Comparison Standard vs premium tractors

[flynlow8740]

I have been considering buying a new tractor. I have green and orange dealers locally. If you compare a 3038E to a 3039R or a L3901 to a L4060 there are lots of differences, not the least of which are more weight, better hydraulics, and higher lift capacity. There may be some I am missing. Are the premium models worth it for the most part? I will be doing mostly mowing and road maintenance. My current tractor is a 1960 MF 35 diesel, so anything with power steering will be a major upgrade.

 

[gladehound]

Drive them all and see what you like in terms of ergonomics and ease of operation. Only you can judge what works for you. Also see if there are any other dealers around like LS or Kioti that will give you more premium features / capacity without the premium price.

 

[jaydee325]

The premium tractors are worth the extra money if the additional features you are getting matter to you.

I ended up with a premium model (LS R3039H) and I did consider the G series and liked the lower price. In my case, the G was all wrong for me from an ergonomics stand point. Seat was uncomfortable and loader joystick was in the wrong position (on loader frame).

I also looked at the Deere models you mentioned. Same issues, and the E series did not have split brakes, did not have quick attach loader, and the draw bar was an add on option.

 

[4570Man]

I like my L3240 a lot better than the L3800. The L3800 is depressing to use after running the L3240 for a while.

 

[flynlow8740]

It did seem odd that the Deere doesn't have split brakes or a loader that is removable. How much are steering brakes useful with four wheel drive and a loader? I am leaning orange because all the plastic on the JD seems crappy and the plastic hood on JD lawn tractor will not go the distance. And my Kubota dealer is better.

 

[art]

When considering a tractor the first thing you need to do is look at the jobs you might expect it to do. Mowing is normally the highest percentage of time so extra weight is a disadvantage! Remember that mowing will require a maneuverable tractor to get around things to possibly eliminate a trimming mower.
The different features of the deluxe to the standard issue is normally a personal preference with your thoughts on what is important. Bigger hydraulics can be a plus but higher loads normally cut the speed of the loader and for many applications greatly extending cycle times while moving things. One of the things I look at is the fit of the moving parts like on loaders, some are tight when on the tractors and some are actually loose in the mounts giving additional play to wear and possibly be sloppy after time.

 

[art]

It did seem odd that the Deere doesn't have split brakes or a loader that is removable. How much are steering brakes useful with four wheel drive and a loader?.

When steering brakes were extensively used on tractors they were two wheel drive! The weight of those tractors was 75% on the rear with 25% on the front. Typical four wheel drive before a loader is installed is 40% on the front and 60% on the rear. Now add the loader and you are about 50% on each end till you have a load in the bucket. So you want to turn with the brakes? For most it probably won't break until the warrantee is off!

 

[flynlow8740]

On my Massey Ferguson 35 I use the steering brakes often, both for turning and in mud on the wheel that is spinning as a diff lock of sorts. I would think on a modern tractor I would keep the pedals locked together most of the time.

 

[MF283]

The split brakes don't bother me, after 30+ years, i've always kept mine locked, guess you could say i'm in no hurry to go the other way.
Premium tractors generally have a better frame under them as well. As the other's have stated, go with the tractor that feels the best in the seat & the dealer that goes beyond making you happy.

Ronnie

 

[DK35vince]

I never seem to use the split brakes on my 4WD tractor. Never really feel the need.
For mowing a loader that removes/installs easily would be important IMO. (I nearly always mow with the loader off)
For me a SSQA (skid steer quick attach ) bucket is a must have on a loader.

 

[flynlow8740]

A heavier tractor is a plus for me, to a point as I will be doing some loader work and moving round bales of hay on the loader and the 3 point.

 

[flynlow8740]

For mowing a loader that removes/installs easily would be important IMO. (I nearly always mow with the loader off)
For me a SSQA (skid steer quick attach ) bucket is a must have on a loader.

That's what I was thinking. It seems easier on the front end to not bounce through a field with the loader on while mowing.

The SSQA would be a plus as my dad and I could go in together and share a grapple or other attachments.

 

[s219]

I know when I compare the Kubota Grand L to the standard L (which is what I own), I perceive a lot of extra benefit for the premium features, especially with regards to the HST sophistication. A standard L has been fine for my needs, but I would not flinch at paying extra for the Grand L's extras if my needs evolved in that direction. Generally you do get what you pay for with the premium models, so it comes down to whether or not you want or need those features. May come down to $$ versus features, which is a typical tradeoff for tractor shoppers.

 

[k0ua]

I have owned 5 tractors. Some simple "standard" tractors, some "deluxe" tractors. For me, I prefer operating the "deluxe" tractors. And the older I get, the more I prefer the deluxe tractors with their deluxe features, greater weight, additional hydraulic power etc.

