Buying Advice New Guy - Looking to Buy

[CPM]

The dealer is trying to talk me out of the grapple idea - would there be another motive for this? Maybe not having one in stock? Extra work to fit etc?

Also being offered the MX5100 as a "better model" for what I need to do. Has more power but not the HST+. Wondering what is more useful?

It seems you can't add a backhoe to the MX5100 as it's not as sturdy as the L series e.g. L4400

[Grandad4]

Perhaps a bit of confusion there. First, there are actually two model lines with "L" in the model number... the "basic" L's, with numbers ending in "00" (e.g. L4400) and the higher-end "Grand" L's, with numbers ending in 10, 30 or 40 (e.g. L3940), with the 40's being the current generation. Please don't ask me to rationalize the numbering beyond that because I can't. However the Grand models are somewhat larger and have more hydraulic capacity, more lift on the 3 pt, heavier front axles on some models, stronger loaders on some models, the new HST+ transmission on hydro models, some comfort/convenience features and a price tag large enough to cover the added content.

The MX4700 and MX5100 have the size and power of a comparably powered Grand L but have more basic, utilitarian features. It is definitely larger and more powerful than an L4400. The backhoe issue has nothing to do with the MX's not being sturdy enough. That configuration is sold in the states and is a very strong unit. There is reportedly some issue with getting it certified with the Australian safety agency (we call it "OSHA" in the US, although there is usually a four letter adjective or two added to the description). There is another Aussie who has been wrangling with this issue of late. Maybe he'll chime in here or you could search some of these threads to get more information.

The MX is available with HST, but not the latest HST+. My tractors have the older type HST, which has been excellent, but everyone with the newer setup seems to rave about its performance.

Can't guess what motivates your dealer beyond availability of another product or lack of experience with grapples. You can read up for yourself what owners have reported here. Best of luck with your deliberations.

[CJBOTA]

Yes, I am adding the hoe to my MX5100 in about two weeks. Also, the HST works great! You do need some weight in the back when doing loader work, but that is normal.
CJ

[crazyal]

For the most part you don't use your front bucket to dig into the ground. So if you've got a partially buried rock you'll want to use the backhoe (if you do get one) to dig it out of the ground before you try to pick it up. The grapple, because it has tines, can just dig into the earth to get the rock. I don't think there would be anything unusual or different to make adding a grapple harder than a 4 in 1 bucket. But to get the best answer I would post a question like "4 in 1 bucket vs grapple, which would you buy and why" in the attachment section.

The MX5100 is a good tractor. If you never had the HST+ transmission then you'll not miss it. If you can get a 5100 for about the same price as the 3540 that would make the choice tough. An extra 15hp will come in handy.

[CPM]

Yes, I am adding the hoe to my MX5100 in about two weeks. Also, the HST works great! You do need some weight in the back when doing loader work, but that is normal.
CJ

The dealer said that it's not as tough as the L series for a backhoe attachment due to it being rigged to the PTO or something - not sure what he meant by it.

From what you're doing, I guess that's not an issue?

[CPM]

For the most part you don't use your front bucket to dig into the ground. So if you've got a partially buried rock you'll want to use the backhoe (if you do get one) to dig it out of the ground before you try to pick it up. The grapple, because it has tines, can just dig into the earth to get the rock. I don't think there would be anything unusual or different to make adding a grapple harder than a 4 in 1 bucket. But to get the best answer I would post a question like "4 in 1 bucket vs grapple, which would you buy and why" in the attachment section..

I'll do that.

The MX5100 is a good tractor. If you never had the HST+ transmission then you'll not miss it. If you can get a 5100 for about the same price as the 3540 that would make the choice tough. An extra 15hp will come in handy.

It seems that there are deals for this machine so I was wondering if it's a soon to be replaced model.

[CPM]

BTw, I've been offered Industrial tyres, rather than Ag. Apparently because they're better on slopes and leave less marks on the ground.

I wont be doing bowling greens or finished lawns with this so, are Ag tyres the way to go? I hear the rear wheels should be filled with water for added weight and stability, too.

[TripleR]

BTw, I've been offered Industrial tyres, rather than Ag. Apparently because they're better on slopes and leave less marks on the ground.

I wont be doing bowling greens or finished lawns with this so, are Ag tyres the way to go? I hear the rear wheels should be filled with water for added weight and stability, too.

The Ag v Industrials is a never ending debate with no clear conclusion and "mostly" depends on your uses. We have Ag and Industrials on different tractors.

We put fluid in all of our hill tractors or those with FEL, our flatland tractors that just pull cutters we don't. Some use wheel weights or a combination of both.

Some don't recommend this with a back hoe, but I don't know much about back hoe attachments.

[BroBro]

WELCOME !!!!!
Remember you can do a little job with a big tractor but you can't do a big job with a little tractor.
Go big or go crazy !!!!!

[LD1]

The dealer is trying to talk me out of the grapple idea - would there be another motive for this? Maybe not having one in stock? Extra work to fit etc?

Also being offered the MX5100 as a "better model" for what I need to do. Has more power but not the HST+. Wondering what is more useful?

It seems you can't add a backhoe to the MX5100 as it's not as sturdy as the L series e.g. L4400

The dealer said that it's not as tough as the L series for a backhoe attachment due to it being rigged to the PTO or something - not sure what he meant by it.

From what you're doing, I guess that's not an issue?

I think you need a new dealer. The MX5100 and L4400 take the SAME BH92 backhoe with the SAME specs. The only difference is in the subframe. (how it bolts to the tractor).