Suggestions wanted on which model

[pharmvet]

John Deere guys, Im looking for a 4wd tractor in the 85-100 PTO hp range. Do any of the newer ('09 to 10 yrs old) models really stand out as being a quality (classic in the making) tractor? thanks

 

[jenkinsph]

Years ago I thought the 4020 diesel was the perfect tractor and I must say they have performed well for many years. I think the newer 6400 - 6430 tractors are similar but a good step up. Deere has been making slight modifications to this tractor for several years, a tweak here and one there. I have only had maybe 40 hours use of one my friend owns but I really like it. My friend says the only problem he has had is the payments, "they just keep coming".

The 64xx tractors with mfwd are good solid tractors with 5000# rear hitch and enough weight(about 10,000 to 12,000 lbs) for ground engaging work.



Steve

 

[Mike120]

You didn't say what you are going to use the tractor for. If you are doing a lot of ground engagment, I agree that the heavier 6XXX series tractors are really great. My preference however are the 5X25's because most of my use is mowing and baling. I need the HP on the PTO and hydraulics, extra weight on the tires just makes ruts.

The 4020 was a classic because it was an excellent tractor, they made so many of them, and it had a pretty good range of configurations. It's probably THE classic and I doubt we'll see anything like it again.

 

[pharmvet]

I will be using this tractor mostly for maintaining wildlife habitat on about 600 acres which is over 2/3 timber with trails and right of ways. I will be shredding, disking, harrowing, throwing fertilize, pushing brush for burning, cutting / splitting firewood, very little dirt moving, and just general (need a tractor) type stuff. I will often times be shredding 3-5 year old stuff (rotational shredding). I just want plenty of tractor because its a pet peeve of mine to make a tractor strain all the time. Id rather have too much tractor so long as its not physically too large for the application. Im planning on getting a really heavy 3 pt. shredder (maybe a Brown's) I would really like a cab, for the summer heat and so I would feel better about my kids riding with me, but I think a canopy and FOPS cage of some sort would be more practical for me. What do you think about the 5520? I just really havent been able to figure out a pattern on the way Deer assigns a model #. What traits would a tractor need to fulfill my above listed plans for use?

 

[jenkinsph]

I think two tractors would be the way to go. Something like the larger 6000 series and a smaller 30 to 40 hp tractor. If you are going to put them in the woods I would buy used. What I think you will find is that the smaller used tractor should work fine in the woods and the larger 6000 (new or used) could handle the field work.

There are lots of good 20 year old tractors with gear transmissions that are available at low prices. I would prefer some of the heavier 20, 30, 40 series tractors that are in sound mechanical condition their built tough and have good clearance. You can add a cage and limb risers to these without much difficulty and your not modifying a new tractor when you do it.

My thoughts on the 5000 series is it is in the middle as far as size, you could use a larger tractor with 200 acres in the open to speed up the work there. Which is why I would suggest a large 6000 series. Putting it in the woods would make it a used tractor in short order. Hence the older but goodie small tractor with a low investment.

Hope this makes sense.


Steve

 

[burnetma]

If it were me, I would want a tracked skid steer for the woodlot work and a 5000 series JD for the field work. I'd get both with AC cabs.

Woodlot clearing/maitenance work is tough on tractors, especially tractor tires and cab glass, but you know what you are looking at on your particular lot. I have two woodlots. I take my JD in my northern woodlot as it is very well maintained. My southern woodlot is filled with hazards from Hawthorn trees to metal debris. I would get at flat every day if I took the JD into that lot.

Just my thoughts.

 

[pharmvet]

I tend to agree on the 2 tractor theory and actually presently have a MF 135 that we have been using to shred lanes and disk the small food plots. In the past Ive always had to borrow a large tractor and disk for the field work and I never have a FEL when I need one ( log across the trails, burning brushpile etc) I also tend to agree on the "used" tractor theory and am presently looking for one. Dealers always want to sell new and present low financing, reliability, and resale as reasons. I guess If I was using it exclusively for clean field work that would be different. Ok, now that we have used tractor on the brain, what are some of your favorites (used 4wd).

Also, Ive never used or considered a skid steer. What can they do (attachments, pto, etc) What about ground clearance? Tell me all you know about them because I barely even know what one is thanks

 

[Mike120]

I agree with the comments about two tractors and one of them having tracks. Trees tend to eat cabs and glass and you want a cage around you. I don't know what your fields are like but the 5520 will handle a 15' mower and a good size disk. Personnally I would go to a new 5525. Same basic engine/trans but they beefed up the hydraulic flow. If you are planning on mostly 3pt implements you won't need a lot of extra weight. Just a point however, shreading 3-5 year old stuff usually involves brush and sapplings and you're likely to get a lot of flats. You may want to look at a mulcher for the skidsteer to take care of that stuff.

 

[jenkinsph]

Doc, if you currently have the MF 135 in decent condition it is a viable choice as your small tractor. I would look around for a 100+ hp field tractor and I would be open minded about some of the older 2 wd tractors, Deere, Case and Ford all come to mind.

The suggestion of a track type skid steer is a good idea, lots of tools are available for these units, you need to look into this to get a bettter idea of what is available. These units are very manueverable for cleaning up in the woods. The reference to tire damage is big issue, nothing like having small sapplings sticking up a couple of inches to poke huge holes in the tires that can not be repaired. This is where having tracks really pays off. You may find that blading the small saplings roots and all into a pile will be the best way to handle this problem.

I think the 5000 series tractors are very good units but you need something larger, otherwise it will take up too much of your time. Maybe later on you could add one to your collection.


Steve