Looking at JD 5100E and MF 4610. Which is best?

[ThorntonFarm]

I am looking to buy my first tractor since 1990. I have a Case IH 695 and I love it but it's 25 years old, 2x4 and doesn't have a cab. My dad is still farming some and I want to get a cab tractor. I'm looking at a JD 5100E w/loader and bale spear for $59,100 at Meade Tractors in Greeneville, TN. I'm also looking at a MF 4610 with same options for $53,600 at Tyler Brothers in Maryville, TN. I want a tractor that will last 25 years as my old Case has. This will be my first purchase of a cab tractor. Any advice would be great. I need a tractor to bale around 600 4x5 round bales a year, bush hog some and feed had in winter. Rest of get time it will be in the tractor shed.

 

[TSO]

Both look to be nice, capable machines. Both loaders will lift within 100 lbs of each other, with the JD just ahead of the Massey. Both have around the same PTO HP (85 for the Deere, 80 for the Massey). The Deere has a much larger engine (4.5L 4cyl Turbo) vs the Massey (3.3L 3cyl Turbo) yet they both are rated at around 100 hp... which might mean better fuel economy for the Massey. The Massey will lift just a tad more on the 3pt (about 200 lbs more). The JD weighs about 1000 lbs heavier though, so it might be more stable, depending on where the weight is located. The JD also has a nicer cab. $6,000 is a lot of money, but both machines should handle your needs, so it will most likely come down to personal preference once you get inside and play with them. Personally I like Massey red, but I'd be happy with either one.

So ... go spend some time in each one and see which you prefer! Also, does one brand offer better dealer support? I usually don't put huge importance on a dealership, however since you'll be using it for your farm, you'll need a good dealer ready to get you back to work quickly should something break.

 

[candersen10]

Would you ever look at a New Holland or Caseih machine in this segment too?

 

[coolnature]

Do yourself a favor and look at the NH T4 series and the Case IH Farmall C series. They are identical except for the color and a few cosmetic differences. Both offer some nice options not available from JD and the 100HP models come in at 8000#. The price should be in the low 50's for a 100HP well equipped cab tractor w/ FEL.

 

[ThorntonFarm]

I don't know much about dealer support as the old dealer I used to buy the Case IH went out of business years ago. I looked at a NH T4 but I didn't care much for it. I haven't looked at any Case IH models. I do like the John Deere dealer and I like 0% for 60 months which is something MF and NH said the couldn't do. I may look at some Case IH models since you suggested it. Somebody mentioned an McCormick to me. Anyone have any ideas about that?

 

[Corey MARSHALL MACHINERY]

Just got this nice used 5083 in if anyone's interested

 

[wmonroe]

I don't know much about dealer support as the old dealer I used to buy the Case IH went out of business years ago. I looked at a NH T4 but I didn't care much for it. I haven't looked at any Case IH models. I do like the John Deere dealer and I like 0% for 60 months which is something MF and NH said the couldn't do. I may look at some Case IH models since you suggested it. Somebody mentioned an McCormick to me. Anyone have any ideas about that?

Welcome to TBN. My neighbor just bought a McCormick CX95 about a year and a half ago. He bought it used with a couple thousand hours and has been happy with it so far. It has a fel and he uses it for loading and feeding round bales, baling small squares, cutting and raking hay, and I'm sure other things that I'm not thinking of now. I haven't seen him run the round bailer with it as he normally uses the 1086 and then the McCormick is loading the bales on a trailer as he goes. Seems like a basic but good overall tractor.
Welcome to TBN.

 

[mfreund]

Go with the dealer that can support and have knowledge for repair purposes.

The tracord are close, choose by dealer support.