L4400 VS M4800 VS M5040

[nc1100c]

Hey yall, I'm in the market for a new tractor to move smaller hay bales and maybe do some light plowing with. I'm thinking about the following:
L4400 DT-4X4-$15,000.
woods loader-$3,900
total $18,900.

or
M4800 Dt-4X4-$15,500.
woods loader-$4800.
total -$20,300.

or
M5040-Dt-4x4-$19,900
woods loader-$4,500
total proce-$24.400.

After looking at the Kobota,woods and bush hog brand loader I like the woods the best.
Which tractor do you think I should buy?
I really want the 5040 but is it woth the extra money?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Those sound like good prices, especially on the M5040. The M4800 may be a closeout special - not sure if they are still in production.

M5040 is a much more deluxe tractor and heavier duty, but all three are good. How much do you want to do? Also, do the woods loaders have a quick attach system? You would likely want one for a bale spear (other option is 3ph spear). L4400 would probably do what you describe just fine.

 

[Bob_Young]

When I last looked the M4800 was 2WD only. Has that changed? The M4900DT was 4WD. I'm relying on memory, so could be wrong.

You might want to double check.
Bob

 

[nc1100c]

Yes, the m8000 they have in stock is a 4X4. The woods loader does have the quick detach from the tractor as well as the skid steer quick type coupler for the bucket. After looking at all three brands of loaders the woods just looks better. The welds are much cleaner than even the Kobota's. The design of the woods and the Kobotas are the same. Looks like one copied the other. Would the synchronized transmission in the 5040 have any advantage over the others?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Glad you mentioned the Kubota loader quality first. The ones I've seen lately look kinda rough, especially the uprights which seem to be porous castings.

I think that loaders are pretty basic to design, and while I would generally stick with the OEM model, I doubt that there is much difference between OEM and Woods. The skid steer quick coupler is very useful, and on the L4400 is not an option on the OEM loader.

The fully synchro transmission on a M5040 lets you shift gears while moving. The others you are supposed to come to a complete stop before shifting. Sounds like a pain, but when your typical speeds are less than 10mph it's not a big deal. I would not pay for an M5040 for only that reason.

The major disadvantage to the L4400 is, in my view, the lack of a quick attach coupler on the loader. If you get the Woods loader it sounds like that problem goes away. I think the L4400 would probably be fine for what you've described so far and would save some green.

 

[art]

Have you thought about the Mx5000? We've used and recommend the ATI quick coupler on the Kubota loaders.

 

[bss]

I just bought a used 2005 L4400DT with a skid steer bucket on the LA703 loader. Does that mean that this bucket is an after market?

 

[N80]

Show us a picture. If it says "Kubota LA703" on the loader then it has probably been modified. I have an L4400 and even though I don't have or need anything else to hook to the loader, a QD mount would be nice. Also, the standard mount on the 703 does not allow the bucket to curl back very far. In other words, you can't carry the bucket level unless you raise it way up. Minor thing, but still a thing.

If I was looking at the three tractors mentioned I would not hesitate to get the L4400. Mine has worked beyond my expectations and has endured some pretty heavy use. However, if money was no object, I'd get the 5040 in a heart beat.

 

[nc1100c]

Hey guys,thanks for the posts. I noticed the L4400 has the indirect injection engine that has been used for years and the M5040 up tractors has the new CDI-center direct injection engine to comply with all the new EPA junk. My question is- I know the old indirect injection engine has proven its self to be an excellent engine, but what about the new CDI center direct injection engines? Do you think they will last as long and not give any trouble like the old style engines? Is the blocks in the new center direct engines cast steel or alumiumn?

 

[Z-Michigan]

The indirect vs. CDI injection is not, IMHO, very important. CDI probably delivers a bit better fuel economy, but it's one of many factors and the greater hp of the M5040 will offset any benefit if you don't need all the horses. CDI is not terribly new, whatever Kubota says - direct injection diesel engines have been around for at least 15 years, probably more like 30 in some applications. I've noticed that Kubota advertising brochures regularly take features that are extremely ordinary and hype them as if Kubota had invented cold fusion and the key to world peace.

