Buying Advice L, M, or MX series? Can you offer guidance?

[cmikewil]

Hey all,

I'm a satisfied owner of a BX-25 for over a year now. I bought mine to handle smaller chores around my SE Ohio farm, while leaving the larger jobs (like bush hogging 30+acres) to my 2 wheel drive Massey Ferguson 231.

I have to say that, looking back, I'm wishing that I'd bought a larger Kubota (or other 4wdrive tractor w/front end loader) to replace that Massey. I can't tell you how handy that FEL and 4 wheel drive have been - though you folks certainly know that. So, I'm toying with trading the BX-25 on something larger. I may even sell the Massey toward the purchase.

Looking through threads as I have over the last year, I know many of you have replaced or upgraded a tractor. Can you offer comments or guidance?

I'm looking to:

* stay with Kubota or other reliable, well-known brand. Reliability and availability of parts are key for me, as I'd likely keep this tractor a long, long time. I simply cannot afford to trade. This needs to last 20+ years with me putting 100 hrs or less per year on it.

* My Massey 231 is rated at 34 horse +/- depending on the year. I don't want anything smaller, and cannot imagine needing anything over 50. Please comment.

* Frills (a cab, air, other additions expensive to replace later) aren't important to me. The Massey is pretty bare bones with little to go wrong. While a replacement Kubota would likely include much more, I want to look ahead 20 years and choose wisely.

* I bushhog on some pretty steep hills. My Massey is close to 4000 pounds. I'm using a 6' Bush Hog brand mower, and don't want to end up with something too light. While I have the tires loaded on the Massey, I'd prefer to use wheel weights/front weights on the new tractor to combat corrosion. I'm aware of the beet juice option; I'd simply like to start by adding weight. I'll load wheels as a second resort.

* I'd like 4 wheel drive. Any reason to be concerned with reliability?

* Depending on the size of the Kubota, it appears that either a gearbox or hydrostatic drive are available. I'm used to the 4 speed, plus a high/low range on the Massey, but cannot deny that the hydro unit on my BX-25 is terrific. What do you folks think? Can a hydrostatic unit on a larger tractor hold up long term? With no more maintenance than a traditional gearbox?

* If a gearbox is the choice, can the Kubota units be shifted while the tractor is moving? I cannot shift while moving with the Massey, and it's a real inconvenience.

* Any concerns with the "new" Kubota engines the manufacturer is advertising? I'd much rather buy something a couple of years old with a few hours on it than chance high dollar repairs on something unproven.

* Some of the engines include turbos. Is this something that should last the life of the engine?

* After having the FEL on the BX, I'd like it's replacement to have one also - or at least have the ability to add one later. So I need front remotes, right? And probably want rear remotes also in the event I add something like a tiller at a later date?

I'm guessing that I'm looking for an M/MX series?

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Please know that I am talking to a dealer; I am looking at tractors on the lot. I simply do not understand some of the features available on modern tractors. I really don't want to look back 2 years from now and wish that somebody had talked me into adding remotes for the front end, or 4wd. Thus far, I feel like my dealer would simply like to sell me what happens to be sitting on the lot. A nice fellow, but I can't say that he has my best interests (financial & long term) in mind. You folks have experience to offer, and I'll appreciate your honest responses, and/or links to previous posts.

Any Kubota "package" I should be looking at? Like the BX-25 for example, which had an FEL and backhoe?

Any special pricing/rebates I should be paying attention to?

Can anybody suggest an easy to read list of MSRPs for the new Kubotas? I'm aware of the online "built a tractor" tool that give you a price, but simply would like to see what the range of prices for the models I might be considering are.

What am I missing?

Thank you for your responses!

 

[creekbend]

I bought a Kubota L4400 a little over a year ago and it serves my needs. It is not my intent to attempt to influence you in regards to the make and model. But I would like to make these suggestions. Get a tractor with a FEL. You will find so many uses for it. Also 4-WD. Best wishes.

 

[DT86]

I'll share some of my opinions...

Lets just say you do stick with Kubota. Just because that's what I own and know about.

