Kubota L4060HSTC vs JD 4044R

[Boondox]

If last winter's extended cold and excessive snow wasn't enough to convince me to trade my L3240HST on a cabbed tractor, the deer flies this spring and summer have been particularly voracious! A cabbed tractor with heat and AC is in my future. I found a used L3560HSTC with 165 hours an LA805 FEL and a BH92 backhoe for $42k but already have a KX-121-3S mini-excavator so the backhoe isn't needed and the dealer won't sell the tractor separately. For the same price I can get a new JD 4044R with FEL, cab with the options I want, and one set of rear remotes. Or for $2,500 less I can get a brand new L4060HSTC with LA805 FEL and one set of rear remotes. I'd be keeping all my implements: 72" brush hog, 84" rear blade with hydraulic angle, 72" York rake, Farmi 291 logging winch.

I really like the comfort and ergonomics of the Deere, and the ability to back the tractor and control the lift arms while hooking up implements using the controls on the rear fender is a very cool feature. But the Kubota has a much tighter turning radius, feels more planted, has twice the clearance between the tires and fenders (room for ice chains in winter) and with the seat placed further back in the cab the visibility to the sides and rear is phenomenal! I like both dealers.

Tough decision!

 

[TSO]

If last winter's extended cold and excessive snow wasn't enough to convince me to trade my L3240HST on a cabbed tractor, the deer flies this spring and summer have been particularly voracious! A cabbed tractor with heat and AC is in my future. I found a used L3560HSTC with 165 hours an LA805 FEL and a BH92 backhoe for $42k but already have a KX-121-3S mini-excavator so the backhoe isn't needed and the dealer won't sell the tractor separately. For the same price I can get a new JD 4044R with FEL, cab with the options I want, and one set of rear remotes. Or for $2,500 less I can get a brand new L4060HSTC with LA805 FEL and one set of rear remotes. I'd be keeping all my implements: 72" brush hog, 84" rear blade with hydraulic angle, 72" York rake, Farmi 291 logging winch.

I really like the comfort and ergonomics of the Deere, and the ability to back the tractor and control the lift arms while hooking up implements using the controls on the rear fender is a very cool feature. But the Kubota has a much tighter turning radius, feels more planted, has twice the clearance between the tires and fenders (room for ice chains in winter) and with the seat placed further back in the cab the visibility to the sides and rear is phenomenal! I like both dealers.

Tough decision!

I like both... Tough decision. But the loader on that Deere is better than the LA805. I think you need the LA1055 to compare loaders appropriately. The Kubota trans is better and I think the Kubota cab is more roomy.

Throw a Massey 1742/1749 into the mix. Should be priced competitively and stacks up very nicely against the other two.

Good luck.

 

[wmonroe]

Can't really go wrong with either. Will you be the only operator? If not have the other person drive the tractor and get their opinion.

 

[Boondox]

Well crud, Kubota just made the choice tougher by halting the $1500 instant rebate for those who don't finance. So now the price difference is a bit closer

 

[BlueToy1]

I have an L4060 and like TSO mentioned, the Deere loader is quite a bit stronger. How much loader work will you be doing? The one thing I dislike on mine is the single pedal. All my previous tractors had the twin pedals and I prefer that set up.

I do like the hi-low option on each range of the transmission, more than I expected. Though it was a gimmick at first, but I find I use it all the time. It also has extendable 3 pt links which are a big help hooking up. The air blows so cold and the heat so warm I have can't have either on full blast.

 

[Boondox]

I have an L4060 and like TSO mentioned, the Deere loader is quite a bit stronger. How much loader work will you be doing? The one thing I dislike on mine is the single pedal. All my previous tractors had the twin pedals and I prefer that set up.

I do like the hi-low option on each range of the transmission, more than I expected. Though it was a gimmick at first, but I find I use it all the time. It also has extendable 3 pt links which are a big help hooking up. The air blows so cold and the heat so warm I have can't have either on full blast.

Every tractor I've ever owned has been a Kubota HST, but I found the twin pedals of the JD surprisingly easy to use and think in time I would prefer them. The loader is for me basically a wheelbarrow as I have an excavator for heavy work. Also, like you, I found the hi-low switch unexpectedly useful. Side by side each tractor has good points that I would enjoy. The one thing that worries me about the JD is the small clearance between the tires and fender. Seems like if the chains picked up a chunk of ice or branch it could do some damage.

 

[TSO]

I just wanted to point out another viable option, there is a member on here who lives near me in Michigan, who is selling a low hour L 3540 cab with loader. I'm sure the pricing would be much more attractive than buying a new rig, plus you could avoid tier 4, and you would already be comfortable with most of the controls.

L3540 Cab Tractor

 

[Boondox]

I just wanted to point out another viable option, there is a member on here who lives near me in Michigan, who is selling a low hour L 3540 cab with loader. I'm sure the pricing would be much more attractive than buying a new rig, plus you could avoid tier 4, and you would already be comfortable with most of the controls.

L3540 Cab Tractor

Tempting, but I absolutely need ag tires

 

[TSO]

Tempting, but I absolutely need ag tires

Offer him $26,500 ... Then do a trade at a dealer for the Ag's. As a trade, I'd assume it would cost ya less than $1500 for a swap

 

[Paystar]

Well crud, Kubota just made the choice tougher by halting the $1500 instant rebate for those who don't finance. So now the price difference is a bit closer

Check with your dealer......mine gave me their own discount because I paid cash.