Buying Advice What is the smallest machine with a front category-1 3-point hitch and PTO

[60047]

I have a Kubota L4330. It is an outstanding machine, but I am getting tired of constantly twisting my back and neck for hours at a time. Is there a machine (not necessarily a tractor) that accepts *standard* 3-pt attachments in the front? If not, how big of job is it to put a 3-pt and PTO in a tractor?

A PowerTrak is close to what I think I want, but I do not want to modify all of my attachments to be used by a PT. Why do they not make their machine cat-1 compatible?

 

[ptsg]

In Europe, that would be an easy find. Front 3 pt + PTO is very common from smaller tractors (usually 30HP) to the bigger ones.

In the US, not so much but there may be other solutions, like the Ventrac tractors and stuff like that.

 

[60047]

Do the Ventrac and Steiner require proprietary attachments?

 

[ptsg]

Do the Ventrac and Steiner require proprietary attachments?

Yes they do.

I would suggest an Antonio Carraro with reversible platform, but that can also be hard to find over there and the smallest one with that option is 70HP I believe.

 

[AlaskaL3130]

I have a Kubota L4330. It is an outstanding machine, but I am getting tired of constantly twisting my back and neck for hours at a time. Is there a machine (not necessarily a tractor) that accepts *standard* 3-pt attachments in the front? If not, how big of job is it to put a 3-pt and PTO in a tractor?

A PowerTrak is close to what I think I want, but I do not want to modify all of my attachments to be used by a PT. Why do they not make their machine cat-1 compatible?

Try Googling “Front Link” to see if they make one for your model. Looks like they may have one for the
late model L series.

 

[Mat4644]

2 cameras on ROP and 9 inch display.

 

[ericm979]

Kubota also makes a proprietary front PTO and implement attachment for the Grand Ls. It even lets you attach and detach implements from the seat! It's probably expensive though.

Kubota Grand L6 Auto-hitch and attachments (walk around and demo) - YouTube

Many companies make flail mowers that can be run both on the back and the front.

 

[60047]

The Kubota system is pretty sweet, but appears to be only for the 60-series. I have a 40-series. Also it is not for standard cat-1 implements.

 

[jjp8182]

Only thing I've ever found for front 3pt mounts with PTO are the aftermarket kits by Zuidberg and Larforge.. and alternatively some 3pt adapters for SSQA mounts that use hydraulic motors for a PTO drive - for example:
Skid Steer Quick Attach to 3-Point Adapter | Skid Steer Solutions

Though the adapters generally require higher hydraulic flows than many subcompact/compact tractors provide (lowest flow requirement I've seen such adapters is 10GPM). ...which may be doable with a 3pt mounted hydraulic power pack, but that's further added expense and hose routing....

Doesn't seem to be many straight forward options in the US for front mounted 3pt and PTO on tractors ....at least from what I've seen. :confused3:

 

[rScotty]

I have a Kubota L4330. It is an outstanding machine, but I am getting tired of constantly twisting my back and neck for hours at a time. Is there a machine (not necessarily a tractor) that accepts *standard* 3-pt attachments in the front? If not, how big of job is it to put a 3-pt and PTO in a tractor?

A PowerTrak is close to what I think I want, but I do not want to modify all of my attachments to be used by a PT. Why do they not make their machine cat-1 compatible?

What are you trying to do with a front PTO? That makes a difference. Tractors are made to pull for heavy ground-engaging work. For light work like mowing and snow blowing it makes sense to work off the front, and there are attachments to do that right now.
rScotty