General tips/advice for buying new compact tractor

[Taters525]

I'm sure there's already a thread somewhere in here about this just can't find it. Looking at buying new compact tractor soon. (L3901) sorry not interested in your opinion about which tractor you may think is better just looking for advice or tips on what to ask dealer for. Getting FEL and backhoe. Got 5 acres moving lots of dirt and trees eventually installing irrigation system moving main water lines putting yard and landscaping in.

 

[Roadworthy]

You may find a grapple a very handy accessory for clearing your place. In that case you may want the quick attach option on the loader. You may wish to reconsider the tractor size selection. The L3901 has a diesel particulate filter and is subject to regeneration as well as being computer controlled. The L2501 is physically about the same size with less horsepower. It is a very basic tractor. In either case you will probably want four wheel drive and the HST option for moving the dirt.

 

[Taters525]

I'm not clearing anything. I bulldozed the property flat but have numerous areas among trees with dirt that still needs to be moved. And trees that still need to be moved

 

[Thomas]

Try different makes/models with different types of trainmission,also which tractor you feel comfortable operating for hours.
If financing do they offer insurance.

 

[jeff9366]

1) I have numerous areas among trees with dirt that needs to be moved.

2) And trees that l need moved

1) Primary Use: Box Blade for transporting and spreading earth fairly short distances.
Secondary Use: Box Blade is the most common implement carried on the Three Point Hitch as counterbalance to FEL lifts. Buy heavy to maintain tractor rear wheels on ground.

2) You will not be moving trees over 2" diameter with a 2,700 pound bare weight tractor.
For 2" trees a Bucket Spade works nicely.
On a Kubota standard L look for a 24" -26" length spade matched to limited hydraulic power and a light bucket.
A few here complain about chain attachment but a few complain before engaging brain.

Amazon.com: Paumco Products Quick Spade Combo - Model Number 111-Quick Spade: Home Improvement

 

[jeff9366]

Got 5 acres. Buying new Kubota L3901compact tractor with FEL and backhoe soon.
Moving dirt and trees, eventually installing irrigation system, moving main water lines, then landscaping .

Capable tractor for five flat acres.



A Toothbar bucket attachment will speed bucket loading and ease digging strain on FEL.
piranha tractor tooth bar - Google Search


Bucket Chain Grab Hooks save your back.

Ken in Maryland is the premier supplier. Great hooks. I had Ken's bolt-on hooks on my Kubota 'B' now Ken's weld-on hooks on Kubota L3560 with HD bucket.
LINK: Home - BoltOnHooks LLC

 

[i7win7]

2) You will not be moving trees over 2" diameter with a 2,700 pound bare weight tractor.
For 2" trees a Bucket Spade works nicely.

This works nicely too. An L can out work a B model - assuming they won't be transplanted

 

[FTG-05]

After owning and operating a tractor for +6 years, here are my thoughts:

- Front End Loader; wouldn't buy a tractor without one
- Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) or the JD equivalent. DO NOT BUY A TRACTOR WITH A PINNED FEL BUCKET.
- Buy a Quick Hitch (QH) for your 3ph. they are $120-$300, so not all that expensive.
- Make sure all your 3ph implements fit the QH.

The above four items are far more important than tractor color IMO.

Good luck.

 

[tradosaurus]

After owning and operating a tractor for +6 years, here are my thoughts:

- Front End Loader; wouldn't buy a tractor without one
- Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) or the JD equivalent. DO NOT BUY A TRACTOR WITH A PINNED FEL BUCKET.
- Buy a Quick Hitch (QH) for your 3ph. they are $120-$300, so not all that expensive.
- Make sure all your 3ph implements fit the QH.

The above four items are far more important than tractor color IMO.

Good luck.

I second that list. Also would add the 3rd function hydraulic kit that will allow operation of a grapple in place of the FEL.

Also be wary of your ground clearance. Most of my work is among trees and I've damaged two hydraulic filters from running over obstacles that I couldn't see. The MX4800 will probably run you an extra $6k.

If you not be mowing and PTO hp is not a concern then if you narrowed down to the L3901 I would get the L2501 and avoid the Diesel Particulate Filter.

 

[FTG-05]

Just saw this video yesterday. Tractor Mike makes some good points for new tractor owners:

5 Things to Know When Tractor Shopping to Avoid Future Problems - YouTube