Ed -
Great post, very interesting stuff! In addition to concerns about tipping the tractor, I think loader capacity has a lot to do with the beefiness of the front axle. I can't swear to it, but I think maybe the bottom three Grand L's might not have quite as strong front axles as the bigger three? Not sure why else you can only get an 853 on the bigger ones. The actual weights of the tractors aren't all that much different; 3,305 lbs. for the 3130, and 3,515 lbs. for the 4330 and 4630. (The 5030 weighs 3,745 lbs. - it's part tractor, part moose). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Anyway, lots of food for thought here - I'm going to look at Kiotis more closely, they deserve it. I love things that are built strong, I think that's part of the reason Mahindra is coming on so strong. I'd love to see Kubota return to their LXX50 series roots with a new line of tank-like CUT's. I've already told them what to do in a previous post, but they haven't contacted me yet for details. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Here's a recap, from the thread "One less Ignorant dealer" (I didn't start the thread, btw):
<font color="blue">This thread
NEW L4330 POWER QUESTION might get them thinking about a completely new line of tractors that I've always wished they would make. The first models would have engines in the 54-75 HP range, hydro option, stronger loaders like the ones on the "M"'s, stronger 3ph lift, available ag radials, and locking front differential like the larger "M" s (anyone else besides me want a 4WD tractor instead of a 3WD?). And before someone says "why not just offer hydro on the M's", these tractors would be articulated, just like the tractor of my dreams, the Holder 872H, and the Power-tracs, which have taken more than one previous Kubota owner out of the orange "fold". The Holders are very, very expensive, but I bet Kubota could make a similar machine for a lot less. Build it, and I bet they will come. Are you listening Kubota? I bought my 5030 because it was the biggest Kubota I could get with hydro. It fills most of my needs, but my next machine will be bigger, and have as many of the features I just described as possible. I'd love it to be a Kubota, but it's looking like it would be a Holder. </font>
That would be quite a tractor, and I am a little mystified that Kubota isn't all over the idea of building an articulated CUT - the advantages are too obvious to ignore. They already have the technology from the "R" loaders - come on Kubota, are you listening? Is this thing on?? (tap-tap-tap)
Oh well .... that's OK, I'll just buy a Holder... Kubotas suck anyway! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
John
