Buying a tractor - too many choices! Please point me in the right direction

[ovrszd]

Chipper wasn't suggesting gear drive was better than HST, he clearly stated that money could be saved during purchase and put to a different use. I agree with all he said.

 

[GreenheadRecycle]

Noose, I like Kubota as they are the gold standard. They make their own motors (which most don't) and they are closer. Dealer location and reputation are key. As for size, The L3800 would be OK. If you do a lot of brush hogging a 6' would be maxing out the L3800. The L4600 is out of the question. They are made in Indonesia if I remember correctly. Just not for me. If you could find a L4400 your good. I have one of those. These are basic entry level meat and potatoes tractors. As mentioned before a step up to a MX4700 or MX5100 (still a budget tractor) or what ever they are called now, would be great. The 5100 is turbo and would help out a great deal in higher altitudes otherwise the same as the 4700. Having both a L4400 and MX5100 the MX is by far the superior tractor. Heavier, bigger, stronger and just plain runs smoother. If your lucky you could snag a 2014 model before they put the emission stuff on them. Check out the finance deals with 0 down and 0 interest for 5 years. Hydro is the way to go, get the rear tires filled, and buy your implements separate as you need them. I use a King Kutter hog and like it. Get the slip clutch. I didn't and curse it every time I replace a shear bolt... My 2 cents.

 

[GManBart]

Noose, I like Kubota as they are the gold standard. They make their own motors (which most don't) and they are closer. Dealer location and reputation are key. As for size, The L3800 would be OK. If you do a lot of brush hogging a 6' would be maxing out the L3800. The L4600 is out of the question. They are made in Indonesia if I remember correctly. Just not for me. If you could find a L4400 your good. I have one of those. These are basic entry level meat and potatoes tractors. As mentioned before a step up to a MX4700 or MX5100 (still a budget tractor) or what ever they are called now, would be great. The 5100 is turbo and would help out a great deal in higher altitudes otherwise the same as the 4700. Having both a L4400 and MX5100 the MX is by far the superior tractor. Heavier, bigger, stronger and just plain runs smoother. If your lucky you could snag a 2014 model before they put the emission stuff on them. Check out the finance deals with 0 down and 0 interest for 5 years. Hydro is the way to go, get the rear tires filled, and buy your implements separate as you need them. I use a King Kutter hog and like it. Get the slip clutch. I didn't and curse it every time I replace a shear bolt... My 2 cents.

Deere folks will debate the gold standard comment.

By suggesting an MX5100 you're putting him like $10k over his listed budget if he buys new, and still well over budget if he buys used.

 

[TJP89]

If you are looking at the l3800, go up one size to the next l size, I think it's the 4200 or 4400, it shouldn't be that much more, and you will find the extra power useful. I think the basic l series is the best economy tractor out there, almost got one, but kioti offered more features at the same price. Unfortunately kioti no longer offers a low cost tractor in the 40 HP range with HST. If you are interested in gear tractors, the kioti DS series is a solid basic tractor.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . This is still close to striking distance of my original under 20K budget (before tax) and isn't yet out of hand. . . .

Noose, I just noticed the "before tax" comment above. Get yourself a Texas Ag/Timber number at the following link and you won't have to pay sales tax on the tractor:

Get Ready Texas - Agriculture and Timber Producers

Also, in your situation I'd lean towards an HST transmission. But if a gear tranny would do, check out the Kubota L4400 at the following link. It's about a 2.5 - 3 hour drive for you, but you could probably buy it for $16,000 with no sales tax (with the ag/timber number):

North Texas Truck & Equipment

 

[TripleR]

Here is an interesting thread; some have used this approach without really knowing it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...224-buying-first-test-tractor.html?highlight=

 

[TSO]

The L4600 is out of the question. They are made in Indonesia if I...

this is the first time I've heard someone say a Kubota wasn't made in Japan ... Are you sure on that? Is it made in a Kubota factory in Indonesia? Are there other Kubota tractors that aren't made in Japan?

 

[GreenheadRecycle]

this is the first time I've heard someone say a Kubota wasn't made in Japan ... Are you sure on that? Is it made in a Kubota factory in Indonesia? Are there other Kubota tractors that aren't made in Japan?

I pointed out at the dealer, and they didn't even know it. It's right on the block tag. L4600 is the only one I know of. I think they found an inexpensive workforce and a market for that tractor there. Best I can figure.

 

[TSO]

I pointed out at the dealer, and they didn't even know it. It's right on the block tag. L4600 is the only one I know of. I think they found an inexpensive workforce and a market for that tractor there. Best I can figure.

interesting. I'm wondering if that's just the engine, or the whole unit... ?

 

[GreenheadRecycle]

interesting. I'm wondering if that's just the engine, or the whole unit... ?

My bad. It's Thailand. I believe the whole thing is made there. Just the L4600.

where and who builds the L4600? - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota