Why do you need such a big tractor for working in timber? How big are your trees? I don't see anywhere on here much mention of dirt work where your big tractor would be useful. Just curious?
That's a fair question and I'll try to explain. I started with a B model and immediately outgrew it. I then went to an L model. I was often unable to do the tasks I was attempting because the tractor either could not handle the weight, was stuck because of the small front tire in a ditch, or struggled severely. So I would have to adjust the plan, split the load, or attack from a different angle. After three years of use I was asked if I would sell the L tractor. I priced it for $2000 less than I gave for it new and it sold. At the same time the amount of land I maintain went up by 5 times. I decided I was not going to go thru the buy/sell process again because of buying too small. I have solved that problem.
I worked my L4400 very hard. It served me well. The only fair comparison between the L4400 and the M9540 is their color. The productivity and limitations are so much higher with the M9540. A couple days ago my Brother and I were loader hauling dirt to fill a large washout at the edge of a field. He worked his L3240 hard but in the end I moved four times as much dirt, all at an idle. His was constantly at open throttle, spinning, clawing, and struggling at the dirt pile to get a bucket full, then bouncing his way across the field to the washout. I can fill my bucket with one push, dirt coming over the top, and idle my way to the dump site comfortably. Again, there's just no comparison.
The size of the 9540 rarely limits what I can do with it in the timber but the productivity is unmatched by the L4400. The ROPS height difference is rarely an issue. The rear tire width is 18" wider, which is only 9" on each side. Rarely was I driving between two trees in the timber that I only missed by 9". The capacity of the loader is at least 50% higher. I rarely block firewood on the ground now. I fall a tree, grab it with the grappler and hold it at waist height to top and block. If cutting large trees (2ft diameter or bigger) I can carry the logs out of the timber versus dragging them with the L series. Clearing small trees I can now dig them up with the loader in the same time it would take me to get the chainsaw going and cut them, but now I don't have a stump left to deal with.
If your L4240 completes every task you ask of it, you are a lucky man. If at some time your needs increase beyond it's ability, then you'll face what I've faced and have to make a decision. My decision was to increase productivity. Hope I didn't bore you with my explanation.
