L3700SU??

[General Lee]

L3700 tractor, FEL, Woods 5 foot brush hog, tooth bar, Kubota insurance and loaded tires $15,750 delivered.

Man, what a deal. What dealer did you get it from? I'm not to far from you. You can PM it to me if you feel the need.

 

[DiezNutz]

Man, what a deal. What dealer did you get it from? I'm not to far from you. You can PM it to me if you feel the need.

Did you read the whole thread or are you serious...

 

[peterc38]

Just out of curiosity, why did you get a rear mount snowblower? Was a front mount one that much more expensive or was the hydraulic power not enough for those hydraulic powered front mount snow blowers?

No mid PTO on an L3700 to run a front blower is there?

 

[montelatici]

No mid PTO on an L3700 to run a front blower is there?

You don't need a mid-mount PTO with hydraulic powered snow blowers. The pump is run with the rear PTO. I think they are expensive though. I thought you might have priced them before going to a rear mount.

Skid Steer Attachments - Erskine Attachments, Inc.

 

[montelatici]

Maybe because of this statement that you made: People on this site are known to exaggerate on the downside the prices they pay for tractors

I think people on this site are known to be honest about what they pay and rely on each other for accurate information. You are implying that they are not??

I am not the first or the last to notice that tall tales on prices are often told with respect to prices paid.

In fact, more than one dealer has called some posters on it on occasion, i.e. explaining that the price someone claimed to have paid was lower than dealer cost.

 

[General Lee]

Did you read the whole thread or are you serious...

I did read it, then went back and read it again. I missed the humor the first time around :mur: Doesn't matter anyway, I'm not looking to buy a tractor.

 

[hunter82i]

I have had the 3700SU for about 3-4 months now. It was my first tractor; however I am very familiar with Kubota as my dad has had one for nearly 20 years now.

This past weekend I put the tractor though its first true really tough day. More on that in a bit.

Since owning, I've use the tractor to mow my 2 aces of yard. I was worried about the length of time this would take as I had been using an XMark zero turn. The XMark was a 4' cut, and I'm using a 5' mower now. Surprisingly, it has only added about 10-15 minutes for me and the cut is nearly as good. With a 6' mower, it would probably be a wash. Another thing I've noticed is that the tractor is actually much smoother-due to the larger tires and weight-which is something I've really enjoyed.

Now onto the good stuff. At my family's 100 acre farm this past weekend, I went down to do general trail maintenance and wood chores. One down tree is particular was a 30 ft long, 18-24" diameter red oak. after cutting the tops and root base off, I decided to see if I could even move it. I chained the trunk up to the 3-pt and lift the nose off of the ground. To my amazement, the tractor easily picked up the tree, and then pulled is about a mile, up some very steep hills, with relative ease. Of course I needed low range. Pulling this load on flat ground was no problem. The trunk was so heavy though I had to use diff lock all the way up the hills.

To load the tree onto a trailer, I cut it into three sections about 10' each. Using the FEL I was able to lift those pieces onto a trailer, but the loader was about at its max lift, which is around 1200 lbs. I had to tilt the bucket back to bring the weight closer to the tractor to do this.

Long story short, I estimate the log weighed well over 3600 lbs. I did not expect the compact tractor to be able to handle this type of work. Needless to say I am pleasantly surprised.

A few more quick points.
-This tractor can handle a 6' medium duty cutter with no problems.
-With the right technique, I've been able to uproot and take down 6-8 diameter trees
-It is NOT too big to mow the lawn. It is not a zero turn by any means, but with power steering, cushy seat, and a cup holder, is more enjoyable for me. Plus you NEVER have to worry about bogging down in thick wet grass.
-The biggest points that impress me of this model are its compact size, high horsepower, and heavy weight, and tight turning radius. To me, this is a winning combination of not too big, but not too small.
-I have been impressed with the fuel economy. With this kind of power I thought it would drink more fuel. Not the case.

This is about the only monthly payment I don't mind making. Kubota quality can't be disputed. If you want a tractor that can just about do it all, I highly recommend this model. If you have any specific questions just ask.

The only thing I would change is the turn buckles at the lift arms. I hate turn buckles that control 3pt sway and am looking into getting the solid arms like the 3830 has. Again, I'm sure Kubota did this to keep the price down, but it is a pain to deal with, especially if you have different implements that require different settings.

 

[johnrex62]

-With the right technique, I've been able to uproot and take down 6-8 diameter trees


The only thing I would change is the turn buckles at the lift arms. I hate turn buckles that control 3pt sway and am looking into getting the solid arms like the 3830 has. Again, I'm sure Kubota did this to keep the price down, but it is a pain to deal with, especially if you have different implements that require different settings.

