John Deere 5055E vs 5075E: Which Is Best for Hay Season in West Tennessee?
6/27/2025
Hay season in West Tennessee is an exciting time, when all of your hard work throughout the spring finally pays off with golden waves of hay just waiting to be harvested. To harvest hay at the very best quality with the highest return, you need equipment that can handle the job. John Deere 5 Series tractors are great for pulling attachments – like hay balers, disc mowers, and hay tedders – but which tractor is the best option?
Between the excellent John Deere 5055E and the 5075E, you have plenty of options to find the best machine for hay season. Let’s take a closer look at both models and compare them to help you decide which one is right for your operation.
For most hay harvesting jobs, you can make do with many compact tractors. However, the right tractor still matters if you want to produce the highest quality hay harvest. That’s why we recommend starting with the excellent John Deere 5 Series utility tractors, and specifically the 5055E and 5075E. Why? These tractors have the right amount of horsepower, operator comfort features, precision ag capabilities, and longevity to make every hay harvesting season the most efficient it can be.
The John Deere 5055E is a 55-horsepower utility tractor built for efficiency and comfort. It’s a strong choice for hay harvesting in West Tennessee. Its 2.9L 3-cylinder diesel engine delivers dependable power, with a PTO rating of about 45 horsepower, which is plenty for running balers, mowers, and tedders commonly used during hay season. The tractor’s hydraulic system provides a total flow of 43.1 liters per minute. That means it can support a wide range of implements and attachments for hay work.
The 5055E is designed with operator comfort in mind. It features an ergonomic adjustable seat, a multifunctional instrument panel, and a two-post roll-over protective structure (ROPS) for safety. The power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes make maneuvering and stopping smooth, even when operating on uneven or muddy West Tennessee fields. For long days in the field, its fuel tank holds 68 liters, which prevents frequent refueling.
Durability is a standout feature of the 5055E. Its sturdy frame and high-quality materials are built to withstand years of heavy use, even in tough field conditions. The tractor supports a wide variety of attachments, including front-end loaders, rotary cutters, balers, rakes, and plows. The Category II three-point hitch can lift up to 1,800 kg, making it easy to handle heavy implements needed for haymaking. Finally, the 5055E’s compatibility with loader attachments also means it can efficiently move bales and clear fields.
For a step up in power and efficiency, the John Deere 5075E comes with a 75-horsepower engine and a PTO rating of up to 62 horsepower, providing extra muscle for larger hay operations or more demanding implements. Its 2.9L PowerTech engine is designed for reliability and fuel efficiency, which are important for long days during the busy hay season in West Tennessee.
The 5075E offers premium comfort options, including the availability of a cab with climate control for hot and humid Tennessee summers, and advanced features like electronic quick raise/lower of the rear hitch. Working late? No problem! The “Go-Home” lighting is perfect for late finishes in the field, providing ample lighting. The tractor’s smooth SyncShuttle or PowrReverser transmission options make shifting easy, and its hydraulic pump delivers up to 66.1 liters per minute, giving you a fast and responsive implement operation. The ergonomic controls and well-cushioned seat help reduce fatigue during long hours of mowing, raking, or baling.
Built for tough jobs, the 5075E’s robust and durable construction and reliable drivetrain are ideal for the hardest days of hay harvesting. Its Category II hitch is convertible to Category I, making it compatible with a wide range of hay equipment, including disc mowers, round and square balers, tedders, and heavy-duty rakes. Loader compatibility allows the 5075E to handle material tasks like moving and stacking bales with ease. With its higher power output, the 5075E is especially well-suited for larger implements and heavier loads, making it a great fit for bigger hay operations or the occasional hilly West Tennessee fields.
Regardless of your choice between the John Deere 5055E and the 5075E, you can guarantee that when you buy John Deere, you’re buying a machine that will get the job done with high efficiency, incredible quality, and long-lasting durability.
If you’re in the market for a new or used 5 Series tractor for hay season, visit Tennessee Tractor. We have locations throughout West Tennessee, and we would be happy to help you find the perfect 5 Series tractor for your next hay harvesting job.