Used Kubota vs New LS

[chsdiyer]

So in all my searching and considering my budget, the LS XG3025H seemed to be a no brainer. Today I found a 2013 Kubota L3200HSD with about 100 hours on it. Both packages would come with quick attach buckets, pallet forks, rotary cutter, and box blade. They are priced about the same though I think the LS will come in slightly cheaper. It seems the LS has a larger lift capacity which I still can't figure out. I hear people say, it's a 35hp tractor with a 25hp motor in it, but is the frame doing the lifting or the motor? Seems the Kubota should be able to lift more, but on paper it doesn't. The kubota certainly has more PTO power. Both are priced about 17,500, but the Kubota will take $500 to ship. If I went shuttle shift the LS would be about $1000 less, but not sure I'd like that transmission if this is my first tractor.

So a while back I posted a thread trying to understand why one would chose a used Kubota when they are more expensive than new other brands. And now I appear to be in that dilemma.

I really like the idea of buying new and the front loader capacity is certainly more appealing to me for LS, but nearest LS dealer is 2 hours away. Not sure how big an impact that is, i'd probably service it my self and most the guys in the LS forum haven't had the need for any warranty work.

Kubota certainly has a good reputation and that one is older but still practically new. Local Kubota dealer is about 10 miles away.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

For me our needs are installing and maintaining a 500ft driveway, a workhorse for building our house...moving supplies around, removing some sapling areas 1-3" gum trees and wax myrtle, moving tree logs to mill,etc. Mostly front end loader work with some box blade for the driveway. Also will need the PTO to get the land graded (about 1.5 acres).

 

[opie1988]

DOes the Kubota have any warranty left? I have the xg3025 and I love it. most chores require weight as well as PTO power. I just bush hogged a field that had 4-5 ft thick grass that has not been cut in a year and half. It chewed up everything just fine with a 6' bushhog. Broke 2 shear pins , replaced and kept going. Most implements operate at 750 RPM, This 3025 delivers that with ease. I have the shuttle shift and prefer it to Hydro due to power loss with the Hydro. What area are you using your tractor in? Have you thought of tires? With a new LS you can choose, The Kubota will cost to change. Good luck.

 

[jeff9366]

Have you, personally, physically inspected the used Kubota where it sits?
Has the Kubota been inside stored?
Are the rear tires loaded 3/4 with liquid?
Is the Kubota 4-WD? 2-WD was standard; 4-WD optional.

Maybe no sales tax on the Kubota. Probably sales tax on the new LS.

Are you going to pay cash whichever one you choose, or finance?
If financed the producer will include insurance. Kubota KTAC insurance is really good. LS may have KTAC's equal, I do not know.

As you forecast "mostly" FEL work I would prioritize that spec.

PTO horsepower is important if you will operate PTO powered implements. For grading, tractor weight and 4-WD are more important. Both tractors are 2,500 pounds, bare tractor. Both will be a little unstable lifting heavy FEL loads. Neither have a very wide wheel stance. The LS may be a tad wider. Plan on ordering the LS with rear tires 3/4 liquid filled.

I like having my Kubota dealer six miles away. Others do their own service and repairs. I am too old.

You will be good with either machine. Be safe as you learn operations.

TractorData.com Kubota L32�� tractor information

XG3�25H-24.4HP | LS Tractor

 

[chsdiyer]

Hey Opie - I'm in coastal South Carolina so it's all sand. I dug down one day and got 10 feet in and nothing but sand. I've tried to watch some videos on shuttle shift and I just don't get it. It looked like the guy used the clutch to shift each gear to 4th. Then he stopped and pushed the clutch in, but only shifted the direction lever to go in reverse. So the other lever was still in 4th gear position. Is it not like a car where you have to shift back to first gear every time you stop?

As for the Kubota...I'm not sure if i'd like the rocker foot peddle.

Jeff - I have not inpsected either machine. Closest LS dealer is 2 hours away. I was going to go Saturday, but that one doesn't carry the hydro. The one I got the quote from is in NC and is about 4 hours away and not open on Saturday. The Kubota is 300 miles away in Georgia. The LS will just cost $120 or so to deliver, the Kubota is $500.

So neither will come with tax.

