I am looking into buying a Bigger Machine

[belah]

Go to the M Series if you what some serious durability and power!!!:thumbsup:

 

[Grandad4]

Go to the M Series if you what some serious durability and power!!!:thumbsup:

Well, let's see... An M9540 for should almost handle his 2 acres, but maybe he should go for an M125, with implements to match, just to play it safe.

 

[Ken45101]

Well, let's see... An M9540 for should almost handle his 2 acres, but maybe he should go for an M125, with implements to match, just to play it safe.

I do have a M9540 and a 15' batwing Bush Hog. One heck of a mowing machine! But it would not be fun in less than 4-5 acres.

It does have a lot of torque! I have to carefully let out the clutch or it wants to do wheelies, even with 600# of front weights on it.

Ken
B21 TLB, B2710, M5040, M9540

 

[belah]

Well, let's see... An M9540 for should almost handle his 2 acres, but maybe he should go for an M125, with implements to match, just to play it safe.

I'm sorry!! I thought he was really farming and working his tractor. I didn't read ALL the posts. I didn't know he had only 2 acres. How about an MX4700 (48hp). Is this too big?? It will surely hande those stumps and anything else you can throw at it with power to spare for the FEL and BH. Sorry again, no harm intended!!

 

[lzicc]

I just got back from the Kubota Dealer and checked out the L3700SU. It seemed like a nice machine, but it looked like a stripped down version of the B series or other L series. Most of the levers were built in next to the seat unlike the B series which they were built in the fender. It also didn't feel ergonomically designed. I'm on the fence with this one. When I was talking to the sales person, he seemed very knowledgeable, He said that the B series rear end is made from cast aluminum where the L series was cast iron which is a good difference in weight. We went over so many different things. He had a L3940 Grand on the floor and that was a nice machine. Too big for what I need it for, but it was nice. He said that they may sell it a decent discount since it's been on the show room floor for awhile, but that is getting too big for my needs.

 

[Ken45101]

There is never such a thing as "too big of a tractor", just "not enough land" :laughing:

Ken

 

[TripleR]

I just got back from the Kubota Dealer and checked out the L3700SU. It seemed like a nice machine, but it looked like a stripped down version of the B series or other L series. Most of the levers were built in next to the seat unlike the B series which they were built in the fender. It also didn't feel ergonomically designed. I'm on the fence with this one. When I was talking to the sales person, he seemed very knowledgeable, He said that the B series rear end is made from cast aluminum where the L series was cast iron which is a good difference in weight. We went over so many different things. He had a L3940 Grand on the floor and that was a nice machine. Too big for what I need it for, but it was nice. He said that they may sell it a decent discount since it's been on the show room floor for awhile, but that is getting too big for my needs.

When I bought my next to last tractor, I started looking at the Lxx00 Series and found the same thing, so I went with the Grand L. The 3940 is uite a bit bigger than the L3700, but the L3240/L3540 isn't so much.

The B2630/B3030 are also a nicely equipped machines if the L Series is too large. I have always wanted one, but just can't justify one.

 

[lzicc]

I like the way the B series is equipped and am starting to lean towards those now, but the only thing is you can only go up to a LA463 which only has the lift capacity of 885 lbs. That just doesn't seem like very much lifting power to me. I would like to stick with at least 1000 lbs lift capacity.

The saleman called me back on the L3940. He was at $33,200 with the FEL and the BH77. That is plus tax (6%) and free delivery. Very tempting, but that is getting out of my comfort zone in price and the tractor is too big for what I need to do with it. It had allot of features that I liked. Then I came back down to reality when I got back to work. I felt like a kid in a candy store at the dealer.

I am going to see another dealer tomorrow that has more models on his showroom for me to look at. The L3800 seemed to be designed better than the L3700, but I just saw the L3800 in pictures, so I need to see one in person.

 

[TripleR]

I saw an L3800 at a dealer a couple of weeks ago and it looked really nice, but I also thought the L3700 did too; they are just not in the same class as the Grand L Series.

In the B Series, my preference would be the Bxx30 Series as they are equipped nicer and have the position control 3-point. I hate using anything else, but have no choice on my BX2660 or JD2305.

