Kubota GL series questions...

[Milford Craig]

Hi,

I've been looking at used Kubotas for a little while now, but I am little confused at to the year/model# designation.

I am also a little unsure as to how much is enough HP for the 20 acres we have. It's a hobby farm, so in Kubota terms, I'm probably more L than M.
I like the idea of HST and use a BX23HST at work and like it.

If I understand correctly, the GL40 series replaced the 30 series. So did the 30 series replace the 10 series?

There doesn't seem to be too much of a year spread between all of these.
Would a new 4740 handle much better than a used L4610HST?

I was looking at an L5030GST locally that has a broken lower arm on the 3pt hitch. He offered to fix it, but the tractor is pretty dented for only 300 hours.
Should I avoid it??

Thanks,
Craig

 

[ccsial]

For my money I would avoid it because I would wonder what else has been neglected. Sure does not sound like it was cared for.

 

[TripleR]

Piston recently bought a L4610. Here is the link. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/192488-l4610-should-i-pull-trigger.html

I would pass on the 5030. I bought a used L5030 HST, but it was in really good shape.

The L40 Series has the HST Plus which is really nice, but I have no complaints on the HST on ours.

 

[crazyal]

Well only you can answer the money issue, how much do you spend. But if you can tell us a little more of what you plan on doing on your farm maybe we can help narrow down what size would be right.

To me (now that I have it) I wouldn't even think of buying anything less the a GL40. The H-DS is worth it's weight in gold. It's a lever near the steering wheel that allows you to shift into low without letting off the pedal. For doing any sort of work like with the front loader it's a huge time saver. The other features, like stall guard and auto throttle are nice too.

I think you'll find a good used tractor is not going to be a big savings over new. If you plan on having livestock that will count on you, say to bring round bales to them for feed then you'll want something you feel you can count on, do you think you'll feel that way with a beat up tractor with a broken arm?

Even though you have 20 acres you may not need a big tractor or maybe a a "M" series may be a better fit.

 

[PHILIP8N]

We used an 8N for years to maintain a 20 acre farm, but 17 of that was kept in crop half the time. When it came time to get a new tractor, I knew I wanted more hp (22 pto) and weight (3000 w/fluid) than the 8N had, and settled on a L3940HST, with all the new advanced features and lift power that just was not possible in 1950. The capabilities of the L3940 to match my chores has been a very nice fit. I have not found a spot where I would say the L3940 is too big. The FEL has lifted everything I have asked (short of trying to uproot a tree, nothing to loose but pride). I typically use it for clearing snow, finish mowing, bush hogging, and every other task I can find. Good luck with your decision. Philip.

 

[Grandad4]

I bought a new L4610HST in 2002 and it has been a completely reliable workhorse ever since, with approximately 1000 hours of operation now. I recently checked out the new L40 models at the Southern Farm Show. They are very nice indeed, but it seemed to me there were more similarities than differences between the L10's and the L40's. The biggest improvement is the new HST, which virtually everyone who owns one says is outstanding. The HST on my 4610 is simpler, but has been easy to use and dependable.

If you are on a budget that doesn't quite have room for a brand new one and find an L10 or L30 model in good condition, it could make a very good choice and will do essentially all the same things the comparable new ones will. I would try to avoid ones that have been heavily used or misused.

 

[TripleR]

Some will tell you that you don't really save anything buying used, but that has not been my experience. I buy new and used and on my last purchase saved $14000 over a comparable new tractor. It was several years old, but only had 735 well maintained hours on it.

 

[TripleR]

I bought a new L4610HST in 2002 and it has been a completely reliable workhorse ever since, with approximately 1000 hours of operation now. I recently checked out the new L40 models at the Southern Farm Show. They are very nice indeed, but it seemed to me there were more similarities than differences between the L10's and the L40's. The biggest improvement is the new HST, which virtually everyone who owns one says is outstanding. The HST on my 4610 is simpler, but has been easy to use and dependable.

If you are on a budget that doesn't quite have room for a brand new one and find an L10 or L30 model in good condition, it could make a very good choice and will do essentially all the same things the comparable new ones will. I would try to avoid ones that have been heavily used or misused.

I did the same thing and admit I look at the new L5740 from time to time but know I won't buy one.

They just got this one in at my local dealer and then the one I own.

 

[crazyal]

Some will tell you that you don't really save anything buying used, but that has not been my experience. I buy new and used and on my last purchase saved $14000 over a comparable new tractor. It was several years old, but only had 735 well maintained hours on it.

