kubota models m vs mx

Raised on a Deere · Jan 26, 2014

what separates a m from an mx. I am in the market for something along what I see about the mx4700 or the mx5100. But when I look at tractor adds for the used ones I never know how to judge what is a good deal and what is not. M vs MX is just one of my many confusion points, Clearing that one up will help. MX 5100 appears to be what I want but don't want to buy without understanding what it is and what it is not. I moved in my thinking from L4700 to the MX ( a little heavier) just from some things I have read.

beemerphile · Jan 26, 2014

The M series does not offer hydrostat. The MX does not offer hydro-shuttle. The MX (shuttle) is a manual (synchronized) shuttle and partially synchronized (3rd and 4th) gears. The M gearbox is fully synchronized. Draft control is optional on the MX and standard on the M. The rear lift of the MX is about 1000 lbs. lighter than the M. The MX is significantly lighter in weight than the M. I'd say the MX is more like a slightly heaver L series with less "features",

big bubba · Jan 26, 2014

i think your best bet is to go to kubota's site & thoroughly compare the spec sheet on models you have potentially chosen. having said that, the M series is geared for more agri & heavy duty service. back when i was on the market to replace my old mf35 tractor i had for 28 yrs i was under the misconception that all tractor models within a given HP range were basically equal (like they were in the ol' days) boy was i wrong and paid for it dearly. started out w/L4400, moved to the MX series thinking it would better serve my needs, then ended up w/a M series tractor (8540) like many will advise, look carefully at your needs. personally what i like about the M series is not only increased HPbut more weight, bigger wheel size (more traction esp w/fel & soil engagement, etc) please describe your particular needs for mort accurate advice. then yet go test drive the model. btw tractors look much larger at the dealership than they do in your own field good luck

TripleR · Jan 26, 2014

As mentioned the MX is really in the same category as the L particularly old GL as it is heavier than the standard L, it is a Compact Utility Tractor while the M Series is a Utility Tractor.

Maybe bigbull338 will chime in as he recently traded his MX5100 for an M7040.

As mentioned knowing your needs will help others provide guidance.

wmonroe · Jan 26, 2014

When I was shopping I was looking at the MX5100 or GL5240 and from what I saw the MX is basically the same as the GL5240 but with less bells and whistles and a little less front loader and 3 pt capacity. The M series is more heavy duty all around compared to a L, GL, or MX.

Raised on a Deere · Jan 26, 2014

I am cleaning up 18 acres in KY that has been un tractored for about 14 years. 5 or 6 acres is woods that needs to be opened up but not cleared. Heavy duty bushhog territory, and tree cutting and hauling to brush pile. Need to move some dirt for barn and possibly house construction. Also a good bit of fencing. Had just about made up my mind last fall to get the L4700 but wound up with a used Branson 6530c and a bunch of implements. That tractor spoiled me. Smooth power, cab, heavy enough to push a lot of stuff around. Had all sorts of standard features. Put about 100 hours on it. Got concerned about dealer and parts support as I searched around the net for something that would encourage me that I would not wind up with an orphan. Told my son that if he found someone that would pay me what I paid for it I would sell it. Little did I think that would happen but it did and now I am tractor-less again. The L4700 seems too small now but can't afford to go much bigger unless I can find a good used tractor. My terrain makes a 2wd tractor and loader just about useless. Perhaps if I experimented with some serious 3pt hitch weight I could remedy that. MX 5100 appears to his the sweet spot for easy transport between my Alabama residence and the KY and big enough to get into some of the heavier chores. One of my implements is a 7 foot rototiller. Hope my next tractor can handle that but it is not a deal breaker. The Branson handled it easily. I am only doing a small 1/4 acre plot so struggling with all it can handle won't be a concern. I don't know if I will ever be happy with a non cab tractor after using the Branson but that is not on the table right now due to finances. Just letting you know how messed up and complicated I have turned this tractor thing into.

I am basing the practicality of doing all this on the observation that I can recover a good bit of my investment in a few years. The Branson had me concerned that it might be worthless in a few years and that is why I am back to looking at new Kubotas. Seems futile to find a good used one that would not wind up costing me just as much as a new one in the long term.

