Choosing the right tractor

[Cranblue]

Thank you for all your post so far. I like the MX 5400. That's a great choice. The two things is size and price of the mx. How much more price is it over a l4701? Is the mx gonna be nimble enough in the woods for cutting trails and logging and with all the implements I need with it will it be out of my price range?

Two years ago I was tractor buying went with L4701 over a MX5200 that was only $1800.00 more at the time.I liked the size of 4701 as I use around house and yard I also have a wood lot it goes threw very well on utv trails !!! I added FEL and BH 92 which adds alot of weight to tractor same BH for MX series !!! The main difference is FEL capacity which is important to a lot of buyers myself included as pallet forks are my number one implement !!! I didn’t need more HP in engine or pto so I knew 4701 was enough for my needs. I don’t go by bare tractor weight bs that’s repeatedly brought up on this forum gravity is at play on all sizes !!! As you mentioned you need nimble for woods that app better to be on smaller side than larger.You probably would be fine with either tractor.There’s some videos on You Tube of a guy doing pond work and tree work with L2501 he definitely is experienced operator and puts bigger is better BS to rest !!!

 

[rademamj1]

I have been working a 27 acre wooded property near Waco with a 40hp tractor. About 75% densely wooded and 25% cleared field, 1500 feet gravel road, 3 culverts and 4 stock ponds for water management. The 40hp tractor handles everything I need to do, from partial clearing to creating access pathways through the jungle. Most is Cedar, Ash, Elms, Oaks, lots of Mesquite and some dangerous looking Honey Locust trees. No Pine trees. But everything is covered with poison ivy and cat claw vines and some invasive vine species from Asia which just covers the trees up to 10 feet off the ground.

Surprised me just how many dead trees were present, that appeared struck by lightening. Perhaps two trees per acre are dead by lightening. Commonly they were split down the middle and needing haul off to a wood pile after chain saw. Pallet Forks are best for moving the wide tree trunks.

I use a medium duty rotary cutter for the high brush and has been the most useful implement. Need to repeat mowing each year , or the vines just grow back. Repeating mowing is the only way to long term removal. Other implements found useful was a grapple and narrow 60" landscape rake. A narrow rake is better for precession work in the woods. A grapple works really perfect in this type area, but I still go back to pallet forks from time to time.

Used a contract forestry mulcher service for 4-days at $1500 per day, and he did partial clearing of about 12 acres and created more pathways. The mulch keeps unwanted vines and everything else from growing back. Slowly I have been using the landscape rake to move the dried mulch into burn piles awaiting the special times for burning. After burning, the ashes provide incredible nutrients to the native grass which is Coastal Bermuda. Looks like a city park after 3 years of mowing maintenance. Now the open fields with Coastal Bermuda are mowed by a fast zero turn.

 

[Mej13579]

I have been working a 27 acre wooded property near Waco with a 40hp tractor. About 75% densely wooded and 25% cleared field, 1500 feet gravel road, 3 culverts and 4 stock ponds for water management. The 40hp tractor handles everything I need to do, from partial clearing to creating access pathways through the jungle. Most is Cedar, Ash, Elms, Oaks, lots of Mesquite and some dangerous looking Honey Locust trees. No Pine trees. But everything is covered with poison ivy and cat claw vines and some invasive vine species from Asia which just covers the trees up to 10 feet off the ground.

Surprised me just how many dead trees were present, that appeared struck by lightening. Perhaps two trees per acre are dead by lightening. Commonly they were split down the middle and needing haul off to a wood pile after chain saw. Pallet Forks are best for moving the wide tree trunks.

I use a medium duty rotary cutter for the high brush and has been the most useful implement. Need to repeat mowing each year , or the vines just grow back. Repeating mowing is the only way to long term removal. Other implements found useful was a grapple and narrow 60" landscape rake. A narrow rake is better for precession work in the woods. A grapple works really perfect in this type area, but I still go back to pallet forks from time to time.

