Help Me Choose What to Test Drive

[jeff9366]

Curious to get your thoughts, Jeff, considering you had concerns about 40 hp and suggesting I consider moving up a little.

How many trips do you estimate you will make to debris disposal site? 250? 400? 1,126?

LA805 FEL spec lift is circa 1,750 pounds.
LA1055 FEL spec lift is circa 2,300 pounds.

31% ~~~~Well, maybe 25% in real life. Real cabbage.


You will need to discuss with dealer rear wheel spread. Your Grand L chassis will arrive from Japan, via Georgia, bolted on a gorgeous steel pallet in which Kubota retains ownership. Titan brand wheels and tires and Kubota/Georgia manufactured FEL will be on the same truck, separate from the tractor. You can have any rear wheel spread/stance you wish at no additional charge during dealer assembly. You have to evaluate stability vs passage between trees.

(Front wheel spread on 4-WD tractors is fixed. Front wheel spread on 2-WD Grand L row crop tractors (very rare) is adjustable.)

 

[Maddog10]

Question... I assume cab tractors have slightly higher center-of-gravity. How much of a concern should that be on hilly terrain?... Also, I don't want to overstate the severity of hill in my property. There are areas such as a creek and certain spots that would be difficult for any tractor to operate, but there are safe routes as well to access anywhere on the property. I already have a trail cleared to access entire property with 100% safety on my current tractor. No spots that would even make you remotely nervous. I just have to use the same entrance/exit into the woods until I get down the hill and work back from there.

 

[airbiscuit]

I'll say this again. I wouldn't be spooked about the L4060 being underpowered for your needs. I had a 34hp New Holland hydro that would have done everything you are planning to do. That L4060 will just do it better and be more stable.

Jeff's advice about having the dealer set up the rear wheels at the widest stance is good advice.

Compared to what you have been using, you will be thrilled with the L4060.

 

[jeff9366]

I have operated seven open station tractors long enough to evaluate each in my mind. I have no personal experience operating a cab tractor. I do ogle cab utility tractors at my local Kubota dealer.

Cab weighs 800 pounds. All weight above rear axle.


Were I pondering a cab tractor order in flat Florida, depending on horsepower, I probably would not liquid fill rear tires. Cab is about same weight as filled tires and mostly distributed over rear axle. There have been L3560 cab tractor owners here who have loaded rear tires, then complain L3560 poops out moving uphill. An L6060 with cab AND loaded rear tires would be OK on hills relative to horsepower. No opinion on stability.

HST on Hills - TBN ARCHIVE: HST on hills site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

 

[Citydude]

The L4060 suits my needs on my steep terrain running a 72” snowblower in snows up to 20”. This is at 5000 feet of elevation.

 

[airbiscuit]

Citydude,

Do you have problems with the L4060 hydro stalling out or running out of power in the hills?

 

[Citydude]

Citydude,

Do you have problems with the L4060 hydro stalling out or running out of power in the hills?

It’s never stalled out but yes if I’m in medium gear and rabbit speed and have my foot in it all the way, it lugs down to where I have to put it in the turtle mode to go up a steep grade.

 

[jeff9366]

When you turtle down a half range are you carrying 3,000 to 4,000 pounds cargo uphill?

The FEL (less bucket) on a Grand L weighs about 900 pounds, plus 500 pounds for a grapple and 1,700 pounds for grapple load = 3,100 pounds. (Perhaps 1,000 pounds in TPH counterbalance.)

~~~or would you have to shift into LOW range or perhaps stall?

 

[Maddog10]

When you turtle down a half range are you carrying 3,000 to 4,000 pounds cargo uphill?

The FEL (less bucket) on a Grand L weighs about 900 pounds, plus 500 pounds for a grapple and 1,700 pounds for grapple load = 3,100 pounds. (Perhaps 1,000 pounds in TPH counterbalance.)

~~~or would you have to shift into LOW range or perhaps stall?

I think I'm really starting to lean towards this Grand L5460. It ensures that none of the issues we are discussing come to fruition. Should be more than enough tractor than I need but would serve well if I end up buying more property down the road. Getting it for the same price I think it's just too much extra value to pass up. Would be different if it had 1,200 hours but at 200 it's barely broken in. I may have to be a little more cautious with a cab in the woods, but I also kind of like the idea of added protection in the event that a limb or tree falls back onto the tractor. I'd rather break expensive glass than be hit directly. On top of that I think the initial depreciation hit is already taken care of so I'd be in a strong resale position, although I intend for this to be a very long-term purchase.

 

[Citydude]

I think I'm really starting to lean towards this Grand L5460. It ensures that none of the issues we are discussing come to fruition. Should be more than enough tractor than I need but would serve well if I end up buying more property down the road. Getting it for the same price I think it's just too much extra value to pass up. Would be different if it had 1,200 hours but at 200 it's barely broken in. I may have to be a little more cautious with a cab in the woods, but I also kind of like the idea of added protection in the event that a limb or tree falls back onto the tractor. I'd rather break expensive glass than be hit directly. On top of that I think the initial depreciation hit is already taken care of so I'd be in a strong resale position, although I intend for this to be a very long-term purchase.

Good game plan. I have broken a door glass. Not on a tree but on a post. If your careful, you can navigate the trees.