Buying Advice 4052r vs L4760

[Psufan]

The real question is which do you like better? They are similar in specs so you need to decide. Maybe there are a couple of little things on one you like better.

I think right now the ability to adjust engine rpm on the loader joystick in the kubota is pretty awesome.

 

[Psufan]

That's the other issue here, what is his Deere dealer like to deal with? Many people on this forum including myself can attest to not having a good experience with the local Deere dealer. And for the premium they are charging it doesn't make any sense.

On the sales side both dealers have been ok. The kubota dealer is extremely reputable. I would say the deere dealer has an ok reputation.

 

[Psufan]

I think I just need to find a way to test drive these things.maybe I can find a used one somewhere to jump into quick. I’ll look. That’s the only way to really know.
I am leaning towards kubota because the dealer is 5 miles away and the hst+

 

[ericm979]

I don't know about the Deere but Kubota makes a number of Grand L models that are pretty similar. If they don't have a 4760 maybe they have one of the other xx60s.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I think I just need to find a way to test drive these things.

100% Even if you have to wait a while or even drive a much further distance to do so.

I am leaning towards kubota because the dealer is 5 miles away and the hst+

Having a dealer 5 miles away is a dream. If I was you I would be leaning the same way also.

 

[rScotty]

rScotty said:
Yep. The transmissions aren't even close to being the same.

Cahaba Valley Farm said: Why? Because of the number of ranges?

Yes, but it isn't Ranges. Both have 3 ranges. The difference is in the ease of shifting ratios within a range. One can do that & the other can't. If you like HST, you'll love HST+.

Any HST is nice for doing chores & projects, but for some reason the shifting between HST Ranges L/M/H is real awkward. For range shifting not to grind and shudder you still have to completely stop the tractor and then work a lever that is too short for what it needs to do. Range shifting reminds me of an old style "crash box" manual transmission without any syncros or clutch.

The H/L switch on the steering wheel of a HST Plus type transmission is like a two speed axle in a truck. It splits each range into twice as many ratios and that allows the ranges themselves to be farther apart. So each range covers a wider span...which farther reduces the need to stop and wrestle the range shifter.

Bottom line is that HST Plus transmissions are no better than the others at range shifting and they still have 3 ranges. The advantage is that having a fingertip high/low option in every range takes away most of the need for shifting ranges in the first place.

As a bonus, the HST Plus operator is are more likely to be in a favorable ratio, and that allows him to push farther down on the HST pedal so that more HST power can be used without so much HST whine. And it works in reverse, too.

Cahaba, that's a bit long-winded & I apologize. But it's what I meant when I said, "the HST and HST Plus transmissions aren't even close to being the same."

rScotty

 

[Psufan]

Yes, but it isn't Ranges. Both have 3 ranges. The difference is in the ease of shifting ratios within a range. One can do that & the other can't. If you like HST, you'll love HST+.

Any HST is nice for doing chores & projects, but for some reason the shifting between HST Ranges L/M/H is real awkward. For range shifting not to grind and shudder you still have to completely stop the tractor and then work a lever that is too short for what it needs to do. Range shifting reminds me of an old style "crash box" manual transmission without any syncros or clutch.

The H/L switch on the steering wheel of a HST Plus type transmission is like a two speed axle in a truck. It splits each range into twice as many ratios and that allows the ranges themselves to be farther apart. So each range covers a wider span...which farther reduces the need to stop and wrestle the range shifter.

Bottom line is that HST Plus transmissions are no better than the others at range shifting and they still have 3 ranges. The advantage is that having a fingertip high/low option in every range takes away most of the need for shifting ranges in the first place.

As a bonus, the HST Plus operator is are more likely to be in a favorable ratio, and that allows him to push farther down on the HST pedal so that more HST power can be used without so much HST whine. And it works in reverse, too.

