Kubota mx5200

[Mikejeakins]

I've been looking at the mx 5200. could any one give me some feed back on the pro's and cons of this tractor? I will be using this tractor with a front end loader and a skidding winch for working in the woods.

 

[namesray]

First off welcome to tbn! I just got a mx 5200 for that same purpose. I have a fransfard winch (7600 lbs pulling force) and so far works great. I have only 5 hours on tractor so far and I am really liking it. I have a few pictures here I posted, look for thread "First firewood hitch with mx 5200" in the kubota owning operating forum. I will update you on what I learn as I use the tractor more. I have been doing 400 + face cord commercially for the past 6 years and I expect the larger size of the mx series to really help.

 

[namesray]

Here are some pictures of what I skidded out. 1 large maple, about 50 ft long, 2 smaller beech, between 40 and 50 ft long. I guess about 1.5 face cord and total weight skidded out around 3000lbs to 3500lbs. Tractor pulled them pretty well. I did get hung up going up a small hill in the trail that had a sharp downhill just afterwards. In other words it high centered over a large hump in the road and the tractor spun out. I simply dropped the large maple log and drove ahead past the hump, and then winched the maple log back to the tractor. Everything else went great.

 

[Mikejeakins]

That is what I'm shooting for. to grow my firewood business. I'm small Potatoes.

 

[namesray]

The mx series seems to be the best size/weight to still be able to "maneuver" in the woods, but still have enough power and pulling force to actually pull good size hitches. I actually value maneuverability quite high on my list for what I need the tractor to do. For me any bigger then the mx, the harder to do a lot, such as get turned around in the woods, maneuver on the landings, and transport to site locations.

I am loving the width and stability the mx5200 is giving me over my old b7800. Really makes doing large pulls with the winch much more stable. Add to that the beefiness of the 3 point hitch, I bet I have added about 1000lbs extra pulling force before the winch dozer blade " breaks loose" or the whole unit would slide instead of the log.

I am concerned about the regen emmision system on the mx5200 possible starting a fire in dry leaves, but I dont know for sure yet if I should even worry yet, I havent even gone through a regeneration yet. I am going to put a fire extinguishr on the tractor just because of th regen system, but I should have that anyway. Hate to have a fire on someone elses wood plot and burn it all up.

Another firewood dealer I am good friends with runs a mx5100 (same as 5200, but no emmision regen system on it) You should see what he pulls out! He has a larger winch then me.

Definitly gt the rear tires loaded as I have noticed that the loader sticks a ways out from the tractor and with full bucket or log on forks, and if you travel through bumps, I can feel the tractor teeter a bit or rear end feel light. Just little bit. I actually like the loader out further from tractor as I can load my dump truck easier.

Dont know how far you are from west virginia, but I got a heck of a deal on my mx5200 from PARCS in Salem west virginia.

 

[big bubba]

mike: i previously owned a former version (MX5000) this is a great work horse, & think you're on the right track. namesray seems to have the info you're looking for including the suggestion to load the rear tires for traction & stability. there are members on the forum who have also loaded the ft. wheels for increased traction, etc, although K does not recommend for whatever reasons (already discussed on the forum). just to say this model seems to fit your needs for your application. one thought in terms of safety: you might research options for some kind of overhead reinforced canopy or even overhead frame (?) for working in the woods esp w/logging/firewood. don't know much about, just safety suggestion. can't go wrong w/MX in your described application. best regards

 

[TSO]

I'm thinking that Steppenwolf was just joking around ...

For their price point in the "Kubota" lineup, the MX CUT'S are a good value. Compared to a similar Grand L (in open station form) the MX offers a fair budget alternative. Obviously once you look at competing models from other brands, the MX CUT'S "value" isn't so apparent.

 

[Mikejeakins]

My dealer suggested putting windshield washer fluid in the rear tires.

 

[namesray]

MX5200, 4x4, r4 tires loaded, rear remote, block heater, Ansung loader, ss quick attach bucket and forks, woods rc6 bushhog, contractor pro 20ft trailer rated 14k load, chains and binders, front and rear tire chains and tensioners.

$33,500 delivered.

I am partial to kubota, but thats just me. I have 3 kubota dealers close by. Parts and repairs come easy due to close dealer and large network. If you have a different brand dealer close by, I would really give them a look as dealer support can really save some headaches.

All brands will fail sooner or later. Buy what you like. I like kubota because I love how the controls set up in the operators station and I grew up around kubota equipment.

if you have different brand dealers close by, go sit on those tractors, try them out, and pick the best one you like that suits you in all categories.

 

[TSO]

MX5200, 4x4, r4 tires loaded, rear remote, block heater, Ansung loader, ss quick attach bucket and forks, woods rc6 bushhog, contractor pro 20ft trailer rated 14k load, chains and binders, front and rear tire chains and tensioners.

$33,500 delivered.

I am partial to kubota, but thats just me. I have 3 kubota dealers close by. Parts and repairs come easy due to close dealer and large network. If you have a different brand dealer close by, I would really give them a look as dealer support can really save some headaches.

All brands will fail sooner or later. Buy what you like. I like kubota because I love how the controls set up in the operators station and I grew up around kubota equipment.

if you have different brand dealers close by, go sit on those tractors, try them out, and pick the best one you like that suits you in all categories.

That seems like a decent price for the package. How does the Ansung loader compare to the factory one?

 

[namesray]

That seems like a decent price for the package. How does the Ansung loader compare to the factory one?

