Buying Advice L, M, or MX series? Can you offer guidance?

[PHILIP8N]

And the loader options were the second item I've been reluctant to ask questions about. The SSQA is a "quick attach" option? It's worthwhile even if I don't expect to use a round bale fork? If an option, what kind of extra cost? I assume that with or without the SSQA, the entire loader is removable in a reasonable amount of time?

I have the SSQA. My buddy has a pair of forks that come in handy at times. The other use, if you do not want to remove the whole loader, you can just drop the bucket to reduce front end length and weight. I mowed a few times with the FEL on, hit a fence, tree, and barn. New rule, no mowing now with the FEL on. Philip.

 

[bucktaker]

If you are price consious ask your dealer to search for new (old stock) units that may be on be on other dealers lots that havent sold. I stumbled onto my L5740 that way... Also check with Barlows in Somerset KY they offer better pricing than most local dealers.

I also rented a L3200 to try on my place and determined I wanted a bigger frame for mowing I wasnt comfortable on it for periods of time. I was looking at the the L4400/MX5100 JD 5000 series

 

[TripleR]

You are getting some excellent advice on tractor selection. I "think" I mentioned somewhere on this or maybe another thread that there are a LOT of good tractors from which to choose that will accomplish your tasks, so recommending any "one best" for someone else is not possible. You are getting some information that will make this decision much easier.

This may be unique to me, but anytime I try to save a few bucks and not get what I really want, I wind up unhappy with my choice or buying twice.

 

[TripleR]

If you are price consious ask your dealer to search for new (old stock) units that may be on be on other dealers lots that havent sold. I stumbled onto my L5740 that way... Also check with Barlows in Somerset KY they offer better pricing than most local dealers.

I also rented a L3200 to try on my place and determined I wanted a bigger frame for mowing I wasnt comfortable on it for periods of time. I was looking at the the L4400/MX5100 JD 5000 series

Excellent advice, I have bought used in the past and would have done it this time, but I couldn't find one; might even ask on here as shortly after I bough mine someone on here had one for sale.

 

[dwhite]

I was in your situation. I had a B7500 that was not big enough for farm work. I found an L5240 used with 480h and FEL for about $20K and bought it. I had an offer for the B7500 but at the last minute changed my mind and didn't sell it. I am so happy I kept it. You cannot expect the larger tractor to do some of the same jobs the smaller one does. The 7500 also has R4 tires and can be used around the house and yard without tearing it up. I use it for finish mowing, raking, spraying, moving smaller dirt piles and rocks, and dragging harrow. I would not sell your BX. BTW, I also love the "new" L5240. With loaded tires, box blade, and FEL the weight is about 7K. You will need to load the tires. Check out Tractorhouse.com. Good luck.

 

[k0ua]

You asked about how hard it was to detach the entire loader. Here is a you-tube video of that. This man has 2 extra hoses to deal with as he has a 4n1 bucket (hydraulic clam-shell bucket) so a total of 6 hoses instead of the usual 4. But you can get an idea of how this goes.

Front end loader detach.mpg - YouTube

James K0UA

 

[cmikewil]

I cannot compare to a standard L, as I did not look at one, only New Holland and Deere comparables when I was doing my shopping 3+ years ago. The HST+ is a dream. 3 gear ranges. The hydraulic low/high on the go is nice for FEL work, low for pushing into pile, high for transport. Auto-throttle, I use all the time except for pto work. Cruise control is handy when mowing those long patches of grass, and for road travel. The telescoping end links make hooking up the implement easier. I also like the intelle-panel display. If you are interested in this model, you need to find one and try out all features. If you private e-mail me I will send you the operators manual to look over, it goes into more function and detail than I can type here. Philip.

:confused2:
Visited yet another dealer today in hopes of seeing an L, a GrandL, and an MX. Ended up getting to take a ride on all 3. An MX w/gearbox, an L w/hydro, and a Grand L w/HST+. All three were nice. The MX w/gearbox and shuttle shift was so much nicer than anything I'd driven before. The difference between that and my MF was night & day. The L with hydro was also terrific. The Grand L, on the other hand, was just flat out unreal. What a powertrain. The model was 3940(?), I believe. No wonder you owners are bragging on that. I was playing around in the different ranges, admiring the sharp turning radius, etc.. I'd step down on the forward controls, and reach up to give the engine some throttle - only to find that the tractor had increased the engine speed for me. Man I'll bet that things works.

Don't think I can afford one, but oh was it nice.

The dealer worked up an estimate on the MX, but I'm going to have to give the Ls some thought. Those were nice tractors.

 

[94BULLITT]

Once you get it narrowed down to what tractor you want do some price shopping. I recommend checking at least 3 dealers.

 

[k0ua]

At least with the Mx5100 you will get the telescoping lower links and stabilizers. and a good standard hydro. ( I liked it) and if you get SSQA you are ready for anything you want up front. not to mention a very capable and rugged standard tractor with very good lift capability. I think you would be very happy with it. Sure the Grand L 3940 would be great, but I couldn't afford one either.

James K0UA

 

[cmikewil]

The dealer I spoke to yesterday worked up an estimate for me with a grill guard along with an FEL. I hadn't planned on a guard, though my BX has one. One thing I had planned on adding later were "suitcase" weights up front. Anybody know if the bracket for the weights can be added along with the grill guard?