Buying Advice Comments on a Kubota L 3901 with an LA 525 loader

[Ivan49]

I have a few questions on this tractor. How good is it and is it trouble free. How is it on fuel? I stopped today at a dealer and got a price on one and I was surprized at my trade in value he offered me. I want one with the gear shift with the shuttle. He does not have one but has a load coming in around the first of May. On the loader I cannot find the lifting cap of it does anyone know? Now I have to decide if that is what I want as trhis dealer is much farther away than Deere or New Holland. Thanks for any help. Ivan

 

[kcender]

The lift capacity should be rated for 520 KG to full height.I am not sure if it is measured at the bucket center or at the bucket pins.The last 5 in 525 indicates the series of the loader.

 

[vtwinhd]

I've got a 3901 with the 525 loader and I love it. I've got the hydrostatic trans which I wasn't sure about at first but after about 50 hrs of loader work, I can see why so many people like it. I say pull the trigger and you won't be disappointed.

 

[whis]

There ain't a tractor made that is trouble free

 

[Fallon]

I have a few questions on this tractor. How good is it and is it trouble free. How is it on fuel? I stopped today at a dealer and got a price on one and I was surprized at my trade in value he offered me. I want one with the gear shift with the shuttle. He does not have one but has a load coming in around the first of May. On the loader I cannot find the lifting cap of it does anyone know? Now I have to decide if that is what I want as trhis dealer is much farther away than Deere or New Holland. Thanks for any help. Ivan

I have a L3200... Same tractor before the tier 4 final emissions stuff.

The economy L tractors are HST or gear only I'm pretty sure, no shuttles. For a shuttle (GST) you need to move up to a Grand at 50% more cost (lots more bells, whistles & weight). I love the HST, so flexible & maneuverable. You loose 15% of your HP to it, but it is worth it if you do loader work, precision work or a lot of random utility work. Not as useful for field work so the 15% penalty isn't worth it for all applications. The HST trannys are as bulletproof as the gear ones. Maybe better if you figure in wearing out clutches.

I run about an gallon per hour doing most work. About a tank in a full days work. The loader is rated to 1,200lbs if I remember. I don't think that includes the bucket.

If you get one, get the rear tires loaded. Its not terribly safe, even with ballast on the 3pt when lifting hard with the loader. The loaded tires will keep the back end on the ground (you still need ballast or a heavy implement on the back). The L3200 is also traction limited, ballast helps there too. With my loaded R4s I'm about 50/50 on being traction or power limited now. Before loading I was always way traction limited.

Also get a loader with the SSQA on it. Makes it trivial to swap from bucket to forks. I probably use my forks more than my bucket.

Probably a non issue with the new model, but check for a jerky 3pt. Put a heavy implement on & try to raise it 1/2" a few times. Doesn't show lowering, without a heavy implement or moving large distances(several inches). Mine has an annoying jerky hitch, but I knew it when I bought it & bought it anyway (and would again). Some are rougher than others & it bothers some more than others. I hear fixing the root cause is about the only other change other than the emissions junk between the L3200 &L3301.

 

[s219]

I believe they do offer a shuttle now on the basic L models.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have a few questions on this tractor. How good is it and is it trouble free. How is it on fuel? I stopped today at a dealer and got a price on one and I was surprized at my trade in value he offered me. I want one with the gear shift with the shuttle. He does not have one but has a load coming in around the first of May. On the loader I cannot find the lifting cap of it does anyone know? Now I have to decide if that is what I want as trhis dealer is much farther away than Deere or New Holland. Thanks for any help. Ivan

Go to the brochures and you will find the specs.

 

[Ivan49]

Go to the brochures and you will find the specs.

I know the specs of the tractor but cannot find the lift cap of the loader. They do make a gear drive shuttle shift tractor also

 

[peterc38]

I know the specs of the tractor but cannot find the lift cap of the loader. They do make a gear drive shuttle shift tractor also

Actually, The loader specs for the LA525 are in the link MtnView posted if you take the time to read it

It's listed as 1,131 .lbs @ pivot pins and 855 .lbs 500 mm forward.

 

[Ivan49]

Actually, The loader specs for the LA525 are in the link MtnView posted if you take the time to read it

It's listed as 1,131 .lbs @ pivot pins and 855 .lbs 500 mm forward.

My bad I should have opened the link. I just assumed it was the same as the book on the tractor that I have. Thanks for correcting me

 

[kubotacres]

I believe they do offer a shuttle now on the basic L models.

You are correct. I wanted shuttle but was too cheap to spend the extra $$ on the Grand L. I guess I could trade to the 3301, but then I would have the Tier-4 engine....... Yeah I think I'll keep my stop-to-shift L3200...:laughing:

 

[mike69440]

Actually, The loader specs for the LA525 are in the link MtnView posted if you take the time to read it

It's listed as 1,131 .lbs @ pivot pins and 855 .lbs 500 mm forward.

