Conn
Bronze Member
I'm about as picky as the day is long. Really. It takes me 15 minutes to pick out deodorant at the grocery. It's terrible. To add even more to the fire, I'm a cheap arse as well. So, needless to say, I spent hours of calculations, research, and hair pulling trying to come to a decision. Here are my results.
I purchased a new M5040 4wd yesterday afternoon on my way home from work. I stewed over which JD tractor to buy for a good four weeks until I went to the Kubota dealer. I had looked at the 5103 and 5203 Deeres. The M5040 was what was suggested as something in the same HP range as the 5103/5203.
The M5040 has 5 hp more than the JD 5103 IIRC, and is a LOT more comfortable and better built. Tilt steering, adjustable seat with reclining, and for the most part, a full platform. The controls were easier to work. It's got a cupholder
and the undercarraige wasn't bombarded with thick, nasty paint. I was going to have to spend about $27,000 to get a green tractor that was as equally nice as the Kubota M5040. The turning radius is excellent with the Kubota 4wd. I was thoroughly impressed once I hopped on the 5040 and went for a ride..
I didn't like the way the 5103 looked or felt when I rode it. The castings on the transmission were horrible looking. They reminded me of a cast tool you'd buy from Harbor Freight. I drove two 5103s and both had a hard time starting in very modest ambient temperatures. The first one, I had to crank for 20-25 seconds in 45 degree weather.
There's no way I could have ridden a 5103 for more than an hour without letting out a yelp in pain at some point. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable tractors I've ever been on. My old 1955 John Deere 40 is more comfortable. The steering wheel was placed too far out in front of you, when you scooted the seat up to reach the wheel, your legs were uncomforable. I had the tension on the spring on the seat adjusted to the lightest setting ( I weigh 170lbs, 5'9" tall) and it still sat me up entirely too high in the saddle.
I got the 4wd option for $2300 more than the 2wd Kubota would have cost me, so I feel like I got a pretty decent deal.
The tractor was $18,953 out the door.
Thanks to Kubota for the credit, she'll be mine, all mine in 6 years when the payments are done!
As soon as it's delivered, it's going straight to the barn and being put to the test with a three bottom 16" moldboard plow.
I don't think she'll pull it through sod ground, but I've got some winter wheat out as cover that *should* roll over pretty easy.
I purchased a new M5040 4wd yesterday afternoon on my way home from work. I stewed over which JD tractor to buy for a good four weeks until I went to the Kubota dealer. I had looked at the 5103 and 5203 Deeres. The M5040 was what was suggested as something in the same HP range as the 5103/5203.
The M5040 has 5 hp more than the JD 5103 IIRC, and is a LOT more comfortable and better built. Tilt steering, adjustable seat with reclining, and for the most part, a full platform. The controls were easier to work. It's got a cupholder
and the undercarraige wasn't bombarded with thick, nasty paint. I was going to have to spend about $27,000 to get a green tractor that was as equally nice as the Kubota M5040. The turning radius is excellent with the Kubota 4wd. I was thoroughly impressed once I hopped on the 5040 and went for a ride.. I didn't like the way the 5103 looked or felt when I rode it. The castings on the transmission were horrible looking. They reminded me of a cast tool you'd buy from Harbor Freight. I drove two 5103s and both had a hard time starting in very modest ambient temperatures. The first one, I had to crank for 20-25 seconds in 45 degree weather.
There's no way I could have ridden a 5103 for more than an hour without letting out a yelp in pain at some point. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable tractors I've ever been on. My old 1955 John Deere 40 is more comfortable. The steering wheel was placed too far out in front of you, when you scooted the seat up to reach the wheel, your legs were uncomforable. I had the tension on the spring on the seat adjusted to the lightest setting ( I weigh 170lbs, 5'9" tall) and it still sat me up entirely too high in the saddle.
I got the 4wd option for $2300 more than the 2wd Kubota would have cost me, so I feel like I got a pretty decent deal.
The tractor was $18,953 out the door.
Thanks to Kubota for the credit, she'll be mine, all mine in 6 years when the payments are done!
As soon as it's delivered, it's going straight to the barn and being put to the test with a three bottom 16" moldboard plow.
I don't think she'll pull it through sod ground, but I've got some winter wheat out as cover that *should* roll over pretty easy.
