L2800 is fine; K4240 not big enough

[john_bud]

Keith, I spoke with a buddy the night before last and he called to give me an update on the "new" diesel Chevy trucks. His company purchased 4 new Duramax trucks within the past month. They are all averaging a whopping 13mpg at this time.

For $10,000 for the option, and diesel running about 18 cents per gallon more, I don't think that I can afford the Chevy diesel at this time.

Ouch! 13 mpg, that is no good. My 2003 chev diesel gets 20-21 on the highway empty and has gotten 17.6 since new.

I have heard that the new chev's get better mileage once broken in. Reports of 18-19, but you have to drive nice. It seems to be related to the new smog stuff injecting fuel to heat the particulate filters.

Is it just me or is "burning fuel for clean air" like "burning bras for equality"? Neither one makes much sense!

 

[Don R.]

Frank, I did a little research on the 4740 and the 5240 prior to pulling the trigger. I noticed that the engines are basically the same; the tractor is truboed giving it more hp. The size is basically the same; except the larger tractor has a smaller wheel base. That one kind of shocked me.

I am as anxious as a kid at Christmas waiting for the tractor to arrive.

 

[Double Orange]

Don R. I'm looking at the Kubota Grabd L brochure . The wheel base on the L4740 is 74.6", on the L5240 it's 75.4". The 5240 is wider longer and heavier , plus turbo. The main reason I jumped was the dealer had the 5240 in a crate in his yard, but had to locate the 4240. So they made me a super deal to move one out of their inventory.
I understand your feeling about the wait is driving you crazy, My delivery will be 2 weeks, becuase they didn't have the LA 854 loader, or the wet bar,or ice maker in stock!!
Frank

 

[Don R.]

I mowed a 5 acre tract of tall johnson grass, weeds and mesquite brush yesterday. It took a while, and I missed the canopy that I had on the 4240. I won't have a wet bar, but that canopy will do wonders in Texas heat.

 

[john_bud]

Don, does this one mow better than the last one?

jb

 

[Don R.]

Oops, John I have not taken possession of the tractor as of yet.

 

[Don R.]

Well, after waiting for almost 4 weeks, the 4740 was delivered this afternoon. The dealer had not put the Industrial tires on the tractor, but it had the Agricultural tires on it. They did not deliver the box blade. I was going to just keep the tractor, and take it to the dealer and have them put the industrial tires on there. But, when I noticed that there was not a box blade, I decided to not take possession of the 4740.

I sent it back to the dealer, and this will probably be the "deal killer" as far as everyone is concerned. The 2800 may well have to suffice for the forseeable future.

To say that I am disgusted would be a vast understatement.

 

[Leejohn]

Don you done the right thing, I wouldn't waited the 4 weeks. I can't beleive the dealer sending out a tractor not setup right and wanting you to bring it back to get the right tires put on. How big is this dealer and how long has he been selling Kubota tractors?
As far as the 4240 it should have enough HP to mow and shouldn't be overheating or useing that much fuel. I'll get out of that deal, if he can't setup a tractor he D** sure can't fix one.
Well I have vented enough. I have the 4240 and pull a woods RM990 and have more HP then I need. I mow about 20A on 7 or 8 gal. fuel.

Lee

 

[Glowplug]

Don-There is something majorly wrong with that tractor for you to have to mow that slowly and use that much fuel! 16 gallons of diesel for 5 acres!!! That's completely and utterly insane! 9 hours time without being able to go above 1 1/2 mph!!! I'm surprised no one else is as shocked as I am. You'd do better with a push mower! I would think that a ~40hp tractor would be able to do it in 1/4 of that time and use 1/5 the fuel!

I am disappointed about the 4740 though. I was thinking that you were going to post about how incredible it was. Too bad. But from what you're saying now I wonder if there truly is something wrong with the 4240 or if it's just that there's something wrong with that dealer!

 

[Don R.]

I will call the dealer (salesman) tomorrow morning to question "why" the tractor was shipped with the wrong tires and no box blade. He may or may not want to void the deal, but I'm certainly not impressed at this time.

The dealer is a pretty major player in the area; in fact they have two dealerships. One in Waco, and one in Hillsboro. The funny thing is, I bought the 2800 from them, and was most impressed with the dealership and the sales and service department.

I really want the 4740, as it will meet the need I have for mowing and for moving the larger round bales of hay for my horses.

I'll let you all know tomorrow whether I will be the proud owner of a 4740, or the satisfied, but slightly disappointed owner, of a 2800.

 

[canoetrpr]

I would have done the same thing Don - unless they cleared the wrong tires and lack of BB with you ahead of time. I'm sure that there are other dealers around that would like your business.

 

[Don R.]

Spoke with the guy at the dealership this morning and he was very apologetic, and said, "It was my fault" about the tires and the box blade. Actually, he thought that the 6' bb was left at my place when they picked up the 4240. The new industrial tires are being shipped in to the dealership and should be arriving on Friday. Maybe, just maybe I can move on past this thread and start a brand spankin new on on how great the 4740 tractor is.

 

[Double Orange]

Don I'm glad things are shaping up for you. Remember we LUV pictures and crayons!!
Be safe and Congats!
Frank

 

[john_bud]

I'd hit 'em with a sob story and see if they will fill those industrials for you to make you feel all better.

jb

 

[Don R.]

Frank, you can bet that pics will be forthcoming. I feel like a kid at Christmas again. 47 gross hp!!!!!! I will be ordering my hay spear within the next couple of weeks; as this is one of the reasons that I am upgrading. Those quarterhorse mares must eat and round bales are cheaper to buy.

 

[Don R.]

L2800 is gone; kind of sad to see it go. New 4740 with everything but the cab and the kitchen sink is on the property!!!!!

 

[Bob_Young]

L2800 gone...??!! Nuts! Now we'll never know whether it could outwork the L4740. If you'd kept that thing around for a couple more iterations of this process, Kubota might've GIVEN you an M8540 just to get it away from you. That thing was beginning to make a shambles of their marketing.

Anywho....how's the 4740 doing? Any mighty deeds to report? Any....ah....pictures?
Bob (Using Gomer's avatar until I find another that adequately reflects my mental state)

 

[Don R.]

Bob, unfortunately I have not been "On" my new tractor since my chiropractor told me to stay off of "tractors and horses" until he gets my back straightened out.

I have plans for it this week. The 4740 is absolutely massive compared to my little 2800, but the 2800 was a workhorse. It amazed me. I have a church member (I pastor a church) who borrowed it once to mow when his Long was in the shop. John put a 6' shredder on that little thing, and it went to town. Somebody will get a good tractor. It did have a few bugs; the three point jump and the PTO cable were two, but I could live with those.

I will post photos this week so show off the new one; I feel like a proud daddy.