Deciding between L series & MX
- Thread starter backwaterdogs
- Start date
- Views: 69199
JohnnyMX
Gold Member
I just searched for 6 months to figure out what I needed based on my chore list and was going between an L3900 or an MX. I ended up with an MX5200 and added Rim Guard to the rears. I have 60 acres and was stepping up from a 20hp Kubota. This tractor does circles around the old one. The loader lifts everything I need it to within reason and my 6' cutter made really quick work of my tall brush during testing at speed. My old one I had to crawl to let it keep up.
I took the opportunity to get the quick hitch and made sure all my implements take it. That is one difference between the 4800 vs. 5200/5800 as the upper models come with telescopic arms. I have one implement that this will come in handy on. My tractor was used, otherwise I would have gone 4800.
Pro's of MX to me over the L
- The tractor is a brute based on hp and just raw weight
- Very stable and tight turning for its size
- HST/cruise is nice for mowing my old tree farm and getting in between, around and under all of the trees; not to mention the loader/grapple.
- This makes tasks incredibly easy and quicker from the 20 hours I've put on so far.
Con's
- There is no way I'm rolling across my lawn unless it is frozen or 100% dry. I used to get away with that on the L245 with R1's but no way with this. RUTS
- Wider/Longer - I can't pull in my barn now with the loader and an attachment on at the same time (hence my wanting a quick attach)
- Got Bridges? I do and I trusted it for my old tractor but do not for the MX. Newer stronger boards are required.
The tractor is a brute.
I took the opportunity to get the quick hitch and made sure all my implements take it. That is one difference between the 4800 vs. 5200/5800 as the upper models come with telescopic arms. I have one implement that this will come in handy on. My tractor was used, otherwise I would have gone 4800.
Pro's of MX to me over the L
- The tractor is a brute based on hp and just raw weight
- Very stable and tight turning for its size
- HST/cruise is nice for mowing my old tree farm and getting in between, around and under all of the trees; not to mention the loader/grapple.
- This makes tasks incredibly easy and quicker from the 20 hours I've put on so far.
Con's
- There is no way I'm rolling across my lawn unless it is frozen or 100% dry. I used to get away with that on the L245 with R1's but no way with this. RUTS
- Wider/Longer - I can't pull in my barn now with the loader and an attachment on at the same time (hence my wanting a quick attach)
- Got Bridges? I do and I trusted it for my old tractor but do not for the MX. Newer stronger boards are required.
The tractor is a brute.
majorwager
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2017
- Messages
- 1,062
- Location
- western new york
- Tractor
- kubota mx 5100 IH 484 ford 1620 lull 844b
JohnnyMX
Might depend upon soil consistency and drainage. Drive across lawn consistently with MX. Loader attached 1200 lbs, cab 900 lbs, mower 600 lbs, hydraulic power unit 550 lbs, plus base tractor. Early spring can present restrictions, short term. R-4 rubber. Even septic field no concerns. No current bridges, drive through the creeks (2)
Might depend upon soil consistency and drainage. Drive across lawn consistently with MX. Loader attached 1200 lbs, cab 900 lbs, mower 600 lbs, hydraulic power unit 550 lbs, plus base tractor. Early spring can present restrictions, short term. R-4 rubber. Even septic field no concerns. No current bridges, drive through the creeks (2)
goeduck
Super Member
I hear ya. I trust my two bridges up to about 15,000 lbs and probably need to drop that over time. Old train tressel timbers. I had been thinking of using semi truck trailer beds with axles removed but have no idea what they would support.
JohnnyMX
Gold Member
You are probably correct given it is the "squishy" season here in upstate NY. It would also help if I remembered to turn off my 4wd when it is questionable and not needed. R4 here as well. In the dead of the summer I don't expect issues at all or when (IF) it ever dries out. The prior owner had the bridge in place and had 3 8" I beams on a 66-68" center so I'm not worried about strength there but just rotted decking.