Buying Advice New Tractor Suggestions

ragingrooster · Aug 11, 2015

Hello Everyone. I ran across the site and thought I'd get the perspectives of some of you seasoned folks out there, as I'm about to buy a new tractor.

Main work involved:

1. Pastures

2. Timber

3. Brush

4. Just about anything else

- About 50 acres with woods, trails, pasture, and steep to rolling terrain.

The first choice right now is a JD5100E for about $39k

foreman Etexas · Aug 11, 2015

That with loader and 4wd? The JD5100E would sure do it and anything else. The 5085E would be plenty too. For the brush I recommend a grapple,for the hills 4wd and set the tires out some.

coolnature · Aug 11, 2015

I believe the 5100E is only available with a cab and MFWD (correct me if I am wrong). Does the tractor you are looking at for $39K have a front end loader (FEL)? If so, I assume it is used since a new unit would be in the $50's. If used, get someone knowledgeable to check it out thoroughly and ask for service records to see how the tractor has been maintained. If it checks out good mechanically and cosmetically, is low hour and has an FEL, it sounds to me like it is worth the $39K.

coolnature · Aug 11, 2015

I just looked at the JD website and they do offer the 5100E with an open station. My bad.

ragingrooster · Aug 11, 2015

Thanks guys. This was the type of feedback I really needed. I understand some of this stuff might be on other threads, but it might be outdated and there's a lot you can miss. But, anyways....

Yes, the price was for an open station without FEL but with MFWD. Same as 4wd. Right?? I really wanted the ROPS instead, for fear that I'd tear up the cab on the trails. I also considered the 5085, but it looks like it has the same dimensions as the 5100. So, I figured the extra hp was worth it.

I figure I can get a lot of the work done with much less tractor, I would just have more power than push a smaller machine so hard all the time. I'm trying to just buy one tractor that I can hang on to for just about everything in the long run, rather than trading, buying, selling, leasing every few years as projects come around. What kind of grapple might work best? I know less about them than tractors.....

GManBart · Aug 11, 2015

ragingrooster said:
Thanks guys. This was the type of feedback I really needed. I understand some of this stuff might be on other threads, but it might be outdated and there's a lot you can miss. But, anyways....

Yes, the price was for an open station without FEL but with MFWD. Same as 4wd. Right?? I really wanted the ROPS instead, for fear that I'd tear up the cab on the trails. I also considered the 5085, but it looks like it has the same dimensions as the 5100. So, I figured the extra hp was worth it.

I figure I can get a lot of the work done with much less tractor, I would just have more power than push a smaller machine so hard all the time. I'm trying to just buy one tractor that I can hang on to for just about everything in the long run, rather than trading, buying, selling, leasing every few years as projects come around. What kind of grapple might work best? I know less about them than tractors.....

Welcome to TBN!

Yes, MFWD = 4WD for what you're looking at. Some folks make the distinction that MFWD is normally only part-time and the front wheels are smaller in diameter. 4WD is normally associated with larger AG machines that have four powered wheels of the same size, and the machine pivots in the center to steer.

The difference in power between the 85 and 100 would most likely be noticeable during ground-engaging work, like plowing. For loader work, brush cutting etc, it's probably not going to make much difference.

dusty3030 · Aug 11, 2015

ragingrooster said:
Thanks guys. This was the type of feedback I really needed. I understand some of this stuff might be on other threads, but it might be outdated and there's a lot you can miss. But, anyways....

Yes, the price was for an open station without FEL but with MFWD. Same as 4wd. Right?? I really wanted the ROPS instead, for fear that I'd tear up the cab on the trails. I also considered the 5085, but it looks like it has the same dimensions as the 5100. So, I figured the extra hp was worth it.

I figure I can get a lot of the work done with much less tractor, I would just have more power than push a smaller machine so hard all the time. I'm trying to just buy one tractor that I can hang on to for just about everything in the long run, rather than trading, buying, selling, leasing every few years as projects come around. What kind of grapple might work best? I know less about them than tractors.....

Grapple goes on the front end loader, so you will need to buy a front end loader with the tractor in order to have that option.

nybirdman · Aug 11, 2015

100HP for your uses sounds like over-kill.You would have to add $6-7,000 for a FEL to your base price.
I believe 60-70HP would be more than enough(with FEL) 4WD.
Great variety of grapples offered;do a little reading on this site.
I do all the work you described plus food plots with 44HP.

dusty3030 · Aug 11, 2015

My local Kubota dealer has two M7040 4wd, hydraulic shuttle, open station that would be right up your alley. Pre tier 4 emissions and all.

They have been tempting me but I can't justify it so I just bought a used smaller tractor to fill the true need I had right now, but IF I were shopping with your criteria I'd be all over one of those.

coolnature · Aug 11, 2015

ragingrooster said:
Thanks guys. This was the type of feedback I really needed. I understand some of this stuff might be on other threads, but it might be outdated and there's a lot you can miss. But, anyways....

Yes, the price was for an open station without FEL but with MFWD. Same as 4wd. Right?? I really wanted the ROPS instead, for fear that I'd tear up the cab on the trails. I also considered the 5085, but it looks like it has the same dimensions as the 5100. So, I figured the extra hp was worth it.

I figure I can get a lot of the work done with much less tractor, I would just have more power than push a smaller machine so hard all the time. I'm trying to just buy one tractor that I can hang on to for just about everything in the long run, rather than trading, buying, selling, leasing every few years as projects come around. What kind of grapple might work best? I know less about them than tractors.....