This is the Kubota which seems to be a great deal considering the dealer in town has the same year and he's asking 16,900 for just the tractor with more hours.
TractorHouse.com | 213 KUBOTA L32HST For Sale

Both are 4WD

Not sure if the Kubota is fluid filled tires, and LS wasn't quoted with it. Why would you only want to fill 3/4? Will it not "slosh" around in there if not all filled?

Will pay cash, and really wanted to stay at the 16k mark, but I'm going to need all those implements so I figured I better buy them now packaged and save a little long term. I think the Kubota warranty is up, if not 2018, the LS will carry 6 year warranty but no nearby dealers.

Another big one is my insurance company told me they would cover 100% replacement cost on the tractor if it's stolen up to 5 years old. Then it's prorated.

 

[jeff9366]

The only suspension in tractors is air in tires; no shocks, no springs.

If you fill tires 100% with liquid, rather than 75%, you l have no suspension. Also, 100% fill reduces tire squat and flex, both important to tire traction on dirt.
Filled tires have a distinct "feel" when traveling on paved roads in HST/High. Braking takes a tad longer.

Three quarters filled rear tires lower CG of tractor more than 100% filled tires. With loader work being your main task, and both your (current) tractors are heavy/light tractors, you need 3/4 filled rear tires and rear counterbalance when lifting with the FEL.

The WWII Ford 9Ns with steel wheels, no rubber tires, just steel paddles, were a terrible ride and on hard ground had zilch traction except in soft soil. Very low practical top speed and could not travel on paved roads. Restricting rubber supplied to Ford's tractors during WWII probably cost way more in diminished efficiency in the fields than the relatively small amount of rubber the tractors needed. (Gov't also restricted copper, so Ford had to delete battery starter and install a hand crank for duration of the war.)

 

[chsdiyer]

Interesting. Thanks for the info and history lesson!

 

[TomSeller]

That Kubota is basically new, I would go with it since the prices are nearly the same. I like LS but the a Kubota is rock solid.

 

[opie1988]

Hey Opie - I'm in coastal South Carolina so it's all sand. I dug down one day and got 10 feet in and nothing but sand. I've tried to watch some videos on shuttle shift and I just don't get it. It looked like the guy used the clutch to shift each gear to 4th. Then he stopped and pushed the clutch in, but only shifted the direction lever to go in reverse. So the other lever was still in 4th gear position. Is it not like a car where you have to shift back to first gear every time you stop?

I usually set the gear and range for the task and go to work. If you ever get to the Myrtle Beach area you area more than welcome to come play on mine for awhile, You are correct i that the clutch is not like a car. 217 LS 325 w/loader 4x4 - farm & garden - by owner - sale

 

[NoTrespassing]

Hey Opie - I'm in coastal South Carolina so it's all sand. I dug down one day and got 10 feet in and nothing but sand. I've tried to watch some videos on shuttle shift and I just don't get it. It looked like the guy used the clutch to shift each gear to 4th. Then he stopped and pushed the clutch in, but only shifted the direction lever to go in reverse. So the other lever was still in 4th gear position. Is it not like a car where you have to shift back to first gear every time you stop?

As for the Kubota...I'm not sure if i'd like the rocker foot peddle.

Jeff - I have not inpsected either machine. Closest LS dealer is 2 hours away. I was going to go Saturday, but that one doesn't carry the hydro. The one I got the quote from is in NC and is about 4 hours away and not open on Saturday. The Kubota is 300 miles away in Georgia. The LS will just cost $120 or so to deliver, the Kubota is $500.

So neither will come with tax.

This is the Kubota which seems to be a great deal considering the dealer in town has the same year and he's asking 16,900 for just the tractor with more hours.
TractorHouse.com | 213 KUBOTA L32HST For Sale

Both are 4WD

Not sure if the Kubota is fluid filled tires, and LS wasn't quoted with it. Why would you only want to fill 3/4? Will it not "slosh" around in there if not all filled?

Will pay cash, and really wanted to stay at the 16k mark, but I'm going to need all those implements so I figured I better buy them now packaged and save a little long term. I think the Kubota warranty is up, if not 2018, the LS will carry 6 year warranty but no nearby dealers.

Another big one is my insurance company told me they would cover 100% replacement cost on the tractor if it's stolen up to 5 years old. Then it's prorated.

I love the rocker pedal.
Fill the tires yourself, it's easy. Fill to top of rim with valve stem up.
Is the price on the Kubota the asking price or have you negotiated already? How much below new price is it? Consider driving there with checkbook in hand and offer $1,000 less than they're asking. Be skeptical about a tractor that old with those low hours though.

