New Kubota Tractor Purchase

[AB4D]

Hi All,

I'm in a position where I need a tractor again to use on some acreage I've acquired. Previously, I owned a Kubota Grand L Cab Tractor 34hp (L3430). I purchased that one new around 2005 and sold it in 2018, when I moved from my previous home that had acreage. I learned a few lessons with that ownership, one is to get 50hp or bigger, that seems to be the cut off for some implements, and I always wished for greater capacity on the FEL.

I visited my two local Kubota dealers, interested in the current Grand L60 series. Basically, what I had before, but with a larger engine. However, the sales reps were really steering me towards the MX series with a Cab rather than the L. Oddly, they mentioned the MX is heavier and larger (longer and wider) than the L, but the published specs don't support that. Perhaps they were speaking cab vs non cab?

I compared the specs. It seems like a tradeoff, more FEL capacity with the MX, but less three point capacity than the L. Price is around 50K for the MX5400 with Cab and FEL, standard bucket, maybe 2K more for the MX6000. We didn't get into pricing for a Grand L60, but I'm sure the cost is substantially higher.

I've been away from any land work and Kubota for years, and haven't really kept up with the good and bad regarding Kubota's current production. Still trying to figure out what I would miss with the Grand L60 vs the MX6000.

Thoughts?

 

[sawtooth]

So why are you looking at the Grand and MX vs the M series? I just purchased a M7060 with 12 speed tranny for under 50K. Way more tractor than the MX series from what I remember anyways. I absolutely love it. Moving dirt today and have 10 hours on her now.

View attachment 777088

 

[jeff9366]

Messicks: Kubota 'M' VS L6060 VS Kubota MX6000​

Two Grand L features I would miss on an MX series Kubota tractor:

1. Tilt Steering Wheel

2. Ground Level Fueling from cans.


Within the Grand L offering you can choose a Category 1 or Category 2 Three Point Hitch.

The MX tractors all have a Category 2 Three Point Hitch.
(One can shim Category 1 implement pins to fit a Category 2 Three Point Hitch.)

 

[scootr]

I chose the MX. Not sorry

 

[sawtooth]

So why MX and not M?

 

[sea2summit]

Maybe I missed it but what type of work do you plan to do with the tractor? Sure everyone that has a 30hp wishes they had a 50hp tractor so they could use some implement, and the 50hp guy wishes he had 75hp to do work a little faster. But what are you looking for other than 50hp?

Odly enough tractors were never designed to pick up large loads in a FEL, which is a reason why you need a large tractor to lift even a moderate load. If that is your primary concern, have you considered a skid steer?

 

[jyoutz]

I chose the MX. Not sorry

Me too. The MX is a sweet spot between utility tractor capabilities and L series maneuverability. I find it to be extremely stable . Also it is a basic tractor with just enough nice features to make operations enjoyable. The cat 1 and 2 3ph adds lots of versatility.

 

[scootr]

Good reasons to choose either an L or an M or the inbetween MX. To be honest. I was shopping used when an MX popped up on the market very close to me. It was like new (147 hrs) and thousands cheaper than new. And it ticked all my boxes. Loader and gannon with 3 rear remotes. I have some tight spaces to mow where an M would be a pain to manuver. I like the utilitarian aspect of the MX. I don't need a luxury tractor with the most complicated transmission available etc.
I admit the tilt steering wheel would be nice - but it's a tractor not a car and I don't spend more than 2 or 3 hours on it at a time,

 

[SDT]

Hi All,

I'm in a position where I need a tractor again to use on some acreage I've acquired. Previously, I owned a Kubota Grand L Cab Tractor 34hp (L3430). I purchased that one new around 2005 and sold it in 2018, when I moved from my previous home that had acreage. I learned a few lessons with that ownership, one is to get 50hp or bigger, that seems to be the cut off for some implements, and I always wished for greater capacity on the FEL.

I visited my two local Kubota dealers, interested in the current Grand L60 series. Basically, what I had before, but with a larger engine. However, the sales reps were really steering me towards the MX series with a Cab rather than the L. Oddly, they mentioned the MX is heavier and larger (longer and wider) than the L, but the published specs don't support that. Perhaps they were speaking cab vs non cab?

