I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?

   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #1  

Piston

Elite Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Messages
3,965
Location
New England
Tractor
Kubota L4610 Hitachi UH083LC
The last thing I need right now is a new tractor with cab. :D

However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't look around a bit for when I'm ready to upgrade.

I currently have an L series Kubota which I'm very happy with, but could use some more FEL lift capacity, 3pt hitch lift capacity, and overall 'beefier' tractor. I want a heated cab so I can buy a snowblower :laughing:

I don't use my tractor for any type of lawn mowing or anything like that, mostly it's a lot to do with logs, logging, milling, and overall heavy woods work but not heavy enough that I need a monster piece of equipment or something.

My next tractor will have a cab, and that is a requirement for me :D

I'm looking for comparable sizes to the 'next step up' to what I have now. In other words, I know I need more FEL lift capacity and to get that, I need to step up a bit to the next frame size.

From driving around the different dealerships, I've come to the conclusion that something around the JD 5000 series and Kubota M series is about the size I'd be happy with.

What are the other comparable tractor sizes/capabilities from the other manufacturers? I want to do some searching around but I'm not sure which ones to look for.

Ideally, my bias is towars FEL lift capacity and more weight, as well as wider stance. I really like the Kioti RX6010 but haven't seen one in person. Seems like it would fit the bill nicely.

What are the models that NH, Mahindra, Massy, and any others have in that lineup.

I'm looking for something used, probably within 5 yrs old roughly (of course not for the RX6010 since it's new) and I'm looking to spend around 30k. I've never looked at those frame sizes before, so this is all new to me.

For reference, the L5740 and JD 4720 were always my dream tractors, but now I think they're too small, size wise not hp wise. I'd love to have a 2,500+ FEL lift capacity if possible. For anything bigger, I can use the 410 backhoe.

Any recommendations from you fellow tractor nuts?

I am in no way brand loyal and prefer to try out something new. My ONLY regret will be giving up HST since the larger tractors don't seem to have that. I primarily always have my grapple on, rarely use the bucket anymore.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #2  
You want an M series JD (or comparable)

They are true workhorses. I have a 2000 JD 5410 and has operated like a dream since new. A new comparable would be the 5085M.

We have one member (AKfish) who just got a 5075M and we have IslandFarmer and PClausen who have 5085M's on the way. All of them have cabs.

I really wish I could justify the upgrade from my current tractor, but I just can't do it. The new M series are really nice machines. Very big cab and tons of power.

Of course all of this comes at a nice price tag...
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #3  
Pretty much what Martian said. We love our M8540 HDC, but would have loved a John Deere just as well, just don't have a good dealer handy; long story.

I am pretty sure Kubota is coming out with an updated M Series soon with a larger cab etc.

I am not that familiar with the other makes, but would recommend looking at and driving some as they are all pretty darned nice.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #4  
I've always been reluctant to recommend a good cab for the woods from what I've seen through the years from damage by limbs either falling or still attaached to the tree.
There are good steel cabs without air available at a lower cost then factory cabs but they can be warm in the summer. On many the doors are easily removeable to increase the ventalation. The after-market cabs oftern do not offer the visibilty of a factory cab but the same holds true for some factory cabs any way.
We have had good luck with the small M-series in the woods and they can get you to the 2500lb. load that you want to carry.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #5  
the step up tractor for you would be a M6040HDC or 7040hdc or 8540hdc with a cab an loader.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?
  • Thread Starter
#7  
How about it?

That should do it :laughing:

I really wish I stepped up a size when I bought my original tractor!

You guys hit the nail on the head with the JD 5065M and Kubota M6040. I don't need anymore PTO hp than those provide at around 50PTOhp. I want a minimum of 45 so I can run a heavy duty Bush Hog mower that is rated for 45hp minimum.