Used a contract forestry mulcher service for 4-days at $1500 per day, and he did partial clearing of about 12 acres and created more pathways. The mulch keeps unwanted vines and everything else from growing back. Slowly I have been using the landscape rake to move the dried mulch into burn piles awaiting the special times for burning. After burning, the ashes provide incredible nutrients to the native grass which is Coastal Bermuda. Looks like a city park after 3 years of mowing maintenance. Now the open fields with Coastal Bermuda are mowed by a fast zero turn.

 

[Mej13579]

Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I want to be prudent money wise but I dont want to make a major purchase and not have enough tractor and implements to do what I need. I need a Swiss army knife tractor and implements but I don't want to overspend for my needs. It's a hard decision to balance them both.

 

[jyoutz]

Two years ago I was tractor buying went with L4701 over a MX5200 that was only $1800.00 more at the time.I liked the size of 4701 as I use around house and yard I also have a wood lot it goes threw very well on utv trails !!! I added FEL and BH 92 which adds alot of weight to tractor same BH for MX series !!! The main difference is FEL capacity which is important to a lot of buyers myself included as pallet forks are my number one implement !!! I didn’t need more HP in engine or pto so I knew 4701 was enough for my needs. I don’t go by bare tractor weight bs that’s repeatedly brought up on this forum gravity is at play on all sizes !!! As you mentioned you need nimble for woods that app better to be on smaller side than larger.You probably would be fine with either tractor.There’s some videos on You Tube of a guy doing pond work and tree work with L2501 he definitely is experienced operator and puts bigger is better BS to rest !!!

The size difference between a L4701 and a MX is small. I wouldn’t use that criteria for making a decision between those 2 tractors.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota L4701 Dimensions​
Kubota L4701 Weight
4WD Gear :	3296 lbs 1495 kg
4WD Hydro :	3307 lbs 1500 kg

4WD Wheelbase:	72.6 inches 184 cm
4WD Length:	119.5 inches 303 cm
Width:	62.4 inches 158 cm
Height (ROPS):	91.7 inches 232 cm
Ground clearance:	15.2 inches 38 cm
Front tread:	50.4/54.3/58.3/62.2 inches 128/137/148/157 cm(2WD)
Front tread:	45.5 inches 115 cm (4WD)
Rear tread:	46.5/47.2/51.2/57.1/60.8 inches 118/119/130/145/154 cm

​

Kubota MX5400 Dimensions // Corrected​

Kubota MX5400 Weight
4WD Gear ROPS :	3716 lbs 1685 kg
4WD Gear Cab :	4251 lbs 1928 kg
4WD Hydro ROPS :	3734 lbs 1693 kg
4WD Hydro Cab :	4268 lbs 1935 kg

Dimensions
Wheelbase:	74.6 inches 189 cm
4WD Length:	125.8 inches 319 cm
Width:	69.7 inches 177 cm *
Height (ROPS):	95.7 inches 243 cm
Height (cab):	92.7 inches 235 cm
Ground clearance:	15.2 inches 38 cm
4WD Front tread:	52.2 inches 132 cm
Rear tread:	54.1 to 58.7 inches 137 to 149 cm

 

[Mej13579]

That is not much difference. I do like the lift capacity of the mx better. I have been researching but so many choices can be underwhelming. It a great time as far as choices go to be shopping for a tractor.

 

[Williy]

Have you checked out the LS or Yanmar tractors??
Just might be more product for the buck????

I really enjoy using my YT235C keeps me cool in the
summer and warm in the winter. Controls easy to
get to and the seat is very comfortable. Can see all
4 tires from the cab

willy

 

[jeff9366]

I have been researching but so many choices can be overwhelming.

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth. These are the bones of a tractor purchase.
(( FEL is a tractor option.))

Once these decisions are made you can move on to tractor brands and not be overwhelmed.

(Half the tractor brands will have only 50% of their models actually available within six months due to supply chain problems.)

