I am in the market for a Open station, 4x4 tractor for light farm duty. Something big enough to move hay but nothing too big. I have been looking at the Kubota L4701, John Deere 4044M and the Kioto DK5010. Either transmission is fine so hydrostatic or power reverser isn't a factor. Just looking for experienced opinions. I have a Kubota dealership 7 miles from me so the convenience of that makes me lean towards Kubota.
Decision time
- Thread starter Jtodd1992
- Start date
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jeff9366
Super Star Member
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- Kubota Tractor Loader L3560 HST+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3,700 pounds bare tractor, 5,400 pounds operating weight, 37 horsepower
Few who compare the specs of Kubota L4701 to the specs of a Kubota MX5400 would not go with the MX5400.
Almost the same price.
L4701
L4701 naturally aspirated. MX turbocharged.
When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.
ADDITIONAL COMPS: L4701 vs MX
VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kubota+mx+vs+john+deere+4+series+
Almost the same price.
L4701
- 3,307 pounds
- 62" wide
- basic FEL lift 1,684 pounds
- 3,734 pounds (minimum safe weight for moving round hay bales over flat, reasonably smooth ground)
- 70" wide (much more stable moving round hay bales)
- much bigger wheels/tires, with adjustable wheel stance
- basic FEL lift 2,275 pounds
- Category 1/2 (dual) Three Point Hitch
- exceptional parts availability due to huge MX unit volume
L4701 naturally aspirated. MX turbocharged.
When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.
ADDITIONAL COMPS: L4701 vs MX
VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kubota+mx+vs+john+deere+4+series+
Last edited:
jeff9366
Super Star Member
- Joined
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- Tractor
- Kubota Tractor Loader L3560 HST+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3,700 pounds bare tractor, 5,400 pounds operating weight, 37 horsepower
Questions for you:
How many total acres? How many acres will you farm?
Is all your land flat?
What is your altitude?
The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Tractor weight is more important identifying compact tractor capability than tractor horsepower.
The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.
Bare tractor weight is a fundamental tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range.
I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise which cuts through specification clutter. I have a column for cost per pound.
Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is worse than depreciation on a tractor.
A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after eight years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.
How many total acres? How many acres will you farm?
Is all your land flat?
What is your altitude?
The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Tractor weight is more important identifying compact tractor capability than tractor horsepower.
The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.
Bare tractor weight is a fundamental tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range.
I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise which cuts through specification clutter. I have a column for cost per pound.
Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is worse than depreciation on a tractor.
A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after eight years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.
BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.
Last edited:
Wagtail
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- St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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- JD 4105 / JD Z355E (48" deck)
G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.
Regarding the JD, the 4044M with an H180 FEL (front end loader) + sufficient ballast on the 3PH (3 point hitch), at 43hp, would be quite able to handle a 5x6 to 6x6 round of hay.
My 4105 (41hp with a 300CX FEL) has never had a problem handling rounds of hay, even in hilly conditions. Mind you, in hilly conditions I keep the load low, go slow and, if required, back down steep inclines... basically 'drive to the conditions'.
Enjoy the site.
Regarding the JD, the 4044M with an H180 FEL (front end loader) + sufficient ballast on the 3PH (3 point hitch), at 43hp, would be quite able to handle a 5x6 to 6x6 round of hay.
My 4105 (41hp with a 300CX FEL) has never had a problem handling rounds of hay, even in hilly conditions. Mind you, in hilly conditions I keep the load low, go slow and, if required, back down steep inclines... basically 'drive to the conditions'.
Enjoy the site.
MoKelly
Super Member
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- 5,869
- Tractor
- Bobcat CT235, Bad Boy z-turn, Suzuki Vinson 500 and F-150
Welcome from Missouri.
MoKelly
MoKelly
Bullwinkle123
Platinum Member
Speaking for myself, I also consider the 4701 and went with the MX5400, and I'm very happy with my decision. Worth considering and sharing your plans for possible loader work, grapples, brush hogging, etc. How will you cut the hay, how will you move it?
Bullwinkle123
Platinum Member
I reported the hack truth post, suspcious (guy has two posts), and his post has nothing to do with the topic.
I’ll be farming 50 acres all together, the land is slightly hilly. Nothing too steep. The heaviest thing I intend on hauling is a bale of hay. After talking with a dealer I think I’m leaning toward the John Deere. The 4044, 4052 are within 2k on the price. I’m thinking bigger would be better for the price difference between the 2. Thanks guys for all the input.
