New tractor advice - 11 acres long driveway, Kubota/LS/Mahindra

[Milo]

I would hate to finance a tractor for 3 years much less 5. Your home owners insurance will cover things like theft or say your garage collapses on it but that'll not satisfy the lender. Until it's paid off they will want full coverage insurance on their tractor which is pretty pricy so just be aware of that cost as well.

 

[workinonit]

I just bought a new JD. Mine is an AG tractor but JD has programs all the time. Mine was finance through JD and they insure it for free and 0% financing. I actually had no pl;ans to finance any money but I decided to go with 20 grand just to get the insurance. I don't know what their small tractor programs are but it's worth checking out.

 

[workinonit]

Or you can buy the tractor I traded in. JD 5310, 55 HP, FEL, 4 in 1, grapple and forks.

 

[rScotty]

Interestingly Kubota only finances the L2501 for 60 months but the L 3301 and 3901 for 84 months at 0%. Essentially the 2501 and 3901 would be the same cost per month ($360), one just for 5 years versus 7 years. That tips the scale back to the 3901 now.

KUBOTA SELECT SUB-COMPACT/COMPACT TRACTORS - NEW TRACTOR PURCHASE SPECIAL OFFERS
A grand L would be absolutely awesome but there is no way I can afford that for 60 months at $580/mo

Do the warranties change as well?

 

[blackdogfarms]

Not sure if the warranties Change

 

[hdmyers]

If the criteria is loader capacity, look for a bigger tractor. I find it most comical to read all the rants about one dinky toy will lift 100 lbs more than another. A cut is not a dozer or a loader. That's why there are dedicated machines for the task. For fuel for the fire, get a Merlo Multi-farmer, more lift and pull with stability than you will ever need. Insert big smiling emoji here.

How did you choose your dinky toy Bender? That's the real question here.

 

[blackdogfarms]

Apparently Kubota is coming out with a Grand L3560 LE version in the late fall it should be on the lots. LE basically means fewer bells and whistles but is about 1000lbs heavier than the 3901 and can utilize the 805 loader. Also has the same ergonomic operator station as the Grand Ls. Looks to be about $2k more than the 3901. I am waiting for more numbers but this might be worth waiting for.

Has anyone heard of this new version.

 

[metalbender]

Common sense.

 

[shooterdon]

When I purchased my LS there was not a huge increase in cost going from the 3000 to 4000 series but a significant increase in capability and weight.

I also found the cab very affordable ($4000) and it is worth having if you deal with bugs, dust, heat and/or cold. It also adds weight.

Being on the edge of tractor capacity can be frustrating and it lasts for as long as you own the machine.

The concerns of emission controls are overblown. Just buy the right machine for you. I barely noticed going into regen the last time it happened. I run my tractor at 1800-2000 unless using the snowblower and then run it at PTO speed. I did some work for my buddy and he commented on how quite the LS was doing grading work at 1800 rpm.

I use a cheap grapple (MTL - $1000) for firewood processing but the EA is better if you can afford it. I use pallet forks a lot as well. If I was not moving 6 ft high IBC totes filled with firewood, I would look at what Sawyer Rob uses. A set of pallet forks with a thumb on them. Go to the "Tractors and Wood" thread and have a look at his posts.

BTW, I saved about $8000 over an L series Kubota with the LS. The 4140 HST Cab with oversized turfs, loaded with Rim Guard, radio and 3rd function was $31K.

Good luck!!!

 

[metalbender]

Last time my tractor did a regen I noticed the hot smell. Was bush hogging, no difference in operation. I try to keep the rpm up to minimize soot buildup. The cab is a must have for doing the chores I bought the tractor for. AC in summer, heat in winter, and we have real winters here.