 

[jyoutz]

Kubota L4701 Dimensions​
Kubota L4701 Weight
4WD Gear :	3296 lbs 1495 kg
4WD Hydro :	3307 lbs 1500 kg

4WD Wheelbase:	72.6 inches 184 cm
4WD Length:	119.5 inches 303 cm
Width:	62.4 inches 158 cm
Height (ROPS):	91.7 inches 232 cm
Ground clearance:	15.2 inches 38 cm
Front tread:	50.4/54.3/58.3/62.2 inches 128/137/148/157 cm(2WD)
Front tread:	45.5 inches 115 cm (4WD)
Rear tread:	46.5/47.2/51.2/57.1/60.8 inches 118/119/130/145/154 cm

Kubota MX5000 Dimensions​

Dimensions
4WD Wheelbase:	71.1 inches 180 cm
Length:	130.5 inches 331 cm (4WD)
Width:	62.4 inches 158 cm
Height:	84.8 inches 215 cm
Weight:	3,560 lbs 1614 kg (4WD)
Clearance (front axle):	15.9 inches 40 cm (2WD)
	15.2 inches 38 cm (4WD)
4WD Front tread:	52.2 inches 132 cm
Rear tread:	54.1 to 58.7 inches 137 to 149 cm

There is no MX5000. Did you mean MX6000?

 

[jeff9366]

That is not much difference. I do like the lift capacity of the mx better.

Note that the rear tread width on the MX is 8" wider than rear tread width on the L4701.

"rear axle width third"
Tractors are inherently unstable operating on sloped or uneven ground. Tractor rear wheel/tire spread, adjustable on the current MX series, is a critical factor increasing compact tractor stability working sloped or uneven ground. A 6" to 10" increase in rear axle width substantially decreases tractor rollover potential, particularly important in Loader work. Tractor width is an approximation of rear axle width.

Small tractor wheels drop into holes, disrupting traction. Larger wheels and tires supplied on heavier tractors bridge holes and ruts, increasing traction. Larger wheels and tires permit higher operating speed over uneven ground by reducing implement bounce and operator perturbation.

 

[shooterdon]

I could not justify the added cost of a JD or Kubota when I purchased my tractor. I have twenty acres and most of my work is firewood processing, snow blowing, food plots and driveway maintenance. I saved a least $8k getting the LS and had a tractor with more features and higher lift capacity. LS was not on my list when I started shopping but it percolated to the top in short order.

I have had it almost three years and have 220 hours on it. BTW, that is something to factor in. On small acreage, it is not easy to rack up the hours. Buying a "quality" machine that will go over 8000 hours is not too important. Even if you put on 150 hours a year, a "lesser" machine will last over 30 years.

One last consideration. I got the LS because they produce the same model for New Holland. Down the road, spare parts should be easy to get.

I did not look at Koti or TYM because there were no dealers withn a reasonable distance, but in your case, they are worth investigating.

 

[Mej13579]

There is no MX5000. Did you mean MX6000?

I meant the 5400

 

[drumminj]

There is no MX5000. Did you mean MX6000?

Pretty sure the specs are off, even for an MX5400.

My spreadsheet from my purchase decision show the MX5400 at 125.2in long, 69.7in wide, and 3734lbs bare weight.

The 4701 specs listed above align with what I have.

 

[jyoutz]

Pretty sure the specs are off, even for an MX5400.

My spreadsheet from my purchase decision show the MX5400 at 125.2in long, 69.7in wide, and 3734lbs bare weight.

The 4701 specs listed above align with what I have.

I’m looking at my MX brochure. You are correct; the specs quoted are incorrect. But still there isn’t a great deal of size increase over the L4701. Additionally, there is no difference in tractor specs between the MX5400 and 6000, just engine hp.

 

[drumminj]

I’m looking at my MX brochure. You are correct; the specs quoted are incorrect. But still there isn’t a great deal of size increase over the L4701

For me, that extra 7" in width was a factor in me picking the L4701.

Would most folks stick with 72" implements with the MX (bush hog, land plane/box blade), or consider stepping up to 84"?

