Price Check Grand L40 Pricing & Comments

[boatermark]

OK everyone, time for me to give back a little and post some information. I am in the process of shopping for a tractor in the 40 HP range, therefore have been looking at Kubota's 4240/4740, JD's 4120/4320, and will be also looking at NH's TC40A/TC45A. So, for all you Kubota people, here is my report so far:

- Tractor GL 4740 GST = $22,100
- LA854 Loader, 72" HD QA Bucket, (3) hooks = $4,690
- 3rd Loader Valve = $780.00
- Tooth Bar = $750.00
- Rear Light Kit = $90.00
- Engine Block Heater = $140.00
- Loaded Rear Tires (Rimgaurd) = $330.00
- Rear Remotes (1&2) = $1,125.00
- Creep Kit = $650.00
- Rear Tire Chains = $450.00

Total = $31,105

Prices are from Vermont, and not reduced by any hageling. Sorry, I am a gear guy so that is that. To figure pricing for the GL 4240 GST subtract $1,800.

My comments so far...great tractor (obvious). I like the relocated loader joystick and loader 3rd valve option to run a grapple, plow, 4n1, or whatever. The 3-point hitch, like the Grand L30's seems bomber. Styling is fine, and it's nice that Kubota stayed with metal fenders and a metal hood.

What am I not excited about! I don't like the GST transmission in comparison to JD's Power Reverser. I'd rather clutch to shift gears than clutch to shift directions. GST seems like a week compromise. Ya, ya, I am sure the hydro is great...the pedal looks great and the response adjust knob sound like a great idea but I am not sold.

Also, I am not sure about the bar that runs from the loader mount point back towards the rear axle. I am sure it adds strength and rigidity, but question if it effects clearance. It looks like it may hang lower than the belly which means more to hang up in deeper snow. Maybe it's a problem, maybe not.

OK, let the chatter begin!

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

What am I not excited about! I don't like the GST transmission in comparison to JD's Power Reverser. I'd rather clutch to shift gears than clutch to shift directions. GST seems like a week compromise.

The GST does not require any clutching, you can go between forward, reverse and shift gears all without using the clutch.

 

[boatermark]

No clutch for foward and reverse? I guess the dealers I have visited haven't been very informed then, or at least they didn't explain very well how to operate the tractor. What's that say? So if you can do all that shifting as well as shift forward and reverse, why would you even have a clutch?

Today I test drove an L3940 GST. The loader functioned very well. I did encounter a problem though...while shifting carefully between gears, the tractor stopped and would not move and only stuttered. The salesman was baffled and only after turning the tractor off and on, shifting in and out of gears, in and out of mfwd, did the tractor decide to respond. Not so excited about that...

 

[MadReferee]

I'll only comment on the pricing as I have been looking at a L4740 w/cab.

Your dealer has discounted the basic tractor and loader about 10% which is about average. He is making his profit elsewhere, ie. on the options.

The prices on the dealer installed options (creep kit, remotes, block heater) are higher than MSRP but they probably include the dealer's labor to install. The price for the block heater is outrageous for a 10 minute install.

The tooth bar at $750 is about twice what Markham charges for the same thing, and that includes shipping.

The price for rear tire chains seem high too but you don't state what type of chains you are getting and what type of tires they are going on. Check out TireChains.com for price comparisons.

By smart shopping and a little work on your own, you should be able to et that price down to about $30k. That means you get to buy another attachment.

 

[DUMBDOG]

I will only add the point that the GST is a great type of transmission, after two years and over seven hundred hours, I am really impressed with the performance.

 

[Oleozz]

I noticed the same thing as Mad., the toothbar can be bought, even with shipping, for about $320. I run chains on the front that I bought from Tirechain.com and with the adjusters paid $150. One set of rear remotes came standard with my tractor, I paid the same amount as your dealer is asking for the Rimguard and with many years of tractor owning have never felt the need for a block heater.

 

[johnk]

Boatermark,

If the tractor was outside and the hydraulic fluid was not properly warmed it's normal to be sluggish going in gear until the fluid warms. The dealer should know that...Also the clutch should be used to change directions unless you are a complete stop. Bumping through the gears 1-12 there is no need of clutching...

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Boatermark,

Also the clutch should be used to change directions unless you are a complete stop. Bumping through the gears 1-12 there is no need of clutching...

You do not need to use the clutch when changing directions unless you are traveling at high speeds. Obviously the machine is going to act up if you throw it in reverse while your trucking down the road, however for normal loader work and typical driving there is absolutly no reason to use the clutch. I do use the clutch when I want to cost to a stop, but not for regular operation.

 

[tractorlogger]

I assume this did not include the cab???

 

[boatermark]

I assume this did not include the cab???

Yes, that is correct. No cab.