Kubota choice

[jimmpatrick]

I imported a second hand BX24 from the US three years ago. I've had a great time with it, but now I'd like a bigger Kubota. As I still know little about tractors - and will probably have to import again to get what I want - I'd like some help please. I'm looking for 45-50HP with FEL and BH.
What is the difference between an MX4800 and an L4701? The MX seems more powerful at little extra cost.
Would I miss HST and 4WD? (I don't like automatic cars.) My property is on a hillside. I won't use it when it is muddy. There would be occasional FEL work, but not a lot.
Thanks for any help, but there will be more silly questions to come.

 

[GManBart]

If you land is on a hillside, I think you would miss both HST and 4WD. One of the nice things about HST is that they work really well on hilly ground when you don't want to get caught in neutral. There are only brakes on the rear wheels, so when you're in 4WD and in gear, they also work to stop the front tires...which can make a big difference on hilly terrain.

If there aren't any Kubota dealers in France, I would be worried about importing one of the new models with Tier IV emissions equipment. Getting someone from another dealer to work on earlier machines wouldn't be a big issue....pretty much all brands were similar enough that anybody should be able to fix them. With Tier IV you're looking at electronics that can be harder to work on, and diagnose without specialized training, equipment and experience.

 

[jimmpatrick]

Thanks for the reply.
There are Kubota dealers in France but they don't seem to offer tractors with backhoes. Also, they are very expensive. (A GR2120 is more than $2000 extra here. The local dealer charged me over $20 for two diesel filters.) I think a nearly new L4600 would suit well too if that is not TierIV.

 

[Grandad4]

The MX4800, L4701 and L4760 are nearly the same basic tractor, with very close dimensions and the same engine. What differentiates them is the features are aimed at a particular type of use. The MX4800 is designed as a light agricultural utility tractor, the L4701 and L4760 are estate/property tractors, one a lighter one with standard features and one that's heavier and has more capability. Subtle differences and much overlap, all good units. The L4760 has some nice enhanced features including a new generation hydrostatic drive and a stronger 3 point lift arrangement but they come at a premium price.

Don't know if it helps but the L models are offered in the UK, and there are aftermarket backhoes available there also (one brand: Lewis).

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Thanks for the reply.
There are Kubota dealers in France but they don't seem to offer tractors with backhoes. . . .

So, all the holes in France have already been dug?

 

[texasjohn]

If you land is on a hillside, I think you would miss both HST and 4WD. One of the nice things about HST is that they work really well on hilly ground when you don't want to get caught in neutral. There are only brakes on the rear wheels, so when you're in 4WD and in gear, they also work to stop the front tires...which can make a big difference on hilly terrain.

I agree, completely.

 

[KYDan]

The MX series is a utility series tractor, the L and grand L have more features, amenities, and generally are a little heavier. The MX4800 is available with HST and 4WD. If you are buying used stick with the MX4700 series. It is normally aspirated and does not have the Tier IV emission system. Good, solid value workhorse. The MX5100 is a great tractor with more HP, but is thirstier due to the turbo. However, the 5100 is heavier and has the Category I and II 3 point lift with extendable arms, a very nice feature to have. There are a few new MX5100s floating around, but they are hard to find and won't be available as a bargain tractor. Good luck.

 

[TSO]

...The MX series is a utility series tractor...

No matter how many times people say that, or what Kubota marketing wants to say, the MX5100 (and similar corresponding model/sizes) is not a "Utility Tractor." It's a CUT. Look at the specs. Dimensions, weight, tires, capabilities, etc ... All compatible with the other class 4 CUT'S.

Not to take anything away from the MX tractors ... They are good solid stripped down versions of class 4 CUT'S, and if someone wants a solid open station CUT, they're a good contender.

Just pointing out that they are not UT's

 

[Grandad4]

Glad we cleared that up. Dan (and all the rest of you MX owners), you've been warned... you're just going to have to stop using that MX like it's a utility tractor from now on.

 

[jimmpatrick]

Is the difference between a CUT and a utility tractor size only? What can an L4701 do that an MX4800 can't do?
The Kubota range in Europe has only the Grand40 series between the L4100 and the M6040. I'm looking for something with fewer bells and whistles. And no factory fitted backhoes here also it seems.

 

[Cherokee140]

I would suggest you stick with what is available in your country....a machine sold in France. Many countries are getting....err....stupid on emission standards and you might have issues down the road somewhere....I don't know France specifically, but do know other countries are getting tight on regulations.

 

[Grandad4]

Is the difference between a CUT and a utility tractor size only? What can an L4701 do that an MX4800 can't do?
The Kubota range in Europe has only the Grand40 series between the L4100 and the M6040. I'm looking for something with fewer bells and whistles. And no factory fitted backhoes here also it seems.

They are nearly the same. Same general dimension, engine. The 4701 has smaller tires, weighs a few hundred pounds less, has less 3 point hitch capacity. However in ordinary daily use, they would both get about the same work done. You would have to be working at the limits of their capabilities to find the differences in their performance.

The MX does come with a stronger loader, the LA844. That together with the BH92 backhoe makes a very nice setup. The backhoe issue might make that your best option. I would highly recommend adding a toothbar for the loader, adds considerably to its digging capability.

You're probably already aware that parts for a US-sourced loader and backhoe may not be on hand in Europe.

