Used Cab: L5740 vs. L6060

[FatTire]

What am I missing on the advantages of each?

L5740HSTC- Simpler Tier 3 Emissions, Better (more protective) hose routing, slightly lower prices, more used units on the market

L6060HSTC- Less smoke, larger cab, newer, slightly more power (insignificant?), slightly less fuel(?)

I haven't been seeing/hearing of many real issues related to Tier 4. My MX5100 stinks up my shop and I wouldn't mind Tier 4 for that reason, but there is obviously something to be said for the relative simplicity of Tier 3. I have not found a LXX40 series cab to check out around here, so I don't understand the difference in sizes of the two cabs. Overall I'm thinking maybe I don't care which model, if I find the right tractor?

 

[jeff9366]

L5740HSTC- Simpler Tier 3 emission abatement, Better (more protective) hose routing, slightly lower prices, more used units on the market

L6060HSTC- Less smoke, larger cab, newer, slightly more power (insignificant?), slightly less fuel(?)

You have it. I have an early Tier IV, a L3560 from February 2013.

Insignificant power difference at LOW altitude. Tier IV is reputed to give slightly better fuel economy. Far more important to fuel economy is how intelligently the operator runs the tractor.

If you are over 6,000 feet altitude in Colorado a turbocharged engine will provide a significant power advantage.

Keep in mind that the MX5100/L5740/L6060 are built on the same chassis and share the same engine block. Unless you want the de luxe features of a Grand L and less smoke with the L6060, you will not notice too much difference. The MX series are BASIC. THE Grand Ls are DE LUXE.

Have you discussed degree of smoke with your Kubota dealer? May be a simple adjustment or fix.

Can't you simply move the MX5100 outside? Or is the MX5100 open station, and you are ready for a CAB tractor?

 

[FatTire]

You have it. I have an early Tier IV, a L3560 from February 2013.

Insignificant power difference at LOW altitude. Tier IV is reputed to give slightly better fuel economy. Far more important to fuel economy is how intelligently the operator runs the tractor.

If you are over 6,000 feet altitude in Colorado a turbocharged engine will provide a significant power advantage.

Keep in mind that the MX5100/L5740/L6060 are built on the same chassis and share the same engine block. Unless you want the de luxe features of a Grand L and less smoke with the L6060, you will not notice too much difference. The MX series are BASIC. THE Grand Ls are DE LUXE.

Have you discussed degree of smoke with your Kubota dealer? May be a simple adjustment or fix.

Can't you simply move the MX5100 outside? Or is the MX5100 open station, and you are ready for a CAB tractor?

After a few bad "episodes" this winter I am ready to switch to a cab. Love my MX, I'd be OK with the same tractor with a cab. The smoke is only an issue at start-up, it is usually 35 to 45F in our shop in the winter mornings, so there is about 3 to 10 seconds of smoke, depending on temp and how long I go on the glow plugs. We live off-grid (PV and batteries) so I try not to use the block heater, that's why storing outside is not a good option. The smoke issue is secondary, I'd be OK with the 5740 which I imagine is quite similar at start-up. Our elevation is 9000ft, so turbo is a requirement.

 

[Fallon]

After a few bad "episodes" this winter I am ready to switch to a cab. Love my MX, I'd be OK with the same tractor with a cab. The smoke is only an issue at start-up, it is usually 35 to 45F in our shop in the winter mornings, so there is about 3 to 10 seconds of smoke, depending on temp and how long I go on the glow plugs. We live off-grid (PV and batteries) so I try not to use the block heater, that's why storing outside is not a good option. The smoke issue is secondary, I'd be OK with the 5740 which I imagine is quite similar at start-up. Our elevation is 9000ft, so turbo is a requirement.

Been there done that. Just upgraded to a L4060hstc from a L3200. I'm at 6,500' here in Parker (Denverish) & really wish I had a turbo. Unfortunately it was a matter of $$$. Go with a turbo TYM or LS or the nicer Kubota with HST+ but no turbo. I'm slightly annoyed with the performance at times, but not disappointed. I couldn't afford the extra $5k to jump to a L4760 (also had the bigger loader). I'd do it the same if I were to buy over again.

Not sure where the Kubota turbos start but it's a couple models up. All of the Lxx60s except the L3560 use the same chassis so it's just a matter of HP, tires & the lift links they put on the 3pt. For marketing reasons, I assume,you can only get the big 1000 somethong loader on the L4760 or bigger. I'm not unhappy with my medium LA805? Loader, but more lift capacity is never a bad thing.

 

[TripleR]

I traded in a perfectly good L5030HSTC in for a L5740HSTC to avoid the L6060HSTC because of the exposed hoses especially the third function, low fuel tank and dire predictions on the Tier IV. Tier IV has proven to be much better than expected and lots of people like the low tank, we have an above ground tank and don't have to use fuel cans, so it's not an issue for us. The left foot brakes and lack of foot clutch are selling points for many on the L60.

Best advice is pretty much always the same, drive them both and get the one you prefer. There are other brands I like, but chances are you're going to get a better trade on a Kubota, but it doesn't hurt to look around and see.

 

[FatTire]

I traded in a perfectly good L5030HSTC in for a L5740HSTC to avoid the L6060HSTC because of the exposed hoses especially the third function, low fuel tank and dire predictions on the Tier IV. Tier IV has proven to be much better than expected and lots of people like the low tank, we have an above ground tank and don't have to use fuel cans, so it's not an issue for us. The left foot brakes and lack of foot clutch are selling points for many on the L60.

