M5040 (2WD) vs MX5100 (4WD)

[bpsooner]

I have narrowed my first tractor down to a M5040 (2wd) with FEL and the MX5100 (4WD) with FEL. I have received a quote on the M5040 for $23,700.00 and $22,900.00 on the MX5100. Both quotes include AG tires, Fluid in tires, and a 6ft Brushhog.
I am torn between the upgraded M5040 and the 4WD MX5100. The M5040 has a larger FEL (3307#) compared to 2310# on the MX5100 FEL and the full synchro shuttle transmission. HP is comparable along with the PTO.
I will be using the tractor on my 40 ac, moving round bales, brush-hog, and using the FEL quite a bit. Need some opinions on if the 4WD on the smaller MX-5100 would outweight the benefits of the 2WD M-5040....

 

[milkman]

That would be an easy choice for me, 4WD is a must have with FEL. Lots of people use 2WD and loader, my neighbor had a large McCormick 2WD with loader, went down to next smaller tractor with 4WD and loader, he won't go back to just 2WD.

 

[PSDStu]

Based on your planned useage you would be wise to get 4wd. If your budget will allow it, I would take a look at a M5040, 4wd, LA1153 loader, and the Hyd Shuttle tranny, over the Sync Shuttle tranny.

Might be worth having the dealer price one for you.

Best of luck!

Stu

 

[big bubba]

I absolutely agree with the above post that you should look at the 4 WD hyd shuttle 5040 & fluid filled rears....having had the MX 5000 and now 8540, I feel the M series is miles ahead in every respect....in the long run, at say $100 more monthly payments, you'll be glad you did. but in any case, go 4WD if you have to make that decision. the synchro tranny, larger fel capacity, larger frame, & hyd shuttle of the M series will put you leagues ahead. go with the 4wd hyd shuttle 5040 bb

 

[ZDB]

I just got an M7040HD with FEL, and my dad got the MX5100 with FEL. Both are MFWD with loaded R1's. After operating both I agree with Bubba the M5040 with MFWD is the way to go for farm work especially moving round bales. Bigger frame, bigger rubber, Hyd shuttle, and more FEL capacity.
You should be able to find an M5040 for around $26k with the mechanical shuttle trans. I had a quote last month on the M5040 MFWD with Hyd Shuttle and FEL for $26,800.

To answer your question though, the MX5100 MFWD would be in my opinion a better match for your usage if you are only looking at a 2wd M5040.

 

[bbirder]

I have an M4900 2WD w\FEL that I use just as you want to do. I will always regret not getting 4WD. The M-series tractor has served me well. I use a bale spear on my FEL and forks on the rear. The tractor handles two large bales very good until you get in some mud with a load. It is very embarrassing to have too ask your neighbor to come pull you out with his BLUE tractor!
Whatever you do, don't sacrifice the FEL for 4WD. That's the most useful tool on my tractor.

 

[Ken45101]

Front end loader with 2WD? Useless! Mine spent most of it's life detached until I traded it on a newer one with 4WD.

If you get loaded tires, I suggest that it NOT be loaded with calcium! Dealer put that in my new tractor. I'm having it removed. It ate through the valve stem in less than a year.

 

[clenhart]

I would definitely go with 4wd if you get the loader even if you have to sacrifice some of the convenience features on the M series. My brother and I were working at moving a large pile of dirt. I was using my L3400 4wd and he was using a much larger 68 hp Long tractor with a broken front drive shaft. With only the rears pulling he was unable to fill his bucket in the hard dirt pile making my much smaller tractor able to move dirt more efficiently than he was. Certainly convinced me of the importance of 4wd with FEL.

 

[ljh2]

Howdy,
It's been a while since I've posted around here, but I saw your thread and thought I'd share my 2 cents.

I have an M6800 that I've used for a lot of the same things you mention. Mine has the hydro-shuttle which is nice for the loader work, otherwise you give your left leg a bit of a workout. I also have the loaded rear tires. Still the LA1162-SL loader that I got with it can lift plenty to make her a little light in the rear. I've considered a counter-weight, but honestly the R1 tires tell me I probably shouldn't. Inflated somewhere between the Kubota recommended and max-pressure, they still get squished. If you are serious about much heavy loader work get the R4 tires, or better yet look into getting a skid-steer. Looking back, I might actually have been better off getting an older used farm tractor and a used skid-steer for the same price I paid for my new tractor. Don't get me wrong, I love my tractor and the loader is really nice to have, I really couldn't picture getting round bales out of the field any other way. But if you are serious about loader work, especially dirt work, a skid loader is SO much better for the task. The visibility of your work area and the maneuverability is not even comparable.

As to the tractor itself I recommend the 4WD regardless of loader or not. I find it useful with ground engaging implements too (plow, disk, etc..., as well as snow removal). If budget constraints limit you to either the 2WD M or the 4WD MX, I'd go with the MX just for the 4WD. Sounds like it should meet most of your other needs pretty well anyway. Keep in mind too that those loader lift specs are what the loader can lift, NOT what it should lift. With the right tires and a proper ballast you can probably max out the loader, but I haven't yet in over 5 years with it.

One other thing to remember, if you get into something where you have some serious dirt-moving to do, you can always rent a skidsteer to do what it does best.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Ken45101]

If you are serious about much heavy loader work get the R4 tires, or better yet look into getting a skid-steer. Looking back, I might actually have been better off getting an older used farm tractor and a used skid-steer for the same price I paid for my new tractor.

Agreed! Last year I traded my M4700 (2WD with FEL (the FEL was a barn queen)) for a M5040 4WD with FEL. It would have been a lot less costly to pick up a used skid steer and it probably would have been a smarter deal.