L Kubota Series.. Which one for 1,000Ib Round bale

ness · Apr 18, 2005

We had looked at the Kubota's...
Was wondering which one would be fine for moving/lifting Round bales, pulling a square baler, hay rake, and doing a post driver, plus plus plus plus.. oh and for snow removal in the winters..
and any ideas on a price range...
Our local dealer gave me a price of:
21,250.00 for a L 3130 witch ALL includes: LA 723 Loader, Sub Shade, Heater Block, and Ag Tires filled...
or $22,880.00 for a L3430..
then $24,500 for a L3830... which I'm thinking it will do me a better job for lifting 1,000 Ib bales..
Hope someone can help..
If I'm going to spend this kind of money then I need something that will pay for itself...
thanks
ness
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

_RaT_ · Apr 18, 2005

The only reason I would think a L3830 woul;d do a better job is for the longer wheelbase, other then that, same loader, same hydraulic pump. If at all possible, get the QA or quick attach style on loader. It will allow you to spear, lift etc larger loads then going out over the bucket.

jhoward000 · Apr 18, 2005

We do a lot of square baling on our property. The biggest factor concerning the size tractor needed is the type/size of cutter being used, as well as the baler itself. We currently use an old Ford 3600 tractor for this purpose. This is a fairly heavy tractor and I wouldn't want to go down in size, power, or weight.

I have looked into new new Kubotas to replace the Ford and really lean toward the M series for this task. I think the large L-series may be okay (L4630 or L5030), but most dealers I have talked to also lean toward the M-series for hay operations. An M-series tractor will generally handle a larger cutter.

Another factor is how much baling you actually plan to do. We have a very small operation with 12 or so acres of hay. If you have much more than this, I would definitely prefer a heavier duty tractor and the capacity for a larger cutter. Believe it or not, baling hay can be very hard on a tractor.

One tip: rear hydraulics is a nice advantage when baling hay. This allows you to hydraulically raise and lower the cutter.

Just my two-cents worth. I would love to hear what you decide and how it works out.

Keith_B · Apr 18, 2005

I recently priced an L3830 with FEL, quick attach bucket and FEL for around $19,400.

ness · Apr 18, 2005

Where did you get that price quote? Sure sound alot better the mine...
hope you can help..
ness

rbargeron · Apr 18, 2005

My 2 cents is go with the M series for a baling operation. Unless your land is pool-table-flat, you'll appreciate having some mass to couple to the square baler. They're heavy, and by the time you add a kicker and a high-sided wagon, pretty soon the tractor is doing real work!

_RaT_ · Apr 18, 2005

Dick, I don't know where Ness is from, but I figure after you get East of the Rockies, it's all flat, even the Appalachians. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_Young · Apr 18, 2005

I think all your listed choices are a bit too small, ness. Even the L5030 would be marginal for pulling a square baler with a wagon behind it, nevermind the kicker. For dropping square bales on the ground an L3830 would be OK on the flat, but an L4330 or L4630 would be better on hills. These are all lightweight tractors, so get the tires filled. However, if your volume is low and you can take your time (haying? c'mon /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif), it's amazing what you can get by with.

Don't know much about round bales, but I wouldn't be comfortable moving 1000lb. around a hilly hayfield with a FEL on anything less than the L4630....even then I'd watch my step. Or were you talking a 3pt. bale spear?

FWIW.
Bob

ness · Apr 19, 2005

I'm in Montana...
It's pretty flat on our place, some small hills..
The Kubota salesman says that the tractor could handle two bales one in front and behind...
We do have another tractor for the baler.. Big Case..
Thanks a bunch guys..
Ness
Hope to learn more... keep it comin...