I want something the next size up from my L series. But don't know what to look for?

Piston · Feb 4, 2012

The last thing I need right now is a new tractor with cab.

However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't look around a bit for when I'm ready to upgrade.

I currently have an L series Kubota which I'm very happy with, but could use some more FEL lift capacity, 3pt hitch lift capacity, and overall 'beefier' tractor. I want a heated cab so I can buy a snowblower :laughing:

I don't use my tractor for any type of lawn mowing or anything like that, mostly it's a lot to do with logs, logging, milling, and overall heavy woods work but not heavy enough that I need a monster piece of equipment or something.

My next tractor will have a cab, and that is a requirement for me

I'm looking for comparable sizes to the 'next step up' to what I have now. In other words, I know I need more FEL lift capacity and to get that, I need to step up a bit to the next frame size.

From driving around the different dealerships, I've come to the conclusion that something around the JD 5000 series and Kubota M series is about the size I'd be happy with.

What are the other comparable tractor sizes/capabilities from the other manufacturers? I want to do some searching around but I'm not sure which ones to look for.

Ideally, my bias is towars FEL lift capacity and more weight, as well as wider stance. I really like the Kioti RX6010 but haven't seen one in person. Seems like it would fit the bill nicely.

What are the models that NH, Mahindra, Massy, and any others have in that lineup.

I'm looking for something used, probably within 5 yrs old roughly (of course not for the RX6010 since it's new) and I'm looking to spend around 30k. I've never looked at those frame sizes before, so this is all new to me.

For reference, the L5740 and JD 4720 were always my dream tractors, but now I think they're too small, size wise not hp wise. I'd love to have a 2,500+ FEL lift capacity if possible. For anything bigger, I can use the 410 backhoe.

Any recommendations from you fellow tractor nuts?

I am in no way brand loyal and prefer to try out something new. My ONLY regret will be giving up HST since the larger tractors don't seem to have that. I primarily always have my grapple on, rarely use the bucket anymore.

Martian · Feb 4, 2012

You want an M series JD (or comparable)

They are true workhorses. I have a 2000 JD 5410 and has operated like a dream since new. A new comparable would be the 5085M.

We have one member (AKfish) who just got a 5075M and we have IslandFarmer and PClausen who have 5085M's on the way. All of them have cabs.

I really wish I could justify the upgrade from my current tractor, but I just can't do it. The new M series are really nice machines. Very big cab and tons of power.

Of course all of this comes at a nice price tag...

TripleR · Feb 4, 2012

Pretty much what Martian said. We love our M8540 HDC, but would have loved a John Deere just as well, just don't have a good dealer handy; long story.

I am pretty sure Kubota is coming out with an updated M Series soon with a larger cab etc.

I am not that familiar with the other makes, but would recommend looking at and driving some as they are all pretty darned nice.

art · Feb 4, 2012

I've always been reluctant to recommend a good cab for the woods from what I've seen through the years from damage by limbs either falling or still attaached to the tree.
There are good steel cabs without air available at a lower cost then factory cabs but they can be warm in the summer. On many the doors are easily removeable to increase the ventalation. The after-market cabs oftern do not offer the visibilty of a factory cab but the same holds true for some factory cabs any way.
We have had good luck with the small M-series in the woods and they can get you to the 2500lb. load that you want to carry.

bigbull338 · Feb 4, 2012

the step up tractor for you would be a M6040HDC or 7040hdc or 8540hdc with a cab an loader.

bp fick · Feb 4, 2012

How about it?

Piston · Feb 5, 2012

bp fick said:
How about it?

That should do it :laughing:

I really wish I stepped up a size when I bought my original tractor!

You guys hit the nail on the head with the JD 5065M and Kubota M6040. I don't need anymore PTO hp than those provide at around 50PTOhp. I want a minimum of 45 so I can run a heavy duty Bush Hog mower that is rated for 45hp minimum.

I certainly don't need any more than 50 or so pto hp (replace the word NEED with WANT because I don't really NEED any of this:laughing

However, I do need more lift capacity and really want a cab, so the two tractors mentioned so far would suit me absolutely perfectly. Those are my new dream tractors from here on out

The FEL lift capacity looks very comperable for the two tractors.
The kubota has the LA1153 but is the JD the 563 loader?

I found this on Tractorhouse which would be about perfect for me.
2009 KUBOTA M6040HDC 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

On tractordata, they list the JD rear lift 24" behind lift point at 3,600lbs, but then it says 'optional 4,500lbs' What does that mean, and what option gives you that much more lift capacity?

