John Deere 5020 Repower- 8V71T Detroit Diesel

I have been itching to make this video since the start of this channel, and here it is!

This is our 5010/20 Detroit Repower with a 8V71T Detroit Diesel, this is the only one I have seen with a turbo feeding its blower, which is what really sets it apart. With the turbo, this tractor pushes about 360 horsepower! This tractor is wrapped in 900 60R32 rear tires, and 16.5-16.1 front tires. I welded a set of rear rims for this tractor that push out the sidewalls to give the tires a wider profile. In the rear tires we have added 160 gallons of windshield washer fluid per tire as extra weight for plowing, and built a custom weight bracket for the front weights. We have also equipped this tractor with the Wheatland fenders and dust shields. As clumsy as they are to step over, the dust shields really tie together the tractor. We have also moved all the hydraulic controls to a console, where we can control both remotes and the 3-point hitch. This tractor had two radiators when we started the restoration, we took the small radiator out and replaced the bigger radiator with one that had an extra core. It takes a LOT of plowing to get this tractor over 190 degrees. With removing the front radiator, we had the room to put the 5010 fuel tank back in its original spot. The exhaust pipe leaving the turbo is wrapped in lava fiber where it gets a little close to the hood, and exits the hood as a one piece straight pipe with no visible clamps.

In the video we are pulling a John Deere 3600 6-bottom plow. This tractor handles this plow with ease in 5th or 6th gear. 5th gear at 2400 RPM and 6th gear at 1800 RPM are the sweet spot for this plow and tractor, leaving a level job, and covers the trash well.

I appreciate you taking the time to watch this video, and if you have any questions be sure to leave them in the comments and I will answer them to the best of my ability!

Thanks for watching, and I will see you on the next one!

Music from Artlist.

[joemueth]

6 th gear plowing, that's cruising speed. She is a beauty.

[richardprior]

Memories
I put a few thousand hours on a 5020 in 1971 on the cotton fields of Australia. Great machine in is day.

[mitchjones]

A killer rig for sure. Blood sweat and tears make it priceless. I see a few more generations in this tractors future. Fantastic job.

[wizardsofwisconsin]

I’m an International guy. That 5020 is one BAD mother! SPECTACULAR job with the work you did on it and PROPS for actually making it do some field work too!

[danpanderson]

Beautiful job! I vote for the hearing protection! Just 4 years of field work on stock, early 4020 D’s back in the late 60’s/early 70’s took its toll on my hearing!

[leslie]

Wow. What an amazing machine. What I would have given to have that 50 years ago in the fields of Illinois. Don't get me wrong my 4020 was amazing but your 5010/5020 is over the top by a longshot. Thanks for sharing. God I miss farming.

[DoctorJonesPhD]

When you’re gripping the wheel of this beast, ripping through the earth, be thankful for the experience guys like me would kill for!

[Chisszaru]

That's one hell of a tractor. I just happen to love big tires. The sound of that engine. Love it

[perrysciara]

Its not just the added hp and speed, both of these increase the efficiency of the plowing. Allows for better penetration of the plow and more rollover and aeration of the soil. 5020's were very much under powered in the factory version, so this repower really improves the looks and the working ability of these tractors.

[ronaldoleksy]

Very well done. Killer rear tires. ripes thru the fields. Absolutely the wow factor

[garyjones]

Wow, that tractor is a work of art.. gorgeous...thx for bringing us along...

[JasonSmith-vdsz]

That is such a work of art. I’m so happy you can actually use it instead of it being just a parade tractor.

[mh]

From one John Deere enthusiasts to another very awesome job done!

[finleyfendt]

Nice 5020. Had one years ago, favorite. Now retired. No more tractors. So sad.

[docsridingadventures]

I have a 1970 gmc 4905 with the 8v71 great engine very simple and easy to work on.

[howardg]

Hearing that trademark howl of a Detroit diesel in anything is unforgettable, and awesome! It's just such a classic sound. :-)

[gliderider]

Man that’s not plowing, that’s dirt throwing! She’s pissed off, love it!

[Acoustic_Theory]

Make sure the 8V71 gets enough revs - don't lug it at low speed for hours and hours, or you could melt a piston. They only lubricate properly when screaming, >1800RPM or so.

[richardharms]

I had a 8v71t in a 73 GMC semi. Not long on miles, about 200k per overhaul. It would take a good 350 cummins to bet it. Hell of a drag race motor.

[JasonSmith-vdsz]

Wow… What an amazing and useful tractor! It’s not just a trailer queen show tractor you can use it. Well done.