I think your experience with buying a used tractor isn't like most. You walked in looking for new (if I remember correctly you said you were going to buy a 5740) and found a used that met your needs as well as was in a condition that you were happy with.

Most people walk in looking for used, find a few limited tractors to choose from and try to pick out the one that best fits only to realize that going new and getting the exact model really doesn't add as much to the cost.

In my case I knew the minimum tractor I wanted and basically looked for tractors that size and larger. So most everything I found was larger than needed and, of course, cost more.

Now I'm not saying there aren't plenty of good used tractors out there or that you can't find a used one. But you could find yourself looking in a very large radius from your farm.

 

[TripleR]

I think your experience with buying a used tractor isn't like most. You walked in looking for new (if I remember correctly you said you were going to buy a 5740) and found a used that met your needs as well as was in a condition that you were happy with.

Most people walk in looking for used, find a few limited tractors to choose from and try to pick out the one that best fits only to realize that going new and getting the exact model really doesn't add as much to the cost.

In my case I knew the minimum tractor I wanted and basically looked for tractors that size and larger. So most everything I found was larger than needed and, of course, cost more.

Now I'm not saying there aren't plenty of good used tractors out there or that you can't find a used one. But you could find yourself looking in a very large radius from your farm.

Agreed, I think in one of my posts, I said I essentially "tripped" over this tractor looking for another.

All I am saying is that a person can find a good deal on a used tractor if they have the time and I guess even luck on which we both agree.

Interestingly enough, we bought a new M8540 this year as we didn't have time to look as we really weren't seriously considering buying one. Last month an identical tractor came up for sale with less than a hundred hours on which we could have saved several thousand dollars. I am sure I will go to my grave without ever seeing another one.

I am at that age to where I have more money than time though not a whole lot of either and will buy new or used depending on the tractor.

 

[Agrantina]

Just my opinion and I know folks like TripR dont do this but you have to consider the finacing part...There was a 3940 that came up forsale a month after I bought my 3240 for the same price. Now I cried for a few minutes but after looking at the used finace rate and the 0% I got on the new one I released that used had to be $ several K lower for me to make that work in my budget.... If you are paying cash then its not a thought.. I am personally loading up my 401k so I am not like others (my dad included).. I want to have time, money and years to spend it all when I retire!! :confused2:...-- Wait I first have tractor to buy the kids-- I mean cars..

AndyG

 

[Milford Craig]

Hi,

Thank-you all for your advise thus far.
Here are some things I'd like to do w/tractor, maybe you could help out with HP rating or spec...?

-grading for 20x80 greenhouse, planning on getting stone delivered & scooping & back blading
-snowblowing drive and path to henhouse barn etc
-removal & stacking of old barn beams
-grading around barn site
-rototilling food plots
-17 acres field (was rented for hay, then wheat, then soy)(we'd now like to manage it ourselves back to hay, pasture, food plots)
-fence posts
-moving mulch, compost, rocks etc...

Pretty flat south facing property, 3 acres house, 17 field. Seasonal creek divides farm from field. 1-3' clay loam soil over bedrock. Somewhat low lying property, can get pretty wet.

As far as radius goes, I'm in Ontario and wouldn't rule out buying in NY or VT if the deal was right. The CAN dollar is pretty good right now, but still have to pay tax (13%) on used if importing, so the american deal would have to be pretty good.

I've been quoted shipping in the $500 range, so I'm not to worried there.

Thanks,
Craig

 

[2006RonB]

Price is everything Craig. If the used 5030 is priced right go for it. I purchased a used 2006 L5030 GST in 2008 with 700 hrs. Still had a year left on warranty. It was not in tip top cosmetic shape. But, the price was right and I got a 4x4 kubota with loader. It has been a good tractor with plenty of power. Sure I wish it were a HST but maybe next time. Actully, wife suggested I could possibly trade up (mx5100 hst). But, I like the fit and ergonomics on the tractor I have. I have 18 mostly wooded, hilly acres with a 900' gravel drive. I pull my own logs, mow trails in woods and mow frontage, and of course find a 101 uses for the FEL. Just recently spent $2400. for Ag tires and wheels. The R4's don't work well in my situation. Oh yeah, dropped off my hood and engine cover to the body shop to get fixed up like new. Make sure you deduct adequate amount for cosmetic damage because replacement parts are pricey. Ask the dealer/owner to fix the 3 point. How does he expect to sell it broken?