MFWD is short for mechanical front wheel drive. The 5085E is essentially the same as the 5100E, just a little less HP and less $$. Do yourself a favor and look at the other manufacturers competing machines if you haven't already. I would check out the Kubota, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, LS, Kioti, Mahindra, etc. They are all good tractors but there are differences and when spending $40K on a new tractor, it will not hurt to explore all your options. When I was tractor shopping last fall, I made a list comprised of must have features, likes and dislikes, dealer support / likeability and $$. There is no "perfect" tractor nor is there any brand that is trouble free. Tractor shopping is a lot of fun but very stressful, enjoy the experience!

ragingrooster · Aug 11, 2015

I know I might be opening up a can of worms on this one. But, does anyone have any votes for competing manufacturers & models??? If so, why?

dusty3030 · Aug 11, 2015

No can of worms - no worries.

What dealers are nearby and what are your impressions of them? How long have they been in business?

John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, CaseIH / New Holland, LS, Mahindra, and Kioti all have utility sized tractors in the horse power range you are looking for.

All of them have a tractor that would serve you well; however, the dealer is just as or more important than any of these brands.

foreman Etexas · Aug 11, 2015

ragingrooster said:
I know I might be opening up a can of worms on this one. But, does anyone have any votes for competing manufacturers & models??? If so, why?

On here yeah going to get lots of different opinions and votes. It's best you find what works for you,once you get out and start kicking tires look at the different features,way operator station is laid out,ask around see if any feed back on the dealers in your area,find what you feel most comfortable running cause they all are close.
But I'll go ahead. I lean towards Kubota they have gave me many trouble free hours ,I have the 7040s and they have done everything needed on several hundred acres,from baling hay to pulling 15ft batwing. Like stated there are a few left over but now the model#7060,size up the 8560.
I would go down on HP to get a loader,to me a loader will far out way needing 100hp on 50acres,unless your row cropping. The 5085 would be highest in JD I just like the station over the 65 and 75Es personal preference. I run a 5083E quit often and like my 7040 over it,just like where my exhaust comes out,the rpm lever,little stuff,they changed some that stuff on the 85E,been a fine tractor thou gets everything done,if money not a issue step up to smaller M series. I also have another friend has the Massey 4609 haven't spent any time on it but he claims has been great hay tractor for him and doesn't have all the emissions and don't say anything bad about the 3cyl diesel.

ragingrooster · Aug 11, 2015

The dealers I've spoken with around here are: New Holland, LS, John Deere, Kioti, and Challenger. I'm leaning toward the guy I spoke with at JD just because he's easy to deal with and had good pricing. They're a pretty large dealer with a few locations, so I suppose that couldn't hurt. I'm just trying to mull things over in the last hour to make sure I didn't miss anything big.

murphy1244 · Aug 11, 2015

Check out the LS and Kioti dealers, might save a bunch of dough for implements.

foreman Etexas · Aug 11, 2015

ragingrooster said:
The dealers I've spoken with around here are: New Holland, LS, John Deere, Kioti, and Challenger. I'm leaning toward the guy I spoke with at JD just because he's easy to deal with and had good pricing. They're a pretty large dealer with a few locations, so I suppose that couldn't hurt. I'm just trying to mull things over in the last hour to make sure I didn't miss anything big.

So you already been around to those other brands also? I mean your not going to go wrong with the JD that's for sure. So will just stick with the JD to keep all the numbers to a minimum,so when you looked the 5100E is what your mind is on,I think it's a bit big personally ,step down to the 85E atleast same tractor less HP(still over kill but your definitely not going to grow out of it). Any reason for not wonting a loader? I use mine so much around and with the grapple it makes quick work of moving brush to pile,without leaving the seat. Also with bucket can move dirt,rocks,load/unload trailers you name it,it is very handy to have one.

ragingrooster · Aug 11, 2015

The interest in the 5100 came from first looking at the 5085E. I got prices on both and the 5100 was only a few thousand more for the extra 15hp with the same dimensions. I had an idea about what size I wanted, so that's where I settled. I agree that 100hp is a lot more than I'll need for about 80% of what I plan on doing. But, I figured that power will come in handy for grading, pulling larger stumps, or heavier implements down the road when/if I get into larger work.

I'm set on a loader. Just on the fence about weather to get a new one in the deal or buy used. I'm sure you understand how everything can add up as things progress. Right now, I'm focused on the tractor alone, since it's the most important. Implements will be determined by what's left over in the budget. Right now, getting my pastures re-established is my first priority, so I don't HAVE to get a loader.

I also have to admit that I'm also thinking about the 5075E if I need the extra room to budget for implements. Just my plan B.

Luke'sScreenName · Aug 11, 2015

I can promise you that not getting the loader with the tractor is a huge mistake! Huge! Others might be too polite to be that blunt. Also, from what you described a 5100e is ridiculously oversized. If price is an issue I would implore you to downsize and get a FEL and impliments. That being said, it's your money.

foreman Etexas · Aug 11, 2015

Yeah I would get loader on tractor at new,it's not that easy to find a used loader and not any cheaper adding it later probably cost more. Guess could get aftermarket for alittle less,are they as good I can't answer that question. The attachments are going to be what you can find used.
Doesn't JD have some deal about getting 3 frontier attachments you get some kind of discount. I can't recall just remember something about it...

Poopdeck Pappy · Aug 11, 2015

lukestafford said:
I can promise you that not getting the loader with the tractor is a huge mistake! Huge! Others might be too polite to be that blunt. Also, from what you described a 5100e is ridiculously oversized. If price is an issue I would implore you to downsize and get a FEL and impliments. That being said, it's your money.

Well said. If money was an issue, I'd rather have a 50hp tractor with a FEL than a 100hp without an FEL for working 50 acres of pasture, brush, woods and trails.