Buying Advice Next Tractor Advice

[blainesdad]

First of all, let me say that I just joined this site and think it is really cool. Have been a member of several different forums for a while now(Diesel trucks, softball, etc)but just found this one and love it.

I am looking for some advice. I am considering buying/trading for a Newer 4x4tractor with a frontloader on it. Here is my background, have always used/owned John Deere's. Had an 820, 2040, 1530, and now a 2155. I love all of the 3 cylinder older diesel's and my Dad can fix about anything on them(HUGE PLUS). My question is what kind of newer tractor will offer similiar performance and not be such a huge change mechanically? I have looked at several different ones online and have decided I would like to be in the 5200 series range. 5200, 5203, 5205, 5210....etc. I don't use the tractor a great lot, but would love having a 4x4 for winter use. During the summer it is mostly bushhogging and running a smaller hay operation(25-45 acres). What are some of the pro's/con's of the tractors that I am considering and keep in mind that I do have a limited budget as well(sucks to be young and poor..lol).
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.
Steve

 

[AKfish]

Welcome to TBN, Steve. The line-up of 5000 series tractors that you mentioned are very solid, bullet-proof tractors -- and pretty straight forward to repair and maintain.

That said; there are some differences in the machines. Importantly, PTO horsepower and transmissions.

Shuttle trannys vs standard shift. Collar shift vs synchro. And some have 2 ranges vs 3 ranges in others.

What do you need? How big a baler, mower, conditioner, etc. are you using or planning to use?

We can all respond better if you give us a little more info to go on.

AKfish

 

[blainesdad]

Welcome to TBN, Steve. The line-up of 5000 series tractors that you mentioned are very solid, bullet-proof tractors -- and pretty straight forward to repair and maintain.

That said; there are some differences in the machines. Importantly, PTO horsepower and transmissions.

Shuttle trannys vs standard shift. Collar shift vs synchro. And some have 2 ranges vs 3 ranges in others.

What do you need? How big a baler, mower, conditioner, etc. are you using or planning to use?

We can all respond better if you give us a little more info to go on.

AKfish

Well I typically use a New Holland Square Baler(273 Model) and I use either a 7 ft sickle mower or 7 ft disc mower to cut with. The 2155 that I have right now is about the perfect size for what I do. I would really like to find a 4wd 2155 with a loader, but you have about as much luck with that as find the fountain of youth. I am not real familiar with the different types of transmissions that you are referring to. Of course my 2155 has 8 forward and 4 reverses...so whatever I get if it has a tranny similiar to that I would be tickled to death. Thanks for your input.

 

[AKfish]

OK, you've got a collar-shift tranny without the rabbit/turtle (overdrive) lever on the left side of the gauge panel.

Great tractor - and you've got a very reliable baler to go with it! Mentioned a 7ft disc mower - is that a bush hog type rotary cutter - or a hay type mower with the individual cutter "turtles" ? They can require some serious pto power in heavy hay conditions!

I'd guess that you'd want to stay in the 50-60hp @ the pto range. The more current models that are most comparable to your current tractor would be the 5105-5205 machines. However, those models were replaced with the 5103-5203 in 2007 (I think). The 05 series were mostly USA built and the 03 machines are built in India.

Different transmissions - 05 - has the 4 speed, 2 range tranny (like your 2155) and the 03's have the 3 speed, 3 range transmission.

Here's a few places I've used in the past to review prices, features and locations for used equipment.

Used Tractors and Farm Machinery from Fastline

Used Farm & Agricultural Equipment - John Deere MachineFinder

Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar.

Also, here's a great reference site to compare the differences between tractor models;

TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors

Good luck.

AKfish

 

[blainesdad]

OK, you've got a collar-shift tranny without the rabbit/turtle (overdrive) lever on the left side of the gauge panel.

Great tractor - and you've got a very reliable baler to go with it! Mentioned a 7ft disc mower - is that a bush hog type rotary cutter - or a hay type mower with the individual cutter "turtles" ? They can require some serious pto power in heavy hay conditions!

I'd guess that you'd want to stay in the 50-60hp @ the pto range. The more current models that are most comparable to your current tractor would be the 5105-5205 machines. However, those models were replaced with the 5103-5203 in 2007 (I think). The 05 series were mostly USA built and the 03 machines are built in India.

Different transmissions - 05 - has the 4 speed, 2 range tranny (like your 2155) and the 03's have the 3 speed, 3 range transmission.

Here's a few places I've used in the past to review prices, features and locations for used equipment.

Used Tractors and Farm Machinery from Fastline

Used Farm & Agricultural Equipment - John Deere MachineFinder

Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar.

Also, here's a great reference site to compare the differences between tractor models;

TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors

Good luck.

AKfish

Thanks for the info. I utilize all of those sights on a regular basis. Just looking for some real world answers ya know. The disc mower is hay type machine. I have 6 ft john deere bush hog machine that I use as well on occasion. I have pretty much decided that if I go with another Deere it will either be a 4x4 2155 or a 5300, 5310 series. I am also considering a Kubota m6800(little bigger unit) and a New Holland(Ford) 3930 that is for sale locally for a pretty good deal. The only thing that is holding me up on the 3930 tractor is the fact that it is a little smaller HP wise. Rated at like 47-51HP.

 

[JD15302155870]

I have a 1530 and decided on replacing it with a 2155. It took seemingly forever to find a suitable 2155 in the right price range but it was well worth. My Brother in law has a Ford 3930 that I have used sometimes thru the years. I wouldn't trade either one of my JDs for 2 of the 3930. I considered a new JD and a new Kubota but decided I would be much happier waiting to find the 2155.