Help in new selection

[Aquabird]

So, I just sold my compact tractor after 30yrs of owning it.

I had a Ford 1520 with a woods loader on it.
After I put the loader on my tractor about 4 years ago, it just seemed under powered for some jobs. I had no problem with the loader, just how the tractor responded to non loader jobs with the loader on it.
After years of living in the same area and getting to know some of the Tractor dealers, I have settled on a dealer.
This dealer sells New Holland and Kubota.
I talked to him a few weeks ago and he basically told me that the New Holland compacts of today are not equal to the ones built back in 1990 when I bought mine.
He sells them! I do not want to put anybodys' tractor down, just saying what he said. I was very happy with the reliability of my Ford.
So, since I had dealt on some other things at the john Deere dealer locally, I was not happy with the service I got on something I bought there.
Now, I think I am going with a Kubota.
Price is the next most important item here. I would like to keep it under 40,000 as much as I can.
I do not have to have a cab, but would be nice. I would like at the very least 35/37hp more would be good. My old Ford had the controls back beside the seat and very little hump between your legs. I had turf tires and would like those again.
I would use a loader for various jobs. I have a woods of 4 acres and bare ground which I groom mow of 3.5 acres, altogether just under 8 acres. I will get another rototiller as I sold my tractor with the other tiller I had.
I had looked at the L3901 and did not like the loader lifting capacity on it, so I was looking at the L4701 with FEL. But there are other models from Kubota that I am not familiar with as far as the differences.
I am sure many of you have some models that might fit what I am looking for? What do I need to know.

As far as a tiller RTA or RTR for the money difference?

 

[bigtiller]

On your tiller question, RTR for hard dry ground - if you have the horse power to feed it - and RTA for everything else.

 

[Roadworthy]

Kubota uses the same model loader on different models of tractors. I believe the loader on the L3901 is used on their three three smallest L frame tractors. For all I do the loader on my L2501 is perfectly adequate, though apparently not for your uses. Kubota does list specs for each of their loaders so determine which loader is used on the tractor model you want. You might also inquire about the MX series of Kubota tractors. You may find what you want there. You are going above 25 horsepower so the Tier 4 pollution controls will be part of the package unless you go for a used tractor before Tier 4 came into play.

 

[Aquabird]

Thanks for the tiller info.

Not familiar with pollution control differences. Do you have to have to dump something into the fuel tank every so often and run on idle like a diesel truck? But yes, I do plan to go to a higher HP version. I do want to do some grading as well, with driveway maintenance.

 

[Aquabird]

So, today I went in to a nearby dealer and compared an L3901 to an MX5400.
He told me that the L4701 is slightly larger than the 3901. I liked what I saw in the 5400. It did not have turf tires on it, he would have to order them.
I was planning on buying at a different dealer which is about 40 miles away, but when they both quoted me a price on an L4701 with implements, the local guy is cheaper.
I keep looking at the quotes to find the difference, but I only see a minor one. The dealer farther away would have to order the L4701, the local dealer can dealer trade for it. The local dealer has an MX5400HST in stock.

 

[jeff9366]

I think I am going Kubota.
My old Ford had the controls back beside the seat and only minor hump between my feet.
Price is the next most important item here. I would like to keep it under 40,000 as much as I can.
I do not have to have a cab, but would be nice. I would like at least 35/37hp more would be good.

Either an MX or a deLuxe Kubota 'Grand L'. Engine options for both to 60-horsepower.
Grand L's fuel from ground level. You have to climb up on an MX and fuel old style, making falls a posability.

VIDEO: Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube

Factory Cabs with heat and AC are options for both models. (Cabs on MX are **NEW**) Cab models are too tall to fit in a garage.

 

[rScotty]

So, today I went in to a nearby dealer and compared an L3901 to an MX5400.
He told me that the L4701 is slightly larger than the 3901. I liked what I saw in the 5400. It did not have turf tires on it, he would have to order them.
I was planning on buying at a different dealer which is about 40 miles away, but when they both quoted me a price on an L4701 with implements, the local guy is cheaper.
I keep looking at the quotes to find the difference, but I only see a minor one. The dealer farther away would have to order the L4701, the local dealer can dealer trade for it. The local dealer has an MX5400HST in stock.

Those old Fords were nice durable tractors. But I can understand wanting something different, larger, more comfortable. My wife talked me into doing the same.

When looking at that size Kubota with HST transmission, you need to double check the serial number on the particular tractor you are considering. There is a major recall repair going on right now on recent Kubotas with HST, but luckily there is a list of serial numbers affected and it's easy to check.. Some dealers are aware of this, some not. New and recent L4701s are one of many models affected. Take a look at this thread for more info:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/424729-l-series-hst-recall.html

The affected models & serial numbers are in message #11. Apparently some unknown number of those are still unsold, & you certainly don't want to end up buying one that needs that much repair immediately.... or maybe you do.....but either way you should check to see if the particular tractor you are looking at is one on the serial number list.
rScotty

 

[jeff9366]

I just sold my Ford 1520 \compact tractor after 30yrs.

