- WhichTractor size: Compact
- Lab tested ×1
- 2003–2008
WhichTractor size, not the maker’s category
Derived by WhichTractor from a sourced three-point linkage. How we decide what a machine is
John Deere 5203 specs: hp, weight, years
John Deere 3.029 DPY-13 three-cylinder diesel. OECD put one on a dynamometer and measured 50.8 hp at the power take-off — the number to size an implement from.
Measured at the PTO shaft
50.8 hp
Source · OECD Test 2267, measured
- Drawbar hp
- 41.0
John Deere 5203 specs: key facts
The John Deere 5203 was built from 2003 to 2008 and produced 37.9 kW (50.8 hp) at the PTO, measured on OECD Test 2267.Source 1
The claimed engine power (gross or net not stated) of the John Deere 5203 is 41.2–41.2 kW (55.3–55.3 hp), depending on configuration.
The John Deere 5203 was offered in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.
The John Deere 5203 has a John Deere 3.029 DPY-13 engine, a 3-cylinder 2.90 L diesel unit.
The John Deere 5203 weighs 2,140–2,287 kg (4,718–5,042 lb) unladen, depending on configuration.
The John Deere 5203 has an independent rear PTO running at 540/1000 rpm.Source 1
The three-point hitch of the John Deere 5203 lifts 1,690 kg (3,726 lb) at the lower-link ends.
The hydraulic pump of the John Deere 5203 delivers 43.4 L/min (11.5 gpm).
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
How much horsepower does a 5203 have at the PTO?
At the PTO shaft a 5203 has 50.8 hp (37.9 kW), measured on OECD Test 2267.
Sources · OECD test report 2267, 2005; Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
What engine is in a 5203?
A 5203 has a John Deere 3.029 DPY-13, a 3-cylinder 2.90 L diesel engine.
| Make & model | John Deere 3.029 DPY-13 |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 3, liquid-cooledSource 1 |
| Displacement | 177.0 ci · 2.90 L |
| Max torque | 138 lb·ft · 187.7 N·m @ 1,298 rpmSource 1 |
| Injection | direct injection methodOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
How much will a 5203 lift?
Hydraulic and PTO specifications for the 5203 are below.
| System | Open centreOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 11.5 gpm · 43.4 L/minOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Lift at ends | 3,726 lb · 1,690 kgOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Rear PTO | 540/1000 rpmSource 1 |
| PTO shaft | 34.73 mm, 6 splinesSource 1 |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
What transmission does a 5203 have?
Transmission specifications for the 5203 are below.
| Clutch | Dry LuK double clutch with 280 mm diameterOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Pedal-operated, hydraulic wet disc brake acting on the differential side shaftsOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Steering | Hydrostatic Danfoss steeringOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Top speed | 18.6 mph · 30 km/hOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
How much does a 5203 weigh?
Dimensions for the 5203 are below; no sourced weight is on record yet.
| Unladen weight | 4,718–5,042 lb · 2,140–2,287 kgVaries by configuration: 2,140 kg or 2,287 kgOn record for 2 of 3 configurationstwo-wheel-drive versionfour-wheel-drive version |
|---|---|
| Maximum front axle load | 1,775 lb · 805 kgOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Maximum rear axle load | 2,943 lb · 1,335 kgOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Wheelbase | 81.3 in · 2,065 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Length | 137.8 in · 3,500 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Width | 66.7–87.6 in · 1,695–2,225 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Height | 95.4 in · 2,422 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Ground clearance | 13.8 in · 350 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Front track | 56.3–82.3 in · 1,430–2,090 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
| Rear track | 51.4–72.2 in · 1,305–1,835 mmOn record for 1 of 3 configurations |
Source · Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”
What oil does a 5203 take, and how much?
A 5203 engine takes 9.0 qt (8.5 L). Single source, not independently verified — always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine.
| System | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | 9.0 qt · 8.5 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203” · single source, not independently verified |
| Transmission | 40.0 qt · 37.9 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203” · single source, not independently verified |
| Front axle | 5.3 qt · 5.0 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203” · single source, not independently verified |
| Cooling system | 10.0 qt · 9.5 LSource: Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203” · single source, not independently verified |
Always confirm against the operator’s manual for your machine before service.
What did OECD measure on Test 2267?
OECD Test 2267 recorded 50.8 hp at the PTO and 41.0 hp at the drawbar. Configuration as printed: “2 WD · PY 5203 U - 30 km/h”.
| PTO power, maximum | 50.8 hp at 540 PTO rpm · 37.9 kW @ 2,376 engine rpm |
|---|---|
| PTO power, rated engine speed | 50.6 hp at 545 PTO rpm · 37.7 kW @ 2,400 engine rpm |
| PTO power, standard PTO speed | 50.8 hp at 540 PTO rpm · 37.9 kW @ 2,376 engine rpm |
| Drawbar power, unballasted | 41.0 hp · 30.6 kW |
Source · OECD test report 2267, 2005
How much fuel does a 5203 burn per hour?
Measured on OECD Test 2267 (tested as the 5203 (2 WD)), at each condition the laboratory recorded.
Cost per hour = fuel used per hour × your fuel price (per litre, or per US gallon for the gal/h figure).
| Test condition | Fuel per hour |
|---|---|
| Maximum PTO powerPTO 37.9 kW (50.8 hp) at 540 rpm | 11.76 L/h 3.11 gal/h |
| Rated engine speedPTO 37.7 kW (50.6 hp) at 545 rpm | 11.82 L/h 3.12 gal/h |
| Standard PTO speedPTO 37.9 kW (50.8 hp) at 540 rpm | 11.76 L/h 3.11 gal/h |
| 75% load, 50% load | Not on record for this test |
Source · OECD Test 2267
Which tractors compare with a 5203?
Within 10% of its 50.8 hp measured at the PTO, the same type, and first built within 15 years of it.
- Massey Ferguson 4320 (A)51 hp PTO, claimed · 2001–2003Side by side with the 5203 →
- John Deere 510349.8 hp PTO, measured · 2003–2008Side by side with the 5203 →
- Fendt Farmer 260S53.6 hp PTO, claimed · from 1988Side by side with the 5203 →
- New Holland 483555 hp PTO, claimed · 1996–1998Side by side with the 5203 →
Common questions about the John Deere 5203
Is a 5203 two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive?
The John Deere 5203 was offered in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.
What PTO does a 5203 have?
A 5203 has a 540/1000 rpm rear PTO on a 34.73 mm, 6 splines shaft.
What implements will a 5203 run?
Size PTO implements from the measured 50.8 hp at the shaft.
Sources and how this page was built
Compiled from OECD tractor test report 2267; and Traktorenlexikon, “John Deere 5203”.
Sources
Facts taken from these documents, units converted. Numbers beside a figure refer to this list. Licences and attribution
- OECD Code 2 test report 2/2 267: John Deere 5203 — Licence not stated by the publisher; facts cited, OECD-2267 · published 2005-09-02 · retrieved 2026-09-14. OECD; testing station Central Farm Machinery Training. Original document
- Traktorenlexikon: John Deere 5203 — CC BY-SA 4.0, WIKIBOOKS-TL-106247 · revision 874192. Wikibooks contributors (Traktorenlexikon). Original document