Buying Advice L3800 or MX4700 or MX5100?
- Thread starter ravencr
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k0ua
Epic Contributor
There are probably a dozen other guys typing away to explain this to you, as I am doing, but here goes: As tractors come from the factory they have a jackscrew for the top link in the 3pt linkage and a jackscrew on the right hand lift link from the rockshaft arms to the right hand lower link. These are just simple mechanical adjusters, that as you rotate the center portion of the jackscrew by hand they either lengthen or shorten the overall length of these members of the 3 point linkage. This means to adjust the length of the top link for instance you must get off and rotate the center of the jackscrew by hand, and usually you must "unload" the weight off of the linkage by dropping the implement to the ground to be able to rotate it. sometimes you must raise it and drop back and forth to gain some slack to get it where you want it. This is time consuming and a general PITA. In boxblading, sometimes you need to adjust the "attack" angle of the blade by adjusting the top link.. NOW, with a hydraulic TOP link you can do this on the fly nearly instantly with a hydraulic control valve within easy reach from your seat. Now you can adjust this angle of attack within seconds instead of getting off and all of that. the TILT is the same for the right hand side jackscrew that will tilt the blade hydraulicly in seconds instead of minutes, all from your seat. . So to hook up these hydraulic cylinders you need REMOTES. these are just hydraulic connectors that snap together to the hoses on the hydraulic cylinders, and are controlled by those little control valves near your seat. All of these remote connections and valves and hydraulic cylinders cost some money. But most people consider the ease of use, and the time saved, not to mention the reduction in swear word vocabulary worthwhile money spent.:thumbsup:
James K0UA
Perfect explanation. Thanks for the help. In looking further at the mx5100, it appears the valves are available but not the top and tilt kit. Also, it doesn't appear to have the third valve option for the front loader either. Is this correct, or am I doing something wrong?
Chris
Chris
TripleR
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
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- 18,084
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- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
James did an excellent job explaining TnT. I have used Tnt, but only have a hydraulic top link as I would not use the tilt enough to justify the cost now, but if I was buying new...
Several reasons I prefer the GL over L in no particular order:
1. HST+ transmission.
2. Roomier, flat operator platform which is easier for me to mount dismount.
3. Adjustable lift arms for ease of hook up and adjustment to implements.
4. Tilt steering wheel.
5. Smooth 3PH.
6. Generally better and stronger loaders.
7. Steering linkage.
8. Instrument panel.
I am definitely not knocking the L as I was going to buy one, I just prefer the GL. I recently spent six straight days on our L5030 and M8540 and I am in my 60's, so "comfort" may well be more important to me than others.
Also if not mentioned, go to Everything Attachments and spend some time watching their videos.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
You can get your top and tilt kit here:
Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com
Mtnveiwranch is one of the members here
You can get your 3rd function valve kit here:
3rd function valve kit for any tractor, free shipping within 1,000 miles!!
they are dealer/contributers here also. you can get your compact pallet forks at everything attachments also..highly recomended. I have a set of them. good people to deal with. Also look at all of their videos on their site, and you will learn a lot. Oh.. and make sure to get the hydrostat transmission on which ever tractor you buy.. it costs a little more, but for the kind of work you will be doing it will be invaluable. It makes me smile every time I use it..
James K0UA
Just watched a YouTube vid of the HST+ and those features seem to be really helpful over the standard HST setup. So I guess do I spring for a GL that's smaller in hp but feature rich or get a base model mx5100. The top and tilt feature sure sounds handy too. I really appreciate all the help guys. Heading to everything attachments now to be schooled on attachments.
Chris
Chris
Just watched a ton of videos from everything attachments and definitely learned a lot. The nice thing is they're only an hour from my house in Boone, NC. Do they sell kubotas too? I almost think talking to them about my needs for the park would help me to pick the right size tractor pretty well. Based on some of his videos, I'd say I'm leaning a tad more towards a GL now so I can utilize some more attachments and easier although I did see him using a mx5100 in some of his vids.
Chris
Chris
TripleR
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
- Messages
- 18,084
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
Keeping in mind that the tractor I use most is a L5030, I really see nothing that would indicate the need for tractor the size of a MX5100.
A midsize GL will be more maneuverable than the MX and while a smaller tractor will go everywhere a MX will, the converse cannot be said. Generally speaking, a "smaller" tractor will do anything a larger one, but a larger one simply won't fit in some places a smaller one will.
As is often said, "Bigger isn't always better, sometimes it is just bigger."
I suggest you go look at your property, figure out the overall length/width/height of the tractors with equipment and see how it is going to work out on your property for your specific needs and prioritize ongoing over one time or occasional.
Only you can prevent forest fires and only you can pick the right tractor no matter how many tractors or experience any of use have.