Help with options on buying L4740

[scidlik]

I am putting together the specs for a tractor that I am going to order. I have decided on the L4740 ROPS R4 tires, probably more than I need now but I know I will have it for many years in the future. I have several different questions about dealer installed options. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

1. I am getting the LA854 FEL with quick attach. I am leaning toward the L2296 Heavy duty bucket w/bolt-on cutting edge. I have seen too many bent light buckets in the past. Is the heavy duty bucket needed for this tractor?

2. I would like the third function hookup on the FEL. My question is the dealer installed L2225 third function valve, How is it plumbed? I have seen some photos that show it hard piped down the loader arms and I have seen rubber hoses mounted on the loader arms. Does it hook into to a rear remote? If it does, is the rear remote included with the L2225 parts. If it doesn't hook into the rear remote where is the lever for it?

3. I am getting the BH90 BH w/ 18" bucket. With the dealer installed BH will the tractor have power beyond hydraulic hookups w/ quick connects on the rear?

4. Assuming I don't get a rear remote with the third function, I would like to have two rear remotes. Is the any reason other than $52 list cost to get a double acting vs. a float detent valve for the rear remotes?

5. The dealers around here use methanol and water mixture to weight the rear tires. Does anyone know how much weight that adds per tire?

6. I am looking at two different rotary cutters. The Bush Hog SQ172 and the Bush Hog 296. Any experience with either of these? The SQ172 recommends a 30-45 hp the 296 recommends 45 hp minimum. The 4740 has 40 hp at the PTO will either work for me?

I know it is a lot of question but any help would be appreciated.

[scidlik]

Did I do something wrong? I have been reading this site for about a month now and see all kinds of great advice. I can't believe nobody has any answers to my questions. If anyone can help with any of the questions it would be appreciated.

Scott

[thunderworks]

I only address two question: the rotary mower and the HD bucket

1. I use a SQ84T, an offset 7" mower with a Grand L5030. Works great. I don't know what you need to mow, but the Hog I use has cut all sorts of saplings, brush, grass -- you name it -- and as they say . . . it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. One reason I like it so well is that it is only 75" long and consequently is very menuverable. I have many trees to mow around, and I maintain wooded trails. The dimensions of the mower make it easy to do. The mowers that hang off the back 9 or 10' are harder to use if you have obstructed areas to maintain.

2. you'll find many fans of tooth bars around TBN. I don't know what your loader/bucket applications are, but the toothbars get rave reviews if you're actually digging in the dirt. I don't think they fit on the buckets with bolt-on cutting edges.

[GreenWannabe]

Some toothbars are not available for buckets with bolt-on cutting edges, notably the Markham which is well-regarded by many members. However, there are others which will work with a cutting edge. An example is ATI, where the toothbar can be ordered to fit a bolt-on cutting edge.

[Rich P]

1. I have the HD bucket with the bolt on blade. It is a very sturdy bucket and should give many years of use. My old machine had a standard bucket and the lower edge has a bit of a bow to it.

2. The L2225 is plumbed down the loader arms to a plate on the front crossmember of the loader where you can put a set of quick attach couplings. There are soft lines grouped with the rest of the soft lines at the loader to tractor attach point, but fron there down it is piped. The actual valve is going to be by your right foot just under and outside of the foot platform. The loader joystick is replaced with a new joystick that has an on/off switch and two buttons by your thumb for the third valve. The rear remote is a totally seperate item.

3. It should be set up with the options to run the attachment if you are buying everything from the same dealer

4. Couldn't tell you, not an option I have.

5. Unknown by me.

6. Unknown, I use a borrowed Woods 72" finish mower every once in a while, that's about the only cutting I do.

Best of luck with your new machine.

[GA WTDeer]

Scidlik, I have a SQ160, and have been very happy with it. The 290 was too much cutter for what I needed, and the SQ160 still has 1/2 X 4" blades. What are you cutting?? Most tractors I see around here use the 290 or 280 cutters to cut ROW. Look at the weight, about 300lbs diffirence. The bracing is under the deck so don't let the smooth top fool ya. Clay

[traderrik]

I'm taking delivery of a new L4740 this week. I, too, was strongly considering the Bush Hog 296, but concerned about the BH 'required' minimum of 45 PTO h.p.

My dealer called the Bush Hog rep, and the rep said the 296 would really be too much for that tractor. He suggested the 286 instead (min. 40 PTO h.p.), which is what I'm getting.

The dealer had neither shredder in stock, so it wasn't a case of his wanting to sell one over the other.

[Samandothers]

I have had a L4240 for about 7 months and a SQ160 for about 4 months. I have at about 50 hours on the tractor. I have been very pleased with the rotary cutter's performance and cut some heavy brush with it. I have the less expensive square back loader bucket with a tooth bar. I have had 0 issues with it. Used it for leveling driveway, carrying gravel and rock and popping out small brush and trees. I can not help you with the remote questions.

[Deerlope]

That suff they are putting in your tires for weight is no more than windsheild washer antifreeze. Rim Guard is much better and it has a lower freeze point. A 3rd function has nothing to do with rear remotes you can get up to three of them if you wish.

[Charlesaf3]

Definitely get at least 2 rear remotes. You'll want them for top and tilt. And if you do any earthwork with the tractor - box, blade, rake etc. You'll want top and tilt.

In fact, I find hyro top link to be amazingly useful in general, even for hooking up equipment. I had no idea how darn useful it would be. CCM on here has them for very reasonable money if you have a remote - I got mine there and so far seems like a good product.