I compared the specs. It seems like a tradeoff, more FEL capacity with the MX, but less three point capacity than the L. Price is around 50K for the MX5400 with Cab and FEL, standard bucket, maybe 2K more for the MX6000. We didn't get into pricing for a Grand L60, but I'm sure the cost is substantially higher.

I've been away from any land work and Kubota for years, and haven't really kept up with the good and bad regarding Kubota's current production. Still trying to figure out what I would miss with the Grand L60 vs the MX6000.

Thoughts?

The MX has become popular with dealers vis a vis the GL because it is less expensive and easier to sell. The availability of a cab on the MX6000 sweetened the pot making the L6060 cab version a tough sell to many folks.

That said, you cannot trust what salesman tell you and must do your own research. The MX54/6000 is neither heavier nor longer WB than the L6060 but the differences are rather small.

M suspiscion is that your dealers have MXs on hand or in the pipeline but not GLs. My dealer has several MXs on the lot but no longer stocks GLs.

Once you have become familiar with the HST Plus transmission, you will miss it once going back to the MX.

 

[SDT]

So why MX and not M?

Perhaps he wants HST.

 

[AB4D]

I found that video last night good information. Messicks is great. I would purchase my parts from them. Thanks for sharing.

Messicks: Kubota 'M' VS L6060 VS Kubota MX6000​

Two Grand L features I would miss on an MX series Kubota tractor:

1. Tilt Steering Wheel

2. Ground Level Fueling from cans.


Within the Grand L offering you can choose a Category 1 or Category 2 Three Point Hitch.

The MX tractors all have a Category 2 Three Point Hitch.
(One can shim Category 1 implement pins to fit a Category 2 Three Point Hitch.)

 

[AB4D]

Thanks for all the input. First why the L/MX rather than the M. I would like a cab tractor with HST. Simply, the M with the cab and FEL is a bit higher than I have budgeted, and it also does not offer the HST. I reviewed a few comparison videos of the Grand L and MX, it seems to be the same size tractor as I had before with the Grand L30.

The things giving me pause on the MX vs the Grand L60. First, the 3 point rear lift mechanism. The Grand L60 has a better independent external hydraulic lift with higher capabilities vs. integral to the transmission on the MX. The HST transmission on the MX seems to be more to what I had on the Grand L30.

Kubota also indicates a rear backhoe is not capable for the MX series but is available for the Grand L60, and the Grand L60 also offers a mid PTO. I don't know if I would buy a BH but it would be nice to have that option. The cab is much nicer on the Grand L60 as well, but overall is the Grand L60 $10,000 better than the MX???

As far as uses. The property currently a 28+ acre tree farm. It needs some upkeep, initially clearing of undesirable trees and understory/brush.
There is a perimeter trail around the property that needs to be maintained, and a rotary cutter is best for that. So basically skidding logs and moving limbs and brush to our wood chipper.

Long term, we plan to clear off three acres for a homesite, that will be subcontracted out to one of the forestry firms. Then the tractor will be used for more typical things, such as maintaining the lot/driveway, light material moving/spreading gravel and dirt.

 

[sea2summit]

Thanks for all the input. First why the L/MX rather than the M. I would like a cab tractor with HST. Simply, the M with the cab and FEL is a bit higher than I have budgeted, and it also does not offer the HST. I reviewed a few comparison videos of the Grand L and MX, it seems to be the same size tractor as I had before with the Grand L30.

The things giving me pause on the MX vs the Grand L60. First, the 3 point rear lift mechanism. The Grand L60 has a better independent external hydraulic lift with higher capabilities vs. integral to the transmission on the MX. The HST transmission on the MX seems to be more to what I had on the Grand L30.

Kubota also indicates a rear backhoe is not capable for the MX series but is available for the Grand L60, and the Grand L60 also offers a mid PTO. I don't know if I would buy a BH but it would be nice to have that option. The cab is much nicer on the Grand L60 as well, but overall is the Grand L60 $10,000 better than the MX???

As far as uses. The property currently a 28+ acre tree farm. It needs some upkeep, initially clearing of undesirable trees and understory/brush.
There is a perimeter trail around the property that needs to be maintained, and a rotary cutter is best for that. So basically skidding logs and moving limbs and brush to our wood chipper.

