?'s regrading the 5x03 series

bigtater · Feb 13, 2006

?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

I'm looking into upgrading from my NH tc35 to a tractor capable of handling a larger rotary cutter. Most likely an eight foot model. Now to the fun part I'm wanting to make sure I have enough power to pull the cutter. The terrain is hilly ( the lump of fur on the left is a 400lb steer) I'm wanting to make sure I have plenty of power for the task but dont want to go overboard. The main task for the tractor will be mowing but some tillage and other farm related tasks. Would the 5x03 be up to the job? What size would be the best for me? I plan on having the tires filled do I need front weights? I've looking at the pull type mx8 and bushhog 3008 cutters, they weigh around 1400-1900lbs.

Thanks
Brian

Turkflyer · Feb 13, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

The MX8 needs a minimum of 40 hp, so any of the 5x03 series will pull it. They are simple and reliable. Some front weights may be required. Try it and see. I don't know your definition of "Hilly", or any of your other applications, so it's tough to recommend how much ballast and where. If you have a front loader, that will take care of the front ballast issue. Enjoy!

5103Owner · Feb 13, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

Hi
the 5x03 series is definity up to the task. As others have said before it's built like a tank. I own a 5103 and have 130 trouble free hours. I mow 11 acres with a LX6, which it handles with ease. My property has some very steep hills, and I would reccomend some sort of weight on the front, either suitcase weights or a loader, in my case I have a loader. I pull a two btm plow and an 8' disk through hard ground with no trouble, it loses traction before it loses power. Priced great too! Paid a little over 18K for my 5103 with loader, canopy, single SCV and loaded rear tires.
Stefan

cowboydoc · Feb 13, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

I've got a 5303 and EASILY pull a 12' HX.

bigtater · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

The attached picture in my first post shows some of the hills.Its kind of hard to tell the size of the hills in the pic, the lump of fur to the left of the pic is a 400lb steer. How would the 5103 handle the mx8, I am worried that it might bog the tractor down going up the hills and since tractor isnt a syncro changing gears would be a pain in the rear.

Thanks again,
Brian

cowboydoc · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

If mowing is your biggest chore I would not recommend a non synchro tractor. Get a shuttleshift. No clutching and shift on the go. You could easily handle the 8' mower on those hills and not bog down at all. But if you've got alot to mow where you are constantly changing gears I'm afraid you may regret your decision. It all depends on how many acres you have and if you want to stop everytime to change gears. Where I mow with our 5303 I rarely change gears.

deerefan · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

Those hills look pretty steep. I have a 5103 and it works fine for what I do with it. Though you probably know this, especially on those hills, rops up, seatbelt on. A buddy of mine cuts my pond bank which is real steep. He uses a 5500 Mahindra 4wd w/ the loader almost touching the ground. It makes me nervous to watch him do it. I pull a 286 cutter behind mine and nothing bogs it down. I know it will pull an 8 ft fine.

bigtater · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

I almost never change gears while mowing with the TC35. I'm wanting the job to go a little faster,I have around 20 acres of pasture to knock down to keep out of the cattle's eye's. My major concern about the 5103 would be that it could pull the mower and the hill at a decent speed without lugging the tractor. I do use the tractor for other things too. A synchro would be great (I like the feature on my TC) but the 4-5000 dollars to get one is hard to justify. Thanks for the observations keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks,
Tater

Turkflyer · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

That engine has about a 27% torque rise, which is probably a lot more than your old tractor. You shouldn't have to shift. As the other post said, "ROPS up, seat belt on".

cowboydoc · Feb 14, 2006

Re: ?\'s regrading the 5x03 series

I agree with Ed. You shouldn't have any problem stalling out. If you don't change gears much you shouldn't have a problem with the 03.