Buying Advice Kubota GL4240HST or L4400HST?

[nebraskasparks]

I went with the Grand L for the ergonomics as well as the others mentioned such as three point arms. The GL has a flat deck and more room getting on/off as well as the tilt steering wheel and. I don't have the newer model, so I don't know about the stall guard and such.

The L is a good strong tractor that will do everything a GL will do, so it will be your call on how important the comfort features are. At my age, there really was no question.

I wish you guys would stop with the grapples, I don't know how much I can stand. :laughing:

Hey TripleR...did you see the thread.." I have to buy a Yanmar tractor"???..if you haven't...you have to watch it. My wife was in stitches half way through the video and...you might get your grapple!!!????:thumbsup:

 

[nebraskasparks]

Sorry about that...the thread was "I MUST buy a Yanmar tractor"...this should be required viewing to join TBN.

 

[beppington]

I think if you go wtih the Grand L you won't regret it. the 2 speed HST is a huge productivity improver--I've spent a lot of time on my buddy's 5240 and switching that lever from turtle to rabbit is really helpful. Also, the telescoping arms on the 3PH make it really quick to hook up implements.

And you can also set it to do that automatically for you :thumbsup:

(in case you don't want to have to put your beer, I mean beverage, down )

 

[beppington]

... so I don't know about the stall guard and such.

The stall guard & auto-shift between rabbit & turtle is awesome. If you're gonna be putting a huge load on the tractor, turn on stall guard & I'm not sure you can stall the tractor even if you try. It downshifts & revs up as needed. And usually you don't even notice it. You just know your powerful tractor is kickin' butt without breakin' a sweat.

Of course, if you're one who actually wants to have driver input in such situations, you can simply turn it off ... & go ahead & stall the tractor if you want :laughing:

 

[phiferpharm]

Great information and insight folks, and thanks for the pixs Richard - most appreciated. I got the message on the filled tires (my FarmTrac tires are filled). The local (Miami area) dealer called and sent me a quote for the LG4240, LA854 loader with quick attach, and a Grapple with all hydraulics installed. Seems like a good start on the price, but I will get one more to gauge it.

I must say that the two sales folks whom I spoke to at the dealer and on the phone have been very courteous and more than willing to answer questions. If it comes down to a small price difference and having to haul the tractor up to north Florida, I will probably do business with them.

Gonna speak with the Missus, who is great about letting me get stuff- it doesn't hurt that I am taking up the cruise tickets that my unit gave me when I retired from the Military last month . Anyway, I think I will order it when I get back from the trip. I must say, this forum is great for getting a wide variety of information and opinions.

 

[beppington]

The extendable arms are almost a necessity if you use your 3pt a lot.

I'm really not all that impressed by the extendable arms. First, they don't really extend out very far. Second, it's kinda difficult to move them in & out; Or should I say, they like to be all the way in or all the way out, & not really moving smoothly somewhere in between where you usually need them to get lined up with pins. I guess they are better than not having them, though, I dunno.

 

[dex3361]

Great information and insight folks, and thanks for the pixs Richard - most appreciated. I got the message on the filled tires (my FarmTrac tires are filled). The local (Miami area) dealer called and sent me a quote for the LG4240, LA854 loader with quick attach, and a Grapple with all hydraulics installed. Seems like a good start on the price, but I will get one more to gauge it.

I must say that the two sales folks whom I spoke to at the dealer and on the phone have been very courteous and more than willing to answer questions. If it comes down to a small price difference and having to haul the tractor up to north Florida, I will probably do business with them.

Gonna speak with the Missus, who is great about letting me get stuff- it doesn't hurt that I am taking up the cruise tickets that my unit gave me when I retired from the Military last month . Anyway, I think I will order it when I get back from the trip. I must say, this forum is great for getting a wide variety of information and opinions.

The GL4240 has the same engine as the L4400. The LA854 is a nice loader too.

 

[crazyal]

I'm really not all that impressed by the extendable arms. First, they don't really extend out very far. Second, it's kinda difficult to move them in & out; Or should I say, they like to be all the way in or all the way out, & not really moving smoothly somewhere in between where you usually need them to get lined up with pins. I guess they are better than not having them, though, I dunno.

There's notches so the lock in all the way in and all the way out. I have a 55 gallon drum full of cement for weight. Without the adjustable links you would have to line the tractor up exactly (since your not moving the drum).

 

[Motractr]

Get a quote from Florida Coast Equipment for your tractor. They have been real competitive when I was shopping in Florida. They are in Boynton and Stuart.

 

[beppington]

There's notches so the lock in all the way in and all the way out. I have a 55 gallon drum full of cement for weight. Without the adjustable links you would have to line the tractor up exactly (since your not moving the drum).

Those notches are what I meant by they like to be all the way in or all the way out, but not really somewhere in between.

I'd probably put that drum of cement on a dolley, even though I have the extendable arms.