First off I'd buy the most tractor I could afford. You don't want to be here next year saying you bought a tractor to replace your too small BX and now wish you'd went bigger.

Reliability of a four wheel drive should be no concern.

The Kubota and I'm pretty sure most all new gear tractors will shift on the go.

Once you've had a loader, a life without one would be no fun. Go ahead and get it financed with the tractor. Also if a quick connect (skid steer) bucket is an option go for it.

As for rear hydraulics, get two sets at least. You'll probably find a use for them.

The L5240 with hydro trans might be all you need but for the same money you can get a larger sized M5140 with hydro shuttle.

If you can take a day to visit other dealers with more or different inventory it would be time well spent. You might find green, blue, red or even a slightly different shade of orange better fills your needs.

I hope any of this can help.

 

[94BULLITT]

I really like my grand l. It is a good sized tractor and you can do a lot with it. I would think any gran l should pull a 6ft rotary cutter. I personally prefer a hydro tractor. I think a hydro is just about as durable as a gear tractor. I would not be concerned with the reliability of 4wd. The grand l's with hydro without a loader start out a 3600#'s. You can get your tire loaded with methanol and it will no corrode them. Here is a link to kubota rebates. Here is a link to their financing rates/specials.

 

[jimstubb]

I'm looking at the mx5100 right now. I have a MF 1080 that runs pretty well but is a bit bigger than I need and is showing it's age. Like you I'll probably keep the Massey Ferguson for bush hogging. The mx5100 looks to be a good size with more maneuverability. Definitely looking for a FEL but I'm thinking I don't need to add a back remote to the Kubota since most of what I'll use will work with a 3 point hitch. 4WD is a necessity on my land but I think the traditional gearbox will be fine. I probably won't use it more than 100hr/year.

I'm also looking at the JD 5055.

 

[azbinder]

The L3800HST can be equipped with 3 rear remotes. Also, it will accept the FL524 (not FL524FL) loader w/SSQA and the BH77 backhoe. This tractor will handle the 72" cutter with no problem. The L3800 has the proven "old" proven style engine that Kubota has been using for years. Still no computer and no fly by wire.

 

[LD1]

You really need to go look at them. The M is the basic no-frills workhorse. (basic by todays standards, but still more features than the old MF). The MX is a smaller version but still pretty basic and would be the cheapest option. The L is bigger than the MX, cost more than the M or the MX, But has all the "bells and whistles".

That said, I dont know where you are located in SE ohio, but I think their is (or was) a kioti dealer in nelsonville. They are alot of "bang for buck" tractor, Something Like a Dk50-Dk65 would be similar in comparisons to the M's in kubotas line-up. I would have given kioti a harder look but I have no dealers around me There are pleanty of satisfied owners on here. And look on the bright side, you can park it a distance away and it will look like a kubota

 

[PHILIP8N]

Hey all,

I'm a satisfied owner of a BX-25 for over a year now. I bought mine to handle smaller chores around my SE Ohio farm, while leaving the larger jobs (like bush hogging 30+acres) to my 2 wheel drive Massey Ferguson 231.
I owned a JD rider and a Ford 8N, similar situation.

I have to say that, looking back, I'm wishing that I'd bought a larger Kubota (or other 4wdrive tractor w/front end loader) to replace that Massey. I can't tell you how handy that FEL and 4 wheel drive have been - though you folks certainly know that. So, I'm toying with trading the BX-25 on something larger. I may even sell the Massey toward the purchase.
I'd sell the Massy. If like me, you will still want a rider.
Looking through threads as I have over the last year, I know many of you have replaced or upgraded a tractor. Can you offer comments or guidance?

I'm looking to:

* stay with Kubota or other reliable, well-known brand. Reliability and availability of parts are key for me, as I'd likely keep this tractor a long, long time. I simply cannot afford to trade. This needs to last 20+ years with me putting 100 hrs or less per year on it.
Agree
* My Massey 231 is rated at 34 horse +/- depending on the year. I don't want anything smaller, and cannot imagine needing anything over 50. Please comment.
I replaced my 8N with L3940-HST. Tractor has exceeded all expectations.
* Frills (a cab, air, other additions expensive to replace later) aren't important to me. The Massey is pretty bare bones with little to go wrong. While a replacement Kubota would likely include much more, I want to look ahead 20 years and choose wisely.
Open station was my choice too.

