LS vs. Kubota questions

[HCROW]

Some of you may have seen my earlier post about my Kubota 4310hst HERE or my search for a new tractor HERE. I have a few questions... due to the dealers that are available and what the different manufacturers offer I have narrowed my search down to one of the following:

Brand	LS	LS	LS	Kubota	Kubota
Model	XR3037H	XR3135H	XG3037H	L3301	L3901
Price *incl. rebates	$ 20,900	$ 21,097	$ 19,850	$ 19,723	$ 21,843
	0% for 84 months?	0% for 84 months?	0% for 84 months?	0% for 60 months	0% for 60 months
HP	36.2	35	36.2	33	37.5
3pt Lift	1808	1808	1808	1985	1985
Width	60	60	55.5	55.1	55.1
Weight	3220	3285	2855	2778	2778
Wheelbase	66	66	67.5	63.3	63.3
Loader Model	LL3105	LL3106	LL3109	LA525	LA525
Loader Lift	2182	2178	2088	1131	1131
# of remotes	4	4	0	0	0
Notes	$24900 w/cab	$25700 w/cab	No remotes, no telescoping 3pt arms	Includes loaded tires, York Rake, 2 sets of remotes and $4000 trade.	Includes loaded tires, York Rake, 2 sets of remotes and $4000 trade.

Why is the loader lift capacity so much less on the Kubotas? I think I would be pushing it trying to move round bales with the loader on either of the Kubotas. Having that capability is important to me so that I can leave my blower on the 3pt in the winter and still move round bales.

How much value do you place on how much you like one dealer over the other? I much prefer the Kubota dealer to the LS dealer with regards to the salesperson, but I'm going to check another LS dealer tomorrow. Right now, I'm leaning towards one of the LS XR's and just fixing my old tractor at some point and selling it outright. The idea of trading it in as-is is tempting due to my plate being extremely full as it is, but $4,000 seems low, thoughts?

 

[sea2summit]

Well the tractor weighs nearly 30% less so straight physics start there, wheel base/width is smaller so more physics and then safety considerations start. Even though the are similar HP I think that is where the similarities end as far as compatibility is concerned IMHO.

 

[varmint]

The loader specs for the Kubota LA525 surprised me, so I checked Tractordata, and then Kubota.com, and sure enough, 1100 lbs of lift at full height is what they all list. Maybe someone else who's familiar with the L3901 can comment? Just seems low to me. FWIW, the dealer hasn't been important for me, but I suppose that could change in a heartbeat if something were to break that I couldn't fix myself. Still, never needed to have anything done I couldn't do myself, readily.

 

[HCROW]

Well the tractor weighs nearly 30% less so straight physics start there, wheel base/width is smaller so more physics and then safety considerations start. Even though the are similar HP I think that is where the similarities end as far as compatibility is concerned IMHO.

That makes sense for the XR's, but the XG is nearly identical weight and width, yet the XG has 900 lbs more capacity?

 

[k0ua]

There are lots of ways to look at things.. the loader lift of the two Kubota's are not low. I suppose you could say the loader lift of the LS's are just high.

Here is the deal. you need to pick the tractor that will do the work you need done at a price you can afford. If you need to lift round bales, you need the lift capacity and you need weight in the tractor and wheelbase and stance in the tractor. Color of the tractor is of a minor relevance.

Other things like telescoping lower links and stabilizers and factory remotes are icing on the cake. They are useful features, that I am glad I have. You didn't mention SSQA. Do all of the tractors have it? You are going to need it.

Bottom line, if you need to lift heavy round bales, you can cross the two Kubota's off your list. You need to be looking at the Grand L's in the Kubota line for a more accurate comparison. Or look at the Kioti and Mahindra lines as well.

 

[TSO]

If you want to compare a Kubota model to the LS XR3037/3135, then you need to compare the L3540/3560.

One of the factors that go into the loader lift ability, I've learned, is not just the loader itself, but the machine as a whole. Overall weight, wheelbase, and front axle capacity play a big part. As an example, the loader on the L5740 (LA854) is rated for more weight (2361 lbs) than the new, Tier 4 loader that replaced it on the L6060 (LA1055) @ 2361 lbs.

I couldn't imagine why Kubota would actually build a weaker loader on their Flagship HST machine... But my assumption is that the loader is practically identical to the previous loader, and the front axle is likely the same... So they probably de-rated the loader due to the added weight of the tier 4 engine components, being that it all contributes to weight on the front axle.

Now... going by price, I'd go with the LS XR3135 because it has the newest engine design from LS and it's a full featured machine.

If price wasn't a consideration, and comparing apples to apples, I'd choose the Kubota L3560 because it has even more features than the LS.

 

[nybirdman]

The loader specs for the Kubota LA525 surprised me, so I checked Tractordata, and then Kubota.com, and sure enough, 1100 lbs of lift at full height is what they all list. Maybe someone else who's familiar with the L3901 can comment? Just seems low to me. FWIW, the dealer hasn't been important for me, but I suppose that could change in a heartbeat if something were to break that I couldn't fix myself. Still, never needed to have anything done I couldn't do myself, readily.

