MX6 & 5103

Turbys_1700 · Jan 18, 2006

I have 2 questions. How well will a 5103 handle a MX6? Is anyone using a MX6 for finish mowing? I realize it's very heavy and a 5103 / MX6 combo with a 512 FEL will be close to 7,000#. I know that taking off the bucket would save some substantial weight. This looks like a very nice package at a very attractive price. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif With over 100 acres I need to upgrade my dads fleet of well worn D-17's. Thanks for any input. This forum is addictive!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ddivinia · Jan 18, 2006

I run my MX-6 on my 5525 and my 4720. It cuts very nicely for both thick brush and grass. The MX-6 is very heavy duty, and make the LX models look like a toy. If you are only going to be cutting grass, you might consider an LX over the MX model.

What else do you plan on doing with the setup? I really like the e-hyrdo trans - you might want to consider a tractor with it. Also, the power reverser is not bad either.

Over,
D.

Dutch445 · Jan 18, 2006

I agree that the 5103 should handle the MX6 without a problem.
The only issue you have there is that the loaders form Deere for the 5103 aren't quick attach, and if you were planning on removing the loader for mowing, you may want to consider another loader brand.. great bend, westendorf, whatever.
But, those tractors are a lot of JD HP for the money!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

deerefan · Jan 18, 2006

I run a 6ft model#286 Bushhog behind my 5103 and, though it is heavy, the tractor never bogs. I've cut some pretty thick brush with no problems. If you have some real thick stuff, drop it in A/2 or A/3 and it will eat it up. I attached a pic to give you an idea.

timb · Jan 18, 2006

The MX-6 has a fairly high blade speed - and while it's no finish mower it actually leaves a pretty decent cut behind, at least if you don' t let things get too tall. If I cut the 'nice' fields (almost yard) when they are under 6-8 inches high - the cut doesn't look all that much different than our Woods finish mower. When the grass gets higher it gets choppier and windrows worse than the Woods.

As far as handling - I need the weight of the FEL to balance the MX6 well on my smaller 4710 - but you may get away without that on the longer, heavier 5103. The Deere manual for the 5103 should have an implement code weighting chart which gives guidelines for the 'right' amount of front ballast for any given implement. (The on-line manual references the implement code chart but I couldn't find an actual link to it.)

Rayder · Jan 18, 2006

I have an MX6 on my 4320 and it is awesome. Had an LX before and there is no comparison. If you do get an LX for that size of tractor, get the slip clutch unless you enjoy changing sheer bolts frequently.

cowboydoc · Jan 19, 2006

The MX6 is a toy to that tractor. You could easily handle an 8' and if you went with a semi-mount you could handle a 10' especially if you are doing finish mowing with it. You would have to gear down for the really tall thick stuff but for everyday mowing you could fly through it.

honeyb · Jan 22, 2006

I have a 5103 with a MX6 cutter and works great no bogging
down. The key to a finer cut is the blade speed, I seem to get
a better cut when I run the tractor at the high end of the RPM
range (about 2200-2400 RPM's). I just gear the tractor down
to control the speed.

I did not buy the JD 512 loader when I bought my tractor
because it was not quick detach. I have done some research
and found that Woods and Bush Hog make a quick detach
loader for the 5103. From what I have been told these loaders
are better than the 512 loader. But these other loaders are
more expensive.