Kubota MX5100 Turbo ( opinions needed)

[Verticaltrx]

As for the Backhoe, they are a real nice sub-frame mounted unit, no worry about damaging the tractor with using one. Kubota has some of the nicer integrated backhoes for compact/utility tractors.


I think you'll need a larger trailer than 16'. I haul my little B3200 on an 18' trailer and it is a bit of a squeeze with some implements. For the size tractor you are considering you will definitely want a 20+ foot trailer. If you want to stick with a gooseneck I'd look for a standard 24-25' 14K trailer.

 

[KYDan]

I have the MX5100 HST 4WD R4 tires LA844 loader with HD roundback bucket, QA, and rod level guide. It is great for landscaping I am continuing to build a runway and I am using it for that. It is on a slope so I am digging out and hauling in dirt and topsoil. I use the tractor and loader for that. I use eden shale rock and dirt for the fill and composted pond muck for the topsoil. I use the tractor and loader to remove the muck from the pond during dry spells. I had an L2900 for years with a BH, but it really didn't have enough reach for my needs so I didn't buy another 3 pt. hitch bh with this tractor. I rent an excavator or full size bh now when I need one. I looked at the MX4700 but for the difference in price the MX5100 was a better buy in my opinion. Besides the additional 4 hp it has a category II 3pt. hitch with the extendable connectors which are worth the price differerence by themselves. I have had this machine since August of this year and I have 60 hours on it to-date. So far other than it is noisy (HST and turbo) it is my favorite small tractor that I have ever owned. I have had small tractors since 1987 (mostly Fords 2000's -4600's). Time will tell on this one, but I sold my 2900 for 1/2 what I paid for it after using it for 14 years. A toothbar is a must, I have two for this bucket. a flat toothbar for leveling out on the runway as I can backdrag and leave it on the bucket and a regular one for digging dirt and pond muck. The flat toothbar will break too many welds for heavy work. I also pull a 4 ton, tandem EZ dumper trailer with it to haul dirt and rock for my projects. This is a great landscaping machine. The roundback bucket is a much stronger and better bucket for heavy work.

 

[MHarryE]

For next year we are dropping down from 6.6 liter 6 cyl to 4.4 liter 4 cyl to keep 175 HP. Reason - higher efficiency with the 2 fewer cylinders so we boost fuel economy at least 10%. Add an extra turbo on to pump more air. Beef it all up so improved durability with fewer moving parts. Turbo whomps N/A unless somebody screws something up by not doing their homework by beefing up engine and power train components.

 

[equipman]

The purpose of the turbo is emission control not additional power.

 

[KYDan]

The purpose of the turbo is emission control not additional power.

Emission control may be a by product of the turbo, but it is not the reason for it. The MX4700 and MX5100 have the same engine, the Kubota V2403. The MX4700 has a gross horsepower of 48.2 while the MX5100 gross horsepower is 52.2 from the same engine.

 

[equipman]

Not true, when the emission standards were lowered to include tractors with 50hp, the the turbos were introduced to clean up the emissions to those new standards. The MX5100 is at the 50hp mark, the MX4700 is not.

 

[KYDan]

Not true, when the emission standards were lowered to include tractors with 50hp, the the turbos were introduced to clean up the emissions to those new standards. The MX5100 is at the 50hp mark, the MX4700 is not.

That is exactly my point, you don't need to clean up the emissions of a 47 HP engine yet. It boosted the HP of the engine to include a 50+ hp engine in the M light series with minimal development/manufacturing costs. Kubota has a long history of tinkering/tweaking existing models to get more from a particular model(s). It's a consumer thing rather than an enviromental one. If it resolves additional issues it is a bonus for the company of sorts. They still have 50+ hp engines in the special utility tractor series that are not turbocharged.

 

[kuboman]

Who cares why. The turbo is a cheap hp boost with the benefit of cleaner emissions. Seems like everyone should be happy. If I had the choice of one with or without I would take the one with, no reason not to.:thumbsup:

 

[slowzuki]

To be fair, the old naturally aspirated engine couldn't make the same numbers when the timing and fueling were restricted to meet emissions. Adding the turbo got them back to where they were before and now cleaner.

 

[KYDan]

The only downside with the turbo is noise. With the HST whine, Turbo whine (which really sounds sort of cool) and the engine noise, mower noise when it's on earplugs will hopefully save what's left of my hearing. Too many years around jet engines, turbines, and other associated aircraft noise. Now, weedeaters, blowers, vacs, zero turns, et. al. It's a wonder I have any hearing left. I use earplugs when I think about it. I carry a couple of sets in my toolbox. Oh, BTW, TSC has a very nice 20" toolbox that fits perfectly in place of the miniscule one that comes with the tractor. I think it cost about $40, but well worth it, lots of room for the junk you need out there! It is off black but matches the K gray pretty close.