Questions on the JD 5103

[Z-Michigan]

I disagree on the motorcyles. Get a dirt bike--learn to ride it, then go road bike if you gotta.
So I agree with the fella who said get what you need. Don't bother with a "starter". No disrespect intended to the other opinions.

Agree 100% on both. Larger motorcycles are more difficult to ride and generally more dangerous for the inexperienced. Larger tractors are no more difficult to drive (until maybe the 300+hp range) and anything about 1500lbs or so has an equal probability of hurting if it runs over you or someone else. Also, larger tractors are generally less likely to tip over if you do something stupid, though the risk varies a lot with the individual tractor and what stupid thing you may do.

If you know that you need something bigger for your tasks, go ahead and get it - no "training wheels" tractor to start. However, talk with experienced people first to be sure you do actually need as much tractor as you think, as it's easy to underestimate the abilities of smaller and utility tractors.

 

[Keith_B]

The main reason CUTs need 4WD is so that they can maintain traction, due to having lower weight than a UT. Given your uses, and not mentioning buying a loader, the 2WD 5103 will do what you want.

 

[CWP37]

I must agree, wholeheartedly.

I wanted a $30k, all the bells and whistles 4720. Still may get one some day when I have the cash.

That said, my 5103 does everything I need and more since I have $4k worht of extra implements and a lkower note than the 4720 to boot.

I'm really growing to love my "old school" tractor.