Ford 1520 - dimensions

1987 - 1998 Twenty Compact Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: Ford 1510
Series next: Ford 1620
Series back: Ford 1320

Dimensions:
4WD Weight (shipping): 2278 lbs [1033 kg]
Wheelbase: 63 inches [160 cm]
Length: 112.4 inches [285 cm]
Width: 48.4 inches [122 cm]
Height (ROPS): 84.3 inches [214 cm]

4WD Ground clearance: 11.2 inches [28 cm]





Kubota L4060 - dimensions

2013 - Grand L - L60 Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: Kubota L3940
Series next: Kubota L4760
Series back: Kubota L3560
Dimensions:
Weight: 3737 lbs [1695 kg] (DT ROPS)
3748 lbs [1700 kg] (GST ROPS)
3759 lbs [1705 kg] (hydro ROPS)
4134 lbs [1875 kg] (hydro cab)
Wheelbase: 74.6 inches [189 cm]
Length: 121.5 inches [308 cm]
Width: 66.5 inches [168 cm] (min)
Height (ROPS): 97.6 inches [247 cm]
Height (cab): 91.1 inches [231 cm]
Ground clearance: 12.2 inches [30 cm]
Rear axle: Flange

 

[Aquabird]

So, since my last post, I went back to the local dealer. He had called me and told me that he wanted to order an MX 5400 with turf tires on it, so they would not have to change out the Industrial tires on the one they have. When I went in, I asked him to check on the time length of time to get one. He emailed me back and said they were not taking orders on those until they got caught up and back orders.
After relooking at the deal he wrote up, he had written up a monthly payment, but did not include any taxes...How do you give a guy a monthly payment but the taxes are not included. He also did not include any charges to change out the tires for the turf tires.

I went to the dealer 40 miles away he too just got in an MX5400. After he figured up, changing the tires out, including the FEL, rototiller, ground scraper and adding the loader level and seat arm rests, the price was higher than my limit. He also added a Quick Hitch after I told him that I decided not to add that right now to keep the cost down, since I went to a more expensive model. I asked him if he could give me a little cost break to come 40 miles away, since all the cost breaks so far have been provided by Kubota.
He told me he was not getting into a pissing contest with another dealer.

So, my question is; Do kubota dealers give any price breaks? Do they all just charge what kubota sells for?

The local dealer has not given any break either. The price difference that I was seeing in the beginning was just the fact that he had not included taxes or tire change over.

 

[buck12]

You can go to Kubota’s website and build any tractor with options for a retail price. Yes, dealers do discount tractors. From what I have seen on TBN, it seems to be regional as to the amount of discount you can expect. Last August I bought at 17% below retail. I don’t how much it mattered but my tractor had sat on the dealers lot for 8 months.

 

[jeff9366]

1) Not familiar with pollution control differences. Do you have to have to dump something into the fuel tank every so often and run on idle like a diesel truck?

2) But yes, I do plan to go to a higher HP version. I do want to do some grading as well, with driveway maintenance.

1) Tractors do not require urea to be added to a small second tank until they reach a 75-horsepower threshold.

Stricter Tier IV off-road diesel engine emission reduction standards phased in on dealer tractor inventory during 2009, impacting tractor prices.

Tier IV emission standards require tractor manufacturers to add or revise pollution reduction technology on new tractors generating over 19 kW power = 25.4794 horsepower.

Diesel Particulate Filter is used by the majority of tractor manufactures for tractors over 25/1/2 horsepower.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures exhaust particulates (soot) in a ceramic matrix. When tractor engine runs sufficiently hot, accumulated particulates burn off periodically without operator intervention. If engine is not run continuously hot long enough to burn off particulates, diesel soot accumulates in the matrix. Once heavy soot accumulates in DPF the tractor forces soot clearance with the tractor parked and throttle open to about 2,200 rpm for about sixteen minutes, which makes the DPF REALLY HOT to burn off all accumulated soot. Burning off accumulated soot, either during operation or parked is called REGENERATION.


2) Increasing horsepower will not assist you grading or with driveway maintenance. For more capability you need a tractor with additional weight.

Your Ford 1520 has a bare tractor weight of 2,280 pounds. A Kubota MX has a bare tractor weight of 3,700 pounds. Ample, ample tractor for five to fifteen acres. Loader will lift more than one ton. MX is also wider than your previous Ford so it will feel more stable lifting heavy Loader weights.