As a novice to tractors in general, I would love to hear more about the technique you use for tree removal. Perhaps a video guide? :thumbsup:

Kubota does have a solid 3pt control kit as an option. I think it sells for around $170. It is part no. L8430

 

[hunter82i]

As a novice to tractors in general, I would love to hear more about the technique you use for tree removal. Perhaps a video guide? :thumbsup:

Kubota does have a solid 3pt control kit as an option. I think it sells for around $170. It is part no. L8430

I wouldn't say I'm an expert operator either, but a few tricks I've picked up for uprooting trees:
-I always start by raising the bucket about hood level, maybe a foot or two higher, and pushing it over. Make sure the bucket is level when doing this (not in the full scoop or dump position) The goal here is two fold; push the tree and limbs out of the way so you can see what you are doing and use the weight of the tractor itself to bend the tree over to the ground and loosen the root ball.
-Once the tree is bent/pushed over, I usually back up, put the bucket into a digging position, and in LOW range begin to dig out the soil in surrounding the root ball. I usually don't have to do this from all sides. The idea is just to disturb the root ball as best as you can. Like I said, usually I only have to attack from one angle; however a few trees have been really stubborn and changing angles has helped.
-Once I get some soil removed, I position the lip of the bucket under the root ball, and then tilt back. These tractors have more force tilting back than they do lifting straight up. I might have to dig more, tilt more, and repeat several times before the tree gives up.
-It helps when tilting back to keep some forward pressure, even sometimes alternating the force of the forward pressure, to loosen the root ball. This again is the beauty of hydrostat!
-Once the tree is out of the ground, the tractor will have no problems moving it around.
-On a final note; I've had two or three trees now where the trunk actually kind of splintered and separated vs. just bending over and loosening the root ball. This is where slowly backing over the shredded trunk with your cutter comes is very handy!

I've had pretty good lucky doing this method, and it doesn't seem to be too hard on the tractor. I've come to a few trees that I could feel just weren't going to give up. Don't be afraid to back away and get the chain saw haha. These things aren't meant to be and never will be dozers!

Thanks for the part number, if I were a new purchaser I would have the dealer put these on before he delivered the machine.

I can honestly say, this tractor is the best thing I've ever bought, including four wheelers, jeeps, trucks, motorcycles.

 

[arrow]

Long story short, I estimate the log weighed well over 3600 lbs. I did not expect the compact tractor to be able to handle this type of work. Needless to say I am pleasantly surprised.

.

Well, I know what tree sections weigh. I thought that in this weight range of tractor, pulling power was limited to about a thousand pounds less than the weight of the tractor. If you are saying that one end of the tree was 18" and the other 24", that log in this species would weigh closer to 4500 Lbs. Something is askew here. Now if the tree was around 20" at its fat end and 14" at the small end, then that log would weigh a bit less than 3000Lbs. That is still quite a load for this tractor. The bottom end cut into 10' section of the 20" tree would weigh a bit over 1000Lbs. If it were closer to your 24" guess, then the 10' section would be over 1600 Lbs which would not be lifted by your fel specs. How much does this tractor weigh? You are about to shoot down my 1000Lbs less theory if it weighs anything under 3500Lbs

 

[montelatici]

Well, I know what tree sections weigh. I thought that in this weight range of tractor, pulling power was limited to about a thousand pounds less than the weight of the tractor. If you are saying that one end of the tree was 18" and the other 24", that log in this species would weigh closer to 4500 Lbs. Something is askew here. Now if the tree was around 20" at its fat end and 14" at the small end, then that log would weigh a bit less than 3000Lbs. That is still quite a load for this tractor. The bottom end cut into 10' section of the 20" tree would weigh a bit over 1000Lbs. If it were closer to your 24" guess, then the 10' section would be over 1600 Lbs which would not be lifted by your fel specs. How much does this tractor weigh? You are about to shoot down my 1000Lbs less theory if it weighs anything under 3500Lbs

With or without weighted tires, FEL and backhoe? Tractor alone weighs 2,600 lbs.

 

[hunter82i]

Based on what the manual said and adding tractor + FEL, (~2600lbs + 1155lbs) is giving me about 3755 lbs of tractor. I don't know exactly how much weight is in the tires since I didn't do it personally, but again based on what the manual says my tires should hold about 500lbs if properly filled (combined weight).

That's putting the weight of the tractor with no implements and without me on it at 4355 lbs. Add me and we are at 4555 lbs, plus some misc tools and fluids, and I think 4600 lbs is a safe estimate. (I had a 3pt drawbar on for raising the front of the log off the ground)

The dimensions of the log are estimates, I didn't have my tape measure and of course the log is not perfectly round or symmetrical.

By your theory, 4600lbs - 1000lbs = 3600 lbs, or roughly 1200 lbs per section as I mentioned.

I think all of these numbers are pretty inline with the actual weights. Bottom line; I was and am still pretty darn impressed with the performance. The other guys around me were surprised as well.

 

[arrow]

Based on what the manual said and adding tractor + FEL, (~2600lbs + 1155lbs) is giving me about 3755 lbs of tractor. I don't know exactly how much weight is in the tires since I didn't do it personally, but again based on what the manual says my tires should hold about 500lbs if properly filled (combined weight).

