Buying Advice New Guy - Looking to Buy

[CPM]

Hi All

I've read quite a few posts but would still like some input/advice.

We've just bought a 25 acre block, with about 15 cleared acres, mostly gently rolling or level, which I've had slashed a couple of times by a 115hp machine. We want to get it to a point where we can seed it with grass for cattle or horses. We'll also be moving rocks and fallen trees around.

This will be our first tractor purchase and we're also new to living on land, as it were.

We want to take on the slashing and I reckon we need a 4in1 bucket. I had toyed with the idea of a backhoe but I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost, especially as the work we need done would best suit a much bigger excavator.

Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Dutch61]

I too look to the L3800 and the "G"L3240 and debate the same issue. My land is flat and only 6 acres. I have to imaging going from 115HP to 34-35 would be a shock, much slower working. I read a lot of similar post with advice to "get an excavator/dozer to do the initial heavy lifting", good you're considering for the 1st cut at transformation. Or take your time and get it done over time, which is what I'm doing. (with a backhoe). Look into the Quick Attach (skid steer type) FEL option, well worth the extra $500.

As for the HST+, my dealer explained it to me like this: "HST+ excels at loader work, moving material from place to place or most applications with FEL, and for transportation of the unit from area to area." As you probably understand for ground engaging/PTO work the HST+ would not be used, and the manual throttle used to keep the RPM high. With 25 acres might be nice to "drive it like a car", For example: get the mail (rpm to idle) back to the barn (rpm just right) get chain from barn, (rpm at idle) trek to the back "40" or 25 to drag that log (not sure if manual or HST+ would be used). In the end I want the convenience of HST+ as this is my 1st and last tractor..(too funny right? even looks silly written down)

I think for your application with the FEL controller (joy stick?) integrated into the GL3240 (it's part of the FEL on the L3800) could be an additional benefit. If you add another "function" to the bucket (to use 4-1), you will have that same control on the stick when FEL is removed for additional articulating "front" implements (frame mounted 4 way dozer? but it's $4000, OUCH). A little more versatile.

For me the extra $3000-4000 for the GL3240 over the L3800 with greater lift at FEL, slightly larger bucket, HD 3Pt_Hitch, along with the other premium features like electronic/real cruise control and mid PTO etc make the GL3240 more attractive.

Good Luck, and keep us informed, someone might be in the same boat in a few months and use your information for their decision.

Hi All

I've read quite a few posts but would still like some input/advice.

We've just bought a 25 acre block, with about 15 cleared acres, mostly gently rolling or level, which I've had slashed a couple of times by a 115hp machine. We want to get it to a point where we can seed it with grass for cattle or horses. We'll also be moving rocks and fallen trees around.

This will be our first tractor purchase and we're also new to living on land, as it were.

We want to take on the slashing and I reckon we need a 4in1 bucket. I had toyed with the idea of a backhoe but I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost, especially as the work we need done would best suit a much bigger excavator.

Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[moored4]

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor:ing!

 

[wcampbell47]

For loader work with lots of back and forth I prefer the HST to my gear tractor. Same for mowing. With the HST the PTO remains at a constant speed when you reverse directions. Not so with my gear tractor. Prefer the HST when using my tiller. For pulling a plow or disc I think I prefer the gear drive.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've bought 13 Kubotas. 12 of them were HST (One was a L3240HST+). Last year I added number 13 which is a B2320 gear drive. It is my first gear drive and will be my last gear drive. I use it for plowing and tilling gardens, pulling boxblade and overseeder and it has no FEL.
Can't imagine buying a gear tractor with a FEL. Maybe gear OK for plowing or mowing big open fields but I can't imagine ever preferring a gear over an HST and can't ever see where a HST would not perform as well as a geared.
Iknow geared is cheaper, that's why I bought one and I've read the deal that the HST robs some of the power from the PTO but I'd get a bigger HP tractor if that was going to be a problem before I'd buy another geared tractor.
Just one mans opinion based on my home landscaping use of several sized Kubotas. I don't have farming fields.

 

[psdx]

Hi All
Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

Do not go smaller, and do not get a gear-drive tractor with a loader.

 

[KYDan]

I purchased my first HST equipped tractor, Kubota MX5100, HST, 4WD, Loader and I will not purchase another geared tractor. HST is not as fuel efficient, but the ease of use and other benefits far outweigh the minimal increase in fuel consumption.

 

[TripleR]

Good points by dutch 61 and I would go for the L3540 and would not want to go smaller and would really prefer a 3940, but then consider the 4240 for stronger loader and then why not a 4740 or even a...gotta stop somewhere.

We bought a Case back hoe years ago and ran out of uses for it and can't justify the cost of keeping it going or buying anything newer. When we have a job needing something else, we just rent a back hoe or excavator and have had a dozer come in.

I have no experience with a 4 in 1 bucket, so I can't comment, but I don't really miss not having one; may be one of those you don't know you need it if you haven't tried it.

 

[CPM]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the input.

I'm planning on buying new because of the warranty and not knowing anything much about tractors. I figure it'll be the "safer" option - albeit a bit more expensive.

Is the warranty worth it in reality? Or is that another post?

 

[LD1]

Is the warranty worth it in reality? Or is that another post?

If you cant perform your own work IF something breaks, I think the warranty is worth it.

That said, its a gamble. If you get the warranty, odds are, you will never need it. If you buy used, you will probabally have issues. I think thats murphys law or something??