Kevin

 

[chsdiyer]

I was a little skeptical wondering why someone would trade in a complete package like that. The place it's at is very heavy equipment sales...no smaller stuff like tractors, so a little out of place. Apparently it's that guys personal tractor. There's a new looking B series in town someone has been trying to sell for a long time. He bought it for a house build that never happened so he ended up using it only a little to clear some stumps. It's not a 2013, but I guess some people get tractors and never end up using them. Maybe hold on to them thinking one day they will but then finally decide to let go. That's the asking price, and I hate negotiating. It seemed like a good price already to me.

 

[jeff9366]

Is the price on the Kubota the asking price or have you negotiated already? Consider driving there with checkbook in hand and offer $1,000 less than they're asking.

I would never accept an out-of-state check in a tractor sale. Bad checks are not a federal offense. If someone writes you an insufficient funds/ no account check and drives off with your tractor you have very little recourse out of state. Bad checks pretty often include a bad address. Some people save old checkbooks specifically for fraud. What recourse you have would involve a great deal of your time. Police have better things to do.

Nothing but CASH for me.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have one of each brand and there is nothing wrong with either one as far as quality of build. I wouldn't worry too much about the dealer location if I were you. If you do your own maintenance, then in all likelihood, you will never need to go back to the dealer.
I would ask if the dealer does onsite service for minor items that may come up though, just in case you need some minor adjustments done. A new tractor should be delivered free (most dealers do that) but service calls are charged by the mile in all cases (never heard of any dealer doing pick up and delivery for free even for warranty work which is why I own a trailer capable of hauling either of my tractors).

The biggest consideration if you are financing is the finance cost. Many times new tractors come with 0% financing while used not only don't but also have a higher finance charge which may eat up any savings that you find in used equipment.

Bottom line, I wouldn't be afraid to enter into any of the two deals but first I would shop around a bunch and for sure spend the time and money to go see the used tractor in person and drive it as much as you can to check for any malfunctions or oil leaks.

 

[jeff9366]

That's the asking price, and I hate negotiating. It seemed like a good price already to me.

I agree. I look for fair prices. I do not want a scalp.

 

[NoTrespassing]

I agree. I look for fair prices. I do not want a scalp.

The dealer I bought my used Kubota from came down $1500 off the asking price. It was a trade in. I'm glad I negotiated the price.

Kevin

 

[NoTrespassing]

I would never accept an out-of-state check in a tractor sale. Bad checks are not a federal offense. If someone writes you an insufficient funds/ no account check and drives off with your tractor you have very little recourse out of state. Bad checks pretty often include a bad address. Some people save old checkbooks specifically for fraud. What recourse you have would involve a great deal of your time. Police have better things to do.

Nothing but CASH for me.

I assume the check will be cleared electronically. Maybe I'm wrong?

Kevin

 

[chsdiyer]

Yeah, I recently bought a used car from Hertz out of state and was surprised he let me use a personal check. I had to scratch out the address and put my new one because it was an older check book that doesn't have our current address.

Thanks Gary...definitely appreciate your feedback especially considering you own both brands. Good to know both machines are solid and I can't go wrong...assuming the Kubota is in as good of shape as the guy says it is. Unfortunately it's far enough away that I'm not sure I feel up to driving 4 hours each way to see it and then having to have a delivery truck go get it. Perhaps i'd ride with the delivery guy and if i don't like it, well, I guess i'd be out a really expensive cab ride to no where. I was going to just trust the guy and take him at his word :/

 

[Egon]

If the Kubota checks out that would be my choice.

Seems both tractors weight the same. Means they should have about equal ground pulling ability. Higher HP will have better results at the PTO. Loader lift rating may or may not take into account the basic frame strength of the tractor. At equal weights chances are frame build is pretty equal.

 

[jeff9366]

I assume the check will be cleared electronically. Maybe I'm wrong?

Once merchandise has crossed one state line it does not matter how rapidly check clears.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Once merchandise has crossed one state line it does not matter how rapidly check clears.

I'm talking about the check clearing before the tractor is handed over or the receipt written.

Kevin

 

[TomSeller]

Reminder on a used tractor, be sure to check that all balances were paid off on it.