Thoughts on MX5100...a couple of questions

[KeithInSpace]

I have a Woods backhoe on my BX2230 and can attest to their quality. Quite an attachment.

At the time I purchased my tractor, the backhoe was out of reach in the original purchase and the backhoe on my tractor at the time (BX22) had a straight boom arm. The Woods BH6000 was/is bent like 'real' excavators. Kubota adopted a bent boom in the BX23, 24, and 25. Therefore, I had a functional (not just financial) reason to NOT want the OEM backhoe.

That said, I think he'll go with OEM backhoe since it does not have any functional limitations and the comparable Woods unit doesn't have an immense difference in ratings or cost.

 

[Kyle241]

Another reason to go with the Kubota BH is ease of removal. I've read the Woods BH's are very good just don't know how they attach and how easy they are to remove and put back on. The BH92 comes off in a few minutes (yes that quickly) and putting back on takes minutes as long as you line yourself up correctly.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I can honestly say that is one (the only) think I DON'T like about my Woods.

Kubota uses a "tilt on" strategy where you engage the bottom pins and rotate the body of the backhoe onto the upper pins.

My Woods requires that I get all 4 pins, upper and lower, in generally good alignment. This requires that the tractor be lined up very well, be fairly flat and backed in to the backhoe to the right depth, that the backhoe be 'tripod-ed' to the right elevation, and that the body of the backhoe be at just the right angle.

Even if you get all that right, it takes some jiggling to get the backhoe seated.

I can't complain...it was a couple grand cheaper than the equivalent tractor (BX22) and, like I said, the bent boom is great. AND IT SURE BEATS A SHOVEL.

Oh, and the Woods seat-turn-around-mechanism-thingy (technical term) is terrible...on my 'toy' tractor, I use the same seat for both functions.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Well, it's done.

MX5100 4WD with HST, R4 tires, loaded rear wheels, grill guard, and top-and-tilt rear hydraulics.

Front loader with quick attach, 4 ton forks, 4-in-1 bucket (with associated hydraulics), and level indicator.

BH92 backhoe with 24" and 12" buckets.

7 foot wide box-blade.

Kubota insurance and 4 year 0% financing.

All in for something around $45k. My brother is pleased with the deal and excited about the tractor.

He's delaying delivery for personal reasons, but will pick up the whole load, factory fresh, in mid-March.

 

[k0ua]

Wow that is a lot of tractor! Try to get some pix when it is delivered if you can. I am sure he will really enjoy it.

James K0UA

 

[reggiejr]

Congratulations on the new tractor your brother will be very pleased with his purchase thats a killer setup.You have to post some pics of the tractor when he gets it.
way to go:thumbsup:

 

[Martian]

Congrats to the brother when it arrives!!

Oh, and don't forget the pics

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

I was going to get a Kubota MX5100 HST 4 WD with 4FEL and Back Hoe with Thumb except that in Australia you cant get a Kubota fitted type BH ...the others being offered dont fit or look good[look too small] and dont have a thumb.

So my next possible move is back down to the L4400 HST 4FEL 4WD etc...do any of you guys have any opinions of the the L4400 and know of any of its shortcomings. Any other suggestions? Can you widen the L4400 Wheels base? what extra width is suggested for steep hills ...or do i just avoid the hills?

 

[dex3361]

I was going to get a Kubota MX5100 HST 4 WD with 4FEL and Back Hoe with Thumb except that in Australia you cant get a Kubota fitted type BH ...the others being offered dont fit or look good[look too small] and dont have a thumb.

So my next possible move is back down to the L4400 HST 4FEL 4WD etc...do any of you guys have any opinions of the the L4400 and know of any of its shortcomings. Any other suggestions? Can you widen the L4400 Wheels base? what extra width is suggested for steep hills ...or do i just avoid the hills?

The only problem with the L4400 is the rollback and dump angle of the FEL. The rear wheels with the R1 tires will set out in width but the front does not.:thumbsup:

 

[Martian]

I was going to get a Kubota MX5100 HST 4 WD with 4FEL and Back Hoe with Thumb except that in Australia you cant get a Kubota fitted type BH ...the others being offered dont fit or look good[look too small] and dont have a thumb.

So my next possible move is back down to the L4400 HST 4FEL 4WD etc...do any of you guys have any opinions of the the L4400 and know of any of its shortcomings. Any other suggestions? Can you widen the L4400 Wheels base? what extra width is suggested for steep hills ...or do i just avoid the hills?

