The utility tractor segment gets a lot of attention from manufacturers. In terms of numbers of tractors sold, the segment is one of the most popular in the industry. It’s because these machines, which generally land in the 50- to 100-plus-horsepower range, appeal to commercial farm operations, hobby farmers and acreage owners. In other words, just about everybody, so the market is a big one. Not surprisingly, we’ve seen more than a few model choices introduced by brands over the years. And John Deere is one that has given buyers a lot to choose from.
In June, the green brand revealed its newest updates to utility tractors in the 5E and 5M series, which include — you guessed it — even more options to tailor these tractors to just about any job.
“Across the entire 5 series lineup, customers now have more choices to find a tractor that meets their needs and budget and to customize configurations to match the jobs they need to finish,” said Greg Christensen, marketing manager for John Deere, in a press release. “If this is their first tractor, routine service and maintenance notifications provide customers with added confidence while being connected to their tractor via the TractorPlus app.”
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For model year 2023, the three-cylinder versions of the 5E series can be equipped with Deere’s new Premium Cab option, an engine that does not require an emissions-related regen, larger tire options, an option for a true third function mid-valve for easier loader and grapple operation and three new model numbers.
The four-model 5E three-cylinder lineup now includes the 5050E, available with an open operator station, and the 5060E, 5067E and 5075E, available in an open operator station, standard cab or premium cab. The last two digits in Deere’s numbering system here designate engine horsepower.
The 5 series Premium Cab now has a redesigned right-hand console similar to its bigger brothers. It includes electronic, quick raise/lower buttons, which allow a single button push to raise or lower implements to pre-set depths. When it comes to operator comfort, there’s now available an adjustable air ride seat along with a factory-installed buddy seat. Of course, no premium cab would be complete without Bluetooth radio, a USB port and cab microphone for hands-free operation of mobile devices. So, the 5 series Premium Cab gets those too.
“These easy-to-use tractors are perfect for rural property owners who need to move soil, rocks, logs or snow, and have plenty of power for part-time farmers and ranchers who need to make hay, move bales and feed cattle,” Christensen said. “Now, with additional choices for comfort and convenience, work efficiency improvements and eliminating the need for the engine-regen process, the 5E helps get work done quickly, and lets customers get back to focusing on what matters most to them.”
Tweaks to 5M series
John Deere is also tweaking its 5M tractor series, which offers a further step up when it comes to high-end features.
“We redefined what customers can expect from a utility tractor by adding integrated AutoTrac and more transmission options to the 5M in model year 2022,” said Christensen. “For model year 2023, we’ve taken those expectations to the next level by adding more horsepower and versatility.”
The engine from the larger 6M utility tractor will now be used in the four-cylinder versions of the 5M, a gain of five additional horsepower, creating the new models 5095M, 5105M, 5120M and 5130M. The 5075M remains in the lineup for a three-cylinder, 74-horsepower option, available with either a cab or open station.
For anyone who wants adjustable track widths, the 5M is available with a bar-axle option, giving operators the flexibility to adjust spacing up to 90 inches, allowing for less crop damage when baling wide windrows, and more stability when mowing on hillsides. Tire spacing can also be narrowed to match row spacing in row-crop applications. The bar axle opens the option for adding duals as well.
Three transmission options are available on the 5M series. The PowrReverser, which uses a two-lever setup to change ranges and gears, is available on the 75- to 120-horsepower models. The PowrQuad Plus and Powr8 transmissions, available in the 95- to 130-horsepower models, use a single shift lever that does shifting for both range and speed without the need to use a foot clutch. All 5M transmissions continue to have a left-hand reverser for simplified direction changes.
