Big Red towing ability...'83 vs '84?

[Big G]

Anyone know if there's a difference in towing/hauling ability between the '83 Big Red (200e chain drive) and the '84 Big Red (200es shaft drive)?

I'm also looking for personal experience as I'm sure the manuals rate them the same...

[kb0nly]

I have ridden both, used both for work on the farm, and have also used both in other capacities. I always found the 84 could out pull the 83, the shaft drive and different gearing along with the differential in the rear end made for a stump pulling monster in the 84. The 83 is just conventional chain drive, great for speed and wheeling, but not always the best for a utility role.

I have had the 83 spin or stall out where the 84 would just keep chugging along. I just got done plowing with my 84 this morning, i can push piles as tall as the front rack it will just blast through them.

After having both at my disposal years ago when i finally saw an 84 available for sale i jumped on it to get my own once again!

[Big G]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Thanks kb0nly. Just one more reason why I want to get my hands on an '84!!!

[Yair]

If I can remember it correctly the 83 could tow around 300 kilo.
I will look it up for you in the manuel.

[kb0nly]

The 200ES is 315k or 700lbs. I don't have a copy of the 83 200E manual but i suspect its similar. Though these are merely factory ratings, the butt-o-meter using them tells a different story.