If you really want a tractor that size why not try a different brand? Almost all brands would have a comparable that size with a factory backhoe. Or go to a GL series and get a "comfort" tractor - that'll run you more though. Or get a L45/M59 and have a dedicated TLB if it's that important. I guess if the 4400 is all you need the 4400 would work though.

EDIT: And since you already have a L4400 would you be getting another L4400 or just getting a BH for yours?

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Sorry I dont have a L4400 or any other tractor just a Toro Ride On ... I must have misread the profile questions when I completed it.

 

[Martian]

I see, I just like seeing what people got and own and saw you already had a 4400 and was wondering why you'd upgrade to the same thing.

I'd still look at some other models in the same HP range. Look at Woods backhoes too, very good quality and have a thumb option.

 

[Code54]

Is it possible to have a dealer in the States to ship you a hoe? I know shipping is sometimes not as bad as you think. Also Martain is correct, the Woods hoes are excellent quality and VERY comparable to the factory hoes in capacity.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Thanks once again Code54,

I been looking to see if Woods BH are avail in Australia and I cant find the dealer, yet I seem to recall a local dealer making mention of the brand although after being on Tractorbynet, its possible i read it on here..lol I should start importing some of your Woods products for the Australian market if i had a few $million although it might be worth looking at getting it shipped over. I,m now getting a quote without the BH but with a subframe in place in case i need to hire or buy in the future.

Does anyone know how long the MX5100 is with FEL but without the BH?

Also can anyone can tell me how easy it is to bend the ROPS as my garage is just a wee bit too short for any of the tractors...Is it a pain and diffucult to bend the ROPS every time garaging is required? Otherwise in need to build another shed and thats a pain too..requiring a planning Permit which can take several weeks to get approved in Victoria. ..

I could tell you about the problems I had with another inefficient quirky bueracratic council area in Melbourne ..I now call them them the Republic of Dandenong...the wheels of commerce take much too long and might explain why its a backwater and will always be left in the dark ages...buts thats another story im working on to vent my poltical frustrations...lol

 

[Code54]

The ROPS folds with two "bolts" that are more like pins with threaded ends. You just pull a pin then unscrew them and pull them out. Then push the ROPS down. pretty easy - takes about a minute maybe.
As for the length - I can measure it tomorrow after work if know one happens to know....

 

[KeithInSpace]

H....H...H...Hijack! No worries. It's just a little funny, though. Chat away.

Brother is still very excited about tractor. Picking it up on his Birthday, of all days.

Long and painful education on trailers, though. After bouncing all over the board, I think he's settled on a 12k# 24' dovetail with fold-down ramps. The short story is that, along with the 13k# GVWR of his truck, a 14k# trailer would put him over 26k#, requiring that he get some type of CDL according to federal law. So.....12k# it is.

Will post pictures. I have a stump that I pulled out with my BX that probably weighs an EASY 2,000#. Pretty impressive that I was able to get it out with my "toy" tractor, but I could only drag it on the asphalt. As soon as I hit the grass, I lost traction and that was it.

I'm excited to watch my brother's tractor clamp around that bad boy and lift it straight off the stinking ground!

 

[Martian]

12k is plenty enough for that tractor. Did he go bumper or gooseneck?

Your bro is definitely doing it right the first time!:thumbsup:

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

This the reply i got from my local dealer with interesting stats when i listed some issues about the L4400 ...which i thought was a reasonable answer.

"Rops folds backwards. Canopy size depending on what size tractor roughly 1100 x 1500, bolts onto Rops . Not advised to fold Rops down if canopy fitted ( awkward and wont fit under Garage door.

Kubota has 38% market share in the USA. Sells approx 160,000 tractors a year.
We have the odd client come back with various questions / concerns re their purchase in which we deal with as they arise."

 

[Code54]

I checked and the tractor is 15' from the bucket to the 3pt end, may want to give yourself 16' so you have room to roll the bucket or extend the 3pt links.
If you have a canopy that will sort of defeat the lowering of the ROPS to clear anything, they end up sticking way up!

As for trailers - I feel that 12K is plenty. Had my 5100 on my 18' 12K trailer last week and it didn't even squish it down.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Thanks for taking trouble to measure it Code54.