Case-IH 5130_2 4.00 star(s) (2)

Great Quality But Like German Cars Has Electrical Gremlins
Model Year: 1991

I bought this German-built tractor used because it was a great price. It looked OK except for the fenders having rotted off and the hood was rusted though in places as well. Had over 90HP on the Dyno (more than spec) and made no funny noises. I had the body re-done and re-stickered and now that is all fixed. When the tractor is running properly it is a pleasure to operate. It is maneuverable, powerful, the 5.9L Cummins purs like a kitten, and the powershift transmission seems solid. Unfortunately every now and then during operation the clutch disengage light will come on and the entire tractor will stop. Doesn't matter what gear or what you are doing. Other times if you are baling hay with a round baler and need to go into reverse it will only go into reverse almost as the clutch is completely disengaged and the tractor is jolted backwards violently. Other times it goes into reverse just fine. I have tried many things like switching sensors around and that does not work. The latest advice was from a local dealer who asked if these things only happen when the tractor is hot - he thinks that the oil cooling radiator gets dirty and the heat from the rear of the tractor is the root of the gremlins. I will try this in the spring. When the tractor is cool the reverse thing does not happen. The clutch disengage thing can happen anytime and in any situation. I have heard many people say that the 5140 is a much better machine because of the turbo but my 4 furrow semi-mount plow and 13 foot discs are no match for my 5130 when the electronics are not acting up. I am debating whether or not to invest in trying to fix the electronics. Maybe replace all sensors... Everything else on the tractor is perfect and it gets maybe 100 hours a year.

Pros: Strong, nimble, built like a German tank...
Cons: It has the electron gremlins of a German car.

Transmission Kicking Out
Model Year: 0

I saw that there was a complaint about the transmission kicking out on a 5130. I had the same problem for years, then I replaced the switch on the reverse and forward lever on the steering column and the transmission has never kicked out since. Mine would stop when I hit a bump or was just driving down the road. It is a totally different tractor since changing the switch. The switch is like a heavy toggle switch that is maybe around $50.00. Don

Pros: Nice heavy tractor handles loads great
Cons: Paint fades