 

[Harvest Moon]

I would like to stick with at least 1000 lbs lift capacity.

B26 loader lift capacity at

"bucket bottom mid point: 1102 lbs."
"pivot pin: 1300 lbs."

B26 backhoe digging force

"using bucket cylinder (approx.) 4211 lbs."
"using dipperstick cylinder (approx.) 2121 lbs."

I'm a huge B26 fan but I'm sticking with my L3400 because I prefer a removable loader. Ironically, my B26 curved back bucket is the perfect complement to my LA463 loader.

The B26 is definitely work considering if it fits the budge.

 

[Ken45101]

It's probably a minor issue, but I think the FEL lifting capacity is without a bucket. Net lifting is probably a couple of hundred pounds less.

Ken

 

[Harvest Moon]

It could be apples to oranges but Kubota the B26 specifications list it as "bucket bottom mid point: 1102 lbs."

The specs for the LA463 list "Bucket Center: 1014 lbs"

When I bought my B26 bucket the dealer told me the bucket would hold up fine on the LA463 because the B26 "has a higher lift capacity."

 

[Grandad4]

I'm sorry!! I thought he was really farming and working his tractor. I didn't read ALL the posts. I didn't know he had only 2 acres. How about an MX4700 (48hp). Is this too big?? It will surely hande those stumps and anything else you can throw at it with power to spare for the FEL and BH. Sorry again, no harm intended!!

Not to worry. I hope you don't take things too seriously, because I couldn't resist a little kidding. Welcome to TBN, by the way. I've always liked the MX series as solid, no frills working tractors in the 40-50 hp range. I'm thinking they are still a bit big for the original poster though.

 

[dstig1]

If you really need the lift capacity you may want to think about a skid steer for that. One area where they shine. Or maybe even some sort of forklift (used they aren't always so bad). I think an L is probably way too big for your tractor needs, so it really sounds like youneed 2 machines, or need to decide if you really need 2 macines.

 

[Ken45101]

I doubt the OP wants a skid steer. However, you are right, their lift capacity is higher than a tractor FEL. In today's economy there are a lot of lightly used skid steers available at reasonable prices.

Ken

 

[radioman]

1* I agree : No way would i ever consider getting rid of the BX.

yes you would if you suddenly need cash and got larger projects/land. Its all about timing. granted, you might keep at least one of your BX's :thumbsup:

 

[Jon Chanoski]

I'm from the Pittsburgh Pa area. I have a 2 dealers nearby, Smardt Equipment and Artman Equipment.


I have 2 acres of property right now. Down the road I may be buying another house to fix up and sell.

On my current property now, I have 2 houses, one I remodeled and the one will be tearing down, so the FEL will be used allot dumping the wreckage into dumpsters.

I was going to go up to a B series, but I would rather get something now that is more than big enough for what I need rather than having to by the B series, then sell it to buy a L series. This is an long term investment for me, so I want to make sure I buy something that I will not outgrow. I don't plan on selling this one in the near future. The BX22 I grew out of it fairly fast for the projects that I am doing. It did give me a good idea of what I need though. The BX22 paid for itself many times overs with the work that I did with it.

I live in the Harrison City area about 12 miles from Artman equipment. I started with a used Kubota garden tractor that I bought from where I work and quickly out grew that. I traded it to Bob Artman for a B7610 with loader mower and bagger to expand my after work mowing jobs. Bob gave me a real good deal on the trade in and new tractor with exelant service after the sale. The B7610 set up worked great for 5 years until my side jobs started going another direction more to the field mowing garden rototilling and small excavating side of things. Not only that but it was getting old getting stuck and almost tipping over trying to clean out the cow pen in the mud and snow. So I traded the B7610 in for a L3400 La463 front loader 8ft Bradco 408 backhoe and a five foot bushhog finish mower. Bob took care of me again with a great deal. That tractor loader backhoe setup is an excelant combo!!! The 408 Bradco is a little more expensive but if you can aford it it is money well spent. It is 3 times the hoe that Kubota offers. Bob also sold me a new Hudson 4 1/2 ton deckover trailer to haul my new tractor on. Artmans is an over the top dealer and provided me with lots of good advice and equipment over the years. If you would like to see what I have you are wecome to look at it just give me a buzz. If you see Bob tell him Jon Chanoski says hi.

