The ideal tractor size?

[RSR]

As I find myself looking at tractor options, I find myself wishing a tractor existed with the following (rough) specs:

Frame size - That of a Kubota B series. That is, small(ish) and relatively agile.
Loader capacity - At least twice that of a B-series. Ideally about 2,000 lb at maximum height.
Weight - To safely handle this loader capacity, and other tasks, a bare tractor weight of ~4,000 lbs.
Width - Extra wide for stability. Wide tires for flotation would be nice as well.
HP - ~40-45

Am I the only one that feels this way? Probably, which likely explains why no tractors like this seem to exist

 

[shooterdon]

Hard to build it small and heavy, and small and stable.

Reminds me of a saying, "You can have if fast, cheap, or good....pick two".

The more I learn, the more I understand why some people have more than one tractor. The "ideal" tractor will always be a compromise.

 

[searcyfarms]

second shooterdon..............the old saying goes two is better than one = so goes with tractors

 

[jeff9366]

The closest existing tractor to your "ideal" is the Kubota L3560.


Frame size - That of a kubota B series. That is, small(ish) and relatively agile.

A little larger, not too much.


Loader capacity - At least twice that of a B-series. Ideally about 2,000 lb at maximum height.

I have the LA805 Loader = 1,770 pounds lift capacity.


Weight - To safely handle loader capacity, and other tasks, a bare tractor weight of ~4,000 lbs.

L3560/HST bare tractor weight = 3,494 pounds
L3560/HST my operating weight with air in rear tires = 5,400 pounds

I carry 600 to 900 pound Three Point Hitch mounted implement for heavy FEL lifts.


Width - Extra wide for stability. Wide tires for flotation would be nice as well.

Grand L tractors have multiple rear wheel spreads for R1 rims/tires and R4 rims/tires designed in.
Multiple Turf Tire options from factory, including low pressure radial tires.


HP - ~40-45
37 gross horsepower.


KUBOTA: https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l60.pdf?sfvrsn=bad1e991_6

 

[majorwager]

The 37 gross hp is deceptive as the tractor does NOT deliver that value to the wheels or the PTO.

That is why kubota publishes net hp and PTO hp ratings.

Practical loader ratings not likely achieved without substantial rear ballast. My MX has a loader rating just over
2400 lbs.

Absent the ballast, doubt tractor will lift 900 lbs w/o lifting rear wheels right off the ground.

 

[searcyfarms]

there are several options that will get you close to that size unit - from many manufacturers

nothing will ever be perfect so keep that in mind regardless

 

[RSR]

I would list my tasks, but I'm holding off until I'm closer to purchasing. Probably 3-6 months. Don't worry, I will be back for advice.

As I'm still just in the browsing mode, I don't want to waste peoples time soliciting specifics. I just thought I'd make the comment as I've found it interesting that manufacturers dont seem to offer a small, but very heavy powerful tractor.

In some ways, a skid steer probably fits the bill, but that adds other complications.

The L3560 is one that I find quite appealing.

 

[oosik]

My M6040 is about as close to ideal as possible for what I want/need. Recognizing there will never be a perfect tractor.

 

[newbury]

The 37 gross hp is deceptive as the tractor does NOT deliver that value to the wheels or the PTO.

That is why kubota publishes net hp and PTO hp ratings.

Practical loader ratings not likely achieved without substantial rear ballast. My MX has a loader rating just over
2400 lbs.

Absent the ballast, doubt tractor will lift 900 lbs w/o lifting rear wheels right off the ground.

So which would you prefer? A limited lift capacity or adding ballast? Too bad it's so powerful.

 

[majorwager]

Newbury,
Point is adding ballast, means tailswing concerns and more tractor length, less maneuverable, especially in confined or restricted spaces. All specs should be reviewed w/in the context of achievability.

OP is in a remote portion of the state, might not have many dealer options. But many folks feel that the sun rises w/ kubota. It was noted
Other brands offer value as well.

Kubota demands a premium for their products. The quality gap between kubota and other. bands has been closing in recent years.

If I were in the market for a new tractor today, kubota would NOT be my automatic choice. And accoding to the post from Messick's, under the
"New for 2019" Thread, the L-3560 has been moved down market.