Buying Advice Kubota L4701 vs Yanmar L4900 (same darn tractor???)

[paulfun9]

Seems to me that the Yanmar is the better machine and far from being as the original poster said the same darn tractor.

Those niceties like extendable links, quick attach buckets, and integrated loader controls are just that niceties! Meaning yes you can easily live without them but once you live with them you soon wonder why you would want to live without. My take is if the Yanmar has better specs and the niceties it is the machine that would come home with me.

 

[s219]

Really, I'd find the equivalent Kubota Grand L model, and compare prices/specs/features with that. It will make the comparison more even and the choice will probably become clearer. All else equal, I'd say the only advantage Kubota would have is resale value and parts/dealer support. Yanmar makes a great tractor, but they are peanuts in the US market right now. Outside tractor enthusiasts, it's almost a no-name.

 

[TSO]

Really, I'd find the equivalent Kubota Grand L model, and compare prices/specs/features with that. It will make the comparison more even and the choice will probably become clearer. All else equal, I'd say the only advantage Kubota would have is resale value and parts/dealer support. Yanmar makes a great tractor, but they are peanuts in the US market right now. Outside tractor enthusiasts, it's almost a no-name.

L4740 since they're both tier 3, or the 4760, since there probably aren't many, if any, tier 3s left.

 

[Katahdin]

I have about 250 hours on my Yanmar LX HST, its been a great tractor for me. Sure I could've bought an orange tractor but I'm glad I didn't. Parts and service from my dealer has been good. I would not want to live without my QA bucket, extendable lift arms, and I do like that loader control, yellow and black paint scheme, and comfortable suspension seat. :thumbsup:

I don't think the standard L has HST plus, correct? With the Yanmar LX you get the "synchro throttle" which gives you the ability to tie the engine throttle to the foot pedals, like driving a car. You would need HST plus on the Kubota for a similar feature.

I agree the Yanmars have lower PTO HP ratings on paper, I'm not sure why that is. I'd like to think Yanmar is being more honest about its PTO ratings, or the pumps and transmission are more heavy duty, so you get a little more parasitic loss. In any event, I can operate a 6-foot brush cutter, Woods TSG50 stump grinder, and Woodsmaxx 8" chipper pretty well so I'm happy with the LX.

The Yanmar LX also has some nice side lighting up front and I find the toolbox and cubby molded into the fenders very convenient to hold shear pins, a small hammer and punch, wrenches, and a cell phone.

I noticed the PTO switch on the Kubota is inside the fenders beside the operator seat. I don't think I would like that location when operating a wood chipper or PTO generator. The Yanmar PTO switch is easily reached whether you're on or off the tractor.

Sure Kubota may have the edge on tractor branding right now but Yanmar is making good in-roads. Connect with them on Facebook and you'll get updates are what trade shows they're visiting or other events they got going on. They're a big company and they do a whole lot more then just sell CUTs in the USA.

I would also point out there's a lot of owners on this board driving around non-yanmar branded tractors that use Yanmar HST transmissions and other drivetrain parts. Yanmar is making a healthy revenue off tractors sold in the USA whether its their brand or not.