How much more do I need? B or L series?

Carl Bill · Jul 10, 2006

I currently own a BX1500. It is a great little tractor and has served me well keeping up a small (1-1/2) acreage. However, I am aquiring more land (50 acres) and need to upgrade.

But how much more do I need? Is a high end B series - B7800 enough? And it appears that for just a bit more, the L series is in reach - L2800. What are the differences between the B and L and would one be a better choice?

I will be mowing about 30 acres at times - pasture, not very rough. Using the FEL to move dirt, using a box blade to landscape and maintain a gravel driveway and general hauling with the FEL.

Is 29/30 hp enough? The BX1500 with 15 hp really surprized me at what it could do, so I don't want to over buy this time around.

DVR · Jul 10, 2006

I am planning on buying a similar sized tract and will buy a L4400 if I do.
after seeing my friends new jd 5420 a cab may be in my future.

bugstruck · Jul 10, 2006

The 30 ac. of mowing caught my attention. Most here will push you towards more PTO HP for the larger mowers. I'd tire of mowing 30 acres with at 6' deck (about 25 PTO HP min.) on the first go. I'd even consider used equipment before I'd go too small. Cost is always a factor. Others who do it regularly can give you a better idea. Frankly I'd be at 50 PTO HP to tackle that, even if just 4 or 5 times a year. Actually, particularly if only that often from what I've read here.

canoetrpr · Jul 11, 2006

I'd definatley go bigger. I have a L3400 hst with 26 acres and about 14 of them in pasture with a 5 foot bush hog. I regret not getting a 6 ft bush hog for just the 14 acres I do have to mow.

If I were you I would get something that could handle a 7ft bush hog at least. The L4400 is probably the best no frills deal you can get for this IMHO. Really nice tractor but it does not have HST which I am happy I got.

If HST is important look at one of the grand L's that can handle a 7 foot bush hog. Hard to beat the L4400 in bang for the buck IMHO.

Bird · Jul 11, 2006

I mowed an approximate 30 acres of pasture a few times with my B2710 and a 5' brush hog for a neighbor. I did overlap a bit to be sure I got it all, and there were two ponds with dams to mow around, but it took me about 21-22 hours (2 days) each time I did it. A B7800 will do it just fine if you have plenty of time. If not, you want something bigger. I saw the prior owner of that same property mow it a couple of times with an old Ford (not sure if it was an 8N or 9N) and he usually took 3 or 4 days to do it.

Sully2 · Jul 11, 2006

bugstruck said:
The 30 ac. of mowing caught my attention. Most here will push you towards more PTO HP for the larger mowers. I'd tire of mowing 30 acres with at 6' deck (about 25 PTO HP min.) on the first go. I'd even consider used equipment before I'd go too small. Cost is always a factor. Others who do it regularly can give you a better idea. Frankly I'd be at 50 PTO HP to tackle that, even if just 4 or 5 times a year. Actually, particularly if only that often from what I've read here.

Speaking here from limited experience...While I wouldnt hesitate to use a rear mount finish mower of that size to cut A FEW acres...Id let it all grow up in weeds before Id tackle 30 acres with a rough cut mower..lol

As you suggest Id have to have MORE HP( engine and PTO) more tractor weight that I presently have and going with a late model...low hours used tractor..definately if $$ is tight ( and it is to some extent with all of us...lol)

Along with a larger bucket size..greater lifting capacity with a larger FEL...ability to use "larger / heavier" impliments ..etc...

I dont know if 40 PTO HP is enough..or if 50 PTO HP is better...but I wouldnt be buying a 30 HP ( engine size) to do these jobs!

howardx · Jul 11, 2006

carl,
Shoot me an email and let me know what you want for your bx1500
thanks,
howard

rory_h@yahoo.com

Carl Bill · Jul 11, 2006

Ok. I have been doing some more looking and thinking. Maybe the L3400HST is what I should start looking at.

I looked at Wood's "Bushbull" standard duty, single spindle rotary cutters:
48" - 15 to 20 tractor hp
60" - 25 to 50 tractor hp
72" - 30 to 65 tractor hp
84" - 35 to 90 tractor hp

The L3400HST is rated at 34.7 hp (29 at PTO).

"tractor hp" does not exactly indicate if they are thinking engine hp or PTO hp.

So, depending on how they are rated, I could do 72" or maybe even squeak by on the 84"? The land is not rugged and it is only slightly sloped, so not a lot of hp is going to be used to move the tractor as compared to the mower.

Any thoughts on this?

MX5000 · Jul 11, 2006

Tractors are sort of like boats, they look big in the showroom, once you put it in the water, they look a whole lot smaller. I'd go with more like 50hp. I had a BX1500, B7610, and traded up again to the MX5000. You'll notice a huge difference. If I was going to mow 30 acres, I'd want plenty of PTO HP so I could run a larger brushhog or rear finish more. A smaller machine will always work, It's just how long do you want to spend doing the work. Just my 2 cents.

