Down to the little stuff

JeffInDaUP · Mar 27, 2001

After a couple of months of studying, I have finally decided on the L4610. If you read my last post you will see that I do not know much about tractors as this is my first one. Other than the hydraulic top link, toothbar and chainhooks for FEL, front and rear working lights for cab, engine block heater, heater/defroster for cab, ballast in rear tires, and implements(broadcaster,tiller,boxblade), is there anything else you guys would recommend? Hopefully the dealer will cover everything, but remember, I have never owned one before so the obvious might very well escape me. I also own nothing even remotely associated with a tractor. Since I'm spending all my money on the big stuff price is a consideration! Thanks again for all your help!

Jeff...MI.

M. Sullivan · Mar 27, 2001

Congrats on getting close to the buy. Would guess your dealer will be more than happy to run through the laundry list of accessories you might consider. Don't forget the filters and fluids for the 50 hour maintenance.

Steve_Carver · Mar 27, 2001

nibble nibble nibble -- away
i love it

JATO_RaT · Mar 27, 2001

Jeff, I am considering the L4610 HST and one other tractor at the present time. I don't need a cab or block heater, but I can tell you my setup would have this:
1. 3 spool valve to control the 3 remote hydraulic functions on back. Top (hydraulic cylinder replaces stock top link), tilt (replaces manual crank arm for implemnts) and the 3rd remote which will control the rippers on my box scraper. Remember, there are a variety of ways you can accomplish this. You can simply have the top and tilt cylinders directly tied into the valve, no quick disconnect. The ripper remote though needs to have a quick disconnect, 2 actually for push and pull hydraulic flow. The reason is that you will remove the box scrapper and hook up a tiller, mower etc. and the ripper cylinder on the box scraper goes with the box.
2. I am still considering the 4N1 bucket which is helpful beyond belief for grabbing anything from trees to put in a pile to grading to picking "T" posts out of the ground. Think of it as a bucket with an opposable thumb. It will require some means of operating the set of cylinders on the bucket. Some folks use a solenoid, others have a separate hydraulic valve. Other then that, I would be set. I do the hooks myself on the loader, any extra lighting is not necessary for me, I will steal the cylinders for TNT off my old tractor as well as the box scraper. Oh yeah, get a box scraper with some heft. Not only is it great ballast, but they do a great job of cutting and moving dirt. Mine weighs about 1000lbs. Rat...

RobS · Mar 27, 2001

Congratulations Jeff. If it's the real little things you need here's a couple I've accumulated: Fuel can, gloves, really big crescent wrench (for those TPH pins), earplugs (maybe not with a cab?), spare shear bolts for implements, chain, chain and more chain, a chain shortener (two grab hooks on a couple of links of chain, clevis for your drawbar, hitch pin for drawn implements, cooler and water jug so you can just keep on tractoring all day long /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I dedicated a medium size toolbox for all my tractor specific things plus some common tools. When I head out to the property, I just toss that box, fuel can, cooler and water jug into the loader and go. I also carry a cell phone just in case something happens.

Have fun shopping /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

RMulkey · Mar 28, 2001

Jeff, I have the same recommendations as Rat.

Seriously consider the 3-spool hydraulic Top-N-Tilt control plus a hydraulic actuated scarifier box blade. Gannon makes a nice Top-N-Tilt kit that mounts the valves on the fender. I like this set up better than the stock Kubota valves since your hand is in a natural position on the levers while you look over your shoulder. The box control makes fast work of finish dirt work. I second the recommendation of getting a heavy duty box blade. Gannon/Woods makes a good 72" box blade that weighs about 1100lbs. Attached is a picture of the valves and HD box blade.

The 4:1 bucket is worth the money if you move a lot of debris and work alone. I have a L4310 with these two options and would not have a machine this size without them. Others on this board recommend a Long 4:1 bucket. My local dealer made the 4:1 bucket for me.

You may want to consider a set of bucket forks. For the occasional work, I prefer the quick attach style. They attach on hooks welded to the top of the bucket. (Gearmore make them). www.gearmore.com

Good luck. Hope this helps.