Deciding between L series & MX

[backwaterdogs]

Hello all!

I think I have read over 500 'which kubota should i get" threads and you'd think I'd have all my answers and confidence...but yet am adding thread #501!

I maintain about 80 acres with over 50 in CRP, 10 or so cash rented row crop and the rest woods. My main job is mowing fire borders, between trees, etc, but am needing to clear some blow down in the woods, get some rip rap along creek banks, maintain gravel drives better, etc. On occassion I need to pull a 10' glencoe cultivator and maybe a disc. my mower is 7ft

Right now, i use a gas 1966 4020, wide front, NO loader. Its not all adequate...too tall for mowing under trees, huge turning radius

So, I've been all over the map. Am convinced that the L series is best choice of 3 family and deere..not sure about MX vs 4 series.

Im debating among the following and curious to opinions here:

- Keep the 4020 and go for a small L series like L2501 to stay away from emisisons with a loader and maybe a backhoe

- get a larger l3901 or l4701 or maybe even an mx4801...to try and do everything..mow, ground engaging work, etc.

Id rather only maintain 1 tractor and try to get a 1size fits all and think the L4701 or mx48 is the way to go..but am wondering if too large for some finer work in and around the woods. I thnk I could then keep my 7ft mower

any thoughts or advice as to the 4701 or ms 48 in woods and things? One creek bank in though woods, down a slope and think the larger tractor could get larger pieces of rip rap down there...but the small might be easier to get in and out.

I could sure use the extra barn space of only 1 tractor tho! Pls lmk any opinons on the l47 or mx48 as a do-all one size type of solution. thanks
!

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To TBN Backwaterdogs. Glad that you joined.

We love spending other peoples money here. I would go with the one tractor and either the L4701 or MX4801 should do the job.

 

[Peter 315]

I vote the MX 5800 or 5200:thumbsup:

 

[backwaterdogs]

Thanks Mike and thanks for your service!

That's where I'm leaning to as well(1 tractor!)..looks like neither come with a remote hydraulic, will have to add that *** well..but hopefully those arent too much money.

 

[Peter 315]

You can buy the kit from the dealer or buy parts online to make it up and do it yourself cheaper

 

[mddorange]

Thanks Mike and thanks for your service!

That's where I'm leaning to as well(1 tractor!)..looks like neither come with a remote hydraulic, will have to add that *** well..but hopefully those arent too much money.

They are a lot cheaper if you get them when you get the tractor. When you decide how many you need, add one more as you will probably use it later.

 

[backwaterdogs]

I vote the MX 5800 or 5200:thumbsup:

thanks! it looks like the 5200 at least has same displacement as 4800 and is getting extra power from a turbo. not that im adverse to a turbo (i like turbos)...just something else to go out?

the deere has a much smaller discplacement so that is a plus compared to jd 4 series

on the jd 4 series tho, it has a power reverser with a wet clutch...thinking that might be preferable to HST (though I'm pretty confident the HST is the way to go...no matter what size I settle on)

 

[SDT]

A 7' rotary cutter is much too large for the tractors you mention unless it is VERY light and the conditions are absolutely IDEAL. Even then, I would not consider the L3901.

SDT

 

[Peter 315]

Everything breaks now and then If you let the turbo cool before you shut down it will be ok , I would get at least 2 rear remotes and the third function valve you might want a grapple later on...

 

[backwaterdogs]

thanks for all the input everyone!!!

@SDT....my 7ft mower is probably med duty at best. 'most' of my mowing is pretty light if I keep up with it.

So you are saying you think a 7 ft brush mower is too much for even the mx4800? i def want to mow as wide as rear wheels and pref just a bit wider. the mx4800 wheelbase is 74.6, the l4701 is 72.6.

also looks like the same engine all the way from 4701 to mx5200. the rating for 4701 is 2600 rpm and 4800 is 2700 and the 5200 is 2700 + the turbo. To me, this is a plus for the L4701 column
'


edit: as a side note for anyone else debating between L4701 versus L3901 or smaller. the L4701 comes std with cruise control on the hst. that would make the choice between 3901 and 4701 a no brainer imo.