looking at L 4300 power + economy?

[Pablo]

Gentlemen: (I have not seen any obvious lady posters over the past few weeks of reading the discussions; if I missed you, my appology):

I'm sure some of you can relate to purchase of tractor as big deal. It's 50% more than my latest car (2002 Saturn).
What I need... and best I can get to (and still be allowed to sleep indoors) is:

Kubota L4300- +/- $12, 450 (2wd); $14,350 (4wd)
5' rotary cutter- WOODS $975 (basic)
5' rotary cutter- Agri $575 (basic)
(do these prices seem reasonable- in your experience; I like the dealer/shop - this can not be said about some of the other shops/models I've visited).

Do I need to buy the front end "suitcase" weights? (3 for $185; 5 for $300- ouch) w/ either the 2 WD or 4 WD if pulling a rotary cutter?

have to forego other implements (FEL- $2,900); etc. for now to keep purchase as close to $15K as possible-- (Tax will be another 5% or so).

I have learned a lot from you (all) and appreciate how generous you are with your advice, suggestions. Do you think I am in the ball park?

 

[soarkrebel]

Pablo
Sounds like your very close to me! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll bet your talking to timberline?
I bought mine there.
i came close to getting the L4300dt but settled on the L3000dt.
If your gonna pull a 5' woods why get the 4300? the 3000 will do it great. for $15,000 you can get a L3000dt ,FEL, woods bb60 with slip clutch, box blade and you may even talk old paul into something else if your good.

If your thinking about a FEL i think it's best to get it at the time of purchase. i am really glad i got mine it is a very useful tool.

Anyway you may want to look at the L3000dt it's less money .

 

[fractal]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...Do I need to buy the front end "suitcase" weights? (3 for $185; 5 for $300- ouch) w/ either the 2 WD or 4 WD if pulling a rotary cutter?

have to forego other implements (FEL- $2,900); etc. for now...)</font>
There are others on this forum far more qualified to answer this than I am. I do believe that with ground engaging equipment you should have front end weight. Either a FEL or suitcase weights. I am not sure whether they are manditory or just really nice to have if all you are doing is hogging.

While those prices look pretty typical of what I have seen for that grade of equipment, you sure are spending a LOT of money for a big lawn mower. I know that the FEL is the most used implement on my tractor, but then again, I don't have ANY cutting equipment for mine at all.

I don't know anything about bush hogging, but are you sure you need a grand L for your cutting? How much cutting are you doing and what other chores could you use the tractor for? Does it make any sense to get a slightly smaller tractor to leave room in the budget for the FEL? Do you really need that big a machine just to swing a 5 ft blade?

Sorry if I am confusing things and missed an earlier post. Just seems like a lot of money just to whack weeds.