L3901 vs L4701

[Peter 315]

(A flail does not extend to the rear so far but they don't cut in reverse and cost more. ) Cost a lot more to maintain also, I have a 5 foot woods rotary cutter on my L3800

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Don't know what your field conditions are, but I'm thinking there's no reason not to get a 6' mower with the L3901.

I'm running a 6 footer on 32 pto hp and having no problems at all.

If you're worried about being under powered, then get the 4701. I doubt you'd notice the $5K over the life of the loan (ie in the monthly payment).

I would also vote for Rimguard in the tires. I did it, and am very glad that I did.

 

[Milo]

With only 20 acres, and not running a business.... you can get by with the L3901. You could use the L4701 but after a while, it would be over kill. Take the extra money you save and buy a grapple and TnT for the L3901. You will not regret it.... that's my :2cents:

I think I agree, an L3901 should handle a 6' RC or flail and the smaller L should fit on your trails better.

 

[RonSwanson]

Should I be looking at an L3560 too?

 

[nrosario]

Should I be looking at an L3560 too?

Definitely,
The L3560 is an amazing machine with over 3,000.00 of dry weight.
I would also look at the MX series.
And if you can/want check the Massey Ferguson 2700 series and the 1735M, that last one is very similar to the Kubota L3560 in terms of capabilities and features, except for the amazing HST+.

Take your time and try every machine before buying.

 

[RonSwanson]

Definitely,
The L3560 is an amazing machine with over 3,000.00 of dry weight.
I would also look at the MX series.
And if you can/want check the Massey Ferguson 2700 series and the 1735M, that last one is very similar to the Kubota L3560 in terms of capabilities and features, except for the amazing HST+.

Take your time and try every machine before buying.

Cool. I requested a quote on the 3560 too. Dont really have a Massey dealer around. Theres a Mahindra dealer directly next to the Deere dealer here. I love Deere for mowers but I think there 3E series is really lacking and then the 3R series is really expensive.

 

[jeff9366]

Should I be looking at an L3560 too?

Tractor weight is where to start. Horsepower and amenities follow.

L4701 3,300 pounds, bare tractor weight. (intermediate amenities) Cat 1 - 3-pt.

L3560 3,500 pounds bare tractor weight. (de luxe amenities) Cat 1 - 3-pt.

MX -----3,700 pounds bare tractor weight. (economy tractor) Cat 1//2 - 3-pt.

All considerably wider and considerably heavier than an L3901 (2,700 pounds bare tractor weight), which is not that robust a platform for 20 acres.

Rear axles on above tractors are all 10" or more wider than L3901 rear axle, making these candidates much more stable.

L4701 and MX are close in cost. L3560 is more money ~~ and worth it.


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The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Neophyte tractor operators are often intimidated by instability of tractors with small front wheels and large rear wheels, therefore frequently purchase tractors too light, too small for long term satisfaction. ((Tractors seem to shrink after about twenty hours of operating experience.))

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.

Sufficient tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise. I have a column for cost per pound.

Most tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres.

Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is worse than depreciation on a tractor.

A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after seven years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.

 

[Peter 315]

Just take your time and try out different tractor don't RUSH , 2k or 3k over 4 or 5 years not that big of a deal...... There will always be deals EVERY salesman is going to be your friend..

 

[Motorboatin]

Got a quote for both tractors with packages. 5 brush hog and box blade with the 3901 and 6 implements with the 4701. Exactly $5k difference between the tractors. Kubota and Deere and everyone are doing 0% right now because of Covid so I figured good time to buy.

I have 20 acres. Gravel driveway to maintain. 10 acre pasture to brush hog plus some trails in the woods. Loader work planned to build and maintain a shooting backstop.

I like the idea of more capability with the 4701. But I like the price of the 3901 obviously. Ground gets wet out here too so worried about turf tearing up more with the 4701.

Dont want to regret size though because Ive done that with a Deere mower. Bought a z915e last year and want to trade up for more power so I want to avoid doing that again.

When I was shopping for my tractor I looked at the 4701 and saw an MX4800 sitting on the lot that was less than $1000 more. If you're looking at the 4701 you should seriously consider the MX

 

[skipperbrown]

I've owned my little bx2200 for 20 years now. I plan to own it for many more years. It's a long term purchase. Amortizing a $5000 difference over 20 years is $250 a year. Get the tractor you want and need the first time, don't let the price tag intimidate you because if you buy right the first time, any price difference will be amortized over a long, long time.