JD 5303 vs Kubota M7040??

[rfp23]

I have not owed a tractor in years, but recently purchased 20 acres in Mississippi. I want to plant 5 acres in corn and I am trying to decide on a new tractor. My options at this time are the John Deere 5303 64HP or the Kubota M7040 at 68HP. I will be using a 2-bottom turning plow and 7' disk. The JD is cheaper by $3,500, but the M7040 has more options.

Does anyone have an opinion on these two? I like the Kubota better, but $3,500 is a good bit of money for a hobby farmer.

Thanks,

RFP23

 

[IslandTractor]

Both fine tractors. First question that occurs to me why do you want 65+hp for your two bottom plow and 7ft disc. You indicate you haven't had a tractor in 20 years. Are you familiar with how 4wd assist lowers HP needs for tillage? A two bottom plow and 7ft disc could be easily pulled by a 40hp 4wd tractor so if saving some money is attractive to you then consider downsizing.

 

[rfp23]

I probably got caught up in the "bigger is better" category. Some of the dealers said I needed 50HP minimum to pull the plow. When i originally began looking, I was only considering the JD and the dealer did not have a 50HP, jus tthe 5303 64HP.

This property is gently roll pasture land (currently) and I would like to grow the corn just for fun. The most acreage I would ever till is 10.

Funny you mention 4WD as the dealers all gave me higher prices for them by about $5,000. I can purchase a new 5303 for $15,500 or the Kubota M7040 for $19,000 (plus tax and attachments).

Thanks for your advise.

RFP23

 

[careyo63]

I use a 5103 that a lady down the road has it should be more than adequate for what you will be asking of it.Nice tracktor for the money.With gently rolling hills there should be no need for 4wd.Her land has a few steep inclines and it handles them just fine when I'm disk cutting.They are at an angle that I wouldn't even consider with my little 24hp yanmar.I had her 6ft box blade behind it the other day for the first time I was more than impressed with it.

 

[IslandTractor]

With gently rolling hills there should be no need for 4wd.

4wd is not just for hilly terrain but more importantly for traction when plowing etc. 4wd allows you to do the same work with a lower hp tractor. Just what exactly the increased efficiency is I don't know but something in the range of 10%, so for example a 45hp 4wd would be at least as effective as a 50hp 2wd.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The '03 Deere's are crude indian built tractors. Their 25 series is much more comparible to a Kubota feature/quality wise. Kubota does have an economey 7040 thats due on dealer lots anyday thats more compriable to an 03-series Deere.

 

[careyo63]

When I was growing upon a small farm we never found a 4wd to be any more productive than a 2wd as for traction since most of your traction is on the rear wheels when pulling a plow.We found that 4wd had a slight advantage of was steering after adding counter weights no differnce in pulling but 2wd still made sharp turns easier.Then comes in the mechanical factor the more moving parts the higher the chance of something failing I don't care who it's made by.We had a B2710 3 times the hydrolic valve failed squirting fluid through the steering tube 2 times back two the dealer 3rd time we put a good ole ghetto rig on it and sold it.Cheap!

 

[Wombat125]

I agree with IslandTractor that 60+ hp is a little more than you need for a 2 bottom plow and a 7' disk, and also that 4wd is a good option to think about. I can hardly talk though, since I also bought more tractor than I actually required.

I think the M7040 and the 5303 would both serve you quite well for that size of tractor.

The '03 Deere's are crude indian built tractors.

Messick says this every chance he gets. I am inclined to believe he has never actually seen one in real life. The 5x03 is a basic tractor, but I would hardly call it crude. It uses the same bulletproof 2.9L Powertech motor that JD has used for ~15 years. It is also quite heavy, has good hydraulics, and planetary style front hubs. The planetaries are not necessarily better than the bevel gear hubs; just my preference.

Happy shopping!!

 

[RollingsFarms]

I agree with IslandTractor that 60+ hp is a little more than you need for a 2 bottom plow and a 7' disk, and also that 4wd is a good option to think about. I can hardly talk though, since I also bought more tractor than I actually required.

I think the M7040 and the 5303 would both serve you quite well for that size of tractor.



Messick says this every chance he gets. I am inclined to believe he has never actually seen one in real life. The 5x03 is a basic tractor, but I would hardly call it crude. It uses the same bulletproof 2.9L Powertech motor that JD has used for ~15 years. It is also quite heavy, has good hydraulics, and planetary style front hubs. The planetaries are not necessarily better than the bevel gear hubs; just my preference.

Happy shopping!!

also, that "crude" series of tractor has the LEAST ammount of warranty claims out of ALL of John Deere equipment on the market today. that in itself speaks volumes.

 

[tjkadar]

For ground engaging jobs, such as plowing or discing, weight because an important consideration in the tractor you buy. Generally speaking, the heavier tractor will do a better job. So, don't forget to look at the weights of the tractors, the cost of additional weights, and what the final poundage will be on a field ready tractor.

I, for one, don't see a problem using a 5303 or 7040 for what you plan to do. Simply buy some bigger implements to match the tractors horsepower.