Good luck with your search!

 

[TSO]

They are nearly the same. Same general dimension, engine. The 4701 has smaller tires, weighs a few hundred pounds less, has less 3 point hitch capacity. However in ordinary daily use, they would both get about the same work done. You would have to be working at the limits of their capabilities to find the differences in their performance.

The MX does come with a stronger loader, the LA844. That together with the BH92 backhoe makes a very nice setup. The backhoe issue might make that your best option. I would highly recommend adding a toothbar for the loader, adds considerably to its digging capability.

You're probably already aware that parts for a US-sourced loader and backhoe may not be on hand in Europe.

Good luck with your search!

But compare the mx4800 to the L4760 and the weight is close, the loaders are the same, and the 3pt lift I think is actually higher on the L

 

[Grandad4]

But compare the mx4800 to the L4760 and the weight is close, the loaders are the same, and the 3pt lift I think is actually higher on the L

My preference would be for the 4760, premium price and all, but the OP stated a desire for a more basic setup, hence the suggestion for the MX. Also, there seems to be some issue with getting a factory BH in France, otherwise you have to wonder if a locally-sourced GL4760 wouldn't cost about the same as having an MX shipped from the US.

 

[TSO]

My preference would be for the 4760, premium price and all, but the OP stated a desire for a more basic setup, hence the suggestion for the MX. Also, there seems to be some issue with getting a factory BH in France, otherwise you have to wonder if a locally-sourced GL4760 wouldn't cost about the same as having an MX shipped from the US.

Absolutely, me too ... Just pointing that out to show how the mx4700-5200 tractors are CUT'S, not UT's

 

[jimmpatrick]

Cherokee 140
The problem is that what I am looking for - a Kubota with BH and FEL - does not exist in France.
Europe, despite the best efforts of the European Parliament, is not yet bedevilled by all the petty regulation that seems to exist in the USA. So, I'm not worried about any emission regulations that I don't know about. Health and Safety considerations do not exist in France. Nobody bothers about insurance for people working on their property. It is not an issue.

Grandad4
I would imagine that most Kubota parts would be available in France. So far any I have needed my son, a regular visitor to the US, has brought back. Latest was R4 front tyres for the BX24. (Only turf tyres are available in France or the UK.)
Most things are more expensive in France. It would probably be cheaper to import an MX than buy it in France. For instance, I was quoted nearly $13,000 for a GR2120 with a 48" cutting deck. Things are better now that the pound is 1.40 to the euro rather than1.20, but the only things I find cheap in France are eating out, hotels and fuel.

Thanks for all the advice so far. It is much appreciated. Heeding the advice given about TierIV - and being a parsimonious Scot - I think I should look for a recent L4600 or MX4700 or MX5100. If I can't find what I'm looking for, I'll just have to go for a new L4701 or MX4800.

Next question. Who are the East coast Kubota dealers you could recommend near a container port? (The dealer I bought my BX24 from was not so good that I would not go past him, and not so bad that I would not go back to him.)

 

[KYDan]

I guess I need to brush up on my grammar and remember the silly little adjectives! I sincerely didn't mean to offend anyone.

 

[varmint]

A Kubota dealer not too far from a container port (Baltimore, which ships and receives a lot of ag equipment) is Messicks, located less than 100 miles from the port. They are advertisers here on TbN. I, and many others, have a good opinion of them.

 

[TSO]

Cherokee 140
The problem is that what I am looking for - a Kubota with BH and FEL - does not exist in France.
Europe, despite the best efforts of the European Parliament, is not yet bedevilled by all the petty regulation that seems to exist in the USA. So, I'm not worried about any emission regulations that I don't know about. Health and Safety considerations do not exist in France. Nobody bothers about insurance for people working on their property. It is not an issue.

Grandad4
I would imagine that most Kubota parts would be available in France. So far any I have needed my son, a regular visitor to the US, has brought back. Latest was R4 front tyres for the BX24. (Only turf tyres are available in France or the UK.)
Most things are more expensive in France. It would probably be cheaper to import an MX than buy it in France. For instance, I was quoted nearly $13,000 for a GR2120 with a 48" cutting deck. Things are better now that the pound is 1.40 to the euro rather than1.20, but the only things I find cheap in France are eating out, hotels and fuel.

Thanks for all the advice so far. It is much appreciated. Heeding the advice given about TierIV - and being a parsimonious Scot - I think I should look for a recent L4600 or MX4700 or MX5100. If I can't find what I'm looking for, I'll just have to go for a new L4701 or MX4800.

Next question. Who are the East coast Kubota dealers you could recommend near a container port? (The dealer I bought my BX24 from was not so good that I would not go past him, and not so bad that I would not go back to him.)

What tractor brands and dealers do you have in your area? Seems like your going through an awful lot of trouble (and added expense) to buy a tractor that you won't have dealer representation for... Including parts and warranty/service work.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . The problem is that what I am looking for - a Kubota with BH and FEL - does not exist in France. . . .

Is it possible to buy a Kubota backhoe separately in France and install it yourself? Or are they just not available at all?

Does anyone sell aftermarket frame-mounted backhoes in France (or elsewhere in the EU that might be cheaper than shipping an entire machine from the US)? Woods, Bush Hog, Rhino and others sell backhoes here for mounting on a variety of tractors.