Buying Advice Grand L versus M

[canoetrpr]

The dealers will know this information ...

But I believe when I bought a tractor a few months back that to qualify for the tax savings the tractor must be over 60 hp

Specifically, to qualify as 'zero rated' equipment it must be 60 hp at the PTO. Here is link to the appropriate CRA document that specifies the details.

 

[canoetrpr]

Something that I think has been missed here is the self leveling feature on the M loaders plus the cushioned ride option. The self leveling feature is an absolute joy for loader work and a safety feature if loading round bales. It would be enough to make me trade my GL if size was not a factor.

I guess not having had one before I didn't get the self leveling feature. I think it would be neat though. My understanding is that on the M25 loader the self leveling feature is mechanical rather than hydraulically operated.

 

[dougrout]

Wow - some great information in these latest posts! I guess that to qualify for no tax I would have to get the M7040 which has 64 hp at the pto. Thanks for the analysis of getting used to hydraulic shuttle vs HST. I do love the HST on my JD 3320 but suspect I could get used to the shuttle.

Which JD tractor is comparable to the M7040?

 

[Martian]

Wow - some great information in these latest posts! I guess that to qualify for no tax I would have to get the M7040 which has 64 hp at the pto. Thanks for the analysis of getting used to hydraulic shuttle vs HST. I do love the HST on my JD 3320 but suspect I could get used to the shuttle.

Which JD tractor is comparable to the M7040?

It would be like a 5075M, 5083E. What are you planning to do with that much tractor? I know a tax discount is great but holy !#@& that's a lot of tractor! I would be concerned that is too much tractor. An upgrade from a 3320 to something like this is like one of those Smart cars to a Mack or Peterbilt truck. I don't think you need this much tractor but I guess if size isn't an issue than the more tractor the better!

 

[canoetrpr]

Wow - some great information in these latest posts! I guess that to qualify for no tax I would have to get the M7040 which has 64 hp at the pto. Thanks for the analysis of getting used to hydraulic shuttle vs HST. I do love the HST on my JD 3320 but suspect I could get used to the shuttle.

Which JD tractor is comparable to the M7040?

I suspect it is the JD 5075E. The 5085E Limited Utility is the lowest end cab model. I also never got the same level of comfort form the JD dealers around here so YMMV depending on your local dealer. If you price out these I'd like to know how they compare to the Kubota M7040

JD sure does a heck of a job with ergonomics on their tractors.

I checked out the NH 6040 in detail but I was quite happy with Kubota and the dealer.

 

[kuboman]

Why would the site and the decals on the tractors list the M4700 HST as such and the MX5100 as such then? I looked at an M4700 HST when I was shopping and bought the MX5100 HST. They have the same engine only the MX5100 is turbocharged. The MX5100 also has some standard features that the M4700 does not.

I have no idea. The only way I have seen them in these parts are as MX 4700

 

[canoetrpr]

It would be like a 5075M, 5083E. What are you planning to do with that much tractor? I know a tax discount is great but holy !#@& that's a lot of tractor! I would be concerned that is too much tractor. An upgrade from a 3320 to something like this is like one of those Smart cars to a Mack or Peterbilt truck. I don't think you need this much tractor but I guess if size isn't an issue than the more tractor the better!

I went from a similar size tractor to what he has now (Kubota L3400) to a M7040. The M seemed massive initially but I'm quite pleased with the purchase. I find the turning radius etc to be quite good.

Given the lack of price difference between the GL and the M - once you consider the taxes I can only see a couple good reasons for sticking with a GL:

1. You absolutely must have less size to get into a building, work area or to haul
2. You simply cannot do without the precise control a HST transmission offers - and for precise loader work, I don't think you can beat an HST.

As a farm tractor, I think the M wins in my book.

The question you ask is critical though. What is the application?

 

[Martian]

I have no idea. The only way I have seen them in these parts are as MX 4700

I think we can all agree that tractor manufacturers need to simplify their systems for their tractors. I like the 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx for John Deere CUTs but then I get lost. Kubota, with the BX, B, M, MX. Then all the subforms of each. Then you know what your getting with each model each ___ model comes with HST standard and ___ comes with gear.

That's just me complaining though.:laughing:

 

[Martian]

I went from a similar size tractor to what he has now (Kubota L3400) to a M7040. The M seemed massive initially but I'm quite pleased with the purchase. I find the turning radius etc to be quite good.

Given the lack of price difference between the GL and the M - once you consider the taxes I can only see a couple good reasons for sticking with a GL:

1. You absolutely must have less size to get into a building, work area or to haul
2. You simply cannot do without the precise control a HST transmission offers - and for precise loader work, I don't think you can beat an HST.

As a farm tractor, I think the M wins in my book.

The question you ask is critical though. What is the application?

Agree here, I drive both regularly, have a HST on my 3120 and a Power Reverser on my 5410. The HST offers more control over the machine but the Power Reverser offers more power in my opinion.

 

[dougrout]

The question of why I should upgrade is a good one. There are a couple of reasons. I do use the tractor for snow removal and I'm not happy getting covered with snow and frozen on my tractor all winter. For this reason I have been wanting to upgrade to a tractor with a cab. I will also be getting into ploughing, disking and seeding my fields as well as doing backhoe work around the property and I'm concerned that my 3320 might not be up to the task. It's already at the limit of its power for hauling logs out of the bush.

My JD dealer has a 3720 on the lot with cab, but I'm not sure it has enough power? And if I get a GL Kubota I have to pay the extra 13% HST here in Ontario. I really need to check the relative prices of the GL versus the M7040 (the smallest Kubota that would qualify for no tax).

I do agree that I am considering a tractor that is bigger than I need but the price might be right?