That's pathetic of that size tractor. I guess that's why the ads show hay bales and sawdust in the bucket.

KUBOTA used to rate loaders 500mm forward. I guess they want to show a big number on weak loaders, just like other manufacturers rate theirs.

 

[kubotacres]

That's pathetic of that size tractor. I guess that's why the ads show hay bales and sawdust in the bucket.

KUBOTA used to rate loaders 500mm forward. I guess they want to show a big number on weak loaders, just like other manufacturers rate theirs.

Loader Operational Specifications
(U) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, max height)
Standard 1131 lbs (513 kg)
(V) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, max height
Standard 855 lbs. (388 kg)
(W) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, 1.5 M height)
Standard 1490 lbs. (676 kg)
(X) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, 1500 mm height)
Standard 1182 lbs. (536 kg)
(Y) Breakout Force (Bucket pivot pin)
Standard 2462 lbs. (10951 N)
(Z) Breakout Force (500 mm forward)
Standard 1874 lbs. (8335 N)
(VV) Bucket roll-back force at max. height
Standard 2177 lbs. (9685 N)
(XX) Bucket roll-back force at 1.5 M
Standard 2697 lbs. (11998 N)
(ZZ) Bucket roll-back force at ground level
Standard 2215 lbs. (9855 N)

 

[tractorshopper]

My L3800 used about .7 gal/hr.

 

[Fallon]

That's pathetic of that size tractor. I guess that's why the ads show hay bales and sawdust in the bucket.

KUBOTA used to rate loaders 500mm forward. I guess they want to show a big number on weak loaders, just like other manufacturers rate theirs.

I don't see being able to lift over 1/3rd of it's weight as being problematic. Even with my box blade on the back I had ballast issues when running the loader at max capacity (it's really weird when lifting a load of bricks you can only lift 3ish inches then having your back tires slide sideways when you turn the steering wheel).

I've never had issues with a heaped bucket of dirt, even without proper ballast hanging on the back the couple times I forgot.

 

[tractorshopper]

I'll second Fallon. Only one time did I ever have a load that I couldn't raise more than a few inches. It was a huge wide rock. Don't know what it weighed, but I had my rears filled on my L3800 and a 550# Dirt Dog box blade on. If moving dirt, clay, gravel etc, it would easily handle heaping scoops every time. With the tooth bar on, it would easily dig heaping scoops of virgin soil as well. Very capable machine.

 

[mike69440]

Loader Operational Specifications
(U) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, max height)
Standard 1131 lbs (513 kg)
(V) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, max height
Standard 855 lbs. (388 kg)
(W) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, 1.5 M height)
Standard 1490 lbs. (676 kg)
(X) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, 1500 mm height)
Standard 1182 lbs. (536 kg)
(Y) Breakout Force (Bucket pivot pin)
Standard 2462 lbs. (10951 N)
(Z) Breakout Force (500 mm forward)
Standard 1874 lbs. (8335 N)
(VV) Bucket roll-back force at max. height
Standard 2177 lbs. (9685 N)
(XX) Bucket roll-back force at 1.5 M
Standard 2697 lbs. (11998 N)
(ZZ) Bucket roll-back force at ground level
Standard 2215 lbs. (9855 N)

The near 1,200 lb Capacity. @ 500 MM and 1.5 M height is in line with the tractors weight. A large 16,000 TLB lifts at least a third its weight. My L39 at 1.5 meters lifts 3,000 lbs. at +8,000 lb. operating weight. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/334239-l45-hyd-pressure.html

The weight of the Kubota L 3901 with an LA 525 loader without ballast or loaded tires is quite light for its size. This makes it a good field work tractor and mowing machine, but not the best at ground engagement or dirt engagement.
The Max28 I just bought as a small Ag tractor lifts 1,400 lbs. at the pins to full height, but I suspect it can't lift much if any more at ground or mid height. It all has to do with geometry of the loader.
Actually it is safer to have the loader get weaker as the bucket height goes up, so that is probably Kubota's rational for the way they design the loader.
The Max28XL Shuttle & Loader weighs + 2450 lbs, un ballasted which is actually light for a Mahindra. Size wise the Mas 28 is quite a lot smaller than the L3400 I was using for some field work. The L3400/L3901 etc with loader is 3,400 lbs. Even with a box blade and loader tires the L3400 feels light. This is fine on an established property, but I find a heavier machine for the size suits my needs.

