Comparison Tractor sizing and comparison and choices...Help me identify potential candidates!

[Carl_NH]

From the looks of things the MX4800 or the DK47 would be the best choices - the NX at 108" top of ROPs means a 10' door height whereas the others are 96" range.

Then the price point $6500 less for the DK vs MX, means you could possibly get a Cab DK series for similar $? How do you fit on each machine is the other factor and likely a deciding one.

They are all close enough that this becomes a "what feels, fits and functions" best for you.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

From the looks of things the MX4800 or the DK47 would be the best choices - the NX at 108" top of ROPs means a 10' door height whereas the others are 96" range.

Then the price point $6500 less for the DK vs MX, means you could possibly get a Cab DK series for similar $? How do you fit on each machine is the other factor and likely a deciding one.

They are all close enough that this becomes a "what feels, fits and functions" best for you.

Thanks...I completely missed that 108"...that will rule that out. The MX4800, I'm told, is out of stock statewide and no new shipments planned. I've been offered a 5200 for $1k more. I don't want a turbo specifically, I'd rather have naturally aspirated, although I know the Kiotis are all turbo charged. I'd rather not have the risk and complications of a power adder like a turbo.

 

[BAP]

Do not be afraid of a turbo engine. Unless you put thousands of hours on it, the turbo is trouble free. Also, a turbo engine will respond quicker than a natural engine.

 

[Carl_NH]

Thanks...I completely missed that 108"...that will rule that out. The MX4800, I'm told, is out of stock statewide and no new shipments planned. I've been offered a 5200 for $1k more. I don't want a turbo specifically, I'd rather have naturally aspirated, although I know the Kiotis are all turbo charged. I'd rather not have the risk and complications of a power adder like a turbo.

The ROPS does fold down - unless you have a canopy which would make it a pain to take off. And the 5200 is a turbo too but as others have said they are reliable today.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

So I test rode some of these this week. Initial impressions below.

B3301: felt tiny, and too small in cockpit, wheelbase felt too short, didn't feel like enough machine.

DK4710SE: fell sized very well. Felt like it might be a little small for ground engaging work, but felt perfect size for grapple work in some of the areas that aren't wide open on our property.

L4701: felt as big as I'd feel comfortable using for all multitasking on our property.

MX5200: felt like a huge beast. Felt like it was too big and too much machine for the grapple work I want to do, but felt like it would be perfect for heavy ground engagement work.

I guess I'll have to talk with my wife and see where we might want to compromise on size. I didn't think they'd feel like they did, and it's amazing how two tractors that are basically the same size except for tires (L4701 & MX5200) felt so different.

Any advice or words of wisdom would be appreciated still. Now I'm thinking I'd be happiest with an all around smaller machine like a DK4710SE and borrowing a tractor for any jobs that required heavy ground engagement.

 

[BRMyers]

Did you drive the L4060 Grand (seen it on your spreadhseet)?

My dad is old school farmer, "you don't need a cab, they just get in the way". Well, my wife talked me into the Grand L3560 HSTC and I'm very GLAD she did. Bugs are a non-issue. Heat is non-issue. My old school dad, has re-evaluated his opinion on cabs and now he wants a tractor with a cab on it. So he is considering next year that he might start looking at getting rid of his old equipment and buying a new cab tractor.

 

[chim]

I'd second BRMyers' cab recommendation. About 7 years ago I built a cab for the L3200. It was a great addition for cold weather, and the doors lift off for hot weather. The roof and tinted glass eliminate sitting in the direct sun and a small fan helps a lot. Having experienced how nice it is to be dry and warm in Winter, the next step was comfort in the hot weather.

Last time we shopped it was for a factory-cabbed tractor. First off, the factory cab is a lot quieter. In Winter, there isn't much difference between the homebrew and factory cabs. Hot weather is where it really shines. It's comfy mowing with outside temps in the 90's. The deer flies that chased and bit me up a few weeks every year can't get to me and the pollen isn't a bother any more.

I'll turn 70 in a few days and appreciate comfort more than I did 20 years ago

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Well a guy I work with says I'll regret not getting at least the 5200. He says that if you go to moving dirt, it's as small as will do it and still doesn't have enough weight for the bucket after filled tires.

 

[BRMyers]

I haven't had an issue with moving dirt with my LA805 and 72" bucket

 

[jeff9366]

I haven't had an issue with moving dirt with my LA805 and 72" bucket

Nor do I.

Well a guy I work with says the MX5200. moving dirt doesn't have enough weight for the bucket after filled tires.

It is WEIGHT not size which defines a tractors capability. Compact tractors ALWAYS require Three Point Hitch counterbalance for maximum FEL lifts.