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have 25 acres in East Texas. I am looking for a new tractor. I have about 5 acres to mow. Sometimes in the spring it rains a lot and by the time the field dries the grass gets 2-3 feet tall. My zero turn mower is getting beat up pretty bad.
I have mostly woods but I tried to put trails in but a 4 wheeler , chainsaw and weed eater just isn't cutting it and I can't keep them from getting overgrown.
I also had my plantation pine thinned and I need a lot of clean up. I have a mixture of pine and hardwoods. I have some huge oaks down but can't get to them with what I have now. Got about 300 yards of driveway that needs some work. I have a pond that needs cleaned up around the edges and cleaned out when it gets low. Plus some general dirt work and such.
I am looking for an all around workhorse in around the 50hp range still nimble enough to navigate in the woods.
The 3 tractors I'm seriously considering to aquire in about 2 months are the massey ferguson 2850e, kioti dk45se, or the kubota l4701. I'm looking to get a grapple / 3rd function, a mid range rotary cutter, boxblade, and if I can swing it a tiller. Looking to make a long term investment. To get it paid off before I retire in 6 years or sow.
My credit is not great but should have a large down payment almost half.
Any suggestions on what I should be looking at.

My standard answer is: 1. Try all the ones you think you like
2. research the crap out of the ones you e narrowed it down to, 3. make sure your up front with the salesman about what you’re intended purposes are and 4. Make sure the dealership is one you think you can do business with, because they all break at some point. The JD dealership and kubota dealership couldn’t be bothered by my presence or return emails or any type of correspondence but the Mahindra dealership did. That variable goes a long way with me, regardless of color. Don’t rush it because the journey is worth a lot of attention. Good luck!

 

[jyoutz]

F

For me, that extra 7" in width was a factor in me picking the L4701.

Would most folks stick with 72" implements with the MX (bush hog, land plane/box blade), or consider stepping up to 84"?

For my MX6000, I chose a 72” rotary cutter, but a 8’ rear blade.

 

[Jchonline]

I have 25 acres in East Texas. I am looking for a new tractor. I have about 5 acres to mow. Sometimes in the spring it rains a lot and by the time the field dries the grass gets 2-3 feet tall. My zero turn mower is getting beat up pretty bad.
I have mostly woods but I tried to put trails in but a 4 wheeler , chainsaw and weed eater just isn't cutting it and I can't keep them from getting overgrown.
I also had my plantation pine thinned and I need a lot of clean up. I have a mixture of pine and hardwoods. I have some huge oaks down but can't get to them with what I have now. Got about 300 yards of driveway that needs some work. I have a pond that needs cleaned up around the edges and cleaned out when it gets low. Plus some general dirt work and such.
I am looking for an all around workhorse in around the 50hp range still nimble enough to navigate in the woods.
The 3 tractors I'm seriously considering to aquire in about 2 months are the massey ferguson 2850e, kioti dk45se, or the kubota l4701. I'm looking to get a grapple / 3rd function, a mid range rotary cutter, boxblade, and if I can swing it a tiller. Looking to make a long term investment. To get it paid off before I retire in 6 years or sow.
My credit is not great but should have a large down payment almost half.
Any suggestions on what I should be looking at.

Welcome! Where abouts in East Texas? Our family farm is outside Eustace Off of 175.

First, forget about the pond with a tractor…about the only thing you can do is a flail mower to keep the edges mowed down. You arent dredging anything with a tractor.

We are neighbors…so I will ask about a cab. Think heat, dust, yellow jackets/hornets. Cab is really nice in TX but not necessary.

Second, trail building can be tough in a tractor. They dont maneuver well in the woods (long, wide turn radius compared to a skid steer, etc). You can do it, but I dont think it is efficient.

Tractors are not made for clearing land (pushing trees over, digging stumps, etc). They can do it, but not a great choice. The great thing about a tractor is it is versatile. If you have the time, you can get most anything done with the correct implements.

L4701 if you are still no cab, MX5400 with or without cab is also a consideration. My main concern with a bit larger machine is that trail building. However the dimensions of a L or MX isnt huge…but it may be significant to you. I cant speak for other brands, but same concepts apply for similar dimension/feature machines.

Can I ask what dealers you have been considering?

 

[jezreel]

Thank you for all your post so far. I like the MX 5400. That's a great choice. The two things is size and price of the mx. How much more price is it over a l4701? Is the mx gonna be nimble enough in the woods for cutting trails and logging and with all the implements I need with it will it be out of my price range?

On the Kubota Build My Tractor calculator, the MX is only $2600 more than the L4701. That is figured with a FEL. The MX is very nimble. For the $2600, if it is a Long-Term purchase, it is a no-brainer. Get the MX. I really am happy I spent the extra $2600.