 

[lzicc]

I went up to Artman this Saturday. Cold to be looking at tractors outside, but I got some kind of idea. I talked with Bob Jr. He is a good guy. He gave me a price on the L3700 with a FEL and BH. He was about $700 more than Smardt which surprised me.

I looked at so many tractors that my head was spinning. There is so much to consider, but there is also price to consider.

Jon, I appreciate the offer and will let you know. The L3700 seems to be pretty much the same as the L3400 other than engine size of what I am reading.

I looked at the B3300 and it didn't seem to be as heavy duty as the L3700, but the price was a little more and the FEL lift was about 200lbs less so I wonder why the price is higher for the B3300. That is what I don't understand. The weight of the L3700 was about 1400lbs heavier which is a plus for me. The B3300 seemed like it wasn't like a stripped down model where the L3700 seems like it is. Maybe it is just me. I also noticed 2 things about the BH, the outriggers didn't seem like it had a wide enough stance mounted on the L3700 and the seat room for the BH seemed a little cramped.

Decisions, decisions. Kubota makes way too models to choose from. Don't know if that is good or bad, but right now, it is bad for me making a decision.

I have a couple of questions.

1. What is the difference between the L3700 and the L3800
2. Why would the B3300 be higher in price than the L3700?
3. The BH I tried on the L3700 at the dealer may have been a BH76 and the one on the quote is a BH77. Other than the boom being curved on the BH77, is there any other difference? Is there more leg room on the BH77 versus the BH76?

BTW, thanks for the input from everyone. It is very helpful to me and I appreciate it. This is a big deal for me spending this kind of money and want to make sure I buy the right machine for me.

 

[gwdixon]

You are getting much closer to making an informed decision. The questions being asked are more refined and specific.

With your dedication it will all turn out just fine. Just don't be in a hurry.

 

[Jon Chanoski]

I went up to Artman this Saturday. Cold to be looking at tractors outside, but I got some kind of idea. I talked with Bob Jr. He is a good guy. He gave me a price on the L3700 with a FEL and BH. He was about $700 more than Smardt which surprised me.

I looked at so many tractors that my head was spinning. There is so much to consider, but there is also price to consider.

Jon, I appreciate the offer and will let you know. The L3700 seems to be pretty much the same as the L3400 other than engine size of what I am reading.

I looked at the B3300 and it didn't seem to be as heavy duty as the L3700, but the price was a little more and the FEL lift was about 200lbs less so I wonder why the price is higher for the B3300. That is what I don't understand. The weight of the L3700 was about 1400lbs heavier which is a plus for me. The B3300 seemed like it wasn't like a stripped down model where the L3700 seems like it is. Maybe it is just me. I also noticed 2 things about the BH, the outriggers didn't seem like it had a wide enough stance mounted on the L3700 and the seat room for the BH seemed a little cramped.

Decisions, decisions. Kubota makes way too models to choose from. Don't know if that is good or bad, but right now, it is bad for me making a decision.

I have a couple of questions.

1. What is the difference between the L3700 and the L3800
2. Why would the B3300 be higher in price than the L3700?
3. The BH I tried on the L3700 at the dealer may have been a BH76 and the one on the quote is a BH77. Other than the boom being curved on the BH77, is there any other difference? Is there more leg room on the BH77 versus the BH76?

BTW, thanks for the input from everyone. It is very helpful to me and I appreciate it. This is a big deal for me spending this kind of money and want to make sure I buy the right machine for me.

The L3700 is hydrostatic only so the power is equal to the L3400 gear drive that I have. The L3400 hydro is about 3hp less. The hydro will eat up 3 to 5 hp on all of the tractors you are looking at and the gear models are also less expensive. I really like having the gear model it is stronger and almost as fast in my opinion. Also the ag tires are the cheapest tire option and offer the best traction. Weight is your friend for the kind of work you talk about so I would say the L3400 L4400 L3700 L3800 are you best bet. Trust me you will not miss the extras on the grand L series when you get it home and start working it. The extra money is better spent on getting the bradco 408 over the Kubota bh76.