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NE Iowa | I've got a 2011 5055E open station, and use it in very similar applications that you describe: (4R Planter, Small cultivator/chisel plow, snow removal, lots of misc loader work, Auger)
The good:
- Very nimble, even with the loader
- Excellent lift capacity (somewhere around 3000 lbs0 with loader (I've got a 563 on mine). Also very easy to mount/dismount loader. I can remove or install mine within 5 minutes alone.
- Very easy on fuel
- Fast road gear (~18 mph, I think)
- Synchro Transmission (2nd to reverse synchro is very nice for loader work)
But keep in mind:
- Very lightweight rear end - needs lots of rear ballast for moderate loader work. A 3-point weight box is almost a requirement
- Hood tends to freeze shut in the winter - the latch tends to get frozen, which prevents access to the battery if you should need it when it is cold out. I'm going to be working on some kind of a solution this summer so I can get that latch open when it's cold.
- Hydraulic flow - the loader can be a little slow at anything less than 3/4 throttle. Keep in mind, it is an open-center hydraulic system as well.
- They don't come standard with any rear facing lights. There is wiring in place for them to be added. I added a set of A&I LED's to the rear of mine.
- Get a 4WD model if you're going to be doing any loader work. They're way too light on the rear end to use a loader effectively without 4WD without lots of rear ballast.
- Reverse in A range is a tad fast for an 8 ft. snowblower (power limited in heavy snow). Maybe with an extra 10 Hp that wouldn't be an issue.
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Looking at a John Deere 5065E
