John Deere 5203 4.80 star(s) (6)

5203
Model Year: 2008

I mow 8 acres of field every week with a 6-foot Woods bush hog which I keep sharp to cut almost like a finish mower. It runs like a sewing machine and burns not a drop of plus II oil. These things were built as a simple work horse and they are. I have had other tractors but this tractor is special. If you find one that has been maintained jump on it and you will have a tractor that should run for a very long time.

Pros: Simple to service, sips fuel power
Cons: Nothing

Snow
Model Year: 2008

We receive more then average snowfalls, and I handle 1300 lb round bales with my 5203 MFD. Have never been stuck nor found a place I couldn't maneuvor with this tractor. Would recommend for anyone that needs a great easy to handle utility tractor.

Pros: Goes anywhere and starts easily in winter.
Cons: None so far.

Good Tractor
Model Year: 2008

My first tractor was a used 1996 JD 5200 two wheel drive that I loved but it had a traction problem in our deep sand. The new 5203 is almost identical to the 5200 and operates much the same but with much better traction thanks to the four wheel drive. In just over 600 hours the only problems encountered have been a leaky hydraulic line at the rear coupling (repaired under warranty) and a failed temperature sensor that blew the fuse operating the injector pump solenoid. This is apparently a common problem and the mechanic at my JD dealership told me how to bypass it until it could be replaced. Ergonomically, the PTO lever and 4-wheel engagement lever could have been arranged better. With the PTO engaged you have to snake your hand around that lever to engage/disengage 4-wheel drive. Putting these minor negatives aside, I really like the way the tractor performs and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a tractor this size.

Pros: Performance.
Cons: PTO/4-wheel drive lever placement.

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John Deere 5203 MFWD
Model Year: 2005

This tractor is really great. It goes through 2 ft of snow just fine, has no trouble plowing snow. It does everything i ask it to with ease. I use for all my needs, halting firewood, bush hogging, cutting/tedding/raking/baling/hauling hay, driving posts, loader work, cleanup, and dragging fields. This tractor is a great all around tractor that has plenty of power with versatility.

Pros: Plenty of power, versatile, ease of operation, MFWD works great, great all around tractor.
Cons: Wish I had a canopy, cup holder, arm rests, more gears and power reverser.

Almost Perfect
Model Year: 2008

This 56 hp 5203 MFWD (4-wheel drive) with loader replaced my old 5200 2-wheel drive. Same great performing tractor. However, the 5203 is far more capable but has had some problems. Rear hydraulics leaked on delivery but was corrected by dealer (AG Power of Mineola). Cold start sensor failed at 200 hrs, blowing a fuse and prevented starting. One $30 sensor and .30 cent fuse later it was fixed. My only complaint is control ergonomics -- the 4wd lever, PTO lever and ABC shifter are too close together, making it difficult to reach the 4wd lever when the PTO is engaged. Other than that it's been a great tractor.

Pros: Performance, reliability.
Cons: Control lever placement.

JD 5203
Model Year: 2004

Overall a good stout tractor for a small cow/calf operator.

Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: Bare bones--I will have to add needed features.