My review of Kubota L4400

davygp38 · Mar 10, 2010

I have had my new Kubota for 6 months now, and even though I have only put a hair over 40 hrs on it, I thought I would write a review. First off, I was happy with Kubota for the low financing (1.99%.) This Machine replaces a 32 hp Kubota dt 3000 4x4. The difference in size/power is fantastic. I was looking very hard at the John Deere 110. I do feel the 110 is a better machine, for a full time landscaper, or someone making a living off their Machine. But for someone who needs to do it all,occasionally, this machine is a pretty good pick, for this size/class. I would also point out that if you compare the specs, the L4400 matches up pretty close to the 110 for $12,000 less. I stayed with the shuttle shift, and the high low range shifter,on the new tractor makes loader work much quicker. The machine is much quieter, and I like having the exhaust pointed at the ground, and not the trees. The new machine has a longer wheel base than other tractors I looked at from other makers, which is important to me because I am in the woods a lot. Maintenance is a little easier than On the 32 hp. The longer wheel base means I will have to buy a bigger trailer, but I think a goose-neck is the way to go with this much weight. The things I do not like so much, is the BH90 back hoe, that kubota recommend for this tractor. I feel it does not compare to the hoe that comes with the 110. I also think the Woods bx90 blows this away. Not to mention Woods has a thumb option. The FEL that Kubota matched up to the L4400 seems a little under powered as well. I think that in this size class you should have no problem with a 2000# Pallet. All in all The tractor itself is fantastic. The Kubota attachments are not up to the job. It is almost like the guys who make the tractors, do not talk to the guys who make the attachments. A good example is the third function valve,feature. I paid a premium for the Quicktach loader, but when I asked about the third function valve, it became a "cob job." A kit had to be ordered, and even though they did a neat job plumbing it, there should not be 7 feet of hydro hose running from the back of the machine to the front. Did you know that if you have a backhoe hooked up, you must disconnect the hydraulics, while using a grapple, or other 3rd function feature? Oh yes, and if you do use it hooked up, you will destroy the control valve on the hoe. Well be glad I told you, because nobody told me. To me these are simple design flaws. They are not in the realm of acceptable limitations for a do all machine. Modular design, and manufacturing has been a staple of Military spec for ever, and for what you pay for a machine like this, you should not have to settle for attachments, and upgrades from the manufacturer, that are not as good as the after market ones. In all, the tractor is great,. everything else, not so much.

ovrszd · Mar 10, 2010

Good review. I've had my L4400 nine months and have 42 hrs on it. Only have an FEL. I respect the durability of the tractor. Missing some features that would be handy. Mine's a DT and I think that was a mistake, I'd rather have the HST model. I'll remember that for next time. I consider my FEL to be a little slow as well, it's a Rhino brand. It won't curl and lift at the same time like I think it should. Congrats on your tractor, hope it gives you great service.

davygp38 · Mar 10, 2010

You know, I did not mean to sound to pessimistic. The fact is, this is my second tractor. I need it to do everything. I used the he double L out of my first one, and took note of what it could, and could not do. I took forever comparing makes, models, and specs. I read reviews etc. So like everybody else, I am trying to get the "perfect machine," and the perfect set up for me. Then you pull the trigger, and you start to realize little things that aren't just perfect. All told, I am getting a lot done with this tractor, and I will push it to the limit.