Need to buy a tractor, am newbie

[nybirdman]

One site I was comparing the l3800 and l3940 said the l3800 has a suspension seat and the l3940 does not. And the l3940 does not have a cruise control.

I would have thought a suspension seat would be better, and and the ability to set the throttle (which I assume cruise control is) would also be really handy for long sessions.

I think you have that backwards...The L3940 with HST will have cruise,and a suspension seat.

 

[BGigHarbor]

Maybe I misunderstood the symbols on the site. What you said is what makes sense to me, that is why I was surprised.

 

[jeff9366]

Data bases like example suck up data but are dumb. Immediately noticed they do not show 4-WD available for L3800, which is one error. I closed reference thereafter.

When you get serious create an Excel spreadsheet, visit the Kubota/Deere/Other web sites and enter data yourself.

I would post a sample Excel but have found it impossible to post a spreadsheet retaining formats.

You need to collect some model specific brochures from your dealers. Get brochures for 38-45 horsepower.

 

[jeff9366]

Almost everyone that has a tractor acquires a Bush Hog/Rotary Cutter. Invented in Georgia, simple, works great, dangerous. There is SO MUCH ENERGY in that rotating blade. If you buy one of these good-sized tractors and a 6'-7' 'hog as your first implement, PLEASE, get someone with 'hog experience to show you how to operate it safely. Also, surf the SAFETY Forum here.

My tools in rank order of danger: 1) chainsaw, 2) 'hog, 3) chipper. Two and three are a tie.

Consider a Flail Mower as well as a Rotary Cutter.

LINK:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/118882-lets-talk-flail-mowers.html

 

[TripleR]

Excellent advice from some very knowledgeable TBN members; can't improve to any extent. It is often helpful if you are new to tractors to rent one the size you think you need and work it on your property to gt a baseline.

Most people find a tractor "shrinks" once you buy it and get it working on your property, so often people find themselves wanting/needing a little bigger, more powerful tractor.

My preference is Kubota, but agree it is best to consider and look at all the top brands, getting brochures is often helpful as mentioned.

I don't think you will find a CUT with more features than the Grand L, but you pay for them.

I consider two rear remotes essential and three even better; quick attach bucket.

Research, research, research and come back with specific questions.

 

[Kubota 2007]

I have a few Kubota's the one I use the most is the B3030, FEL and Backhoe and belly mower, my opinion the backhoe is the most useful tool on the tractor. I use is so often, I ended up purchasing a ZD326 to mow so I could keep the FEL and Hoe on the tractor. What's great about the size of the B3030, it will get into tight places and doesn't damage the lawn. I have other tractors and I'm sure I wouldn't be as happy if the FEL/Hoe were attached to them.

 

[jeff9366]

You guys with multiple, multiple Kubotas make me feel so.......inadequate.

 

[TripleR]

You guys with multiple, multiple Kubotas make me feel so.......inadequate.

No need for that, for most of my life I owned only well used machines my brother and I bought and fixed up. I drove newer tractors but couldn't afford one. For a lot of years my only tractor was a Ford NAA.

 

[k0ua]

One thing you mentioned was working with logs, you are going to for sure want to make sure the FEL bucket is attached with Skid Steer Quick Attach, SSQA.. so that you can take off the bucket and put on either forks or a grapple in a few seconds. Grapple would be best, but you can also move logs around with a little practice with a good set of SSQA forks. The 3940, is a lot more tractor than the economy model L3800. More weight, beefier front axle, the above mentioned telescoping lower links and stabilizers (extremely useful feature) and a 3rd generation Hydrostatic transmission with an industry leading design. If a Kubota is what you want, and if you had to choose between an L3800 and a L3940, well you should buy the L3940 if you can swing it money wise. I would highly recommend a hydrostatic transmission especially for a newbie.. I am not a newbie, 5 tractors and 20+ years, but I prefer the Hydro also. You may note I am a Kioti owner, and the Kioti DK40se is comparable to the Kubota Grand L at a much lower price point, the only big difference I can note is the Kubota hydro tranny is superior. Good luck on your hunt, and keep coming back here and asking questions. We will be very happy to spend your money

James K0UA

 

[lilranch2001]

Thanks for the replies.

The advice about buying a backhoe are probably right on. Would love to have one, but probably would not use it a ton esp due to hassle of swapping it out. And will use the brushhog style mower a lot more to keep scotchbroom, black berries, saplings and grass in check.

Also will be moving and lifting logs (I work with logs) with the FEL afair bit and the more weight I can lift the better for that up a point.

I live on small acreage now, but the new place is much bigger and rougher (and I am going to try to buy the adjoining property). Will be a constant chore to knock back the grown several times a year.

And I will admit I actually have never even driven a tractor much less a brushhog. In an ideal world I would get to try in person a few sizes of tractor actually doing what I want to do, but that probably is not going to happen.

For the finish mowing where flat I have a riding lawn tractor and for steepish slopes or trails I will put a bcs 852 with a small brush hog (and a flail) into service.

Also to start with I am hiring an excavator and a tracked bobcat with a big brush hog to help me clear where the shop is going to be, and to start the war with very mature scotchbroom (some of it 9 ft tall) and blackberries that have had their way with the property for several years unbothered.

I would suggest you borrow or rent a tractor before actually buying one, we do see some buyer remorse on here, sometimes to big a tractor, sometimes to small a tractor.
Renting one for a week may be a wise investment