Buying Advice L, M, or MX series? Can you offer guidance?

[KYDan]

Well I reckon you will be happy with what ever you choose,,, I just think you will be happier with a hydro..

The MX5100 is equipped with the telescoping hitch arms as a standard feature. When you get your loader be sure to get the SSQA for it as it makes changing buckets, forks, or whatever much quicker and easier. The MX is built on the Grand L 5 series frame. It is a Plane Jane version of the Grand L. The thing I miss the most from my old Grand L is the brake on warning light. It's too easy to start out with the brakes locked with the HST.

 

[cmikewil]

If your serious about HST then you really should try a Grand L with the HST+ transmission. I haven't said much about it because I felt like you wouldn't value the extras the GL would offer. But things that make a big difference (to me) is the two speed HST motor. They have the standard gear box like all HST tractors have, 3 speed. The HST+ gives you a high/ low range for each gear. You can shift at any point in time, no need to stop or even let off the HST pedal.

For example, if doing loader work you can leave the tractor in M and when you get to the pile of dirt you want to move as you're are pushing into the pile you simply push the H-DS lever (like flashing your headlights in a car) and the tractor drops down into low gear giving you extra power. What this means is you don't have to stop, shift into L, push into the pile to get a load, stop, shift back into M, and then drive to where you want to go. Another useful place is on hills while brush hogging. If you get to a steep place you can simply flick the H-DS lever and go into L. That way you get more power for the attachment and more sensitivity with the HST pedal. On top of that you'll get the auto throttle (revs the motor up when you step on the HST pedal) and stall guard, if you are about to stall the tractor it'll drop down to low.

I've been reluctant to ask some of these questions, thinking most of you figure that I should be able to get a picture of what these features are on the website. However, I had no idea at all what the HST+ offered. You give 2 terrific examples of how that feature would be terrific.

Of course I ask the salesman how some of these features differ. Nobody has given me an explanation with scenarios like the above. You are correct; I've not been anxious to look at a tractor with "extras"; I'm pretty price conscious. At the same time, I can only do this once, and want to get it right.

This feature is available only on the Grand L?

 

[k0ua]

This feature is available only on the Grand L?

Unfortunately yes. But I suppose it cost money to make, so they want more money for it.
Here is a you-tube video that explains all of its functions pretty well

Kubota HST-Plus Transmission - YouTube

James K0UA

 

[cmikewil]

The MX5100 is equipped with the telescoping hitch arms as a standard feature. When you get your loader be sure to get the SSQA for it as it makes changing buckets, forks, or whatever much quicker and easier. The MX is built on the Grand L 5 series frame. It is a Plane Jane version of the Grand L. The thing I miss the most from my old Grand L is the brake on warning light. It's too easy to start out with the brakes locked with the HST.

And the loader options were the second item I've been reluctant to ask questions about. The SSQA is a "quick attach" option? It's worthwhile even if I don't expect to use a round bale fork? If an option, what kind of extra cost? I assume that with or without the SSQA, the entire loader is removable in a reasonable amount of time?

 

[PHILIP8N]

I understand the GrandL has the telescoping 3 pt hitch arms? I'll bet that is really handy. I'm not lucky enough to have my implements on any solid ground- probably true for many of us. Rarely am I able to back up and hook on cleanly.

What other features of the GrandL set it apart from the L in your experience. I'm reading the product literature; I simply would like to know what you consider significant advantages.

I appreciate it, Philip.

I cannot compare to a standard L, as I did not look at one, only New Holland and Deere comparables when I was doing my shopping 3+ years ago. The HST+ is a dream. 3 gear ranges. The hydraulic low/high on the go is nice for FEL work, low for pushing into pile, high for transport. Auto-throttle, I use all the time except for pto work. Cruise control is handy when mowing those long patches of grass, and for road travel. The telescoping end links make hooking up the implement easier. I also like the intelle-panel display. If you are interested in this model, you need to find one and try out all features. If you private e-mail me I will send you the operators manual to look over, it goes into more function and detail than I can type here. Philip.

 

[crazyal]

I've been reluctant to ask some of these questions, thinking most of you figure that I should be able to get a picture of what these features are on the website. However, I had no idea at all what the HST+ offered. You give 2 terrific examples of how that feature would be terrific.

Of course I ask the salesman how some of these features differ. Nobody has given me an explanation with scenarios like the above. You are correct; I've not been anxious to look at a tractor with "extras"; I'm pretty price conscious. At the same time, I can only do this once, and want to get it right.

This feature is available only on the Grand L?

Watch the videos K0ua posted (hopefully you have a high speed connection. Then ask lots of questions and as much as we hate to talk about tractors here :laughing: I'm sure we can answer them. Then try one out at the dealer. Hopefully you'll know more than that him. You're talking about spending a lot of money and living with your decision for years, don't wait until afterwards to ask or ask again if you don't understand the answer. :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

And the loader options were the second item I've been reluctant to ask questions about. The SSQA is a "quick attach" option? It's worthwhile even if I don't expect to use a round bale fork? If an option, what kind of extra cost? I assume that with or without the SSQA, the entire loader is removable in a reasonable amount of time?

yes the entire loader can be removed or re-installed in about 5 minutes. .. Don't do like I did with my standard L I did not buy the SSQA originally, I added it later, and that cost me extra. It is worth having if you ever think you would want pallet forks, or a grapple also, not just a hay for,.. I have pallet forks, and I don't know which is the better tool the bucket or the pallet forks.. I use them a lot. If you EVER think you might want them, please shell out for the SSQA.(pssst Devil in your ear moment).. Kioti has SSQA standard, and telescoping links and stabilizers... (end of Devil in your ear moment) Ahem.. I think ssqa is standard on the Grand L's also.. but check. (now back to our regular programing)

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Watch the videos K0ua posted (hopefully you have a high speed connection. Then ask lots of questions and as much as we hate to talk about tractors here :laughing: I'm sure we can answer them. Then try one out at the dealer. Hopefully you'll know more than that him. You're talking about spending a lot of money and living with your decision for years, don't wait until afterwards to ask or ask again if you don't understand the answer. :thumbsup:

Man that is good advice..:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[crazyal]

And the loader options were the second item I've been reluctant to ask questions about. The SSQA is a "quick attach" option? It's worthwhile even if I don't expect to use a round bale fork? If an option, what kind of extra cost? I assume that with or without the SSQA, the entire loader is removable in a reasonable amount of time?

Correct. Grapples and forks are the two most common things that people often buy that work well with the quick attach. It's a nice option to get simply because you never know what you will want to do a few years from now.

 

[94BULLITT]

If you get a loader with ssqa you will love having a set a forks. I use them all the time. If I am going to lowes to get mulch or garden soil I throw a skid on the truck then I can unload it easily and take it right to the project. Also with ssqa you can get a loader mounted snow blade. I really like the dual speed hydro. I run in medium range most of the time. In medium low you have tons of power and in medium high you still have a lot of power but you can go 8 mph. The auto throttle is really nice too. Here is a link to a video I made on the hst + and auto throttle, it is not the best.