I certainly don't need any more than 50 or so pto hp (replace the word NEED with WANT because I don't really NEED any of this:laughing:)

However, I do need more lift capacity and really want a cab, so the two tractors mentioned so far would suit me absolutely perfectly. Those are my new dream tractors from here on out :D

The FEL lift capacity looks very comperable for the two tractors.
The kubota has the LA1153 but is the JD the 563 loader?

I found this on Tractorhouse which would be about perfect for me.
2009 KUBOTA M6040HDC 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com


On tractordata, they list the JD rear lift 24" behind lift point at 3,600lbs, but then it says 'optional 4,500lbs' What does that mean, and what option gives you that much more lift capacity?



Could someone explain hydraulic shuttle shift vs. JD power reverser vs. standard manual shift? I have HST now and LOVE it, and will really miss that.

Would I be stupid to have a tractor this big when I don't use it commercially and only use it on my 30 acres of land? I know it seems excessive but I feel like I'm really pushing the limits of my current tractor when I'm using it.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #8  
Lots of difference between need and want. When I bought my LS P 7010 cab tractor, I was looking at 50 HP tractors with a cab that would suit my wants. I already had a Yanmar 4220D that fit my needs but I wanted a cab and wife agreed. I was looking to spend about $36,000 based on pricing for a MF 1652 with cab and QPS transmission that I had priced. When I found the LS tractors at a Mahindra dealer, I was sold on the quality, standard features that were not even options on some of the other brands and of course the pricing. I got the 70HP 7010 for what I was priced a 1648 MF for. The MF dealer actually priced the 1652 a few dollars less than the 1648 due to shipping cost. I really didnt need a 70HP tractor but I though why not, it cost no more. I have to admit that I still use my small Yanmar as the big tractor doesnt fit in some tight spots. I had to trim the trees up really high to keep the branches off the cab which is a bit over 10 high but I love the power and the capacity of the FEL bucket is great for moving dirt and gravel long distances. NOW I would like to get rid of my 45HP Yanmar and get something really small in the 20Hp range for the little small chores.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Gary,
That sounds like what I would like to do in the future, get a bigger tractor for the heavy work and a small tractor for yard work, like mowing and gardening.

I'll take a look at the Mahindra lineup as well to see what compares to the two I've already mentioned.

Any other models (any brand) that are comparable to the already mentioned sizes?

I've been reading a lot of posts on the 5065M and I have to say that I'm falling in love. :laughing:

Also wanted to add that when I bought my Kubota, I bought it full well knowing that I would eventually trade up for something bigger. The next tractor I buy I don't want to have that same feeling, I want to buy it for the long haul.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #10  
The last thing I need right now is a new tractor with cab. :D

However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't look around a bit for when I'm ready to upgrade.

I currently have an L series Kubota which I'm very happy with, but could use some more FEL lift capacity, 3pt hitch lift capacity, and overall 'beefier' tractor. I want a heated cab so I can buy a snowblower :laughing:

I don't use my tractor for any type of lawn mowing or anything like that, mostly it's a lot to do with logs, logging, milling, and overall heavy woods work but not heavy enough that I need a monster piece of equipment or something.

My next tractor will have a cab, and that is a requirement for me :D

I'm looking for comparable sizes to the 'next step up' to what I have now. In other words, I know I need more FEL lift capacity and to get that, I need to step up a bit to the next frame size.

From driving around the different dealerships, I've come to the conclusion that something around the JD 5000 series and Kubota M series is about the size I'd be happy with.

What are the other comparable tractor sizes/capabilities from the other manufacturers? I want to do some searching around but I'm not sure which ones to look for.

Ideally, my bias is towars FEL lift capacity and more weight, as well as wider stance. I really like the Kioti RX6010 but haven't seen one in person. Seems like it would fit the bill nicely.

What are the models that NH, Mahindra, Massy, and any others have in that lineup.

I'm looking for something used, probably within 5 yrs old roughly (of course not for the RX6010 since it's new) and I'm looking to spend around 30k. I've never looked at those frame sizes before, so this is all new to me.