The LA765 loader is offered on the L3901.More capacity if you are comparing to others.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The LA765 loader is offered on the L3901.More capacity if you are comparing to others.

LA765 does not fit that tractor. If you want more loader capacity, you can go to Woods or an aftermarket who builds a stronger loader. Kubota tends to underrate and over engineer their stuff so we tend to see numbers on paper that look a bit low. With your butt in the seat running the machine its a non-issue unless your trying to lift round bales or doing something you probably shouldn't be.

 

[HCROW]

LA765 does not fit that tractor. If you want more loader capacity, you can go to Woods or an aftermarket who builds a stronger loader. Kubota tends to underrate and over engineer their stuff so we tend to see numbers on paper that look a bit low. With your butt in the seat running the machine its a non-issue unless your trying to lift round bales or doing something you probably shouldn't be.

This is exactly what I'm planning on doing with it. I need to figure out how much my round bales weigh.

 

[4570Man]

The LS is a good bit bigger tractor. This isn't a apples to apples comparison. That LS will beat the Kubota at any real work except PTO work.

 

[sea2summit]

This is exactly what I'm planning on doing with it. I need to figure out how much my round bales weigh.

I went to the MX specifically so I'd never have to worry about the weight of a round bale, JMHO.

 

[HCROW]

It seems like its hard to beat the capability/price ratio (I just made that up) that you get from the XR's, or am I missing something?

 

[antlers125]

I notice that the LS XR3135 has larger hydro pumps( total gpm. 13.7) compared to the Kubota L3901 ( total gpm. 10.1) This could explain the higher lift capacity.

 

[TSO]

I notice that the LS XR3135 has larger hydro pumps( total gpm. 13.7) compared to the Kubota L3901 ( total gpm. 10.1) This could explain the higher lift capacity.

No that's just hydraulic speed... Lift strength is a result of cylinder size, hydraulic relief PSI, and geometry.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

People lift bales with that series tractor, but it always makes me nervous. If you know anything about making bales, their weight is not consistent. A wet bale can be quite a bit heavier than a dry one. I'd want a bigger frame tractor from any vendor.

 

[rgr33]

I think you are seeing the same thing I did when I bought my LS. It's hard to beat the price and features of a well equipped LS when comparing it to other brands. They just offer more. I am not saying they are better tractors than any of the other well known brands, because they aren't, they are just a better value for the features they include. If you are transporting round bales, I would want a lift capacity of twice what the average bale weight is, no matter which brand you end up with.
That said, if I was toting 1000 lb bales around hilly terrain, I think I would want a bigger tractor than you are looking at. I think 45 hp seems a lot safer, and then the lift capacity wouldn't be as problematic. With that size you also get a heavier tractor with better brakes. If price is a big factor than maybe LS of Kioti?

 

[RollingsFarms]

The MX series is the one you need to be looking at.

 

[TSO]

The MX series is the one you need to be looking at.

Or for a better value, more features, and added 3pt lift capacity, an LS XR4140-55

 

[RollingsFarms]

Or for a better value, more features, and added 3pt lift capacity, an LS XR4140-55

Yep that one too. I am just not as familiar with LS's model lineup as others.

 

[Grandad4]

If you want to compare a Kubota model to the LS XR3037/3135, then you need to compare the L3540/3560.

One of the factors that go into the loader lift ability, I've learned, is not just the loader itself, but the machine as a whole. Overall weight, wheelbase, and front axle capacity play a big part. As an example, the loader on the L5740 (LA854) is rated for more weight (2361 lbs) than the new, Tier 4 loader that replaced it on the L6060 (LA1055) @ 2361 lbs.

I couldn't imagine why Kubota would actually build a weaker loader on their Flagship HST machine... But my assumption is that the loader is practically identical to the previous loader, and the front axle is likely the same... So they probably de-rated the loader due to the added weight of the tier 4 engine components, being that it all contributes to weight on the front axle.

Now... going by price, I'd go with the LS XR3135 because it has the newest engine design from LS and it's a full featured machine.
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If price wasn't a consideration, and comparing apples to apples, I'd choose the Kubota L3560 because it has even more features than the LS.

With the GL60 series, Kubota standardized all FEL's to have SSQA mounts, pushing the mounting points a few inches out from previous pin-on configuration. That accounts for the apparent de-rating of the lift capacities. In terms of the rest of it - hyd. PSI, cylinders, basic geometry, etc., I think the FEL's are essentially the same as previous.

I agree with your point about looking at the machine as a whole. Putting a 2,000 lb capacity loader on a tractor that's just 5 ft. wide with a short wheelbase probably sells tractors but doesn't particularly make for safe, well-balanced equipment. Kind of reminds me of the '60's muscle cars I loved when I was much younger. Really impressive but not the most practical things to drive.