Which tractor - L3038 or XR4046?

[eflyersteve]

I know - two different tractors right? I started looking for our first tractor to take care of a small acreage. Brush hogging, some ground leveling, tilling a large garden, drilling post holes, etc. Nothing that the L3038 won't handle. Then I went and looked at the tractors side-by-side and the XR series just seems to be a step up about everywhere you look. I priced out two package deals - L3038H with 5ft box blade and cutter, FEL and 18ft trailer with brakes for $23.208. The XR4046 with 6ft implements prices out at $28,552. Both are out the door, all taxes included.

So, is it worth the extra $5k for the bigger tractor with bigger implements? $5000 in savings could go toward more implements in the future.

Thoughts?

 

[RKJeepXJ]

Is the trailer for the XR4046 larger? I'd want at least a 20' 10k trailer for a ballasted 40 series with an implement on the back and a FEL.

As always, go big or go home! 40 series is just bigger and beefier all the way around. They really do shrink when you get them home.

 

[jeff9366]

Bush hogging, some ground leveling, tilling a large garden, drilling post holes, etc.

So, is it worth the extra $5k for the bigger tractor with bigger implements?

Yes it is. You will get most of your $5,000 back when you sell.

The tasks you have itemized are mostly ground contact tasks. There is no substitute for tractor weight for these tasks.

I have owned three tractors. The first tractor was my 'learner'. The second tractor should have been "IT" but I bought too light and had to sell and buy a third tractor, and some larger implements. BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.

I investigated the XR4046 at the last Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. I was impressed.

 

[charles todd]

XR4046, no doubt! You will not regret the extra $5k unless you have a lot of disposable time. Using smaller equipment to perform ground engaging activities led me to a P7010C. And the 72HP/63PTO is nice too!

CT

 

[fixitman123]

The bigger tractor is so much nicer you'll never regret it.

 

[eflyersteve]

That's pretty much what I thought. Now for the next question - and forgive me because I know that this is an LS tractor forum: I priced a Mahindra 4540 4wd with same implements and trailer as the XR4046. Price was about $100 less after rebates out the door. This is a larger tractor that is much wider and heavier but with about 7 less PTO hp. Lifting capacities are greater on the Mahindra. It's just an all around bigger tractor. The bonus with the Mahindra is that the dealership is larger, seems more established and is on the way to my work. The LS dealer is less established (I get the feeling that they might not always be around) and is 45 miles in the opposite direction.

So, with that being said - would I be better off with either one?

Thanks to everyone for fielding these questions. Much appreciated!

 

[RKJeepXJ]

What transmission do you want? Don't think the mahindra is available in a hst version. If you want a gear tractor, and from what you described, I'd go with the mahindra.

 

[jeff9366]

Take all lift specs with a grain of salt. No one certifies the numbers. Specs are on the honor system.

If you will use the dealer for service it will be worthwhile to have him/her close. It costs to have the dealer trailer your tractor for service, two round trips per service; $1.50 per mile X 4.

If you order an HST transmission other family members can operate the tractor.

If you order gear/clutch you are likely the only one whole will operate the tractor.

In my opinion, HST tractors are more reliable than clutch tractors. OTHERS WILL OPINE THE OPPOSITE.

 

[eflyersteve]

The Mahindra is a gear and the LS XR4046 is a power shuttle on the examples that I gave. I don't think the Mahindra can be had in a Hydro - but I am not tied to any particular transmission at this point. I don't foresee any need for one over the other, but am open to suggestion.

 

[Underdog57]

All I can say is, I started looking at the 3038 and ended up with the 4041H and I am soooooo glad I went with the bigger one!!! I really like the big front tires & the 2 remotes.