Do I want to buy too much tractor?

TractorsAreGood · Aug 11, 2003

Hello,

I'm not sure which Kubota is the best fit for me. I will be using the tractor to run a Valby chipper, mowing about 2+ acres and general maintenance on my 11 acres. I'm doing alot of land restoring such as clearing brush, spreading loam etc. I also will making a couple of new lawns a year, so I will need to spread and groom loam.

I have tried many tractor makes over the last month and really liked the Kubota Grand the best. The smoothness of the 5030 GST is very impressive, but I'm not sure if this is too much tractor (if there is such a thing) for my needs.

What do you think? Smaller tractor?

Also, what can one expect to pay for a 5030 GST with the heavy duty loader with quick disconnect bucket? I'm located in New England and was quoted $26.5K. Too much?

Thanks for your help. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

rbargeron · Aug 11, 2003

I am one of the people here who always says there is no such thing as too much tractor. But that happens to be true only because of the scale of projects I have wanted to do. My tractor is just a little bigger than the 5030 and it seems right for what I want to do with it.

That said, each person comes to his own sense of scale and finesse about the jobs to be done. There are many tractor models, slightly different in size and power, to accomodate the many individuals who will use them as extensions of their own hands in working the earth.

When you stand next to a 5030 and drive it and use it's loader, if it feels like an appropriate tool for the jobs you imagine doing, it's the right size. If it seems a little too big, spend a little time on a 3830. Then trust your gut.

My 2 cents. Take care, Dick B

SageBrush · Aug 11, 2003

Yes, sounds that way... Welcome to the forum. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

A GST, man you should try the HST /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sounds big for 11 acres. I have the L4340 for a 12 + acre work area, where I grow crops... 88 total. Its a little small for field work, but I use it to mow around the house too. Somtimes I wish I had a L5030 with the cab for plowing. In a couple years I'll need a big cab tractor for field work when I clear more land thats full of timber right now. I'll probably get an old one for the big chores.

If the size will work for you, thats a nice package. But it will cost $$$ for that extra hp. I would guess the list price would be right around 26K with the loader and a remote. I got 20% off the tractor, plus a little off a bush hog.

frank_f15 · Aug 12, 2003

might be just a tad to big, but u know u needs best! there is such a thing as to big for any application, u will need to decide. welcome aboard.

mytoys · Aug 12, 2003

Hi,

I'm looking at the 5030 as well. Here's what I was quoted recently in RI for the 5030:

5030 HST : 21600
LA853: 5100
Total: 26700

I'd say you got a price in the ballpark. This quote was with no haggling. Also there where a few things the dealer included like a bolt-on cutting edge and some other stuff.

Hope this helps.

As far as size...I'm definately no expert as i'm shopping too but, what i've learned here is that the size can be a minus if you plan a lot of finish mowing. The weight and size can do a number on a groomed lawn.

John

Secretec · Aug 12, 2003

Perhaps, you should consider a bit smaller unit for the land reclaim project and a riding mower for the yard mowing and places where a light footprint is needed. A B2910 with loader and nice riding tractor could be had for those $$$. My L3130 and a JD 325 work really well for my situation. Just my thoughts. Get what your comfortable with. I can tell you that 5030 will be heavy on a damp yard, especially with loaded tires. Good luck.

BWS · Aug 12, 2003

think trailering.very important.bws

5030 · Aug 12, 2003

TractorsareGood:

I think that site name should be: KubotatractorsareGood!!

Anyway, I have a 5030HSTC. If you go to my profile and view my posts you can learn a great deal about what I do with the tractor and some of the problems I have had.
My last tractor was a Kubota L-3710. It didn't have quite enough suds for what I do, besides it didn't have a cab!! I (we) grow hay commercially on about 100 acres. The 5030 harvests all that hay with the exception of the kicker baler which goes on our Deere.
If you plan on tillage work, don't get a 5030. I am not saying it can't plow or cultivate, it's just that there are better suited Kubota's available. 40chicks has an M series, which is the ag series. He's pretty happy with his. The 5030 is really a crossover tractor between the L and M series. I'd have probably bought an M series, but the overall height of the cab precluded me from parking the tractor in my heated shop and I like to keep the 'Kubby warm in the winter.
I have:
5030HSTC
LA853 Loader with quick attach
Heavy duty round back bucket
R-4's (not loaded) I don't believe in loading tires on MFWD tractors
2 sets of remotes
I also got the am/fm cd weather radio, rear wiper, extra worklights (front and rear) rear defroster grid and extra tint on the glass (which I am glad I did)
I paid $32,130 for mine. I didn't haggle at all. I've dealt with my dealer for about 20 years and if I need something, he's there. I told him what I wanted, he got it and I kept it for a month before I even signed the papers! I probably paid too much, but you can't put a price on fun!!

I have the HST. The HST is ideal for haying as you can control the ground speed with getting a cramp in your left leg.
Our other tractors are all power or glide shift. The hydro is much easier to handle when haying.

If you do get a 5030 or another GrandL with an 853 loader, from my own wisdom and opinion, don't get a material bucket. Get the HD bucket. The 853 will destroy the light weight bucket if you try to dig with it. The material bucket is just that, for moving grain, gravel, sand, etc. It's not for excavation. If you put it in the ground, you will bend it.

5030 · Aug 12, 2003

TractorsareGood:

I also wanted to say, Welcome to TBYNet. You will find a lot of diverse opinions here along with a lot of good sound knowledge and practical applications for your anticipated purchase.

TractorsAreGood · Aug 13, 2003

Thanks for the all the advice. I'm going to take a look at the 3830, but I really like the 4cyl. My 58 Ford has a 4 cyl. diesel and my Oliver 1650 has a 6cyl diesel, so I'm a little worried about stepping down to a 3cyl. But I will take a look.

Kerry