New Member from SC

[Badwolf2013]

Hello TBN,

First, I just want to thank all of you. So far ya'll have been a wealth of knowledge and at the same time its like drinking from a fire hose! My wife and I recently bought 12 acres near Sumter, SC. I have been researching tractors to death for at least 6 months and have been lurking unregistered on here since then soaking up as much knowledge as I can. I have been heavily researching Kubotas' (L3901 and GL3560 trying to balance weight and hp) but am open to other makes if I can find the right dealer within an hour or so. I plan on needing to periodically move a round bale or two and would like to run a chipper all while maintaining 6 acres of pasture and 600 ft of driveway and grappling logs here and there. I'm always open to dealer suggestions based on experience in SC.

Thanks Again!

 

[TBN Support]

:welcome:

Thanks for joining!

I'm going to move this thread over to our Kubota section to see if we can find you some advice.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

 

[Thomas]

:welcome: to TBN...enjoy.

 

[big bubba]

welcome. what is the chipper pto hp requirements? you are wise to take your time in the big decision, & to research your intended equipment hp requirements. & leave room for future growth on your tractor choice. best regards

 

[kcender]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[DVR]

I have a farm 15 miles from sumter. I also have a L3301 and L3560 cab. Both less than 12mo old.
Carolina power equipment is who I use and they have given me great prices and service.
Let me know if I can help

 

[UpstateSC_Papi]

Welcome from the Upstate!!

 

[PaulL2]

Coincidentally the latest Messicks video (Kubota dealer in PA) is specifically on hay bale handling. Haven't watched it yet, but may be applicable. Hay Bale Handling for Consumers. How big of a tractor? What spear is best? - YouTube

 

[tractorshopper]

Welcome!

 

[Redbug]

Howdy!

 

[628pm]

Glad to have you on board.

 

[Tractorable]

I’d hedge towards the L3560 with the LA805 loader if round bales and driveway maintenance is in your future. Not sure what your budget is but an air conditioned cab sure would be nice in the South Carolina heat.

 

[Badwolf2013]

I am leaning toward the 3560 if we can afford it. Im def going to need to go ahead and get a 3rd function for a future grapple. A cab just isnt in the future as I expect to be in under trees often enough. I thrive in the heat. Its the cold I cant stand!

 

[Fallon]

Economy Ls arent safe when moving big bales on the loader. With my former L3200 I helped a friend move a small barn load of allegedly 1,200lbs bales. Could lift them maybe 1 bale high on most bales & it was heavily blasted + loaded tires. It was sketchy as **** with the back end barely on the ground despite 200lbs of junk on the back of a 5' rotary cutter.

My L4060HSTC & LA805 loader on the other hand runs out of hydraulic oomph lifting 1,700lbs & feels solid with little to no ballast (I normally properly ballast anyway).

If you plan on lifting any big bales with a loader, get a Grand with the medium (LA805) loader. An economy L will do fine with a 3pt bale spear, but not with the loader. You only get a foot or 2 of lift with the 3pt bale spear though.

The economy Ls are fine machines, dont get me wrong. They just have their limits & half the weight (and price) of a Grand. I upgraded because I wanted a cab & other bells & whistles as I started doing side work with my machine. After owning it, HST+ is the only fancy feature i really use, but that 2 speed shift on the fly tranny is so worth it.

 

[Badwolf2013]

Fallon,

That is great info about the 3 point. Something to consider since Im only looking at moving them off a trailer then under cover then out to feed all across a flat 5 acre pasture. Have you had any issues with the front end trying to lift off using a spear?

I wont consume enough to make stacking them worthwhile.

 

[duffer]

Welcome from the Midlands of SC ! Glad you decided to come out of hiding and join us !

I have 10 acres and was VERY glad that the dealer talked me into getting a 38-40hp rather than a 25-30 hp. The additional lifting weight capacity is priceless. I have several PTO attachments that are 1-2 sizes bigger than most people use, and have no issues at all. ie a 7' wide finish mower. Most people would get a 5-6' mower but the extra hp lets me go another size up. I wish I'd bought an 8 footer now, but too late...

Would also suggest you get a canopy or sun shade to keep the direct sun off of you. Makes a world of difference. I made mine out of a used golf cart top for about $30.

Make sure you get your tires filled before delivery. It adds a lot of ballast for the FEL.

Good luck in your search! Let us know what you decide.

 

[Badwolf2013]

Duffer,

How do you like that Mahindra? Just heard of a potential dealer in Lexington that would be close enough to us. I was just trying to dig up some info on the 2500 series last night.

 

[Fallon]

Fallon,

That is great info about the 3 point. Something to consider since Im only looking at moving them off a trailer then under cover then out to feed all across a flat 5 acre pasture. Have you had any issues with the front end trying to lift off using a spear?

I wont consume enough to make stacking them worthwhile.

If the rear comes off the ground, you stand on the front axle. Then it immediately rolls to one side because it's on a pivot. Before you can usually react it hits the end of the travel & the entire machine rolls. If you arent wearing a seat belt you get crushed to death.

If the front comes off the ground you leave skid marks in your shorts until you (hopefully gently) lower the 3pt lever. Little risk to anything but your shorts unless your violent with the 3pt lever. The rear axles are beefy & not going to be an issue. Next time just put some junk in your bucket & the front end will stay on the ground.

If you dont need to stack bales a 3pt spear on a smaller machine should be fine. You should be able to push a bale off a stack with the loader fine then move things on the 3pt too. The Grands are much nicer heavier machines, but more expensive.

 

[duffer]

Duffer,

How do you like that Mahindra? Just heard of a potential dealer in Lexington that would be close enough to us. I was just trying to dig up some info on the 2500 series last night.

I sent you a private message you can check out.