Howard

canoetrpr · Jul 11, 2006

Carl Bill said:
So, depending on how they are rated, I could do 72" or maybe even squeak by on the 84"? The land is not rugged and it is only slightly sloped, so not a lot of hp is going to be used to move the tractor as compared to the mower.

Any thoughts on this?

I think that the BB72 is the perfect size rotary cutter for the L3400. I would not go with anything bigger. I'd also recommend keeping the FEL on while bush hogging. I do so with my BB60 and I think that the FEL is needed.

IMHO you will be underpowered with a BB84. There are definately times that I bog down with my BB60 in wet grass and I do mow frequently enough so that all I am cutting is grass. So stick with the 72 and you will be happy.

That is if you cannot swing a L4400 and a BB84

FamilyFarm · Jul 12, 2006

I would not go over 6 ft wide cutter with the L3400. I know it sounds nice to have that extra 12" with the 7 ft model, but if you have to go slower for the tractor to effectively run the cutter, you won't gain anything vs the 6 ft. I also doubt you'll find a 7 ft that isn't too heavy for the L3400 - thinking tractor implement rating and safety on this.

5030tinkerer · Jul 12, 2006

I have an L5030 with a Rhino TX115 11' wide finish mower (two 48" decks and a 60"). The tractor handles it fine and is nothing short of impressive to watch in action. I'd go for at least this size tractor for as much land as you are talking about.

Carl Bill · Jul 12, 2006

It looks like I would need more power than an L3400 for that!

This brings me into the M series.

Looking at a leftover M4900.

Any pointers on what to look for in an M series?

Seems that for just mowing and general FEL work, an M series is a lower cost way to go. Looks like they are a no-frills deal over the large Grand L series.

Now a dealer is saying that I could get into a better deal in a MF in this range of tarctor..... More to think about.

My head hurts!

Carl Bill · Jul 12, 2006

I guess this is about to come out of the compact tractor world and go into the general tractor range. I guess I should also look more into used farm tractors?

FamilyFarm · Jul 12, 2006

The newer M 40 series tractors (5040, 6040, 7040, etc.) are pretty close to the Grand L's in the convenience, comfort issues. They have tilt steering, similar seat to Grand L, nice wide, flat platform. No HST is offered, but the hydraulic shuttle shift is very smooth to operate. The QA FEL bucket is standard as is one rear remote and a 7 pin trailer connector. All-in-all, a very nice setup that I wouldn't consider a no-frills tractor. Depending on the dealer, the price of the M5040 is pretty close to the L5030 and only goes up marginally for the 6040 or 7040. The 7040 was my first pick of tractors - I simply didn't need a tractor that large. I didn't need that much power and have too many obstacles, trees, close-in places I need to use a tractor. The HST is also a preference for me, although I was very impressed with the Hydraulic Shuttle.
Terry

Carl Bill · Jul 12, 2006

What about an MX5000 or M4900? They are less fancy than the Mxx40 series and have the power I am thinking of. I could get used to gears. I would like the HST, but the cost of the MX5000 & M4900 ar elooking good for the hp.

Any thoughs on these?

john_bud · Jul 12, 2006

Carl,

Why not look into a used 70-100 hp tractor with loader. Probably can get one for under 10,000 with only a few thousand hours. Then a 10' or 12' bat wing mower. Mowing 30 acres is real work!

jb

Carl Bill · Jul 13, 2006

Spent several hours searching for used 50 to 100 hp tractors. Expensive!

Old John Deere with many hours is gold!

Still working the numbers and trying to find the best compromise....

Time will tell...

Newer or new Massey Fergusion is in the running. I will see soon.

I am still a Kubota fan.

There is nothing made in the USA now. MF, even with the Perkins is made in Turkey and/or Brazil. John Deere is no longer a USA deal either. So no regrets no matter what I do here!

Thank you for the help!

Carl Bill · Jul 13, 2006

This is a eye opener. Even the local tractor dealer told me that the big John Deere's are using off shore engines. As are most tractor manufacturers.

I had thought that just the compacts and sub-compacts were doing that.

I am a Chevy guy and really like to keep big purchases at home. No way to do that here.

I feel much better about the BX1500 now.

I am not happy about the situation, but what can I do?

Which brand is the MOST American?

I am lost...

FamilyFarm · Jul 13, 2006

I have owned so many well made products from Japan, I guess I don't even think much about that anymore. What irks me is the fact most American companies are farming out everything to China now, even if the ownership of the firm is in the USA. WalMart has forced alot of companies to go to China or not do business with them.
Kubota makes most of their implements and some of their tractors in the US. Either way - made in Japan or US - you know they make the entire tractor and control the quality.
Terry