help identifying a good deal

[byrd]

So, I'm hopefully going to be a first time tractor buyer soon... I was originally down to the New Holland TC1520 and Kubota L3400. However, I recently came across a what seems like a good deal on a new Kubota L4400.

I can get the L4000 with LA703 loader, Skid-Steer Quick Coupler,and Ag tires, box blade, 5ft bush hog, and an 18' by 60"w trailer for just under $25K.

For an additional $500 I can swap out the Ag tires for Industrial Tires. For another $550 I can swap out the trailer AND bush hog for a 6ft bush hog and 18' by 82"w trailer with electric brakes. That would be a total of just around $26K.

My problem here is that, this being my first time purchasing a tractor, I really have no idea what's a good deal and what's not. ...Sure would be nice to have a blue book value for tractors! Originally, I hadn't even considered buying a new tractor, but it seemed that a lot of the good condition, low hour tractors in the 35hp size range were in the $17K range (with fewer add-ons). The above deal is a larger tractor, has 0% financing for 5yrs, and of course has the warranty.

As a side note, I will use the tractor to move 900-1100lb round bales on the loader. The sales guy told me that I'd be better to stick with the L4400 over the L3400. He said that power-wise, the L3400 is fine, but that stability-wise it would be a problem. He said the L3400 is too narrow to remain stable with that load on the loader. Of course he's trying to up-sell me to the L4400, but I'm still wondering how true this statement is. The L3400 is not offered as part of a package deal, so I'd have to purchase everything separate. Which isn't a problem if the prices mentioned above aren't really that good of a deal.

Thanks for the help and taking the time to read through my ramblings!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would get the ag tires and the bigger trailer for sure. You will want to use the trailer for many more items. R4's are ok but do not hold a candle to the R1's when it comes to traction. As for the BH get the 6'. Its worthless to have a BH that does not cover your wheel track. The tractor has plenty of power with the rule of thumb being 5pto HP for every 1' so you are in the 30 HP ball park.

Chris

 

[byrd]

I would get the ag tires and the bigger trailer for sure. You will want to use the trailer for many more items. R4's are ok but do not hold a candle to the R1's when it comes to traction. As for the BH get the 6'. Its worthless to have a BH that does not cover your wheel track. The tractor has plenty of power with the rule of thumb being 5pto HP for every 1' so you are in the 30 HP ball park.

Chris

Thanks for the info. I didn't think about the BH covering the tractor wheel width. The 5 footer would be just a tad shy on the L4400. The upgraded trailer definitely sounds good, as I can see it being handy for all sorts of uses.

I prefer the R4's over the R1's since I do a good bit of pasture mowing. The horses are hard enough on the pastures as it is. I think R1's would really be rough on 'em. But should I be paying extra just to get R4's? Are they typically more expensive then R1's??

So far, from everything I've see (on sites like tractorhouse.com, etc), the deals mentioned above still seem quite good, but I was wondering if any other, more experienced tractor owners had any better insight.

 

[Diamondpilot]

R4's require different rims, so yes, they do cost more. Some dealers do not charge extra because they have them built into the price.

Where do you live and what will you do with it? R1's can do less damage in the long run. I personally like R1's. R4's will do more damage in wet areas because they tend to load up with mud and that has you ending up getting stuck. This will do way more damage than R1's. If you are planning on pushing snow, pulling a disc or plow then R4's will really limit you. If you are just going to use it around the barn and pasture you may be all right.

Chris

 

[byrd]

R4's require different rims, so yes, they do cost more. Some dealers do not charge extra because they have them built into the price.

Where do you live and what will you do with it? R1's can do less damage in the long run. I personally like R1's. R4's will do more damage in wet areas because they tend to load up with mud and that has you ending up getting stuck. This will do way more damage than R1's. If you are planning on pushing snow, pulling a disc or plow then R4's will really limit you. If you are just going to use it around the barn and pasture you may be all right.

Chris

I live in south eastern VA. Our area isn't very wet or muddy for the most part. I know that almost all other tractor owners in my area (that I am acquainted with) use R4's.

I'll primarily be using the tractor on a small horse farm (~7 acres)... mowing pastures, clearing brush, moving round bales, moving manure/dirt/gravel, grading the driveway, seeding/fertilizing, moving logs, etc. I won't be pushing any snow or pulling a disc or plow...

To be honest, I think the L4400 is a little over sized for what I need right now. Stability for round bales, the good package deal, and 0% interest are the only reasons why I'm considering it right now. However, we'd like to purchase more land in the next few years, so I think the larger tractor will ultimately work out in our favor.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The tires that others are using are a good starting point. I would ask a few if they would go the other way, especially if it means spending the extra $500? They will have the lay of the land, needs, and traction requirements similar to you so they will give the best answer to that question.

As for the size you need it to lift the bales and handle them safely. My 28HP Jinma can lift a bale but I would not want to drive on anything but concrete and only strait ahead.

One other though is rear ballast. Most who do round bale work have loaded rear tires. I have both loaded rears and 150# wheel weights. I know on my particular tractor weights are not a option with the R4's.

Chris

 

[byrd]

As for the size you need it to lift the bales and handle them safely. My 28HP Jinma can lift a bale but I would not want to drive on anything but concrete and only strait ahead.

One other though is rear ballast. Most who do round bale work have loaded rear tires. I have both loaded rears and 150# wheel weights. I know on my particular tractor weights are not a option with the R4's.

Chris

I'll definitely NOT be on level ground with the round bales. From where they are stored to where they are set in the pasture, there is a good bit of non-level ground and it's certainly not a strait shot.

I haven't asked the dealer about getting the tires filled, so I don't know how much that costs. I've thought about filling them with anti-freeze and water myself, but am not sure how tough that would be. My neighbor has poured 400lbs of concrete around some 3 point hitch hardware as ballast. Seems to work well, and cement is cheap!

 

[finspop]

The L4400 will move round bales with the loader, but only if they're dry and even then you wouldn't want to be driving up, down, and across too many hills. The 3400 is out as far as moving rounds. I know, as I once owned a 3400. Sold it because it was too tippy and simply couldn't lift enough.

I think the 4400 is the bare minimum to consider for this task. You could go smaller if you bought a spear for your 3pt hitch and moved 'em like that. If you're going to be moving a lot of round bales, and want to stick with a lower-horse tractor, you should maybe consider one of the heavier brands (Kioti, Mahindra). I say this having owned neither.

 

[bill in ny]

i agree with diamondpilot on the r1's.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you are going to be in the mud and much get the R1's. As for filling the tires it easy with stuff most of us have laying around and a $10 adapter. I just did a set about 10 days ago and used WWF good to -20. Cost me under $40 to do both.

Chris