Grading Kubota L 5740 for grading tractor

dirtmonkey · Dec 20, 2011

I looking for a new light / medium grading tractor for my dozer service and just wanted to get some opinions. I've post on the bobcat section the same question. I'm new to this site but not equip. so don't hold back ! Will mostly use for light grading / small resid. house pads. So far Kioti and Bobcat are on top. I know Kubota quality and parts are good so any input on the tractor itself would be great ! Thank you

MtnViewRanch · Dec 20, 2011

Dirtmonkey, something for you to consider since you make a living with your equipment. You wouldn't want to get stuck without your tractor if something were to go wrong. So in my opinion you need to consider what a dealer can and will do for you if something were to go wrong with the tractor.

Just something else for you to consider.

dirtmonkey · Dec 20, 2011

Oh yes, dealer support is very important. It's just so nice to have the www to bounce ideas off of compared to yesteryear! I have enough equipment diversity to cover any breakdowns but as you know it never breaks when it's convenient . Most every dealer in the metro area knows me and my primary dealers take great care of me and my business , im just looking for feed back from others like yourself.

crazyal · Dec 20, 2011

When I was looking to buy a tractor I found a used (20 hour) 5240 with the top-n-tilt set up and a very heavy duty box blade with hydraulic scarifiers. The dealer said they were a pretty popular set up for some of the smaller road crews. The tractor had 3 remotes. I don't think you can go wrong with the Kubota and the Grand L series is the best you can get.

The Bobcat is actually a Kioti (not a bad thing) so if there's a Kioti dealer near you may want to look at them.

RDrancher · Dec 21, 2011

I purchased a New Holland a few years ago for basically the same uses that you're talking about. I might have purchased a Kubota if I had to do it all over again, even though I don't like the hydrostatic pedal arrangement. My local Kubota dealer has a few rental tractors to loan in case of a breakdown and has a ton of attachments on hand for rental which I use regularly.

I've run a friends 100+hp Kubotas (he has two) quite a bit for bailing hay and liked them a lot. He has had zero problems with his Kubotas and a ton of problems with his Case (a rebadged NH.) I know nothing about the Kioti / Bobcat line, other than I believe Kioti has more options.

bucktaker · Dec 21, 2011

I really like my L5740 even though I am having some issues with loader capabilities.

unless you need the PTO hp a lower hp grandL might get better fuel usuage. I am getting about 3.5 gph and not running at PTO speeds. Coming from a older gas tractor I thought the diesel would be better on fuel NOT!!

TripleR · Dec 21, 2011

I have never driven a Kioti/Bobcat, so I really can't recommend one over the other, only say that my experience with four Kubotas has been very positive and if I buy another it will in all likelihood be another Kubota.

Some prefer the steering brakes on the left as on the Kioti/Bobcat while others like them on the left.

Both companies make good tractors so one from either manufacturer will serve you well.

MtnViewRanch · Dec 21, 2011

bucktaker said:
I really like my L5740 even though I am having some issues with loader capabilities.

unless you need the PTO hp a lower hp grandL might get better fuel usuage. I am getting about 3.5 gph and not running at PTO speeds. Coming from a older gas tractor I thought the diesel would be better on fuel NOT!!

If your tractor is using 3.5GPH :shocked: and you are not even using the tractor to it's full potential, I think that you need to get something checked out. We have a lot of tractors from 32hp-85hp. Not one of them uses that kind of fuel. The 85hp pulling a 12' offset disk with the pans 8"-9" in the ground under full power does not use that much fuel. Actually less than 3GPH.

Verticaltrx · Dec 21, 2011

It really depends on exactly what you need it for, finish grading? seed bed prep? light excavating? Personally I would find a L5740 too big for a lot of finish work and seed bed prep, but may be ok for leveling small building pads.

I have a B3200 that I use for my construction company. I've found it an ideal size for clean up work, finish grading, seeding, working inside foundations and even some light excavating. For a lot of what I do the small size is very nice. However, we also have an M9540 which of course will move a lot more dirt, but isn't nearly as handy for finish work. In many cases too big is as much of a detriment as too small. All our Kubota products have been superb quality and have been good money makers.

Not sure if it be in your budget, but a B26 or L45 Kubota would be my choice for your situation, depending on what size unit you need.

DDT · Dec 22, 2011

dirtmonkey:
I also do lawn seeding / leveling / snow removal plus many other tasks for my customers. I really like this one for the type of work I do with it.
Since its 74" wide I cant fit into small places but most yards I am in I have no problem except for low tree limbs to clear my cab. The home owners never have a problem trimming there trees before I get there.
My last tractor L5030 had just under 2000 hours on it at trade ....never been to the shop.