Buying Advice Need some advice on a new rig

[Msarti]

Hello all, I will be upgrading my 1710 this year for a cab tractor and would like some advice. I live on 13 acres and will be using the tractor to mow and maintain our property and also to plow snow in some apartment and condo parking lots and streets. If anyone uses their CUT to plow, please chime in as to what set up you use. If you have any input on what make, model, hp or snow removal setup that would be great. I currently have turf tires on my 1710 and would like to try industrial tires on my new tractor. I originally had ag tires on the 1710, but they really tore the yard up. I also have a Gravely zero turn to handle most of the mowing duties, so I am considering 35-45 hp.

I am still deciding between spending upwards of 20K for a used unit, or just buying new and financing some of it. I am new to this forum but have owned several tractors over the years. Thanks in advance.

 

[GManBart]

Welcome!

The good thing is that there are a lot of really good machines in that size range, and not many bad ones. One thing to consider when you look at new is that most dealers are in the process of selling the last of the 2013 models that have Tier III emissions, and starting to sell 2014 models with Tier IV emissions (more complicated, more expensive).

Do you know what brands you have within a reasonable distance from you?

As far as plowing, you may want to look in the snow removal section as there are a couple of monster threads on the many different setups people have. After all the snow we got this winter, I'm looking to adapt my truck plow to the FEL, and buy a rear pull style snow thrower...hopefully that will mean the snow goes somewhere else next year!

 

[Msarti]

I looked at tier 3 Kioti dk40 cab and I really liked it. I was quoted 26k plus tax. I want to check out the LS in the XR series.

 

[GManBart]

I looked at tier 3 Kioti dk40 cab and I really liked it. I was quoted 26k plus tax. I want to check out the LS in the XR series.

Both are solid machines, and offer a lot of bang for the buck. Aside from how they feel to you, the only thing I'm aware of to look at with a critical eye is max FEL lift height. The LS has quite a bit less (11") which can be an issue if you're loading dump trucks, etc. My loader is the same, and it's only been an issue when I was filling 30yd rolloff dumpsters, and when I load my neighbors 6-wheel dump truck, but it's still possible. We just put the truck in a low spot to make it easier (it can manage on level ground, but just barely). If I could get LS to change one thing, that would be it. R,

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That doesn't sound like a bad price at all on the DK40 with cab. I like LS tractors a lot and it was one of the two finalists when I made my choice. I think the new XR series are Tier 4, aren't they?

 

[GManBart]

I think the new XR series are Tier 4, aren't they?

Yes, they are.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

One other thing I forgot to mention is that the Kioti and LS tractors match up pretty well feature for feature. The only significant difference I know of is the FEL specs that GManBart mentioned. And Kioti has the 3 point control on the back of the tractor (which is really handy), but LS gives you a second set of hydraulic remotes (Kioti gives you one), so that's about a wash.

I guess the main difference there is that you CAN get a second set of remotes for the Kioti, whereas the external rear 3 point control is not available on the LS (or any other brand that I know of except Kioti).

It would be hard to go wrong with either brand.

 

[batwing]

It would be nice to try them out with the a cab, one might jump out as the best for you.
Ron

 

[Msarti]

I did drive an Xr46 cab on the lot and I really liked it a lot. The dealer priced it out at 28k plus tax. I also found a very nice Kubota l3540 hstc. It is loaded up with all the bells and whistles with around 1500 hours and the owner will let it go for $15,000 cash. The only problem is no loader. Is that a good enough deal to justify another 3-4k for a FEL? I would save $$9,000 or so going that route, but I would have a used tractor with no warranty. What do you guys think?

 

[grm61]

I looked at tier 3 Kioti dk40 cab and I really liked it. I was quoted 26k plus tax. I want to check out the LS in the XR series.

If that is with a loader, that is one heck of a price.......It won't be around long.......

 

[Msarti]

Well,I found a deal that I couldn't pass on. I picked up a Kubota L3710hstc at a local auction. The only thing that I need is a front end loader for it. If you have any suggestions, send them my way.

 

[GManBart]

Well,I found a deal that I couldn't pass on. I picked up a Kubota L3710hstc at a local auction. The only thing that I need is a front end loader for it. If you have any suggestions, send them my way.

Not to be a wise guy, but sell the 3710 and buy a tractor with a loader. You might get lucky, but I wouldn't be hopeful. This is a pretty common mistake people make. There aren't many 12-15 year old Kubotas in salvage yards, and people almost never sell the loader if their machine. That means supply is essentially zero. You might be able to get one from Kubota, or Woods, but I'd expect to pay $5k plus....ouch.

 

[Msarti]

GMan, I knew that finding a Kubota loader would be near impossible and that I would probably have to get an aftermarket one. Even if I sped $4-5 for a FEL I still got a good enough deal that would make it worth it. If not I can sell the tractor as you suggested and make a couple of bucks.

 

[TSO]

GMan, I knew that finding a Kubota loader would be near impossible and that I would probably have to get an aftermarket one. Even if I sped $4-5 for a FEL I still got a good enough deal that would make it worth it. If not I can sell the tractor as you suggested and make a couple of bucks.

I'm cheap, and definitely one for saving money if/when I find a great deal .... but, I agree. I'd sell that old 3710 (hopefully you make some money on it) and put it towards a new(er) machine with special financing and a warranty.

FYI, from what I've seen, the woods loaders are weaker than the factory loaders.

The Kioti DK45se cab can be had (if you can find one) for around $28k, and that would probably be a direct comparison to the LS XR4046 power wise.

Is your 1710 a Massey? Have you looked for a 1643 or 1648 ?

And, as already stated ... The only real negative of the LS is the low lift height. I switched from an LS R4047 to this Massey (like you, I went cab shopping and I compared all the brands again) ... And the Massey lifts about 18" higher than the LS did, and another 5" or so higher than the Kioti.

I got a great deal on the Massey, otherwise it would have just been too expensive and I probably would have gone with either the Kioti, or a TYM T503.

Good luck with your L3710

 

[Msarti]

I found a local dealer that made me a good deal on a new Kubota loader for my tractor. I will have around 13K into my tractor when it's all said and done. Not too bad for a 3710 with cab air and heat with only 2,000 hours. I think it will also be easier to sell with a new Kubota loader on it if I ever want to upgrade to a new unit.

 

[TSO]

See what they'd charge ya to paint the tractor ... That new loader is gonna come with fancy new paint.