* I bushhog on some pretty steep hills. My Massey is close to 4000 pounds. I'm using a 6' Bush Hog brand mower, and don't want to end up with something too light. While I have the tires loaded on the Massey, I'd prefer to use wheel weights/front weights on the new tractor to combat corrosion. I'm aware of the beet juice option; I'd simply like to start by adding weight. I'll load wheels as a second resort.
My L3940 weighs 3600 pounds without FEL attached. It also pulls a 6' hog.
* I'd like 4 wheel drive. Any reason to be concerned with reliability?
No, tens upon thousands of them are out there, some are used very hard by people who are hired to operate them, as opposed to owner operator.
* Depending on the size of the Kubota, it appears that either a gearbox or hydrostatic drive are available. I'm used to the 4 speed, plus a high/low range on the Massey, but cannot deny that the hydro unit on my BX-25 is terrific. What do you folks think? Can a hydrostatic unit on a larger tractor hold up long term? With no more maintenance than a traditional gearbox?
HST in this size is very dependable and a common choice for obviuos reasons. The GrandL HST has 3 mechanical ranges, plus 2 hydraulic ranges (shift on the go), for 6 total forward/reverse ranges.
* If a gearbox is the choice, can the Kubota units be shifted while the tractor is moving? I cannot shift while moving with the Massey, and it's a real inconvenience.
Some models offer 2 different types of mechanical gear boxes. Get a sales brochure and read up.* Any concerns with the "new" Kubota engines the manufacturer is advertising? I'd much rather buy something a couple of years old with a few hours on it than chance high dollar repairs on something unproven.
At the horsepower range you are dealing with, no. The engine is not new. Some fuel injuection strategy may be different, or maybe the addition of simple exhaust after treatment. See what the difference is. My 2009 L3940 has a tier4i engine, no difference and no issues.* Some of the engines include turbos. Is this something that should last the life of the engine?
I do not like turbos in the +/- 40 hp range. But if you get a turbo, it should last the life that you use the tractor if properly maintained.* After having the FEL on the BX, I'd like it's replacement to have one also - or at least have the ability to add one later. So I need front remotes, right? And probably want rear remotes also in the event I add something like a tiller at a later date?
The GrandL comes with all hydraulic front remotes already fitted. I paid extra for the 2 rear remotes on mine.I'm guessing that I'm looking for an M/MX series?
For your needs, I would look at the L3940-hst or L4240 hst.Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Please know that I am talking to a dealer; I am looking at tractors on the lot. I simply do not understand some of the features available on modern tractors. I really don't want to look back 2 years from now and wish that somebody had talked me into adding remotes for the front end, or 4wd. Thus far, I feel like my dealer would simply like to sell me what happens to be sitting on the lot. A nice fellow, but I can't say that he has my best interests (financial & long term) in mind. You folks have experience to offer, and I'll appreciate your honest responses, and/or links to previous posts.

Any Kubota "package" I should be looking at? Like the BX-25 for example, which had an FEL and backhoe?

Any special pricing/rebates I should be paying attention to?

Can anybody suggest an easy to read list of MSRPs for the new Kubotas? I'm aware of the online "built a tractor" tool that give you a price, but simply would like to see what the range of prices for the models I might be considering are.

What am I missing?

Get some sales brochures and read up! Good luck! Philip.
Thank you for your responses!

See my comments above embedded in your message. Philip.

 

[LD1]

See my comments above embedded in your message. Philip.

Just a quick suggestion.....It is easier to read/follow when you embed text within the post if you make it a different color. Like red or blue:thumbsup:

 

[PHILIP8N]

Just a quick suggestion.....It is easier to read/follow when you embed text within the post if you make it a different color. Like red or blue:thumbsup I'll do that next time, I just found the option! (I think):

Philip.