Long term, we plan to clear off three acres for a homesite, that will be subcontracted out to one of the forestry firms. Then the tractor will be used for more typical things, such as maintaining the lot/driveway, light material moving/spreading gravel and dirt.

If your hard line is HST, stop worrying about three point capacity. You won’t have enough power to pull anything you can’t lift with the MX.

I am not sure what the cabbed MX offers but the market for MX is the cheap highly capable niche of tractors. It does a lot of things and has a lot of great numbers but it has nothing it doesn’t need. I have one, it would probably be the last tractor I’d part with. But, the 10k difference is for folks who are spending 8-16 hours a day in that rig. My boy and I hay using my MX and M4 and let me tell you what that MX is gonna do everything (minus run the big mower) but it will beat the ever living crap out of you and the ergonomics are horrid for doing work behind the tractor (where a tractor can do the most work). 10k is buying a lot in the M series beyond the numbers on the spec sheet, as I get older I’m valuing those things more.

I think for 28 acres and the work you describe an MX is an ideal choice.

 

[scootr]

If your hard line is HST, stop worrying about three point capacity. You won’t have enough power to pull anything you can’t lift with the MX.

I am not sure what the cabbed MX offers but the market for MX is the cheap highly capable niche of tractors. It does a lot of things and has a lot of great numbers but it has nothing it doesn’t need. I have one, it would probably be the last tractor I’d part with. But, the 10k difference is for folks who are spending 8-16 hours a day in that rig. My boy and I hay using my MX and M4 and let me tell you what that MX is gonna do everything (minus run the big mower) but it will beat the ever living crap out of you and the ergonomics are horrid for doing work behind the tractor (where a tractor can do the most work). 10k is buying a lot in the M series beyond the numbers on the spec sheet, as I get older I’m valuing those things more.

I think for 28 acres and the work you describe an MX is an ideal choice.

Unless you have 10k to burn on niceities like tilt wheel and premium seating. My inderstanding is the MX is also blessed with a bigger heavier rearend than the L models.

 

[jeff9366]

My inderstanding is the MX is also blessed with a bigger heavier rearend than the L models.

I am not quite as current on Kubota models as I was pre-Covid, but I am fairly confident in writing a Category 2 equipped Grand L and two current MX models share some Category 2 Three Point Hitch components. The Grand L has two external hydraulic cylinders to lift the hitch. The MX has one internal hydraulic cylinder, which transfers Three Point Hitch lift via an intermediate rock shaft, so they are not exactly the same.

Really minimal differences.

I belive a mid-PTO is standard on Cab versions of the Grand L, factory optional on an open station Grand L. There have been several posts on T-B-N proclaiming that installation of a mid-PTO outside of the factory is surprisingly complex, hence a mid-PTO for an open station Grand L is best ordered as an option from the factory, rather than later for dealer or owner installation.

Wheels and tires on a Grand L incrementally increase in size as horsepower increases from the base forty, in increments, to sixty horsepower.

I suggest you consider if the additional complexity of a turbocharged engine is something desirable in your circumstances. Some Grand L models are naturally aspirated, some turbocharged.


The HST transmission on the MX seems to be more to what I had on the Grand L30.

YES.

The evolved HST/Plus transmission on the new Grand L tractors is a large increment more interesting and efficiency promoting that the HST on your prior L30. Stall Guard is my personal favorite application, of many, of the Grand L HST/Plus transmission.


I reviewed a few comparison videos of the Grand L and MX, it seems to be the same size tractor as I had before with the Grand L30.

YES.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

In my opinion it takes a 50% increase in bare tractor weight before a SIGNIFICANT capability increase is noticed by the operator in actual working conditions.

