Should I buy a 5303?

[unreconstructed]

There has been a lot of discussion about this series of tractor over the last couple of years on TBN. I do not remember seeing anything negative. I remember Cowboy Doc having postive comments--his comments are one reason I bought a 5203. Since the series now has a 4WD offering, I would say this is one heck of a little tractor.

I really do like mine. If I wanted to spend the money, I would have no hesitation to get a 4wd model.

The manager of the JD house where i bought my 2320 has a 5103. Since I already had one, he wasn't trying to sell me one. He loves his.

I have the 512 loader which is a permanent mount. don't think the JD offers the 522 which is a quick detach on 2WD. Anyway, the bucket comes off in a snap. I have a large bucket also for my 5203 for moving prickley pear.

The salesman who told you this tractor is junk---I agree with the other posters. Leave that guy in the dust and go elsewhere.

 

[RollingsFarms]

if you have any questions i have the spec sheet for the 5003 series.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I'm quite amused by the Westendorf advertisement. Maybe they make good loaders; sound good, but I had never heard of them before. In any case, JD makes among the very best tractor loaders made by anyone, anywhere, and JD actually makes them itself at their Welland factory. I have a 522 FEL and it works great. I would like it if the valves had a better split in double-acting mode, but it works great overall. As for height and weight - I would be absolutely terrified to lift any more weight than the 522 will handle, and I never, ever use the full height. Maybe you can build a FEL that will lift more and higher, but it would be far beyond reasonable for the frame size of a 5x03 tractor, and would probably require absolutely incredible amounts of ballast (I need about 2000lbs ballast, per the JD manual, for my 522 FEL). I would stick with the 522.

I'm happy with my 5105 (again, very similar to the new MFWD 5x03). I would like a cab and a power-shuttle, but those are both fancier features available on the 5225 for lots more $$. Nothing else is missing, and I'll even say that while MFWD is nice to have, it's rarely necessary for ordinary farm or property maintenance tasks done in an intelligent manner.

 

[kennyd]

I'm quite amused by the Westendorf advertisement.

EVERY post he has made since joining TBN (24 when I just checked) has been an advertisment.

 

[tedder]

Westendorf-RR, What do I need to order on the 5303 as far as hydralics? I don't want to loose any rear hookups. JD has a mid hyd package with a joy stick i would assume I would not get that?

 

[tedder]

thanks kennyd i didn't see your post.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

Z-Michigan, you've probably never heard of us since we don't advertise. Our reputation has been built over the years by word of mouth only. Tell me what company could survive on word of mouth for nearly 75 years if they didn't have a quality product. Ask around (your dad or grandfather) and let me know what you find out.

Our main goal is to make a loader that "fits". A loader that fits your tractor well, can lift more and feel more comfortable during operation. Compare it to wearing a pair of work gloves that are too big or too small. The further out front the loader sits, the more tippy the tractor will feel and the more ballast it will require.

I'm just letting you know there are other options out there.

To answer the hydraulic question, all our loaders are available with hydraulic joysticks and valve options to keep your rear ports open for other attachments.

 

[CWP37]

Do those loaders come in green?

I would not hesitate to buy a 5303. Great tractor for the price.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

They sure do... I'd paint you one pink if that's what you wanted. Here's a new color we started using last year and the "wives" really like it...

 

[Turkflyer]

That series is the most reliable tractor that Deere makes. It has the lowest warranty of any Deere self-propelled machine. As to the loader, the 522 Quik Tach loader will fit as well as the 512.