Not sure of material but I think it's iron (most castings are iron, not steel).

If you are planning on the Woods FEL with a quick-attach system, and you haven't thought up any uses that require the size and hp of the M5040, I think the L4400 would serve you very well.

 

[nc1100c]

Well, I have just came from the Kobota dealership and I'm really liking the M5040. I may do some plowing with the tractor and I like the extra weight. However now I have another decision. Sitting right beside the m5040 was a m6040. I told the guy at the dealership I wanted to drive the m5040 around the lot, however I had to move the m6040 out of the way to get the m5040 out. For some reason when I stared the m6040 up that engine just sounded so so good. Anyway I got him talked down on price some more. For the M5040 with a woods loader the price is $24,300. For the m6040 with the same loader he gave me an out the door price delivered and tires loaded of $25,800. Is the extra 10 pto horsepower worth $1,500. ? I'm thinking $1,500. is not bad for 10 hp. I have know alot of people who bought a chip and exhaust for their truck that paid more than that.

 

[n8wrl]

Well, I have just came from the Kobota dealership and I'm really liking the M5040. I may do some plowing with the tractor and I like the extra weight. However now I have another decision. Sitting right beside the m5040 was a m6040. I told the guy at the dealership I wanted to drive the m5040 around the lot, however I had to move the m6040 out of the way to get the m5040 out. For some reason when I stared the m6040 up that engine just sounded so so good. Anyway I got him talked down on price some more. For the M5040 with a woods loader the price is $24,300. For the m6040 with the same loader he gave me an out the door price delivered and tires loaded of $25,800. Is the extra 10 pto horsepower worth $1,500. ? I'm thinking $1,500. is not bad for 10 hp. I have know alot of people who bought a chip and exhaust for their truck that paid more than that.

Do it

 

[Muleskinner]

The M6040 is a larger, more heavy duty tractor than the M5040. The M6040 is basically the same size as the M7040. With the M6040 you don't get the limited slip front axle like the M7040, but the rest of the drivetrain is mostly like the M7040. For $1500.00 more I would get the M6040 any day!

 

[Z-Michigan]

Are those both with 4wd? Prices sound really good if so. I'd get the 6040.

 

[N80]

If that dealer has any sense at all there will be a 7040 there for you to move out of the way when you want to test drive the 6040 again!

 

[machmeter62]

The indirect vs. CDI injection is not, IMHO, very important. CDI probably delivers a bit better fuel economy, but it's one of many factors and the greater hp of the M5040 will offset any benefit if you don't need all the horses. CDI is not terribly new, whatever Kubota says - direct injection diesel engines have been around for at least 15 years, probably more like 30 in some applications. I've noticed that Kubota advertising brochures regularly take features that are extremely ordinary and hype them as if Kubota had invented cold fusion and the key to world peace.

Not sure of material but I think it's iron (most castings are iron, not steel).

If you are planning on the Woods FEL with a quick-attach system, and you haven't thought up any uses that require the size and hp of the M5040, I think the L4400 would serve you very well.

The CDI offers two benefits over the indirect injection; you get instant starting and the oil will stay cleaner, and won't blacken like the indirect. I have both type tractors. I think the fuel economy is probably a toss-up?

 

[Glowplug]

Well, I have just came from the Kobota dealership and I'm really liking the M5040. I may do some plowing with the tractor and I like the extra weight. However now I have another decision. Sitting right beside the m5040 was a m6040. I told the guy at the dealership I wanted to drive the m5040 around the lot, however I had to move the m6040 out of the way to get the m5040 out. For some reason when I stared the m6040 up that engine just sounded so so good. Anyway I got him talked down on price some more. For the M5040 with a woods loader the price is $24,300. For the m6040 with the same loader he gave me an out the door price delivered and tires loaded of $25,800. Is the extra 10 pto horsepower worth $1,500. ? I'm thinking $1,500. is not bad for 10 hp. I have know alot of people who bought a chip and exhaust for their truck that paid more than that.