I bought new and the ONLY thing I used the warranty for was a tach cable that quit at 0.3 hrs. So the warranty on my machine (long out of warranty now) has only saved me a $20 tach cable

 

[TripleR]

The warranty is not worth it to me as I have only used one a couple of times and none on a Kubota and I am in my 60's. I bought a used 2003 L5030 in March 2010 with 735 hours and saved a lot of money. It's been a great tractor. I did get a full service history from the dealer with it and a full service.

Sometimes I buy used and sometimes new.

 

[Bluegill2]

I've bought 3 used Kubotas, first in 1984 and haven't needed any warranty.

That said, the latest, L3800DT w/FEL, Gear Drive, 14 hours. Best one yet and I love it! :thumbsup:

Either tractor will do fine, get the one the fits you best.

 

[CPM]

I like this forum - there's some really helpful people about.Thanks!

 

[Grandad4]

Others have given good advice. I'd only add a couple of comments. First, regarding the slasher. You have enough acreage that you'd benefit from a 6 foot size so it covers your tire tracks and cuts a little more on each pass. If the vegetation is heavy or you'll climb some uphill gradients while mowing, having 40 horsepower or more will make quite a difference in mowing performance with a 6 ft. slasher.

Second, do some research concerning the weight and overall performance of a 4 in 1 setup on tractors of this size. A few years ago 4 in 1's were discussed regularly on this forum as an upgrade, but lately it seems more owners configure their tractors with a quick-attach bucket that is switched out with some kind of grapple attachment when picking up brush, logs, debris and whatnot. That isn't precisely the same as a 4 in 1, of course, but it preserves more of the working payload of the FEL when compared with a single, heavy 4 in 1 bucket. If you absolutely need the 4 in 1, it's another reason to go up to an L4240 or larger, which all have much stronger loaders.

As others have said, the HST+ looks like it would be very worthwhile for your use.

 

[CPM]

Thanks for the comments re: the alternate to a 4in1. I wonder what the cost comparisson would be? Is there something that would pick up rocks and logs?

Would a separate attachment have more capacity than a 4in1? I suppose they might be lighter but would the hydraulics be the same?

 

[CJBOTA]

CPM,
Carefully think ahead and my advice is to go a little bigger then what you think you need. I started with the B2920, then went to the L3700, and now I have a MX5100. And in a couple years I will probably have a M7040. Even the larger Kubota's, especially HST models are agile and move around well in tight places. ( woods)
The MX5100 HST is a fantastic machine. That is my recommendation if you can swing it. It may be a little more then you want to spend but you will thank me the first time you hear that Turbo wind up. It will do everything the smaller models you mentioned will do and a lot more.
Also,give serious consideration to the R1 tires. The R4's have there strengths and it was a tough decision for me but you just can't beat the R1's when it comes to traction. You can have the largest tractor in the world, but if you don't have traction, you may as well stay on the porch. A little extra weight in the back ain't a bad thing either.
Good luck!
CJ

 

[crazyal]

If it was me I would forget the 4 in 1 bucket and get a normal bucket with the skid steer quick attach system and then get a grapple. I don't know how much of a price difference it would be (can't be too much) but I think the grapple will be of more use as the tines can did into the ground some to help get under logs.

As for HP, the more you buy the quicker you'll finish most of the work you're thinking of doing. A 3540 will be right at the bottom end of the HP required for a 6' brush hog, a 3940 might be a better option. I think the only reason for going with a 4240 (or larger) would be for the extra lift of the loader.

The HST+ transmission is a real nice feature. I can't think of the last time I've used my 4240 and haven't used the H-DS feature, it's like being able to shift down a gear without stopping or even slowing down. It's just real nice not having to stop and shift into a different gear.

 

[CPM]

What would I be losing by not having the 4in1 and just the regular bucket and a grapple?

Presumably a grapple would be better for timber than rocks? I have a lot of volcanic rocks I'd like to use for walls etc. Some are on the surface, and some partially buried.

The 3940 would suit better but my budget is being stretched more and more!:confused2:

[Edited: This has probably been gone over before, so I'll try a search]

 

[George the Beagle]

I've never used a geared Kubota, but have used a geared Ford w/FEL, and I can tell you I'd much prefer HST for loader work. The geared tractor requires more practice/experience, and also you'll probably have substantial clutch wear. With the HST there is no wear at all with the FEL, and it's a lot easier to use.

 

[Grandad4]

What would I be losing by not having the 4in1 and just the regular bucket and a grapple?

Presumably a grapple would be better for timber than rocks? I have a lot of volcanic rocks I'd like to use for walls etc. Some are on the surface, and some partially buried.

The 3940 would suit better but my budget is being stretched more and more!:confused2:

[Edited: This has probably been gone over before, so I'll try a search]

Suggest you do a search in the "Attachments" section. One fella just posted some photos of his grapple on an L3240 including one of handling a large rock.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/234621-now-i-went-did-4.html

I don't know much about grapples, but they appear to come in different sizes and weights. You'd probably want one that's not too fragile, but not so heavy it overwhelms the tractor.

I think the issues with 4 in 1's were that the buckets themselves were quite heavy and took up took much of a tractor's FEL lift capacity, and you need a heavy machine with more hydraulic capability - at least a full-size TLB, or even a track loader - to take full advantage of them.