 

[TripleR]

Just my opinion and I know folks like TripR dont do this but you have to consider the financing part...There was a 3940 that came up forsale a month after I bought my 3240 for the same price. Now I cried for a few minutes but after looking at the used finace rate and the 0% I got on the new one I released that used had to be $ several K lower for me to make that work in my budget.... If you are paying cash then its not a thought.. I am personally loading up my 401k so I am not like others (my dad included).. I want to have time, money and years to spend it all when I retire!! :confused2:...-- Wait I first have tractor to buy the kids-- I mean cars..

AndyG

Good points; actually I do consider the financing and have so stated in other posts. What works for some won't for others, so I don't get involved in giving financial advice on these things. We have to consider multiple properties, single or joint ownership, depreciation and other things. I am also retired and in my 60's. Even in retirement one must continue prudent financial planning, so I use a financial planner and CPA.

When I was your age or close to it, the best tractor I could afford was a well used Ford NAA I bought with my brother for $1800. Now I can get something a little nicer, but we still have the NAA.

Keep loading up that 401K; never too early to start preparing for retirement.

 

[TripleR]

Hi,

Thank-you all for your advise thus far.
Here are some things I'd like to do w/tractor, maybe you could help out with HP rating or spec...?

-grading for 20x80 greenhouse, planning on getting stone delivered & scooping & back blading
-snowblowing drive and path to henhouse barn etc
-removal & stacking of old barn beams
-grading around barn site
-rototilling food plots
-17 acres field (was rented for hay, then wheat, then soy)(we'd now like to manage it ourselves back to hay, pasture, food plots)
-fence posts
-moving mulch, compost, rocks etc...

Pretty flat south facing property, 3 acres house, 17 field. Seasonal creek divides farm from field. 1-3' clay loam soil over bedrock. Somewhat low lying property, can get pretty wet.

As far as radius goes, I'm in Ontario and wouldn't rule out buying in NY or VT if the deal was right. The CAN dollar is pretty good right now, but still have to pay tax (13%) on used if importing, so the american deal would have to be pretty good.

I've been quoted shipping in the $500 range, so I'm not to worried there.

Thanks,
Craig

I think you pretty well nailed the right size tractor in your first post. You can do this with a smaller tractor in the mid 30HP range, but if you can afford it I think you will be happier with a bigger more powerful machine.

 

[Agrantina]

Good points; actually I do consider the financing and have so stated in other posts. What works for some won't for others, so I don't get involved in giving financial advice on these things. We have to consider multiple properties, single or joint ownership, depreciation and other things. I am also retired and in my 60's. Even in retirement one must continue prudent financial planning, so I use a financial planner and CPA.

When I was your age or close to it, the best tractor I could afford was a well used Ford NAA I bought with my brother for $1800. Now I can get something a little nicer, but we still have the NAA.

Keep loading up that 401K; never too early to start preparing for retirement.

Come on Mr.R--- mid 60's isnt even close to old!! It is just well experienced... Old starts at mids 70's I think but dont quote me on that. I might get a lot of hate PM's... My Dad had about a 5 year fight with cancer starting at 61 and now he is mean as heck- that means he is heathly. We talk alot about money and the quality of life.. There is a balance that everyone must find. To much debt will effect your quality of life later and doing without or just paying cash also affects your quality of life now.. It is a very fine line.. I try to respect folk's opinion on that fine line subject..:thumbsup:

AndyG

 

[Milford Craig]

Here are some pics of a the 5030GST local to me with the broken lower right hitch arm, dents and what-not...
I told the dealer who isn't a Kubota dealer that I wouldn't even make a firm offer as is without him fixing the hitch.
What would be the most you guys think that this tractor is worth?

 

[TripleR]

Come on Mr.R--- mid 60's isn't even close to old!! It is just well experienced... Old starts at mids 70's I think but don't quote me on that. I might get a lot of hate PM's... My Dad had about a 5 year fight with cancer starting at 61 and now he is mean as heck- that means he is healthy. We talk a lot about money and the quality of life.. There is a balance that everyone must find. To much debt will effect your quality of life later and doing without or just paying cash also affects your quality of life now.. It is a very fine line.. I try to respect folk's opinion on that fine line subject..:thumbsup:

AndyG

I have probably shared too much on here, but while 64 isn't old, my disability is getting worse with time and I have already given up quite a few activities.

I am sure not complaining as I have had a good run.:thumbsup:

 

[Agrantina]

Well lets keep that Run going.. :thumbsup: We do appreciate the sound advice you give us all....

AndyG

 

[TripleR]

Well lets keep that Run going.. :thumbsup: We do appreciate the sound advice you give us all....

AndyG

Thanks, I appreciate that.