Comparison Kubota L3901 v. L4701

Ryansweatt2004 · Jan 4, 2016

Larger tractor may also mean larger truck and trailer to haul it. This was a deciding factor for me hen buying the l3901 vs the l4701. I wanted the biggest tractor I could afford and haul around without having to go out and buy an new trailer.

wcampbell47 · Jan 4, 2016

Ryansweatt2004 said:
Larger tractor may also mean larger truck and trailer to haul it. This was a deciding factor for me hen buying the l3901 vs the l4701. I wanted the biggest tractor I could afford and haul around without having to go out and buy an new trailer.

Ditto.

ovrszd · Jan 5, 2016

Ryansweatt2004 said:
Larger tractor may also mean larger truck and trailer to haul it. This was a deciding factor for me hen buying the l3901 vs the l4701. I wanted the biggest tractor I could afford and haul around without having to go out and buy an new trailer.

I have been there. But my need for a larger tractor was real. I wasn't just buying the biggest tractor I could. So the hauling issue was overcome.

bookmyer · Jan 5, 2016

The 4701 is a much bigger tractor than the 3901. I opted for the 4701 since it had significantly more lift capacity than the 3901 and I wanted to run a 6 foot shredder. I'm sure the 3901 could run a light 6 foot shredder but it would be near the upper limits IMO. I also looked at the MX4800 but decided I really did not need the extra size even though the cost difference was negligible. I am happy with it so far. I definitely went the direction of leaning toward a bit more than I need most of the time. But I just like tractors!

TMR · Jan 5, 2016

Ryansweatt2004 said:
Larger tractor may also mean larger truck and trailer to haul it. This was a deciding factor for me hen buying the l3901 vs the l4701. I wanted the biggest tractor I could afford and haul around without having to go out and buy an new trailer.

Put me in this "bucket" also. I will need a new trailer and likely a new truck also in either case. Not sure I want to make the jump to 3/4 ton class PU...rougher ride and more $$$$$ than a 1/2 ton class with trailer options. Also, I think the L 3901 is plenty for my needs and physical size larger begins to be a negative in the woods??

Thanks...TMR

jenkinsph · Jan 5, 2016

TMR said:
Put me in this "bucket" also. I will need a new trailer and likely a new truck also in either case. Not sure I want to make the jump to 3/4 ton class PU...rougher ride and more $$$$$ than a 1/2 ton class with trailer options. Also, I think the L 3901 is plenty for my needs and physical size larger begins to be a negative in the woods??

Thanks...TMR

I think everyone should buy the size that fits their needs the best. But I have had my last 1/2 ton pickup, the 3/4 ton and larger pickups can do so much more around a farm or worksite it is no contest. As far as ride is concerned any of the newer 3/4 ton trucks ride very well. I pull my equipment with an F550 most of the time and it rides well too. This includes 4x4 trucks as all of my trucks have it. Today all the Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks have a good ride imo. Years ago it was different as some were rough, times change though.

jenkinsph · Jan 5, 2016

TMR said:
Put me in this "bucket" also. I will need a new trailer and likely a new truck also in either case. Not sure I want to make the jump to 3/4 ton class PU...rougher ride and more $$$$$ than a 1/2 ton class with trailer options. Also, I think the L 3901 is plenty for my needs and physical size larger begins to be a negative in the woods??

Thanks...TMR

I think everyone should buy the size that fits their needs the best. But I have had my last 1/2 ton pickup, the 3/4 ton and larger pickups can do so much more around a farm or worksite it is no contest. As far as ride is concerned any of the newer 3/4 ton trucks ride very well. I pull my equipment with an F550 most of the time and it rides well too. This includes 4x4 trucks as all of my trucks have it. Today all the Chevy, Ford and Dodge trucks have a good ride imo. Years ago it was different as some were rough, times change though.

wcampbell47 · Jan 6, 2016

TMR said:
Put me in this "bucket" also. I will need a new trailer and likely a new truck also in either case. Not sure I want to make the jump to 3/4 ton class PU...rougher ride and more $$$$$ than a 1/2 ton class with trailer options. Also, I think the L 3901 is plenty for my needs and physical size larger begins to be a negative in the woods??

Thanks...TMR

There are times I am glad I tow with a 1 ton. By the time I put the L3901 with FEL and heavy implement on the back on the trailer I can not feature towing with a 1/2 ton. The V10 may be overkill but it is nice to have the power if I need it. I don't go down the road with the bumper nearly dragging the pavement. I am well below the rated capacities for the truck when towing.

Ryansweatt2004 · Jan 6, 2016

I tow my l3901 with FEL and box blade behind my 08 half ton Toyota Tundra. The 4.7 v8 has plenty of power and suspension to tow it. That said, I'm just about at the limit of my trailer and I wouldn't ever want to tow anything any heavier without a heavier rated trailer and some stronger rear leaf springs.

jenkinsph · Jan 6, 2016

Ryansweatt2004 said:
View attachment 452788

I tow my l3901 with FEL and box blade behind my 08 half ton Toyota Tundra. The 4.7 v8 has plenty of power and suspension to tow it. That said, I'm just about at the limit of my trailer and I wouldn't ever want to tow anything any heavier without a heavier rated trailer and some stronger rear leaf springs.

As Campbell mentions I also don't want to tow at near rated capacities. In mountain terrain I much prefer towing at 66% of capacity instead of 100%. The reason I bought the F550 is because of bigger brakes, 4.88 rear end gears, 33,000 gross combined weight rating. Most of the time the truck, trailer and payload (tractor and implements) is about 22,000 lbs. Truck and trailer are a split on weight at about 11,000 lbs. each. That helps when I have to park on a slope and get out to chock the wheels on the trailer. I don't need the trailer to drag the truck down a slope.