 

[mike69440]

Loader Operational Specifications
(U) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, max height)
Standard 1131 lbs (513 kg)
(V) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, max height
Standard 855 lbs. (388 kg)
(W) Lift Capacity (Bucket pivot pin, 1.5 M height)
Standard 1490 lbs. (676 kg)
(X) Lift Capacity (500 mm forward, 1500 mm height)
Standard 1182 lbs. (536 kg)
(Y) Breakout Force (Bucket pivot pin)
Standard 2462 lbs. (10951 N)
(Z) Breakout Force (500 mm forward)
Standard 1874 lbs. (8335 N)
(VV) Bucket roll-back force at max. height
Standard 2177 lbs. (9685 N)
(XX) Bucket roll-back force at 1.5 M
Standard 2697 lbs. (11998 N)
(ZZ) Bucket roll-back force at ground level
Standard 2215 lbs. (9855 N)

The near 1,200 .b Capacity. @ 500 MM and 1.5 M height is in line with the tractors weight. A large 16,000 TLB lifts at least a third its weight. My L39 at 1.5 meters lifts 3,000 lbs. at +8,000 lb. operating weight. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/334239-l45-hyd-pressure.html

The weight of the Kubota L 3901 with an LA 525 loader without ballast or loaded tires is quite light for its size. This makes it a good field work tractor and mowing machine, but not the best at ground engagement or dirt engagement.
The Max28 I just bought as a small Ag tractor lifts 1,400 lbs. at the pins to full height, but I suspect it can't lift much if any more at ground or mid height. It all has to do with geometry of the loader.
Actually it is safer to have the loader get weaker as the bucket height goes up, so that is probably Kubota's rational for the way they design the loader.
The Max28XL Shuttle & Loader weighs + 2450 lbs, un ballasted which is actually light for a Mahindra. Size wise the Mas 28 is quite a lot smaller than the L3400 I was using for some field work. The L3400/L3901 etc with loader is 3,400 lbs. Even with a box blade and loader tires the L3400 feels light. This is fine on an established property, but I find a heavier machine for the size suits my needs.

 

[s219]

The near 1,200 lb Capacity. @ 500 MM and 1.5 M height is in line with the tractors weight. A large 16,000 TLB lifts at least a third its weight. My L39 at 1.5 meters lifts 3,000 lbs. at +8,000 lb. operating weight. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/334239-l45-hyd-pressure.html

The weight of the Kubota L 3901 with an LA 525 loader without ballast or loaded tires is quite light for its size. This makes it a good field work tractor and mowing machine, but not the best at ground engagement or dirt engagement.
The Max28 I just bought as a small Ag tractor lifts 1,400 lbs. at the pins to full height, but I suspect it can't lift much if any more at ground or mid height. It all has to do with geometry of the loader.
Actually it is safer to have the loader get weaker as the bucket height goes up, so that is probably Kubota's rational for the way they design the loader.
The Max28XL Shuttle & Loader weighs + 2450 lbs, un ballasted which is actually light for a Mahindra. Size wise the Mas 28 is quite a lot smaller than the L3400 I was using for some field work. The L3400/L3901 etc with loader is 3,400 lbs. Even with a box blade and loader tires the L3400 feels light. This is fine on an established property, but I find a heavier machine for the size suits my needs.

One of the problems with the Max 28 (my neighbor has one) is that the loader is rated a lot higher than the real world feasibility of lifting those loads with such a small tractor. I almost think the loader is too strong for that size tractor. It will get you into trouble if you're not careful. Very deliberate ballasting is needed to take advantage of the rated capacity. On paper, the Max 28 can lift more than my L3200, but our practical experience moving firewood and pallet loads suggests the opposite.

 

[mike69440]

The only loader work I've done with the new max28 is turn over our manure mountain. The Max28 did well, being lighter it did not get mired down like the L39.
Actually the Max28 will not lift the rears tires off the ground with the loader trying to lift in relief, provided the load is dead center. If the load is off center just one foot, the one rear tire comes off the ground.
Yes, I definitely agree it is very tippy. It was scary moving my commerical snow plow at about 750 lbs. I got to get my counter weight system welded together.

So I will ballast my Max28 to over 3200 Lbs with the following:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ttachment-2-a-2.html?highlight=Counter+weight

I've collected near 400 lbs of scrap steel I'll add to the counter wieight that is located on the tractor side of the Quick Hitch. The weight's C.G. will be about 1 foot in back of the C/L of the rear tires.

As far a s capacity, I'm not sure of the bucket size on an L3200, but 5' or 6' wide sure beats the 54" bucket on the Max28. Its capacity is only 5 Cu Ft. struck.

My L39 bucket volume is 12 Cu ft Struck, .57 yards heaped. That's still a small bucket. I'd guess your bucket is at least 8 Cu. Ft struck on the L3200.

The Max has penty of power for field work, and sure fits in the barn aisle better than the L39.
PS
I recommend everyone who has a Max28 check their hydraulic pressure, Mine was a tad low.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ting/334007-max28xll-98-lb-weakling-main.html