LOL!! Next thing you know you'll be buying an M8540. That's the way I went. . . .almost. I really liked the M5040. I knew I wanted around 50hp and a standard synchro transmission. Then I thought, heck, the M6040 is not THAT much more. It would give me some more breathing room in horsepower if I ever wanted to pull a batwing. Then I thought, why don't I just spend a little bit more and get the M7040 with the limited slip differential and the cast iron disks. Next thing you know I was about to buy an M8540!! All this took place over about 9 or 10 months. Well, I came back to my senses and finally got the M7040 and couldn't be happier.

The difference between the M6040 and M5040 is more than just 10 hp. It is a slightly bigger frame tractor. If you're going to be dealing with round bales and doing real plowing I would consider it. But you would probably do fine with the M5040 too.

Think carefully about the loader though. The Kubota LA1153 loader has the option of a hydraulic self-levelling kit. I think it's great. You just flip a switch and the bucket stays perfectly level when raising and lowering. That works great for using pallet forks, and I'm sure for loading round bales too!! Then you can just flip the switch and use it like a standard loader for digging and such. It's sorta like having a loader with and without a parallel linkage in one. Plus you could get the third function valve and hook up a grapple!!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[nc1100c]

Thanks for all the good advise. I think I have about decided to go ahead and get the 6040 for $25,800. Do you think I should see if the dealer will put a second remote on? I'm planning on talking to him again Tuesday and I thought now is the time to get a good deal on a second remote and maybe a down exhaust kit. That way besides the barn I could also park it in the 7ft. garage. Does anyone have any experance with the down exhaust kit? Does it sound any different than the stack? Does it smoke up the side of the loader?

 

[Glowplug]

Thanks for all the good advise. I think I have about decided to go ahead and get the 6040 for $25,800. Do you think I should see if the dealer will put a second remote on? I'm planning on talking to him again Tuesday and I thought now is the time to get a good deal on a second remote and maybe a down exhaust kit. That way besides the barn I could also park it in the 7ft. garage. Does anyone have any experance with the down exhaust kit? Does it sound any different than the stack? Does it smoke up the side of the loader?

I wouldn't get the down exhaust if it were me. I didn't really even know it was available. But with my canopy/sunshade I need about 10 feet of clearance anyway. The exhaust is not the rate-limiting factor for me. You WOULD have to still put down the ROPS though.

Get as many remotes put on initially as you possibly can!! I had two remotes on mine. I told my dealer I wanted three. He kinda looked at me like, what on earth for? Just ask Z-Michigan. He'll tell ya the benefits of getting the remotes put in initially. Or maybe it was MtnViewRanch who told me of the remotes. . .I can't remember. Oh well. But, you can never have too many remotes. In fact, if you're ever going to consider a top 'n' tilt with a hydraulic box blade, get all three remotes, and get 'em now!! Three remotes would also be useful for a batwing. You could raise/lower the deck and then raise each "wing" independently if necessary!! I got three remotes put in for that reason. And also I figured it would be 5 times as expensive if I decided to do it later.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Well, I have just came from the Kobota dealership and I'm really liking the M5040. I may do some plowing with the tractor and I like the extra weight. However now I have another decision. Sitting right beside the m5040 was a m6040. I told the guy at the dealership I wanted to drive the m5040 around the lot, however I had to move the m6040 out of the way to get the m5040 out. For some reason when I stared the m6040 up that engine just sounded so so good. Anyway I got him talked down on price some more. For the M5040 with a woods loader the price is $24,300. For the m6040 with the same loader he gave me an out the door price delivered and tires loaded of $25,800. Is the extra 10 pto horsepower worth $1,500. ? I'm thinking $1,500. is not bad for 10 hp. I have know alot of people who bought a chip and exhaust for their truck that paid more than that.

nc1100,

Tried to send you a PM. What dealer are you looking at in Western NC?
I was looking at the M5040 also and now considering the M6040.