Grand L 5460 vs MX5400

[4tillingdirt]

The MX5400 has larger front tires, but it weighs about 200 lbs less than the Grand L ROPS with HST. The MX has a rubber mat now and I believe a nicer seat than before. I like the larger front tires on the MX and I know the MX costs quite a bit less than the Grand L, but I believe the Grand L has a little more lift capacity than the MX. Why would you choose one over the other?

Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

The MX5400 predecessors have been economy tractors. Fuel fill is from the top.

The Grand Ls are deluxe model tractors with a wide array of optional features standard, plus the incomparable HST/PLUS transmission. Fuel fill from ground level on the side. Grand Ls are taller than MX tractors and will not fit under a garage door header 84" high, even with ROPS folded. There are multiple wheel/tire options.

Grand L model tractors are tractor nirvana. If finances permit, go for the Grand L.

MORE: Kubota Grand L features site;tractorbynet.com - Google Search

VIDEOS: Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube

Kubota HST Plus Transmission Features - YouTube

 

[jjp8182]

Personally I think I'd go with the L5460 for a primary/only tractor given how little difference there is in advertised performance/specs there seem to be between the two.

On the other hand I'd probably get the MX5400 if it was going to be used as a secondary tractor given it's cheaper (or the geared transmission & factory 7 pin trailer connection were needed).

Just for consideration depending on what is being done that extra 200lbs of weight may come in handy (plus whatever wheel weight/liquid ballast can be added); as currently configured my L3560 may actually weigh as much as an MX5400 and (unless I'm doing something boneheaded) it's usually traction limited rather than power limited (especially when working in low range) when pulling or digging.

This might just be me, but I've found many of the "luxury" features on the Grand L series helpful in being more productive. For example: the HST+ transmission has been really handy to change speed/power capabilities on the fly without having to change the overall range. Likewise the stall-guard has been handy a few times while mowing in a pasture and I've ended up in grass that was thicker/wetter than I expected.

Of course, that being just my opinion on the value of the "luxury" features it might also be worth checking resale potential of each in your area (especially if there's a possibility of needing to sell it later) as that seems to vary by region/product level.

 

[Grateful11]

Our son owned a MX5100 for a while and sold it. Nothing wrong with it it just a business decision at the time. I can tell you that the MX series feels lighter in the rear than the Grand L series. The MX does have larger front tires and that's nice. The MX is a real workhorse with not a lot of bells and whistles. The Grand L is a much more comfortable tractor. It's also a lot quieter. Unless they've changed something when running in high range in 4wd the MX series has a terrible amount whine, in 2wd you can barely hear it. The one thing the Grand L's have on I think everyone else is the 2 speed ranges in each of the 3 ranges, it's very useful.

 

[4tillingdirt]

I just can't get over the $$ Kubota charges for any of their tractors and they have their share of problems like the cheaper ones.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota has 50% of the USA compact tractor market.
All other compact tractor brands compete for the remaining 50% of USA compact tractor market.
There are 25 brand specific tractor forums on T-B-N. Less Kubota, 24 brands compete against Kubota.
Many brands have passionate supporters on this site with <1% tractor market share.
All but John Deere cheaper than Kubota.

Repeat customers are the soul of every successful business. Kubota has them.

 

[buck12]

Operate both and decide which fits your needs. I will add that one feature I use every time I use my tractor is the hi/low within each range. I didn’t realize how handy this feature would be before buying as I had only had a geared tractor previously.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I tried all of the bells and whistles model grand L's and I'm really glad I went with an mx5200. The throttle thing has been a non issue. If I need more throttle, I just push the throttle lever. I'm very happy to have a bare bones macho utility tractor. I do wish the front wheels were even bigger than they are though. That is the one thing that I'd change about it.

As far as price, I just wasn't seeing a reason to get a knock off tractor, (just kidding), the price difference was minimal. 1-2k at most. I'd rather have the better resale than save a little at purchase time.

Another thing, all this talk about ag vs industrial tires might mislead a noob when looking for a tractor. I'm really glad I thought long and hard about tire choice. Ag tires are the only way to go if you'll be using a tractor on dirt in all conditions and hilly terrain.

YMMV

 

[4tillingdirt]

You want a bigger tire than the 12.5? I really like the stance of the MX series. I know LS puts the 12.5 on the majority of their XR series but I have read quite a bit of bad stuff about LS.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

You want a bigger tire than the 12.5? I really like the stance of the MX series. I know LS puts the 12.5 on the majority of their XR series but I have read quite a bit of bad stuff about LS.

7.5-15 is what mine has.

Yeah. Every time I have a big load on the bucket and see the tire squeeze down and roll it makes me want bigger fronts. I like the size of the tires and wheels on the 5660su, but that tractor doesn't come with a hst.



They seem small.