Which Kubota would be best for me?

mnormandeau · Mar 13, 2009

New to the forum. I've enjoyed what I'm reading but can't make heads or tails over what would be the right tractor for me. I have seven acres, 5 in trees (harvested 12 years ago) and 2 in grass. The ground has a decent slope but not so much you can't side-hill it. I'm slowly cleaning up the tree'd portion, mainly for fire protection. Plan to put approximately 1 acre into garden/fruit trees.

I've got quite of bit of dirt work around the place to do. Drainage, retaining walls, moving fill to level out the yard and areas around the shop and chicken house. Have in mind that it would be nice to have the backhoe and post hole digger for putting in fences. No question about needing a bucket and brush hod. Basically more projects than time, but we love the place and the location.

I'd prefer to find a tractor with a few years and hours on it. Don't need a brand new machine (though I'd sure like one). Would prefer 4-wheel drive and something that has the HP to run the above implements. Any recommendations?

Rusty · Mar 14, 2009

Welcome to TBN! Sorry, I have no suggestions at this time, but they will be plenty from other members. It would help if you would fill in your profile so we know where you are located, etc. There may even be members close enough for you to visit. Best wishes in your search!

daBear · Mar 14, 2009

I would recommend the L Series Kubota. With 5 acres and the type of work you are describing you will need a full compact tractor rather than a sub compact. I have an L2800 and love it. Start looking there and go up the model line in that series. All can have 4WD and a hydrostat and be equipped like you want. Excellent tractors and good luck.

JOHNTHOMAS · Mar 14, 2009

BX owners will tell you BX's can do everything and having owned 3 I will agree. In time they can but if ground clearance is an issue you need a B or L model. The BX's are low to the ground and will hang up. Guess the next question you will have to answer is how much you can spend. Kubota has 0% interest for 42 months now on new and reduced interest on used bought from a Kubota dealer. That should be your next step to see cost new vs used from a dealer.

framer · Mar 14, 2009

Welcome to tbn.I would agree B or L model in Kubota or similar other models.
Would prefer 4 wheel drive because of hills and digging.Good luck. Framer

lawn_king · Mar 14, 2009

A large model B will get it done. If you plan to stay there a long time, you would be better off with a small or mid size L.

RadarTech · Mar 14, 2009

I would second or third the L opinion..
I have an L3400 and it has done everything I have asked..

With the Interest rates the way they are, it might be cheaper to buy new than it is to buy used!

Interesting thought about a backhoe and no loader..
Can you even do that?

For leveling, I can't see going without a loader..

and right now I wish I had a backhoe!

Check your ground clearance needs and think on that one..
For the choice, I am with John Thomas. a BX will work, but will it do it in a manner fast enough to make you happy?

Consider this:
if a BX can do a specific task in 3 hours, and a L3400/L2800 can do it in 2- averaged over dozens of projects or dozens of years what kinda savings do you have in family time, diesel, and just getting it done?

just my humble opinion....

J

teg · Mar 14, 2009

"...No question about needing a bucket..." RadarTech, I'm pretty sure he wants a FEL...

I agree with the others but lean towards the larger "B", just mho

RadarTech · Mar 14, 2009

it was a long night.. Still not awake!!

I read that as there was no need for a bucket..
dooh!

thanks for setting me straight!

Later,
J

rbargeron · Mar 14, 2009

mnormandeau said:
..... I've enjoyed what I'm reading but can't make heads or tails over what would be the right tractor for me.....
I'd prefer to find a tractor with a few years and hours on it. Don't need a brand new machine.........Would prefer 4-wheel drive and something that has the HP.......

Most people don't know what size tractor they want until they get some seat time. I'd suggest buying a used 30-40 hp open-station basic L-series ($9k-$13k) and get some hours on it working your place. After a year or two on the mid-size rig you'll have a good idea of how much tractor you really want, bigger, smaller, cab, hydro, etc. You'll get most or all of your money back on the used machine if you want something different. I'd suggest you hold off on the backhoe until your second machine.