Could someone explain hydraulic shuttle shift vs. JD power reverser vs. standard manual shift? I have HST now and LOVE it, and will really miss that.

Would I be stupid to have a tractor this big when I don't use it commercially and only use it on my 30 acres of land? I know it seems excessive but I feel like I'm really pushing the limits of my current tractor when I'm using it.

Gary Fowler · Feb 5, 2012

Lots of difference between need and want. When I bought my LS P 7010 cab tractor, I was looking at 50 HP tractors with a cab that would suit my wants. I already had a Yanmar 4220D that fit my needs but I wanted a cab and wife agreed. I was looking to spend about $36,000 based on pricing for a MF 1652 with cab and QPS transmission that I had priced. When I found the LS tractors at a Mahindra dealer, I was sold on the quality, standard features that were not even options on some of the other brands and of course the pricing. I got the 70HP 7010 for what I was priced a 1648 MF for. The MF dealer actually priced the 1652 a few dollars less than the 1648 due to shipping cost. I really didnt need a 70HP tractor but I though why not, it cost no more. I have to admit that I still use my small Yanmar as the big tractor doesnt fit in some tight spots. I had to trim the trees up really high to keep the branches off the cab which is a bit over 10 high but I love the power and the capacity of the FEL bucket is great for moving dirt and gravel long distances. NOW I would like to get rid of my 45HP Yanmar and get something really small in the 20Hp range for the little small chores.

Piston · Feb 5, 2012

Gary,
That sounds like what I would like to do in the future, get a bigger tractor for the heavy work and a small tractor for yard work, like mowing and gardening.

I'll take a look at the Mahindra lineup as well to see what compares to the two I've already mentioned.

Any other models (any brand) that are comparable to the already mentioned sizes?

I've been reading a lot of posts on the 5065M and I have to say that I'm falling in love. :laughing:

Also wanted to add that when I bought my Kubota, I bought it full well knowing that I would eventually trade up for something bigger. The next tractor I buy I don't want to have that same feeling, I want to buy it for the long haul.

Reg · Feb 5, 2012

Piston said:
The last thing I need right now is a new tractor with cab.

However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't look around a bit for when I'm ready to upgrade.

I currently have an L series Kubota which I'm very happy with, but could use some more FEL lift capacity, 3pt hitch lift capacity, and overall 'beefier' tractor. I want a heated cab so I can buy a snowblower :laughing:

I don't use my tractor for any type of lawn mowing or anything like that, mostly it's a lot to do with logs, logging, milling, and overall heavy woods work but not heavy enough that I need a monster piece of equipment or something.

My next tractor will have a cab, and that is a requirement for me

I'm looking for comparable sizes to the 'next step up' to what I have now. In other words, I know I need more FEL lift capacity and to get that, I need to step up a bit to the next frame size.

From driving around the different dealerships, I've come to the conclusion that something around the JD 5000 series and Kubota M series is about the size I'd be happy with.

What are the other comparable tractor sizes/capabilities from the other manufacturers? I want to do some searching around but I'm not sure which ones to look for.

Ideally, my bias is towars FEL lift capacity and more weight, as well as wider stance. I really like the Kioti RX6010 but haven't seen one in person. Seems like it would fit the bill nicely.

What are the models that NH, Mahindra, Massy, and any others have in that lineup.

I'm looking for something used, probably within 5 yrs old roughly (of course not for the RX6010 since it's new) and I'm looking to spend around 30k. I've never looked at those frame sizes before, so this is all new to me.

For reference, the L5740 and JD 4720 were always my dream tractors, but now I think they're too small, size wise not hp wise. I'd love to have a 2,500+ FEL lift capacity if possible. For anything bigger, I can use the 410 backhoe.

Any recommendations from you fellow tractor nuts?

I am in no way brand loyal and prefer to try out something new. My ONLY regret will be giving up HST since the larger tractors don't seem to have that. I primarily always have my grapple on, rarely use the bucket anymore.

Sounds like you just want/need to get away from lightly built tractors ?
K_word tractors are known to be lightly built, not that WEIGHT per se is GOOD, but if you bounce around in the woods something with heftier axle and transmission castings would be a good idea anyway.
As I recall Ks are about 10 to 15% lighter than most others of same/similar size and engine displacement.
It may be part of the reason that the FELs don't have much capacity, i.e. the frames probably couldn't take any more.