wcampbell47
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2009
- Messages
- 697
- Location
- Texas Coast
- Tractor
- Kubota L3901 ASV Compact Tracked Loader
Disclaimer: I really like my L3901.
I have put over 800 hours on it in just over a year; mostly loader work with some mowing thrown in. HST is the way to go doing loader work. Buy as big as you can possibly afford to avoid buying over like I have done twice. I have 1100 hours on my '07 B7510 and put 1200 hours on a B3200. I prefer the L model to the B models (heavier, better 3 point control). I found an inexpensive 3 point backhoe on craigs list. It digs trenches fine. I have dug up just a couple of stumps, however if I had a bunch to do I think I would rent something to grind them out. The 3901 does have the Tier 4 engine, however as long as I run it around 2K RPM the regen light stays off. It is when I dink around at 15 to 16 hundred RPM that the regen comes on. The loader hydraulics are still smooth at 2K RPM as opposed to being jerky. I backed off the L4701 because it does not have a clutch on the left side - that is where the brakes are. I have had an occasion to use the clutch and am thankful I stuck to the old school idea of a clutch on the left side. If you are going to handle brush and want to save some $ on hydraulics look at Westendorf's "Brush Crusher" setup. Mine are pin on but quick attach is available. I did have the dealer install the "cruise control" on the L39 which comes in handy when mowing or moving dirt over distance. Handy for tilling at a very slow pace.
I have put over 800 hours on it in just over a year; mostly loader work with some mowing thrown in. HST is the way to go doing loader work. Buy as big as you can possibly afford to avoid buying over like I have done twice. I have 1100 hours on my '07 B7510 and put 1200 hours on a B3200. I prefer the L model to the B models (heavier, better 3 point control). I found an inexpensive 3 point backhoe on craigs list. It digs trenches fine. I have dug up just a couple of stumps, however if I had a bunch to do I think I would rent something to grind them out. The 3901 does have the Tier 4 engine, however as long as I run it around 2K RPM the regen light stays off. It is when I dink around at 15 to 16 hundred RPM that the regen comes on. The loader hydraulics are still smooth at 2K RPM as opposed to being jerky. I backed off the L4701 because it does not have a clutch on the left side - that is where the brakes are. I have had an occasion to use the clutch and am thankful I stuck to the old school idea of a clutch on the left side. If you are going to handle brush and want to save some $ on hydraulics look at Westendorf's "Brush Crusher" setup. Mine are pin on but quick attach is available. I did have the dealer install the "cruise control" on the L39 which comes in handy when mowing or moving dirt over distance. Handy for tilling at a very slow pace.