For reference, the L5740 and JD 4720 were always my dream tractors, but now I think they're too small, size wise not hp wise. I'd love to have a 2,500+ FEL lift capacity if possible. For anything bigger, I can use the 410 backhoe.

Any recommendations from you fellow tractor nuts?

I am in no way brand loyal and prefer to try out something new. My ONLY regret will be giving up HST since the larger tractors don't seem to have that. I primarily always have my grapple on, rarely use the bucket anymore.

Sounds like you just want/need to get away from lightly built tractors ?
K_word tractors are known to be lightly built, not that WEIGHT per se is GOOD, but if you bounce around in the woods something with heftier axle and transmission castings would be a good idea anyway.
As I recall Ks are about 10 to 15% lighter than most others of same/similar size and engine displacement.
It may be part of the reason that the FELs don't have much capacity, i.e. the frames probably couldn't take any more.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #11  
Could someone explain hydraulic shuttle shift vs. JD power reverser vs. standard manual shift? I have HST now and LOVE it, and will really miss that.

Would I be stupid to have a tractor this big when I don't use it commercially and only use it on my 30 acres of land? I know it seems excessive but I feel like I'm really pushing the limits of my current tractor when I'm using it.

There are a lot of old threads on this, maybe this will help:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/227500-syncro-shuttle.html

No, not silly at all, we found the ideal situation is two or more tractors, but that is not practical for many, so the bigger tractor may very well be just the ticket.

As mentioned, we went with a Kubota, but would have loved John Deere etc. just as well. Mention was made of the Kubota being "lightly built", not a problem, we just use rope to keep ours from blowing away when not in use.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #12  
go test drive the 6040HDC,i think you will like it.my friend has the 7040HDC an he says that i can run that tractor with no probs an i have yet to go look at it.as i just bought the MX5100HST when they bought the 7040HDC.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #13  
TripleR said:
Mention was made of the Kubota being "lightly built", not a problem, we just use rope to keep ours from blowing away.

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

15MPH winds and sometimes those Kubotas will end up in the next county!:laughing:
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #14  
Piston.
I suggest you keep a hydro for this work and look into the 4520 and 4720 cab models as well as comparable size in other brands. What little you gain in lifting ability will make the larger models more cumbersome in the woods. There are alot of places the smaller 4720 will go with a cab height of around 8' that the larger tractors will not go. Since you have the larger fel on the 410 when it is needed I think you would be happier with a 4000 series cab tractor or other equivalent brand size.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #15  
Sounds like you are making a decision like a made a few months ago.

We had a Massey TO-35 for years until the engine blew. I can work on stuff but I am not a tear the engine down and rebuild type of mechanic so it was time to look for something new. Everyone says I am nuts, but I only looked at 2WD because of cost and the old Massey we had never needed 4WD.

Had it narrowed down to a Kubota L4400 or a JD 5045D. There is a big weight and size difference there because one is CUT and one is UT.

I borrowed my neighbors L3840 and finished my cutting. I spun it out on some hills that our old Massey just went up no problem (it was in 2WD and had R4's, I am sure R1's would help). I determined that I wanted something heavier and bigger.

Ended up coming across a JD 5210 with 122 hours on it, looked like new. Bought it and put a new JD 553 loader on it. First thing I did was head out to the places the Kubota spun out and the JD went up the hills like the old Massey did.

There is place for the lighter CUT's without a doubt, but if your terrain allows I am a firm believer in going bigger frame and heavy if your application fits.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #16  
:laughing::laughing::laughing:

15MPH winds and sometimes those Kubotas will end up in the next county!:laughing:

Yeah, we put those microchips like you use on dogs in all ours, so people can figure out who they belong to.

We came up with something else for the John Deere; little cheaper, but more trouble.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #17  
There is place for the lighter CUT's without a doubt, but if your terrain allows I am a firm believer in going bigger frame and heavy if your application fits.


What seems to work for me is having a well ballasted yet small footprint CUT with plenty of hp and the ehydro. For this type of work a nice fancy tracked skidsteer with enclosure would be great but I prefer tractors far better for most things.
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #18  
Yeah, we put those microchips like you use on dogs in all ours, so people can figure out who they belong to.

We came up with something else for the John Deere; little cheaper, but more trouble.

I remember that, glad no one was seriously hurt.:(

I prefer fencing to keep mine at home, sometimes after high winds you have to get everything out of the corners though.:)
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for? #19  
Piston, be sure to look at all the Korean tractors and the Mahindras. You ask about certain sizes and capabilities and price range, that is going to limit your choices to used. I don't think that you will find anything new, the size that you want for $30k. If the budget goes up, nice things can be acquired new. ;)
 
   / I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?
  • Thread Starter
#20  
I'll try to address everything:



Sounds like you just want/need to get away from lightly built tractors ?

Yes and no. The FEL lift capacity of a comparable framed tractor isn't all that much different than mine is.
I think it has more to do with what the units are intended for, I'm trying to make my CUT tractor do more work than it was designed for. I'm well aware of the ongoing debate of 'bota's are lightweight' and don't want this to turn into another one of those threads :laughing:
;)


There are a lot of old threads on this, maybe this will help:TractorByNet.com - Compact Tractor Forum
Yup :thumbsup:
I also did some preliminary searching over the last 6 hrs haha. I did find a couple good threads explaining the basics. My understanding is that the closest I can get to the ease of use of an HST is the hyrdo power reverser transmission, so I guess that's what I want :D
I'm not sure I'd be as happy with an HST on that size tractor even if they did offer it though. Since my tractor (the dreaded K word tractor :D was too light for what I was doing, I added rear ballast to the tires, 1100lbs of Rimguard. Then, I added a 1k pound box blade. I get good stability now, but I can barely use my HIGH setting as the tractor just wines the whole time. I am pretty much stuck with medium and low and a lot of times low is too slow and medium will whine as well. I feel like I'm now overloading the tractor and asking too much of it. I don't think it's cause it's a Bota, I think it's cause its not meant for what I'm doing with it. (OR-my expectations were too high)

Piston.
I suggest you keep a hydro for this work and look into the 4520 and 4720 cab models as well as comparable size in other brands.
I have thought a bit about this, and I certainly won't rule it out since you suggested it, I know you have plenty of experience with that size tractor!

There is no doubt that an HST is highly valued by me. This is probably the ONLY downside I can think of by upgrading. It's a big one that's for sure!



I'm embarrassed to say that I actually have quite a few hours sitting in a 4x20 cab model. Only problem is, I've never moved it from it's parking spot on the dealer's lot! :D I swear they see me coming now and go lock up all the cab models so I can't sit in them :laughing: I wouldn't mind a little more space in there for my afternoon naps:laughing:

I do think I'd appreciate a bigger cab, but I see where a bigger tractor can also be cumbersome.

Another note about the FEL lift capacity, I almost never use the bucket, and almost always use the grapple, which I wouldn't be able to put on the 410, and on top of that, once I get my house built, I'll be losing the 410 back to my dad who is 2hrs away (it's actually HIS backhoe anyways, I'm just using it for the 'land clearing stage')

On top of wanting a cab for the cold winters, and more lift capacity at the FEL, I've also had my eye on buying a rear 3pt hitch grapple for skidding logs. I don't think my current tractor has the capabilities I want out of it. I worry so much about pulling the rear end out from stressing the top link so much.

Also, what is this I am reading about a "buddy seat"? That could be a huge selling point to the wife now that we have our first child on the way....FINALLY! :D:D:D:D:D
I'm gonna need a spot for the kid to sit when he/she gets old enough :thumbsup:
 

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