 

[coobie]

So, since my last post, I went back to the local dealer. He had called me and told me that he wanted to order an MX 5400 with turf tires on it, so they would not have to change out the Industrial tires on the one they have. When I went in, I asked him to check on the time length of time to get one. He emailed me back and said they were not taking orders on those until they got caught up and back orders.
After relooking at the deal he wrote up, he had written up a monthly payment, but did not include any taxes...How do you give a guy a monthly payment but the taxes are not included. He also did not include any charges to change out the tires for the turf tires.

I went to the dealer 40 miles away he too just got in an MX5400. After he figured up, changing the tires out, including the FEL, rototiller, ground scraper and adding the loader level and seat arm rests, the price was higher than my limit. He also added a Quick Hitch after I told him that I decided not to add that right now to keep the cost down, since I went to a more expensive model. I asked him if he could give me a little cost break to come 40 miles away, since all the cost breaks so far have been provided by Kubota.
He told me he was not getting into a pissing contest with another dealer.

So, my question is; Do kubota dealers give any price breaks? Do they all just charge what kubota sells for?

The local dealer has not given any break either. The price difference that I was seeing in the beginning was just the fact that he had not included taxes or tire change over.

Keep shopping..Some Kubota/John Deere dealers think they have gold tractors.

 

[jeff9366]

The main Kubota assembly and manufacturing plants in Georgia are producing sporadically due to Covid-19 impact on the labor force.

Supply and demand effect prices. Supply is unusually tight now and may get tighter before the Georgia plants operate at capacity again.

Steve Barlow Farm Equipment is a high volume Kubota dealer in Somerset, Kentucky known for a sharp pencil. Barlow's routinely ships to Ohio. Discuss your MX desire and options with Barlows.
LINK: Steve Barlow Farm Equipment

 

[riptides]

MXs are pretty hot sellers right now.

 

[Aquabird]

Buck,
They had one on the lot that had set there since early in the year. The one dealer wrote that one up on a paper and I noticed it specified that very tractor, not just one of the same model number. Maybe when he got that tractor, the price was cheaper, or maybe after sitting for a while, they are cheaper?
I know that the orange was faded a little more than the other newer ones.
I will always have my tractor in the barn, so fading is not an issue.
The tractor I sold was 30 yrs old and the paint looked like new. Waxing it once a year did not hurt either.

Well, maybe around here they do not discount them?
I could travel about 45 miles away to a bigger city and try to deal there, although I know nothing of their service dept.
I have dealt with the two service depts of the dealers I am looking at now.
I was not happy with the dealership where I bought my last tractor. Having zero problems with my last tractor was great, but I bought a zero turn there and it came with some engineered in problems and the dealership at one point told me to take my problems to the mower manufacturer.
The manufacturer told me, that the dealership should handle those problems for me.

 

[Aquabird]

I was referring to the L4701 that they have had since early in the year, not the MX, they just got that one in this June, late.

 

[jeff9366]

There is not much price difference between an L4701 and an MX.

The MX is wider, heavier, has a heavier Category 2 Three Point Hitch and considerably larger wheels and tires relative to L4701.

Width on your Ford = 48", L4701 = 62", MX = 70". Therefore, you will want to buy all new implements along with your new tractor.

The MX sells in much greater volume than the L4701. MX parts will likely arrive at the dealers faster than L4701 parts from Kubota.

Nothing wrong with an L4701 but an MX is a better value new.

If dealer will make you a really good deal on the sitting L4701 the faded paint panels can be replaced under warranty BEFORE you take delivery.


VIDEOS (2): YouTube

YouTube

 

[Aquabird]

Thanks for all the replies so far.
Jeff, I told the one dealer that I wished the MX was slightly more narrow. He said he could have the wheels set in farther. He said If I have the turf tires put on, it will make it slightly shorter as well.
It just seems that Kubota is the only one making deals, the deals are not helping sell them by sweetening the deal.
I have some other dealers about the same distance as the 1 dealer 40 mi away to check out, plus I will look at the link on the above post

 

[Cruiserdog]

Green and Orange paint tends to be expensive. Kubota build a good tractor ( I personally don’t like the plastic on the green tractors), but there are other options that will do everything you want for significantly less $$. I’d check ALL established dealers in your area and look at ALL that’s available before spending that much $$ on anything. What you find may surprise you-it certainly did surprise me and totally changed what I purchased.

 

[Aquabird]

I guess they do sell Mahindra tractors about 4 mi away and then Case is about 12 miles away.
Kioti dealer is the one who abandoned me when I had problems with my Bad Boy Diesel mower. Those problems NEVER got fixed. So, I am not going to that dealer again.

I do want something really reliable. I still cannot believe how reliable my Ford was for 30 years, although I did not have that many hours on it and only used it for hard duty a few times.
I was going to buy a New Holland, but the one New Holland dealer that sold Kubota, kinda made me think that it would be a mistake.