The ansung loader specs at 2400lbs lift cap. If I remember right that is about 200lbs more then the kubota 1165? Loader. (Not exactly sure on those numbers, but the ansung has a little more lift then the kubota loader. It looks very simular to kubota loader and I bet if the stickers were off, most people couldnt tell the difference.

The ansung loader grease fittings are all on the end of the pins, so it is easier to grease then the kubota, which has some fittings in the middle of the pin and are more hidden to reach. I really like this feature.

As for the smoothness of operation and dual function ability, hard for me to tell. I went from a kubota loader on my b7800, but that tractor was an hst, so different engine operating characteristics and rpm flow. My mx5200 is a gear shift and is run differently with different rpms. All I can say is for my needs, it is working great.

Ansung loader saved me over $1,100.00 over the kubota. I am happy with it.

 

[namesray]

My dealer suggested putting windshield washer fluid in the rear tires.

My tires are filled with windshield washer fluid. I think you would be fine with that. I have heard of quite a few people doing this even in cold climates. Washer fluid is not as heavy as calcium per gal, but is simple and cheaper. I think rim guard or beet juice is even more expensive.

 

[randomid25]

Brand loyalty is for idiots. I can't force myself to buy a kubota even though the dealer is the closest to me at 20 miles away. I'm looking at driving to a dealer an hour away to get into either a Massey Ferguson or a Kioti. I would be looking at LS if there were a dealer remotely close to me. Kubota is the new John Deere. Building a sub-standard product and charging more for their name. JMO

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Hmmmm. I own two Kubotas and a Kioti. I don't know which "side" I should be on here.

 

[DK35vince]

Hmmmm. I own two Kubotas and a Kioti. I don't know which "side" I should be on here.

No need to pick a side.
But if someone makes a claim that one brand is far superior to all others then they should at least be able to explain the exact reasons how, where and why.

 

[paulfun9]

Brand loyalty is for idiots. I can't force myself to buy a kubota even though the dealer is the closest to me at 20 miles away. I'm looking at driving to a dealer an hour away to get into either a Massey Ferguson or a Kioti. I would be looking at LS if there were a dealer remotely close to me. Kubota is the new John Deere. Building a sub-standard product and charging more for their name. JMO

Saying they are sub standard is a little far fetched. They do make a good tractor and I have actually had good experience with them but they are not always the best machine and all others are not inferior to them.

Like TSO said if you have had good experience with a particular brand and feel good about your chances of having the same type experience when it comes time to buy again then its definitely not for idiots to stay loyal to a brand but I must say that not giving consideration to other makes that offer the same or more for less money is not always the smartest move. Staying open and researching all the machines in the range your looking at would be in my opinion the smart move as you never really know what else could fit your needs unless you look/explore your options and like me many have found that the other brands just might fit them better and cost less at the same time!

I wish the poster the best of luck with his choice of machine as I do all owners of all brands.

 

[paulfun9]

No need to pick a side.
But if someone makes a claim that one brand is far superior to all others then they should at least be able to explain the exact reasons how, where and why.

Yes it would have been nice if he could have put up even a somewhat reasonable explanation.

 

[KYDan]

Holy tractor guys, talk about hijacking a thread! To address the OP's question. The largest negative for a new MX5200 is Tier 4 emission controls, but that is not brand specific. I am a Kubota fan, but I have some green paint and have had blue paint over the years as well. The primary thing for me is dealer reputation and location. Shop around and sit on and drive different machines, talk with people in your area that have machines in this size range and determine issues if any, and dealer support. Enjoy the search it can be fun it you want it to be fun.

 

[Trillium Farm]

Saying they are sub standard is a little far fetched. They do make a good tractor and I have actually had good experience with them but they are not always the best machine and all others are not inferior to them.

Like TSO said if you have had good experience with a particular brand and feel good about your chances of having the same type experience when it comes time to buy again then its definitely not for idiots to stay loyal to a brand but I must say that not giving consideration to other makes that offer the same or more for less money is not always the smartest move. Staying open and researching all the machines in the range your looking at would be in my opinion the smart move as you never really know what else could fit your needs unless you look/explore your options and like me many have found that the other brands just might fit them better and cost less at the same time!

I'm very loyal to "my wallet" I go wherever I get the best value. Even this is subjective as there is no absolute way to obtain the absolute best as this changes constantly

 

[arrow]

There's considerations here to be made on what is the "best". Normally there is no such thing as points of measure are not always subjective. When i went tractor hunting a couple years ago, I have to say Kubota seems to have built some of the stoutest as far as metal thickness is concerned. Their fit and finish was superb. I have no idea of what their innards look like but I would hope to presume they are as stout as the outside.

Kubota is their own tractor company. There is no farming out to others to make Kubotas as far as I know. This should be of benefit for someone who wants to keep their tractors till they break in half. Parts availability should be lengthy.

I do wish they would relinquish the placement of their fel control on some of their stuff so it does not block access or egress from an open operator station. I also wish I did not have to confront an "uppity" attitude of the Kubota dealership I went to with the "take it or leave it" concept they seem to have been exercising. I hope this is not a rampant attitude of Kubota dealerships just because they make a good product.

Lift capacities do not always equate to "value" if something breaks on a tractor with high capacity and overwhelms it's structural design. It depends where a company wants to spend it's money. It looks real good if you are getting an $800 remote hook up but have they reduced the thickness or size of a drive gear or compromised on a shift linkage to come in at a price point?

Lastly, I cannot defend the aspect that if a company is making a good product that they are also adding to price because of their name. It was the "quality" that made the name in the first place. It's as if they're equating greater pricing with a greater stature. I for one cannot "buy" into that.

That being said, value is not always measured in dollars by everyone.