Tractor Sizing Help with a Kubota purchase

[varmint]

There are other L3800's for sale in Ohio, according to Tractorhouse, that might fit the bill for you, without adding the extra worry of a lien. And, other tractors, including Kubotas, that may be a fine fit. Patience can be your friend.

 

[FatTireFarm]

Alright, so I've talked with a few dealers, looked at some used equipment and have made progress weeding out several models. I've found a couple of good deals. I'm currently torn between a new L3901 HST with LA524 loader with Q/A bucket, BH 77 backhoe, and filled R4s OR a slightly used 2013 L4600DT with 30 hours (still has a year of power train warranty), LA764 loader with Q/A bucket, BH92 backhoe, and R4s. They are within $1000 dollars of each other. I thought the DT on the L4600 would be a deal breaker but it was easier to drive than I thought. Does anyone have any suggestions, things to think about to help me decide?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Alright, so I've talked with a few dealers, looked at some used equipment and have made progress weeding out several models. I've found a couple of good deals. I'm currently torn between a new L3901 HST with LA524 loader with Q/A bucket, BH 77 backhoe, and filled R4s OR a slightly used 2013 L4600DT with 30 hours (still has a year of power train warranty), LA764 loader with Q/A bucket, BH92 backhoe, and R4s. They are within $1000 dollars of each other. I thought the DT on the L4600 would be a deal breaker but it was easier to drive than I thought. Does anyone have any suggestions, things to think about to help me decide?

Personally, I'd go with the 2013 L4600DT. By the way, "DT" in Kubota parlance means Dual Traction (i.e., 4wd), not gear transmission. But from your post, I infer that the L4600 has a shuttle shift gear transmission.

If you can live with the gear tranny, the L4600 would be a heckuva tractor that would do anything you could want. It has more HP than the L3901, more lift on the loader, and the backhoe has more reach and more power than the BH77 on the L3901. And the big thing in my mind is the L4600 is an interim Tier 4, meaning no DPF or regeneration. For the uses you described in your first post, I'd buy the L4600 and never look back.

 

[FatTireFarm]

Thanks for the post! Sorry, I didn't realize DT meant "dual traction". You are correct though, the L4600 I drove today had the shuttle shift transmission. I was really surprised how easy it was to reverse directions. Having only driven an HST before today, I assumed a geared tractor worked like a car with a manual transmission (lots of gear shifting). I'm really drawn to the 4600 for the capability reasons you mention. But I'm finding many threads on the subject of transmissions that highly favor HST. My other concern with a geared tractor would be operating on hillsides or in tight quarters in the woods. How big a deal is that?

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Both my MX 5100 and L 3301 are gear drive shuttle shift. I personally don't like HST, not knocking it, just don't like it. I think I have more power and response with the gear drive, and living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains I can tell you they are great on hills and in the woods. If you like it, buy it.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for the post! Sorry, I didn't realize DT meant "dual traction". You are correct though, the L4600 I drove today had the shuttle shift transmission. I was really surprised how easy it was to reverse directions. Having only driven an HST before today, I assumed a geared tractor worked like a car with a manual transmission (lots of gear shifting). I'm really drawn to the 4600 for the capability reasons you mention. But I'm finding many threads on the subject of transmissions that highly favor HST. My other concern with a geared tractor would be operating on hillsides or in tight quarters in the woods. How big a deal is that?

It is not a huge deal.. You will adapt and become adept at using it with practice. Now don't get me wrong, I love Hydrostat, and will never own another gear tractor. I have owned 2 gear, and 3 hydrostatic. BUT millions of tractor owners get along fine with gear type tractors, and a shuttle is a step up from a straight gear tranny. GST is another step up. Will there be a few things you cannot do quite as well with a gear machine as a hydro can... yes there are a few. You just can't go as slow with a gear machine. But with skill you can compensate somewhat. A novice can jump on a hydro machine and do better.

Now all of that said.. That L4600, is more tractor.. will pull/push/lift more. Is this important? only you can say for sure, as it depends on what, and how often you do what you want to do. Is the smaller tractor with the HST going to be more nimble in the woods.. yes it will. Will the L4600 push out, lift bigger stumps and rocks.. yes it will.

These are hard choices, and I wish you the best of luck. I have a machine that is bigger and heavier more like the L4600, but with not quite the horsepower, but it has hydrostat, and many many more deluxe features than either one of the ones you are looking at. I paid $19,300 new in april 2012 for it. Kioti, Mahindra, and LS make nice machines too!

 

[FatTireFarm]

Well thanks everyone for all of the great advice! It seems that a little patience did pay off. I found a dealer within an hour of the farm that had an L4600 HST still on the lot. They're gonna build it up and I should have it in a couple of weeks or so. I'm very happy to have the larger tractor (compared to a B or smaller L) without the DPF. I'll post some pictures when I get it.

 

[ultrarunner]

Congratulations... have a L3800 HST and no complaints.

 

[k0ua]

Well thanks everyone for all of the great advice! It seems that a little patience did pay off. I found a dealer within an hour of the farm that had an L4600 HST still on the lot. They're gonna build it up and I should have it in a couple of weeks or so. I'm very happy to have the larger tractor (compared to a B or smaller L) without the DPF. I'll post some pictures when I get it.

Well, good deal. I am glad you are getting what you want and need. Post some pix, when you get it and some later, showing us how you use it.

 

[The Deerslayer]

Congrats! Great to see the research paid off for you. I suspect waiting for delivery will be a little rough on you.....hang in there. :irked:Looking forward to seeing the pics of the new arrival.