That's putting the weight of the tractor with no implements and without me on it at 4355 lbs. Add me and we are at 4555 lbs, plus some misc tools and fluids, and I think 4600 lbs is a safe estimate. (I had a 3pt drawbar on for raising the front of the log off the ground)

The dimensions of the log are estimates, I didn't have my tape measure and of course the log is not perfectly round or symmetrical.

By your theory, 4600lbs - 1000lbs = 3600 lbs, or roughly 1200 lbs per section as I mentioned.

I think all of these numbers are pretty inline with the actual weights. Bottom line; I was and am still pretty darn impressed with the performance. The other guys around me were surprised as well.

That is a pretty heavy loader. With all your additional weight, I could understand you being able to pull a 3500Lb log. That is one nice tractor. If the Kubota dealers in my area were not so difficult, I'd have a 3400 by now but I am of the old school that if something costs too much or more accurately is priced too high for what I think it is, I don't buy it. $19300 for a 3400 with fel and nothing else was too high in my mind and this was a year ago.

 

[montelatici]

but I am of the old school that if something costs too much or more accurately is priced too high for what I think it is, I don't buy it. $19300 for a 3400 with fel and nothing else was too high in my mind and this was a year ago.

I am of the older school, trust me, and the price of the L3400 or L3700SU (a similar tractor) is actually quite low. Probably the best price/performance in the Kubota line and certainly compared to tractors JD or other first tier (in terms of historical reliability/quality) tractors.

They may be low on useful bells and whistles, but high price is no their defect.

 

[arrow]

I disagree. At the same point in time, I could have purchased a JD990 for $2000more than the $19300 Kubota. It is a much bigger tractor however. A Mahinrda 3510 was the same price as the Kubota. Again a heftier tractor. The Mahindra 3216 or comparative sized tractor to the L3400,was $2000 cheaper. When I looked at the Kubota, I saw a $17500 geared tractor. That to me is what I consider a fair price for what you get with this Kubota. I can fairly conjecture that people in other areas did indeed pay this price for a L3400 last fall.

 

[johnrex62]

I disagree. At the same point in time, I could have purchased a JD990 for $2000more than the $19300 Kubota. It is a much bigger tractor however. A Mahinrda 3510 was the same price as the Kubota. Again a heftier tractor. The Mahindra 3216 or comparative sized tractor to the L3400,was $2000 cheaper. When I looked at the Kubota, I saw a $17500 geared tractor. That to me is what I consider a fair price for what you get with this Kubota. I can fairly conjecture that people in other areas did indeed pay this price for a L3400 last fall.

Based on what others have been reporting over the last 4 mos, your price on the Kubota (L3700SU) is about $2000 high, so the JD price is about $4000 higher than the Kubota. The L3700SU is an HST, so the geared drive comparisons are not so good for pricing.

My local Mahindra was several hundred higher for the 3215 which is a bit smaller than the 3510 which in turn is a bit lesser powered then the L3700SU.

My price on the L3700SU was $5k lower than what you found, even lower if you put the price of the extras I got in the package up to market. The JD in my neighborhood was almost double for the 3038E over the L3700SU.

So, you can see why I have to totally disagree with your experience, at least in my area.

 

[montelatici]

I think you can compare a other Japanese or even Korean made tractors to Kubota, but to compare a Mahindra to a Kubota is nonsense.

I travel at least once a year to India and oversee some industrial cooperation agreements and the overall industrial quality level in India is lower than China. In a decade or so they may catch up but right now there is no comparison.

 

[peterc38]

I think you can compare a other Japanese or even Korean made tractors to Kubota, but to compare a Mahindra to a Kubota is nonsense.

I travel at least once a year to India and oversee some industrial cooperation agreements and the overall industrial quality level in India is lower than China. In a decade or so they may catch up but right now there is no comparison.

Believe me, I love Kubota. I own a Kubota and my next tractor will be a Kubota but you can't broadbrush Mahindra just because of an impression of overall industrial quality being lower.

Mahindra has won some significant quality awards.

From their website:

"In its quality journey, the Farm Sector has won the Deming Application Prize in 2003, followed by the Japan Quality Medal in 2007. It is the 20th Company in the world and only the 2nd company in India to achieve this distinction."

 

[ovrszd]

As I mentioned in the beginning my Brother got quoted $17K for a 3700SU. Our local JD dealer has a 3032 w/FEL for $18,8K cash. The JD is a lesser tractor and had no options. Didn't even have a quick attach loader. Ya just can't get a good price on a JD here.

 

[VT6Kubota]

I was quoted a cash price of $18.5k for a L3700 w/L463 loader, draw bar, loaded tires, and block heater including delivery and set up. From what I have read posted earlier this seems to be a fair price. the trade they offered on my 25 year old B 8200HSD is only 4,000 less than I paid for it 25 years ago.