What's the difference?

[mouse2146]

Hey, I'm new to the forum and looking to buy a tractor. I looked at the two tractors below and was wondering if you could help me out.

1. L4400 with a front end loader
2. M5040 with a front end loader


What's the difference between these two tractors. They seem to be close in HP. They both come in 4WD (which is what I prefer). I've got a total of 100 acres in two different counties that I will be keeping up-bushhogging and moving hay bales, general cleanup on both properties, some road upkeep. Live in Texas so don't need to worry about snow. At this time, I've got some horses on some of the property, will build on another part of the property eventually.


I looked at a JD5103 4WD today with a FEL. Definately want the FEL on one . Don't really care what color, just looking for most bang for my buck. Can ya'll help me out and educate me.

 

[Bob_Young]

OK, mouse, I'll take a shot at it--

L4400: Simple, basic light utility tractor with unsychronized straight gear transmission (8 speeds fwd-4 reverse) only (HST transmission also available starting this year). Quite light for its weight. 45HP, 134 c.i. engine--Very good bang for the buck--power wise. Moderately strong loader and hydraulics, loader easily removeable. A little light for running a square bale hay baler or moving large round bales, but could be done if you are careful. Easy to trailer. With good power and light weight this is a very agile tractor, especially with the loader off. BTW, the L4300 I own is the L4400's predecessor and I love it.

L5040: Sophisticated light utility tractor with an electronically controlled GST gear transmission (12 fwd-12 reverse if not mistaken); allows clutchless shifting between the gears. Often referred to as a Power Shift type transmission. A bit heavier than the L4400 (maybe 500 lbs.). 50HP, turbocharged 148 c.i. engine, stronger loader and hydraulic system than the L4400, many amenities and features that make a tractor easier to use, will probably run at least 25% more money than the L4400. Still a little light for square bale baling and moving round bales; but a better choice than the L4400 for those tasks.

JD5103: Simple, basic medium utility tractor with synchronized straight gear transmission (9 fwd -3 reverse). At nearly 5000 lbs. in 4WD, it's over 1000 lbs. heavier than the L5040. 45HP turbocharged 179 c.i. engine, hydraulics and loader as strong or stronger than the L5040 but loader is not easily removeable. About right for running a small square baler and moving round bales. Too light for a round baler. A bigger load to trailer. Very good bang for the buck weight wise....good for those jobs that demand a heavier tractor. Cost should be close to that of the L4400. I'm looking at 2WD 5103 now as a possible addition.

HP figures alone don't tell the full story. A larger displacement engine or a turbocharged engine will have more pulling power (guts) than a smaller, normally aspirated engine. If you will be working at higher elevations, your engine will need to be turbocharged to deliver full rated power.

The Kubota loaders are both very easy to remove and re-install if that's important to you. For me it's important when trailering with some implements and when mowing around trees.

The front drive system on the Kubota is a totally enclosed bevel gear system that is pretty neat. On the JD, the front drive is via half shafts and U-joints...not as sophisticated, but apparently works just as well.

The L4400 and the JD5103 are bang-for-the-buck tractors, but you may find some of the L5040 features well worth the extra cost.
Bob

 

[Bob_Young]

Mouse, if you're not already aware, I might add that most of this of information is very easy to find on the web. It's never been easier to research a buy of this type. The manufacturer sites list their products by model and provide specifications for each. Some even provide a build-your-own capability which allows you to price (MSRP) out the tractor you want with the options you want.

Print out the specs for the tractors you're interested in and compare them side-by-side. Make sure you understand what each item means. It's a part of the tractor ownership learning process and a big part of the fun. We're here to help with the questions.

The job of narrowing the field of choices down to the exact model you need and can afford can be largely done without leaving your computer. When you finally go to the dealer with your remaining questions, you'll know what to ask and be much less likely to fall victim to a snow job.
FWIW
Bob

 

[Racer71]

Mouse,

Do a search on this site for the tractor modles you are looking at. You will find a lot of good information.

Determine what attachments you will use and size the tractor for them.

Plan for the future.