I am not saying I didn't get good value and return on my money with the standard tractors, but the deluxe tractors are just better for me. But if all you need is the features of a standard tractor, the there is nothing wrong with that either.

 

[George2615]

Premium tractors come with more options and creature features than a standard tractor. Unless you need those options a standard tractor would work fine for basic mowing and road maint.
Most standard tractor also come with power steering today. There's usually not much weight difference between standard and premium models and lift capacities are also the same. If you are seeing higher weight and lift capacities then the higher tractor is probably the next model up in the model line.

 

[LD1]

Weather or not a premium tractor is worth the price difference is an IMPOSSIBLE question to answer.

Different features matter to different people. For some people, yes it's worth the difference. For others, no it's not. Thus they make, and sell a lot of both.

Differences also are typically more than just weight/performance/lift capacities. Things like better ergonomics, layout, better seat, telescoping lower links and stabilizers, better HST, electronic push button 4wd and PTO instead mechanical, etc etc.

Don't know much about the Deere's. But the Kubota....consider comparing the l4701 or mx5200 to the grand L line. You will get the bigger tractor, weight, and lift capacities. But without alot of the other things that make the grand L luxurious.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just remember that all those fancy features on some of the models are all electronically controlled and can be very expensive to fix when (not if) they quit working.
I would say, look at the tractor that has what you need on it and don't buy frills that you wont ever use.
As for split brakes, I wouldn't buy a tractor without them. I grew up on tractors with split brakes that were used in turning all the time. Even with 4 WD, you still get a lot of sliding when turning in wet ground and a little bit of brake pressure makes them turn without gouging up a path. Those that don't use them really are missing out on a good feature of a tractor. I never lock my brakes, my foot is big enough that I can put my foot in the middle of the two and press them both at the same time so why lock up a feature that you may need.

As for weight distribution, I don't think there is that much difference in 2 WD vs 4WD. Sure the front axle is a bit heavier, but the rest of the tractor is the same so Art's 75R/25F for older 2 WD is way off at least for bare tractor. Hundreds of pounds of rear wheel weights had to be added to each tire to get that ratio. I have seen 2 WD farm tractors with over 1000 # of iron ballast PLUS liquid filled on each wheel plus dual wheels just to get the traction needed. Add in all that weight and you may get the 75/25 ratio.

For 4 WD tractors with a FEL on it and no rear ballast, most of the pulling force is on the front due to the weight of the engine and FEL. Without some substantial rear weight and with it in 2WD with FEL installed it will barely pull itself on level ground and if on even a slight incline, it wont move up the hill (BTDT). I would say that pulling force on a 4 WD is about 70% on the front and 30 on the rear until you add a lot of weight for ballast to keep the rear wheels on the ground.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Weather or not a premium tractor is worth the price difference is an IMPOSSIBLE question to answer.

.

Actually NOT impossible to answer. Every premium tractor, vehicle, computer, electrical device, tool, truck etc, I have ever purchased I but the top of the line. I always get my money back at resale. My last sale was buying the best "USED" 2006 CAT track loader at the time in 2008, with every option available. I drove that beast hard for 10 years and sold it for exactly $4,000 less than what I paid for it. Where else can you run a top of the line tractor for nearly 8 years and only cost you 4K. Anyone here that would rent a CAT track loader for $500.00 a year, that's what it came out to.

So my answer is always BUY the best sue it enjoy it and make your money back when it; time to sell. If you never sell, then YOLO, so buy the best as we all deserve it, and contrary to beliefs working a tractor for 8-10 is WORK, so anything to make work easier I'm all for that. I can also put a price n comfort, being cool when its hot and being warm when its cold, is pretty much worth A LOT to me.

 

[LD1]

The standard L series and MX tractors have every bit as good resale as the grand L's.

And some never plan to sell so the resale value is irrelevant. Again, they make both, and sell alot of each. So for some, premium is worth it, obviously if that's what they bought. But there are just as many non-premium tractor owners. Who clearly felt the added cost of premium wasn't worth it.

 

[k0ua]

The standard L series and MX tractors have every bit as good resale as the grand L's.

And some never plan to sell so the resale value is irrelevant. Again, they make both, and sell alot of each. So for some, premium is worth it, obviously if that's what they bought. But there are just as many non-premium tractor owners. Who clearly felt the added cost of premium wasn't worth it.

I suspect there are more standard tractor owners than premium tractor owners simply due to the costs. I don't have production figures to back this up, but judging by the number of people on this board that have standard Kubota's vs the number that own premium Kubota's I suspect more standards are sold.