Buying Advice Considering new Kubota L3901 or used New Holland TC40 DA, which should I choose?

[STx]

I need a tractor for my property in South Texas and will also be using it for pasture shredding in my business. I've used and like Kubota in the past but new tractor prices are pretty high...

My primary use will be pasture/brush shredding with a 6' cutter, but I also need to be able to do FEL work, grading and will be putting in some 3 - 5 acre food plots in the future which will require some plowing and still have some fairly major trail blazing/clearing to do on the property.

I went to my local New Holland / Kubota dealer today and looked at an L3901DT and like it well enough but also looked at a used New Holland TC40 DA with hydrostatic that I think I really liked much better. The user area seemed better layed out, hydraulics were much stronger and the tractor just felt heavier and more solid but I'm still a little torn, mainly because buying used I get no warranty and I'm concerned about pulling a plow with the HST on the NH. Price is very different with the L3901 and loader coming in at $21,810 and the TC40 DA and loader with about 800 hours on it coming in at $15,500.

Which tractor would you choose and why? Right now, I'm leaning heavily towards the NH but maybe I'm missing something...

I appreciate any input.

 

[Code54]

If you like the NH better, that is the one you should get if it is in good shape. Your not plowing all that much so I would not be too concerned with the hydro. I have a Hydro on my Kubota and have never found it to be a problem. If you plow 100 acres that is one thing but small plots are not a problem for hydro. Brushhogging with a hydro is great. I find I do a much better job because I can easily backup and squeeze the hog in to a tight spot and "trim" easier with the hydro over a geared unit.
I also think you will like loader work with a hydro as it is a bit "easier" and smoother.
Good luck on your search

 

[STx]

Thanks, I have used both gear and HST tractors for FEL and shredding and you're right, it is definitely much easier to do with a Hydro. I spec'ed the L3901 with a gear because I find the Kubota hyrdos to be loud and feel to me like they're struggling all the time, but I'm sure that's probably only perception.

 

[Code54]

Anytime!
i have had several Kubota Hydros and you are right, all are/were loud. The noise does give that impression but you eventually find it really is not working as hard as it sounds.

 

[Grandad4]

I'd support Code54's comments that you should choose the one you like best and in favor of the hydro... you'll have to live with it a long time and you don't want to forever second guess yourself for choosing the "other" one. The L3901 is the "economy" model and is indeed lighter and has a bit less hydraulic flow than the TC40. You'd need to move up to the larger Grand L 4060 to get a more direct match to the New Holland, and you'd pay an even greater price premium, partly driven by the additional emission controls on the new models. Kub HST's are some of the best available, but work best with factory hydraulic fluid (i.e. liquid gold :greedy, tend to sing a lot if cheaper generic stuff is used instead. Make sure the NH is in good shape; that's not a bad deal if it's in top condition.

 

[k0ua]

Yep, apples and oranges... the NH is a deluxe tractor with many features, and it has hydro.. That alone would do it for me. Just look it over good, and if it is in good shape,.. I believe I would take the NH. Not to mention the $6310.00 in your pocket for implements, for any repairs the NH might need, buy the wife something nice etc. You are miles ahead in money, and miles ahead in tractor capability's.

 

[RDrancher]

I'll admit I'm biased, but I do have good reason...I'd grab that NH. I've used my TC35D for several years commercially and have yet to kill it. I've tried to talk myself into thinking I need a bigger, better tractor with a cab, but then I knock out another driveway or parking lot and come back to my senses.

 

[STx]

Thanks to all of you for your comments, I was coming to the same conclusion as I thought about it more. The hydraulics on the NH are strong, had no trouble lifting the tractor off the ground, and the HST feels good. It does have a slight exhaust leak cold but it seemed to seal up as the engine warmed up. I'm sure it'll need something fixed, I've never bought anything used that didn't require at least $1,000 in repairs to get it "right" but even with that, the more I think about it the more I feel like it's probably a much better choice, especially for the price. Plus, it has a larger bucket (72" vs 66") that will be very handy, I've got 40 yards of caliche that I need to put back into a hole sometime soon.

Anything specific I should be looking for in the NH problem wise? It has the exhaust leak mentioned and some cosmetic issues (needs a new seat) but otherwise seems to be in good shape for the hours. I believe it was used at a soil yard by the previous owners so the cutting edge on the bucket is a little worn down but still has some life in it and I'll need to replace the R4 Industrial tires with R1 Ag tires an add a sunshade but again, that's all mostly cosmetic stuff.

 

[5030]

I'd get the NH because it has no emissions crap.

 

[Fallon]

I love my Kubota L3200 hst. Not sure if I'd go with the orange or hst. Probably hst, its just that handy to operate.

You loose 15% of your power or so to the hst but its worth it for utility work. Probably not so much for at work. They wouldn't sell em if they couldn't handle the work. Don't worry about plowing.

Its so easy to push it to the limit with a hst especially in varying conditions. Mowing the field this weekend... Run it flat out in medium until the rpm starts to drop a hair in heavy stuff. Just ease off the go pedal a hair as you need. No finding the right gear, shifting or what not.