John deere 5303 vs 5403

[bairman]

I got a quote from a dealer the other day on a 5303, and a 5403. There was $2,000 difference between the two. Just wondering if the extra 9 hp on the 5403 is worth the 2 grand? Does any one have one of these tractors, and how do you like it?

 

[Wombat125]

I have a 5303 and I'm Lovin It (McDonalds commercial?). The 5303 is the third highest hp in the series of four tractors and has plenty of power for everything I've ever done. Admitedly though, I don't work mine too hard. Mine is mostly a glorified lawn and garden tractor so I never really put the screws to it.

I think the 5403 would only be required for big PTO work or heavier plowing.

If I were me, I would use the $2000 for a back/box blade, cutter, pallet forks, or some other implement(s). It just comes down to what you want to do with it.

BTW, if you get one of the 5003 series tractors, get the rear work light and the second SCV as part of the initial purchase. I didn't and now I get to do the installs myself. Phooey.

 

[budlite]

I got a 5303 the first of the year and am very happy with it. I also got a 522 FEL and 7-ft cutter with the original purchase and added a 7-ft HD boxblade recently. Whether the 9 HP is worth $2K is hard to say, depends on what you are intending to do with the tractor and how quickly you need to accomplish the task. I think the advice to use the extrra $2K for a implement is sound. There is alot of knowledge and experience on this site so look around you will learn alot about what can be accomplished. I was surprised to learn they even sold FEL & backhoes for some of the much smaller tractors and how much a knowledge user can accomplish with one.

 

[ddivinia]

I guess the real question is - what do you plan on doing with this tractor?

D.

 

[bairman]

I will be using it to do some bush hogging with a woods 7ft dual tail wheel cutter, and some disc work. I had a 5400 JD and need something comparable to this to know it will handle the attachments I have.

 

[ddivinia]

I will be using it to do some bush hogging with a woods 7ft dual tail wheel cutter, and some disc work. I had a 5400 JD and need something comparable to this to know it will handle the attachments I have.

Sounds like a 5303 will do what you want. How big a disc?

D.

 

[bairman]

the disc are tufline txh 920 22b. 20 22in. disc that weigh about 1400lbs.

 

[unreconstructed]

Interesting that the JD website under attachments for utility tractors lists only the LX 4,5, and 6 for all the 03 series.

I have a MX 6 for my 5203 (2005 2wd model) and it spins it like a top. I think it would handle a MX 7 unless there is a weight issue. Since another poster already stated he uses a 7 ft cutter, you should be sailing free with the 5303 and your 7 ' cutter. I can't speak to the disk.

I think you guys who are getting the 03's in 4Wd and the slightly upgraded tranny are getting a heck of a little tractor. I know Cowboy Doc whose advice I relied on when I bought my 5203 was big on this series of tractors.

Have fun!!

 

[RollingsFarms]

Interesting that the JD website under attachments for utility tractors lists only the LX 4,5, and 6 for all the 03 series.

I have a MX 6 for my 5203 (2005 2wd model) and it spins it like a top. I think it would handle a MX 7 unless there is a weight issue. Since another poster already stated he uses a 7 ft cutter, you should be sailing free with the 5303 and your 7 ' cutter. I can't speak to the disk.

I think you guys who are getting the 03's in 4Wd and the slightly upgraded tranny are getting a heck of a little tractor. I know Cowboy Doc whose advice I relied on when I bought my 5203 was big on this series of tractors.

Have fun!!

i just bought a 5203 MFWD with the MX6 yesterday. brought it to the farm today, and put it right to work. my first pic taken of it was AFTER it was dirty. i completely forgot to take one of it when it was shiny and new. whoops! as for the 7' goes, you should be fine on the 5303. i have no weights, no filled tires, nothing on my tractor and it'll pick up the MX6 just fine. squats ever so slightly but the front end never seems to get light. turns just fine with the mower in the raised position too. the first time i started cutting i honestly thought i didn't set the pto to engage, as i felt NOTHING. looked back and it was just cutting away fast as she could go. this is the same thick stuff my 5' ran in behind my 27 hp 950 and would bog it down sometimes. i was spinning this mower(MX6) easily.....i could have dropped it down well below 540 speed if truth be told and it would have cut just as easily.

 

[budlite]

From the JD website, PTO HP required:
MX6 - 30
MX7 - 40
MX8 (lift type) - 50
MX8 (all others) - 40
MX10 (lift) - 60
MX10 (others) - 40

5103 - 38 PTO HP
5203 - 47 PTO HP
5303 - 57 PTO HP