Cahaba, that's a bit long-winded & I apologize. But it's what I meant when I said, "the HST and HST Plus transmissions aren't even close to being the same."

rScotty

That is probably the best explanation anyone has written on the topic of the benefits of the hst+

 

[rScotty]

I think right now the ability to adjust engine rpm on the loader joystick in the kubota is pretty awesome.

I don't know about that. All HST and HST Plus tractors of every make have some form of automatic HST load matching. In use, it just means that as you advance the HST pedal the engine RPM automatically picks up to match the load. They all have that and all seem to do that pretty well. On the dash are often controls to adjust just how much of that automatic load matching you want and how quickly it should respond. "Set and forget" is the rule there.

As for adjusting base engine RPM. Most have some sort of handy dashboard lever control that you can set the engine RPM higher or lower for stationary PTO work or for warming up the tractor. I'm not sure it helps to have it on the loader joystick. But maybe so.

Don't you wish you could use one of each model for a day? Or even half an hour?
I think telescoping 3pt arms are really awesome, as are hand crank 3pt adjusters.

rScotty

 

[RoyJackson]

100% Even if you have to wait a while or even drive a much further distance to do so.

Having a dealer 5 miles away is a dream. If I was you I would be leaning the same way also.

Although convenient, unless the tractor is a problem child, a local dealer isn't really too important...
In my 22-23 years of owning Deere tractors, I can count the number of times of the tractor needing dealer service on one hand, assuming one can do basic work like greasing, oil changes and such.
One maintenance I could do, but have the dealer do, is hydraulic oil changes. That's only because I don't have a big enough container to capture the 7-8 gallons of hydraulic fluid. That said, if you change the hydraulic fluid per the manual recommendations, it's not a frequent task considering the number of hours many of us put on our tractors per year. I average 60-80 hours, per annum

 

[Psufan]

Don't you wish you could use one of each model for a day? Or even half an hour?

Yea. That would sure help. I’ve spent a lot of time in larger gear driven tractors of both colors so I kind of know what to expect. I was always impressed with kubota cabs and really liked their shuttle.

 

[Psufan]

Although convenient, unless the tractor is a problem child, a local dealer isn't really too important...
In my 22-23 years of owning Deere tractors, I can count the number of times of the tractor needing dealer service on one hand, assuming one can do basic work like greasing, oil changes and such.
One maintenance I could do, but have the dealer do, is hydraulic oil changes. That's only because I don't have a big enough container to capture the 7-8 gallons of hydraulic fluid. That said, if you change the hydraulic fluid per the manual recommendations, it's not a frequent task considering the number of hours many of us put on our tractors per year. I average 60-80 hours, per annum

So I keep reading stuff that Deere doesn’t like you working on your own equipment and kubota doesn’t care. Is either true? I will do my own service intervals but don’t want to void warranty. Are both brands Okay with that?

 

[RoyJackson]

So I keep reading stuff that Deere doesn’t like you working on your own equipment and kubota doesn’t care. Is either true? I will do my own service intervals but don’t want to void warranty. Are both brands Okay with that?

Nowadays, with Tier 4 emissions' controls and all the computerized systems, maintenance and troubleshooting isn't as easy. I would think most owners (including me) don't have the skills and equipment.
For example, my 4052R through a couple codes...and the tech needs to plug in a maintence laptop to read the problem...
Wasn't anything major (turned out the battery was going south...not surprising since I bought it used)

But maintenance such as oil and filter changes, greasing...things like that; are still within the capabilities of most owners

 

[plastikosmd]

Under warranty? Bring it back. Routine service? Deere doesn’t care if I change my oil, neither did kubota. Messing with emission systems or the computer or propitiatory software? If that is a goal then good luck with any company

 

[Psufan]

Under warranty? Bring it back. Routine service? Deere doesn’t care if I change my oil, neither did kubota. Messing with emission systems or the computer or propitiatory software? If that is a goal then good luck with any company

no I’m just talking routine maintenance like oil changes and such

 

[pokey1416]

The HST+ in each range gives you, L - more torque and less speed, H - more speed and less torque. I’ve never moved out of medium range when working. I’ve had my GL for 1-1/2 yrs and just nearing 400 hours of use. It’s a great tractor, only downside is Kubota seats are terrible. I’m upgrading to air ride but it’s a $1,000 cost at the dealer. The factory seat bottoms out if you’re 225lbs or more. my sciatic begins to hurt after 2 hours in the seat. I’m a senior citizen though so if you’re younger it might be fine.

