New Purchase

[azbinder]

Are you talking about tractor wheelbase or width? I would think that the width would be more important.

 

[blue9steel]

Are you talking about tractor wheelbase or width? I would think that the width would be more important.

Hmm, good question. Here are the LX Specs:

I'm guessing that I made some poor assumptions on what those terms meant.

 

[drumminj]

Ok, so our gates are surprisingly non-standardized considering they're all commercial panels, but the smallest is 86" post to post. The largest wheelbase (out of the B, LX, L) is the LX at 65.6" so that shouldn't be a big deal for anything I'm looking at and I don't plan to buy any huge implements that are much wider than the tractor.

I'd validate your assumptions here. The brochure on my L4701 says the width is 62", but with R4 tires in the next-to-widest setting the footprint is 70", total width about 73".

Regardless, I think you fall within your 86" width, but I believe the specs are often reported (At least Kubota) as from the center of rim to center of rim.

 

[azbinder]

Keep in mind that "wheelbase" is from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. And overall length is just that, from the very front to the very rear. Usually from the most forward point of the tractor to the rear of the back tire. Width is from outside of left to right rear tires. Tire style will change the width. Also, the loader bucket is generally a couple of inches wider than the tractor itself.

 

[blue9steel]

Keep in mind that "wheelbase" is from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. And overall length is just that, from the very front to the very rear. Usually from the most forward point of the tractor to the rear of the back tire. Width is from outside of left to right rear tires. Tire style will change the width. Also, the loader bucket is generally a couple of inches wider than the tractor itself.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Ok, in that case the L3902 is the widest one I'm looking at with a width of 65" on R1 tires (so some variance with R14s I'll likely end up buying). The biggest bucket I'm looking at is for that machine 66". So it looks even if I buy the largest one on my list it shouldn't be an issue.

I did some rough pricing with the online "build my Kubota tool":

Loaded with 1YR Extended warranty (mower, blade, snow blower, backhoe)
BX23S $39K
B2601 $46k
LX2610 $52K
L3902 $50k + Z251BR-54 $8k = $58k

Tack on a bit extra for a grader and some options I probably forgot. Could probably drop the backhoe and snowblower and learn to deal with those issues in a less convenient way if necessary. Dealer incentives or Equine discount could drop the price depending on the total package.

Just for fun I looked up what it would take to move a 1 Ton pallet of hay, and it looks like you'd need at least an MX to do any sort of real work. Glad I only need a toy tractor for my situation.

 

[WADFL]

Just for fun I looked up what it would take to move a 1 Ton pallet of hay, and it looks like you'd need at least an MX to do any sort of real work. Glad I only need a toy tractor for my situation.

That's right. Which is why I'd suggest buying the lowest model in the frame size, if that works. Ex: L2501 vs L3902.
You're really paying a huge premium for the extra HP. I'd think if you could justify the delta between a L2501 and 3902, you could justify the delta between L3902 and MX4700.

 

[blue9steel]

That's right. Which is why I'd suggest buying the lowest model in the frame size, if that works. Ex: L2501 vs L3902.
You're really paying a huge premium for the extra HP. I'd think if you could justify the delta between a L2501 and 3902, you could justify the delta between L3902 and MX4700.

Fortunately I don't need to move 1 ton hay pallets, that's not one of my requirements. We get hay once a year, usually delivered. Even if we did it ourselves though, it would be far cheaper to just put it on a flatbed and hire some muscle for the day to get it stacked in the barn. I was just curious what it would look like for someone that had a real need to do so. That said, I'll keep your advice in mind regarding frame size. I've definitely been learning during my research that HP isn't the only defining factor of tractor capabilities.

 

[WVH1977]

I have a 40 HP (New Holland TC40) tractor. I used it on 6 acres for 10 years and now use it on 16 acres. It is definitely not too big for the property I have used it on. If anything there have been more times I wish I had more tractor. In my mind, it is the perfect size for 5 to 10 acres.

I do like the idea of the smaller tractors but after owning a bigger one, I would be disappointed. I almost bought a sub-compact but once I tested drove it, I knew it was not enough for what I wanted. From the work you are describing I think you should be looking at least at an L size tractor. Just my opinion. However, the smaller tractors are extremely nice and a lot of happy owners on here that use them. Try to take your time looking and test drive every one of them before buying. Have the dealer hook up an implement behind them and see how well the 3pt works.

 

[hornett22]

L is the minimum I'd go with.

 

[sea2summit]

Thanks, that helps a lot. Ok, in that case the L3902 is the widest one I'm looking at with a width of 65" on R1 tires (so some variance with R14s I'll likely end up buying). The biggest bucket I'm looking at is for that machine 66". So it looks even if I buy the largest one on my list it shouldn't be an issue.

I did some rough pricing with the online "build my Kubota tool":

Loaded with 1YR Extended warranty (mower, blade, snow blower, backhoe)
BX23S $39K
B2601 $46k
LX2610 $52K
L3902 $50k + Z251BR-54 $8k = $58k

Tack on a bit extra for a grader and some options I probably forgot. Could probably drop the backhoe and snowblower and learn to deal with those issues in a less convenient way if necessary. Dealer incentives or Equine discount could drop the price depending on the total package.

Just for fun I looked up what it would take to move a 1 Ton pallet of hay, and it looks like you'd need at least an MX to do any sort of real work. Glad I only need a toy tractor for my situation.

I know you're L with ZT seems like a huge jump but that's also one of their higher end ZTs, it's honestly not even close to a comparison to a MMM. Doesn't look like those prices reflect NCHA discounts...