Raised on a Deere · Jan 26, 2014

BTW, thanks to all for the input. Got the specs out and with your input I have a better understanding of the models.

dbaer78 · Jan 27, 2014

The MX can do a LOT of work for it's size but it's no where near the weight of that Branson. With that said I take care of my 20 acres with my MX 5100 and I find it about perfect. I've cleared and do logging with it regularly. In the summer it runs a rotary cutter almost commercially. Someday if I have the money I'd like to have a 60-80hp full utility tractor but I don't think I could ever trade my MX in for one. It's to handy if a size and I'm to attached to it lol

Raised on a Deere · Jan 27, 2014

Given that I can't afford a like new, easy to resell 65 horse, I am trying to make sure I don't settle for something that I would want to curse (don't actually curse) every time I tried to do something I think I should be able to do. Your comments on the MX 5100 have helped me confirm that I would be very satisfied with it. Thanks all. Now for some serious tractor shopping. I hate that part where you have to fool around so much to find out what the dealer is willing to sell it for. Wish I knew how to tell when he really wants to make a sale. Being as I will be needing to be on it within the next two months I think my timing is very bad. Should have shopped before new year. But then My Branson wasn't sold . Have to live with the hand I have.

dbaer78 · Jan 27, 2014

I was in the same boat myself. Settled on the MX and it was a good choice.

Bluegill2 · Jan 27, 2014

The MX is probably the best bang for the buck. Like said, it's a grand L with less bells & whistles. MX is a pretty good step above a basic L in size/weight for not much more $...

stoyan79 · Jan 27, 2014

The MX is the largest CUT (Compact Utility Tractor) Kubota offers and I believe it is about the same size as Grand L, and a bit bigger than economy L.
M is a whole another class - full size Utility Tractor, much larger than MX.

stoyan79 · Jan 27, 2014

Yeah, thats what I though, until L3700SU came out, which became best bang for the buck.

Bluegill2 said:
The MX is probably the best bang for the buck. Like said, it's a grand L with less bells & whistles. MX is a pretty good step above a basic L in size/weight for not much more $...

motownbrowne · Jan 27, 2014

The smallest m is not much bigger (a few hundred pounds) than the mxes.

Raised on a Deere · Jan 28, 2014

HMMM L3700SU?? And the Smallest M And whats in between?? My sweet spot somewhere in there. Not familiar with the L3700SU. Gotta check that out. Good to have all this sorted out before I hit the road hitting all the dealers within a 100 miles. I have missed out on many a good deal because I was not well enough informed. I am super cautions about making a major purchase of something I don't know. I have only one dime to spend.

Bluegill2 · Jan 28, 2014

stoyan79 said:
Yeah, thats what I though, until L3700SU came out, which became best bang for the buck.

What is a L3700SU? Have never seen one around here...

big bubba · Jan 28, 2014

motownbrowne said:
The smallest m is not much bigger (a few hundred pounds) than the mxes.

afraid i have to disagree...having owned both, the M series is a completely different beast separated from mx series by much more than a few hundred pounds. i do agree, though, looking at the thread & needs of the OP that the mx would make more sense than the M model.

beemerphile · Jan 28, 2014

Bluegill2 said:
What is a L3700SU? Have never seen one around here...

I just sold one last week. It was only built for a couple of years (2010-2011, I think). It was offered in response to a John Deere model that had a high "value" appeal. As such, it is a very basic HST tractor. (No draft control, jerky 3 pt. hitch, minimal OEM options available.)

ovrszd · Jan 28, 2014

big bubba said:
started out w/L4400, moved to the MX series thinking it would better serve my needs, then ended up w/a M series tractor (8540)

Heheheheheh. Boy that sounds familiar. B2910, L4400, M9540. My needs changed, but mainly I shot too low until the last one.

motownbrowne · Jan 28, 2014

big bubba said:
afraid i have to disagree...having owned both, the M series is a completely different beast separated from mx series by much more than a few hundred pounds. i do agree, though, looking at the thread & needs of the OP that the mx would make more sense than the M model.

The m5640sud is listed at 3858lbs, the mx5100 hst is 3774, and 3620 with gears. They also have the exact same displacement. I'm not saying they are the same, but that's actually less than a few hundred pounds. I didn't know about the 5640 when I bought my MX, but I sort of wish I had. Build your Kubota only listed the 5640 as $1000 more than my 4700. Now, there's no hydro option, so I'm still happy with my decision, but it would have been nice to try both.