 

[Psufan]

I had them include the air ride. I’m 225lbs and also have low back issues. I figureIf your spending this type of money why not.

 

[pokey1416]

Get a couple of rear remotes too. I upgraded to HD bucket with cutting edge and on the BH92, mechanical thumb and QA bucket. I added a Kubota hydraulic top link last fall and it has been a real time saver. I can’t add TnT I’m told because I have the BH kit installed. Maybe something with the power beyond?

oh, and get Kubota’s 3rd function installed. Paul and Kathy Short have great after market mods for Kubota’s, if you go that route Home

 

[rScotty]

no I’m just talking routine maintenance like oil changes and such

I've never heard of that being a problem with any dealer. I tell them up front that I am going to be doing my own routine maintenance. When I bought our last tractor, my dealer said that I should bring it back for the first service so that they could check it over in case they had missed anything during setup. After that he was fine with me doing my own maintenance. That made so much sense to me that we wrote it right into the purchase price.

From having a shop, I know that although some shops are set up to make money on routine maintenance many are not. In fact, routine maintenance in most service shops ends up being a training ground for young men thinking of becoming mechanics - most of whom will end up doing something else. A novice is probably not who you want doing your maintenance and adjustment work.

HINT, if you want an old experienced mechanic to do your maintenance work, ask your dealer for their mobile service truck to come out to your place and do your work there. It will cost twice as much, but the mobile mechanic is likely to be an experienced hand. Be prepared to help with the clean up & snacks. Otherwise stay handy but out of the way.

I think you are worried about nothing here. Chances are very good that like most TBNers you will use your tractor for 20 or more years without it ever needing more than routine maintenance plus the occasional cable or hose. After warranty fixes any basic problems - which are real rare - then tractors tend to last forever.
rScotty

 

[Psufan]

Get a couple of rear remotes too. I upgraded to HD bucket with cutting edge and on the BH92, mechanical thumb and QA bucket. I added a Kubota hydraulic top link last fall and it has been a real time saver. I can’t add TnT I’m told because I have the BH kit installed. Maybe something with the power beyond?

oh, and get Kubota’s 3rd function installed. Paul and Kathy Short have great after market mods for Kubota’s, if you go that route Home

Yup. I got hd bucket, one set of remotes, 3rd function. No backhoe, for now.

 

[Psufan]

I've never heard of that being a problem with any dealer. I tell them up front that I am going to be doing my own routine maintenance. When I bought our last tractor, my dealer said that I should bring it back for the first service so that they could check it over in case they had missed anything during setup. After that he was fine with me doing my own maintenance. That made so much sense to me that we wrote it right into the purchase price.

From having a shop, I know that although some shops are set up to make money on routine maintenance many are not. In fact, routine maintenance in most service shops ends up being a training ground for young men thinking of becoming mechanics - most of whom will end up doing something else. A novice is probably not who you want doing your maintenance and adjustment work.

HINT, if you want an old experienced mechanic to do your maintenance work, ask your dealer for their mobile service truck to come out to your place and do your work there. It will cost twice as much, but the mobile mechanic is likely to be an experienced hand. Be prepared to help with the clean up & snacks. Otherwise stay handy but out of the way.

I think you are worried about nothing here. Chances are very good that like most TBNers you will use your tractor for 20 or more years without it ever needing more than routine maintenance plus the occasional cable or hose. After warranty fixes any basic problems - which are real rare - then tractors tend to last forever.
rScotty

that’s a great tip on the mobile mechanic. Thank you.