Buying Advice L3800 or MX4700 or MX5100?
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Verticaltrx
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Not only will a larger tractor sometimes not fit where you are trying to do work, but sometimes they are just harder to use for certain tasks. After trying to do precise loader work or finish grading with our M9540, I'm actually relieved to get back on my little B3200 to do the same tasks. Granted this is a much more extreme size difference than a GL vs MX, but the principles are still the same. With the larger tractors you are just so far away from the attachments that visibility is poor at best. With the loader you just have to watch the level indicator and have a 'feel' for what the bucket is doing and where it is. Using pallet forks is a guessing game as well on a large tractor.
Really it's all about sizing the tractor to the tasks, there are still a lot of things the big Kubota can do that mine can't. Like loading our dump truck, stacking round bales three rows high, lifting materials up to the roof of a building, etc. Those are all cases where there is a specific need for that size tractor.
Just to throw something else into the decision, if you want a small tractor with lots of features and capacity, the B26 Industrial tractor/loader is something else to consider. It has most of the features of the grand L's, a quite substantial loader for it's size, smooth running, nice 3pt hitch and PTO. But it's also fairly compact and very easy to work with. The price on the B26 with a backhoe is up around 30-35K, but without a hoe I think they are around the cost of a small grand L with loader.
Verticaltrx
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No real reason except it's another model that fits your general criterion. The B26 is a little smaller but more commercially oriented, and in some regards slightly heavier duty. Like I said before, once you narrow down your selection just go look at and drive one of each. There may be something about one you like better than the other. That was my case, the B3200 and L2800 were about the same price, and would have done about the same job, but for some reason I just liked the B better. However, if it's in your budget, I bet the grand L is what you'll like the best. They really are nice tractors. :thumbsup:
Not sure on where to get the best price, but if you are in Boone, head over to Mt.Airy Equipment in Mt Airy NC. Not sure how they are on prices, but they generally have a lot of tractors in stock to look at. Fowlkes Machine company in Wytheville, VA also stock quite a few tractors in that size range. They are local to me, probably a little over an hour drive north from your place in Boone. When I was ready to buy mine I called every dealer within 100mi of here, told them exactly what I wanted, and that I was ready to buy tomorrow if they could give me a good price. Ended up getting mine from Collie Equipment in Danville, VA(which was about a 100mi drive.) There were some other dealers in central NC that had as good of a price, but it was easier to get the tax stuff dealt with in VA.
Turbys_1700
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If I was purchasing a tractor that was finish mowing the majority of the time I would look at the lighter units. If I was going to use ground engaging attachments more the larger unit will be better suited.
With that said, I mow my 4 acres with a 28HP NH 1720 that weighs in @ 3300# with loaded rear tires. That tractor has a 65" wheel base and is very maneuverable and can move a lot of dirt with the FEL and box blade. It is the perfect size for working my small yard.
With that said, I mow my 4 acres with a 28HP NH 1720 that weighs in @ 3300# with loaded rear tires. That tractor has a 65" wheel base and is very maneuverable and can move a lot of dirt with the FEL and box blade. It is the perfect size for working my small yard.
Yeah I definitely need to find a good dealer to check them out more. I just wonder if I'll be happier with all the bells and whistles of a GL or happier with more power of a larger basic tractor like the mx series. I bet if I never drive a GL I won't miss it...lol. Is it true that I can add a third valve on the front of the mx5100 aftermarket since the factory doesn't appear to offer it?
Chris
Chris
Verticaltrx
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As far as hydraulics go, if you go with aftermarket stuff you can add about anything you could ever want at a later date, regardless of model. One thing to keep in mind though is that especially on the more premium models like the GL and M the factory hydraulics are very high quality and well integrated (integrated joystick, rear remote levers right beside the seat, etc.) When you get into the standard or economy models the hydraulics are often valves just hung on the ROPS, fender, or loader. While I'm sure they are of the same quality they aren't quite as easy to use and they look a little more cluttered IMO.
foreman Etexas
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ChuckinNH
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It sounds to me like you really want that larger tractor so I would say go for it. You will always wish you had if you don't. If you do, and find that it is really awkward, or hard to use for some things then move down.......... it isn't the end of the world. The only way we can experience the things we want to is to do them. If we had to justify every little thing about the tractors we buy, we sure wouldn't buy many. I like my small tractor, but I have to admit there have been times when I wish I had enough land to turn one of the big ones around.
Wolfy
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Chuck....I noticed your profile said you have and hate v-bar duo grip chains...now I'm wondering since I was thinking about buying a set