Best advice is pretty much always the same, drive them both and get the one you prefer. There are other brands I like, but chances are you're going to get a better trade on a Kubota, but it doesn't hurt to look around and see.

I might have to travel to look at a L5740 (or 5240) because I haven't seen any within a couple hundred miles of here. That's part of what's making my decision more difficult. We also have an elevated tank for diesel, so filling up on top doesn't matter. The 60 series does seem more vulnerable to mishap.

 

[FatTire]

And I'm sticking with Kubota, our local dealer is OK, and better than the Deere dealer. (If you're not a big ag customer around here, feels like you are down on Tier 2, or 3). And there is an excellent Kubota dealer over in Bayfield, CO. If we had a Kioti dealer anywhere nearby, especially if they had a good mechanic or two, I'd be looking at those.

 

[TripleR]

And I'm sticking with Kubota, our local dealer is OK, and better than the Deere dealer. (If you're not a big ag customer around here, feels like you are down on Tier 2, or 3). And there is an excellent Kubota dealer over in Bayfield, CO. If we had a Kioti dealer anywhere nearby, especially if they had a good mechanic or two, I'd be looking at those.

Much the same situation here with the exception of Deere, my brother had to travel out of state to buy his Kioti and accepts he'll do all the work on it, but he's a mechanic and I'm not.

I agree on the 5240/5740, I would have been happy with either, same tractor.

 

[FatTire]

That's our driveway, yesterday. The V-plow is 32.5" tall. When looking at buying the MX in 2011, my wife urged me to get something with a cab, but I thought I'd save us a few grand. Lesson learned.

 

[SDT]

I traded in a perfectly good L5030HSTC in for a L5740HSTC to avoid the L6060HSTC because of the exposed hoses especially the third function, low fuel tank and dire predictions on the Tier IV. Tier IV has proven to be much better than expected and lots of people like the low tank, we have an above ground tank and don't have to use fuel cans, so it's not an issue for us. The left foot brakes and lack of foot clutch are selling points for many on the L60.

Best advice is pretty much always the same, drive them both and get the one you prefer. There are other brands I like, but chances are you're going to get a better trade on a Kubota, but it doesn't hurt to look around and see.

Agreed, regarding fueling.

Refilling anything other than a small CUT with fuel cans is a PITA that becomes increasingly more of a problem with age.

My L6060 with low level filler is easy to refill but my M9960 with rear mounted filler is a royal PITA, especially with something mounted on the three point.

I'm currently shopping for a fuel caddy with built in pump.

SDT

 

[FatTire]

Fuel caddy is good for mobility. I went with an elevated tank, around here used farm tanks go for less than a dollar a gallon.

So I've decided to go with a 5740. I think I'd be real happy with a Tier 4 machine, but I just keep looking at those hydraulic hoses on the L6060, I don't think I'm careful enough, especially the 3rd function hanging on the bottom. Bad enough to have to watch the cab, I can't even count how many times I've rubbed my ROPS on branches.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a L4240 HSTC;just a little smaller than the L5740 HSTC;purchased new and currently have 1,000 hours on it.I do the normal food plot,brush-hogging and snow removal with a FEL mounted plow.More than satisfied with my tractor.

 

[varmint]

FatTire, I was in complete sympathy with you and no cab when I saw you photo with the V plow. If you are like me, as you get older, sitting out exposed in a blizzard is getting tougher to enjoy. On the other hand, I was in the woods last week, getting some big red oak sections, and a cab would have been not good. So far this winter here in Northern Maryland, zip snow. Could change, of course, but for now, it's firewood time.

 

[FatTire]

FatTire, I was in complete sympathy with you and no cab when I saw you photo with the V plow. If you are like me, as you get older, sitting out exposed in a blizzard is getting tougher to enjoy. On the other hand, I was in the woods last week, getting some big red oak sections, and a cab would have been not good. So far this winter here in Northern Maryland, zip snow. Could change, of course, but for now, it's firewood time.

The final straw was one snowy late afternoon couple weeks ago when our neighbor picked up a young guy who had walked out from the edge of the National Forest after getting his truck stuck. It was just getting dark when they pulled up in the neighbor's truck to ask me for help. I took the MX5100 up to pull him out, I thought it would be quick and easy, and only 2+ miles away. By the time I got ready to go and the tractor warmed up it was absolutely dumping snow. I arrived at his truck in near darkness, it took a little while to see how best to attach a strap (this truck had NOTHING good to tie to) and a fairly long pull to get him back on the packed road. Then he tells me he sure wish he had some cash, he thought he had some, but didn't. (He actually seemed sincere, who knows?) By the time I got home it had snowed 2 inches (in less than an hour, if you can picture that) and I was pretty cold, and my thighs were wet through my "water resistant" bibs. Since a big wind storm on Dec. 25 I had been getting pretty serious about a cab, but that night I decided it is time.

 

[varmint]

I know yur MX5100 roads faster than my L3400, but two miles would be a major haul. The young guy should have taken your name and address and sent something in return. Bad manners. On the other hand, your Karma got bumped up several degrees, so maybe it's a wash. Glad you didn't get pneumonia, just a cabbed tractor!

I bought a pair of waterproof pants in Aberdeen Scotland, at a supply store for oil rig workers, and they are waterproof- water resistant doesn't cut it. I imagine North Sea oil rigs can be a much nastier place than a blizzard in Maryland, but they don't make it fun.