Comparison Moving from a Ford 8N to possibly a B5200D -- what should I know?

[PorkChopsMmm]

May be horse trading my Ford 8N plus implements for a Kubota B5200D 4x4 -- no loader. I have done a lot of searching and checked out tractor data. I am new to tractors and diesels so I am trying to make sure I understand what I am getting into. I think the main differences are size, modern features of the 5200D, and that it is diesel. I live in Michigan and will be using the tractor for pulling a backblade for snow so I think I will become familiar with the glow plugs.

Any advice or feedback? I know the 5200 is low on HP but I think the torque and 4x4 will make up for it. Even though the 5200 didn't come with power steering I can only imagine it is easier to drive than the 8N? I plan on keeping my feelers out for a used loader.

After using the 8N for a while I have come to the conclusion I needs something smaller for working in the woods, parking in my shed, and that is easier to drive. My wife won't touch the 8N because the non-live hydraulics scare her where driving around with a load on the back.

 

[LD1]

Not sure what sized implements you have already, but you may have to downsize them. The B5200 is ALOT smaller than the 8n. The 4wd wont make up for what the 8n could do in terms of pulling and pushing.

But it will be easier to drive due to the modern conveniences of it.

Without knowing just what attachments you have, and how you use your tractor, thats all I can offer now.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

In the winter I use a back blade to pull snow with the 8N. Would need to do the same with a backblade on the 5200 or try to find/fabricate a front end blade. I have 1/2 mile of dirt road to clear of snow. We honestly haven't gotten much snow and I kept up with it just fine with the 8N... until the 8N broke down.

Besides the backblading in winter I use the tractor, with a carry all on the back, to pull a small trailer for gathering fire wood or moving tools around. If I can find a FEL then I will use that to move small amounts of materials around. Could the 5200 take a 6' back blade tilted an angle? I would plow frequently to avoid the build up of any snow -- something I did with the 8N, too.

I can see the 5200 weighs half as much as the 8N but length and ground clearance are similar.

I would rank my needs as easy to drive, ability to lift weight on the back (5200 can lift more than the 8N), and smaller sized so it is easy to get around in the woods.

 

[LD1]

Regardless of what it is rated for, you arent going to lift more on the back with the B5200.

The 8n hydraulics are strong enough to make the front end lift instead of the back if you put too much on there. Now you are going to a 1100lb tractor instead of the 2800# or so 8N. You wont come anywhere close to what the 8n could do with a carry-all without the front end lifting. I know it is rated for around 1000 of rear lift, but I have a 1100# bushhog on my larger L3400. Which weighs about the same as the 8n. I HAVE to leave the loader on, otherwise I can do one armed curles with the brushguard:laughing: I doubt you would get more than 400-500# on the back before you get into the same situation.

The 6' blade may be a bit much to pull also. especially angled. It will want to pull you sideways. You can always take smaller bites or cut it down tough, if you find it doesnt work.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I would be losing some of the utility of the 8N. I need to think this one through. I have never been able to make the Front of the 8N light by lifting too much with the 3 point -- my biggest issue has been having a heavier weight on there and it dropping when putting the clutch in (when using the carry all or rear dirt scoop).

This particular 5200 has suitcase weights on the front. I was plowing with the 8N in it's 3rd gear going pretty fast and using momentum to move the snow. Might be different with the 5200.

 

[LD1]

I have never been able to make the Front of the 8N light by lifting too much with the 3 point -- my biggest issue has been having a heavier weight on there and it dropping when putting the clutch in (when using the carry all or rear dirt scoop).

Typical if the cylinder hasnt been rebuilt with the rubber o-ring, and/or you are using hydraulic fluid instead of gear oil back there.

Are you saying you never made the front light because it just wouldnt?? or because you have never had theat much weight back there.

All in all, I think you should old out and look for something a tad bigger. If you are used to the 8n and what it can do, I think you will be disappointed in the B5200's size. If you want a little smaller than the 8n, but still make good with most of the attachemts you have, look for a 4x4 tractor in the 2000# range. Something like a B3200 or B3030 kubota. Not sure what older models those are equal to...

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

I never made the front end light because I just haven't needed to do that much work with the rear hydraulics. I pull a trailer to load 1,000 lbs of wood.

sorry, I should have provided some more background: I was asking about this specific tractor because someone semi-local to me would trade the B5200D w/ no implements for my 8N w/ implements (back blade, rear dirt scoop, and carry all) plus a small amount of cash. BTW the seller claims the 5200 has ~300 original hours.

I think value wise I would be coming out ahead (especially in my market with used diesel 4x4 tractors) but want to make sure I know what I am giving up and/or gaining. I'm not pulling any plows, discing the ground, etc. Just trying to move snow, carry things on a carry all, and have the potential for a loader. My other option is really just to keep the 8N, use it over the winter, and try to save up more to buy a different compact tractor. It would take me well over another year to buy something that is more stout than the B5200 or B7100 type of tract I just thought this might work out well because it is very similar in specs to the 7100, just down 3hp, but with a similar weight and overall dimensions. And I know people use those as work horses.

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[LD1]

I dont think you will be gaining alot in value honestly. But it depends on just how much cash you want to put down.

Not sure of conditions, or just how many attachments you have, but a running 8n should fetch around $2000. Add your implements value to that plus whatever cash you give up is about what you will be paying for the B5200.

Which according to tractorhouse http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/li...anu=KUBOTA&FullText=kubota+b5200&ETID=1&byp=1 shouldnt be worth more than about $3500

 

[nybirdman]

Just checked on the stats for the B5200:1200lbs and 13 HP.Smaller than the 8N but a lot newer and 4WD.Weighs about what a side x side weighs,plus you have a pto.I would fab a 4 or 5 ft.front blade,should move snow pretty well.Having used 8N and 9N's ,I would take that little Kubota any day.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

He had his listed for $3,800 on Craigslist. 8N's go between $1,500 and $2,500 up here. 4x4 diesel anything is rare up here and people are trying to sell 7100's with loaders for $6,500 (and they sell). I figured I could get this and put one of the new Coldwater loaders on it for ~$1800 or so if I can't find a used one over the course of the next year.

I was torn between keeping the 8N, going for an ATV with a plow, or trying to find something like this 5200. We'll see if he wants to go through with the deal. The 8N is bigger and probably better at moving snow -- I wonder if this would be "good enough" for me.

I watched some Youtube videos of 6100's and 7100's -- they are quite compact. You weren't kidding.