Swapping an L3301 for an MX5400

[thunderworks]

About 4 years ago I bought an L3301. I use it to mow, grade the drive, haul logs out of the woods. My property is fairly hilly. I added wheel spacers and fluid to the rear tires, but I've never felt completely comfortable with this little tractor. I found a used MX5400 that I think I'm going to get and I'll sell the L3301. I hope the bigger tires, increased weight, and wider stance gives me a broader comfort zone on the hills. The loader and 3pt hitch also have much great lift capacity. I hope this proves to be a sensible swap.

 

[Fallon]

I did something similar L3200, which is just a pre emissions L3301 to a L4060hstc. Not quite as big a machine as you are going to, but close. The economy Ls are definitely a bit light. I'm glad I made the jump. In retrospect I wish I'd gone for a L6060, but not unhappy with the 4060. For my use case I don't want anything really bigger, but others definitely need bigger machines with more stability & lift capacity.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

The MX should have "adjustable" rear wheels, similar to the old L5030 you had, and I currently have ... Set them as wide as you can, and fill them.

 

[scootr]

Happy with my MX5200. It has a low center of gravity. Always run filled tires. Wheel spacers 3" rear and 2" front help.

 

[gsganzer]

I'm kind of in the same boat and contemplating swapping my setup. I have a 2013 L3800 w/FEL, BH and 5' rotary cutter with 700hrs. The place I'm looking to buy has a JD 4044R with FEL and 6' rotary with 85 hours that they're willing to sell with the property.

Although the HP between the two isn't very different, the capacities are, including hydraulic GPM, FEL lift, 3-pt lift etc. The L3800 has been great, but the FEL capacity is anemic and has always disappointed me.

Although the new place would be more acreage 20 vs. our current 7, it's fully developed and really doesn't have many projects left to do, outside of getting our garden set up. It mainly just requires periodic brush hogging and box blading the gravel drive. I'm leaning towards just staying with the L3800.

I'll be gaining a son-in-law soon that has a 100hp skid steer, so he can handle any of the larger stuff.

 

[big bubba]

OP: sounds like you're doing the homework. i once went from a L4400 to an MX5000. i was not impressed with the jump up. have you considered a lower model M series? regards

 

[thunderworks]

OP here . . . I sold the L3301 and got a used MX5400 (only 197 hours). I've had the tractor for about 3 weeks now, and my comfort zone on my hills and in the woods is vastly expanded. Really glad I made the jump to the larger machine. The larger diameter and wider width tires make a huge difference rolling across my rough hillside.

Apart from the stability issue, the loader handles my walnut logs I cut from the forest with ease. All-in-all, really glad happy with this tractor. I also put a T&T hydraulic system on the 3 pt. Terrific stuff.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Thank you for the update, glad the larger machine is treating you right.

 

[2manyrocks]

Owner of MX5200 myself. I feel much more comfortable on it on a slope than other tractor's I've owned. Also think the MX is just a well designed machine.

 

[jyoutz]

Happy with my MX5200. It has a low center of gravity. Always run filled tires. Wheel spacers 3" rear and 2" front help.

I’m curious. Do you have wheel spacers on your MX? R1 or R4 tires? I have always felt like my MX is plenty stable without spacers. I have R4 tires so I think that adds a bit to stability.