I own a 5105, which is the same tractor with 5 less hp. I've had it since late February. I use mine on 20 acres, for a variety of maintenance tasks (mowing, snow clearing, driveway), for renovating pastures, and for putting in a new hayfield.
The 5x05 tractors are VERY stout. I think they are about the toughest thing in the 50-60hp utility range, maybe even above the other JD's.
I have R1 ag tires (16.9x28 rears, filled with rimguard) and MFWD, and the 522 FEL. Traction in all conditions is absolutely incredible. I can do serious pulling tasks while driving through mud so deep and sticky that I would be unable to walk in it without getting my boots pulled off.
Another plus is that with all this power, the fuel consumption is still very low. I am averaging 0.75 gallon per hour of use (yes, 3/4 of a gallon). The Nebraska tractor tests indicate 2.8 gal/hr for maximum power use on the 5105 and 3.0gal/hr on the 5205. Not a lot of fuel, and it's unlikely you'll be using maximum power continuously.
Downsides - are few and quite obvious. There are only 8 forward speeds, more would be nice. The transmission has a mere synchro-shuttle with a dry clutch, which is not as convenient as a hydroshuttle and wet clutch, nor will the clutch last quite as long with frequent use (though I'm told that 1000 hours is an extremely reasonable expectation, even with heavy FEL work). 1st gear is slow enough for most purposes except for pushing the FEL bucket into a really hard pile; for that, HST or a creeper gear would be nice. The FEL is very powerful, but the valves to control it allow only limited dual functions - clearly the lift/lower has priority over the bucket curl. Turning radius is not as tight as some competitive and slightly smaller tractors, especially the Kubota Grand L's and Mxx40 series.
Some might view the dry PTO clutch as a downside, but I don't. It's simple, easy to use, works well, and should last a very long time. Maybe it will require a new clutch at 2000 or 3000 hours. Not a big concern to me. Similarly, the ROPS platform with a painted steel deck and an exposed transmission housing looks old fashioned and primitive, but in actual usage it is very comfortable and I never find that the transmission gets in the way of where I want my feet. The one thing that would be nice would be more room between the FEL control and the dash to exit on the right side.
If you buy one, I would definitely get extendable draft links or an iMatch hitch - and I prefer the draft links because this tractor is really setup for a Category 2 hitch, but works just fine with Cat 1 implements because the hitch balls have both sizes which you can rotate between. I would also get at least one rear remote, if for nothing else than resale because it's expected on this class of tractor. Mine is also setup with the winter package, which costs like $100 and includes a very effective manifold heater; I have been able to start easily in 10 degree weather.
Basically, the 5105/5205 is a really good, basic utility that is not quite bare bones (like the 5103) nor deluxe (like a 5225), and is just enormously powerful. If you need a strong basic utility, I think it's a great choice.
