic. one positive for the plastic is i usually get my tractor in place it should NOT be and instead, of scratching metal and it rusting it just scratches the plastic. from a distance the tractor still looks good. I'm not sure if you meant bonnet as in hood or something else. But if you did then, i am like jenkinsph i would take a tractor either way.

jenkinsph, i appreciate the information on the shuttle but, it is too late for me as i have bought my tractor. I hope to have home this week!

Sorry, I was referring to the plastic hoods. I forgot to use US terminology.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm looking around for a tractor to use on a 100 acre property. I like the 5055E and was wondering what other users thought of the plastic hood. Up until now I only have experience with steel hoods.