New to forum- JD fan but not owner yet

[Rmd8136]

Hello. I am new and can tell this info sharing can save much hassle. I live in Fort Mill SC and have 80 acres near Lake Wateree. I do not yet own a tractor but will by next Summer. I have narrowed my choices to 5055e or 5065e with 553 FEL. I will be doing some cutting on road beds, fire breaks and food plots. Using disc harrow for food plots. Moving dirt and gravel (erosion control) with FEL, and dragging logs. Will also move some brush piles.

Any advice is much welcomed.

 

[B58Hustler]

I started out similar to you as far as type of projects are concerned in 1992. Bought a JD5200/MFWD with 16.9-28 rears, 9.5-24 fronts and a 540 loader, loaded rears, box blade, rear blade and 6 tooth scarifier. That combo had a scale weight of 8900 lbs. Never had a problem with it for the 17 years I used it. For the rough ground work you're planning I think the 5055 will do everything you want.

Not familiar with 553 loader, but be sure to get attach bucket feature. Although JD is OK, if they offer a skid steer mount get it instead for greater choice of implement options...forks, grapple etc.