Kubota L3430 Dimensions​

Dimensions
Wheelbase:	71.1 inches 180 cm
Length:	114.8 inches 291 cm
Width:	59.8 inches 151 cm
Height:	84.3 inches 214 cm
Weight:	3305 lbs 1499 kg
Ground clearance:	14 inches 35 cm

Kubota MX5400 Dimensions​

Kubota MX5400 Weight
4WD Gear ROPS : 3716 lbs 1685 kg 4WD Gear Cab : 4251 lbs 1928 kg 4WD Hydro ROPS : 3734 lbs 1693 kg 4WD Hydro Cab : 4268 lbs 1935 kg

Kubota L5460 Dimensions​

Dimensions
Wheelbase:	75.4 inches 191 cm
Length:	126.4 inches 321 cm
Width:	67.3 inches 170 cm (min)
Height (ROPS):	98 inches 248 cm
Height (cab):	92.5 inches 234 cm
ROPS Weight:	3990 lbs 1809 kg
Cab Weight:	4365 lbs 1979 kg

 

[rScotty]

I'm not sure enough emphasis has been put on the advantages of the HST+ transmission. Before, I was always singing the praises of shuttle and powershift - and I still prefer them for a mostly field work tractor or long distance to travel..... and they are decent for loader work too.

But for loader work a HST is simply nicer. And if you like a HST transmission, you are going to love the HST+. It has a lot of settings to customize the way that the HST works, and it gives the operator a huge instantaneous torque increase for tough jobs. You can gear up or down half a range with a movement of one finger. When it starts to lug, a movement of one finger is like someone just added 50% more HP.

Amazing advantage. What's even more amazing is nobody else has it.

HST+ doesn't seem to have a downside. I don't recall a single negative comment on it by anyone since it came out. Zero hiccups....& no problems. Ours is now in it's 15th year of mostly loader & BH work. We work it hard. It hasn't changed one little bit.

rScotty

 

[Citydude]

I am not quite as current on Kubota models as I was pre-Covid, but I am fairly confident in writing a Category 2 equipped Grand L and two current MX models have the same Category 2 Three Point Hitch components. The Grand L has two external hydraulic cylinders to lift the hitch. The MX has one internal hydraulic cylinder, which transfers Three Point Hitch lift via an intermediate rock shaft.

Really very, very minimal differences.

I belive a mid-PTO is standard on Cab versions of the Grand L, factory optional on an open station Grand L. There have been several posts on T-B-N proclaiming that installation of a mid-PTO outside of the factory is surprisingly complex, hence a mid-PTO for an open station Grand L is best ordered as an option from the factory, rather than later for dealer or owner installation.

Wheels and tires on a Grand L incrementally increase in size as horsepower increases from the base forty, in increments, to sixty horsepower.


I reviewed a few comparison videos of the Grand L and MX, it seems to be the same size tractor as I had before with the Grand L30.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

Mid PTO's are actually an option on the GL's.

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/sales1source/l4060-detailed-specifications.pdf?sfvrsn=e4797e0e_2

 

[LD1]

Sounds like your dealer is just trying to push what they have on hand.....either that or they are ignorant about their own models.

The L6060 is actually HEAVIER, and has a STRONGER loader, and is LONGER than the MX. For all intents and purposes, the L6060 is the BIGGER tractor of the two.

But the differences are so minor. 100# heavier, less than 100# more lift capacity, and only about an inch longer.

There arent two more closely spec'd tractors on the market. In the real world, preformance would be as identical as one can espect. If the MX cant do something, neither can the L. IF the MX can do something, so can the L.

The two BIGGEST differences are
1. The GrandL is a luxury machine. The MX is basic. So I'd suggest you sit in and drive both. Then decide if the luxury us worth the premium $$$
2. The MX has larger front tires. This boggles my mind honestly. I dont understand why they dont put the larger tires on the larger GrandL's

 

[jyoutz]

Sounds like your dealer is just trying to push what they have on hand.....either that or they are ignorant about their own models.

The L6060 is actually HEAVIER, and has a STRONGER loader, and is LONGER than the MX. For all intents and purposes, the L6060 is the BIGGER tractor of the two.

But the differences are so minor. 100# heavier, less than 100# more lift capacity, and only about an inch longer.

There arent two more closely spec'd tractors on the market. In the real world, preformance would be as identical as one can espect. If the MX cant do something, neither can the L. IF the MX can do something, so can the L.

The two BIGGEST differences are
1. The GrandL is a luxury machine. The MX is basic. So I'd suggest you sit in and drive both. Then decide if the luxury us worth the premium $$$
2. The MX has larger front tires. This boggles my mind honestly. I dont understand why they dont put the larger tires on the larger GrandL's

Don’t minimize those larger front tires. They add more stability on rough ground, and especially for FEL work.

 

[number two]

I doubt the OP would ever need the Mid-PTO in North Carolina!