L3901 vs. MX4800 Advice Please

[Bubblehead751]

Please add your LOCATION to your T-B-N PROFILE, so location appears in every post you author.

Location tells us about your soil, topography, climate and altitude, all important to tractor selection and implement choices.



I feel the low volume L4701 is an orphan in Kubota's lineup, likely to be discontinued in the indefinite future. Only larger Kubota dealers maintain an L4701 in inventory. Odds are resale on an L3901 or MX series tractor will recoup you a higher percentage of your purchase price than a relatively unknown L4701.

The MX series are high volume and share many components within the series. Kubota strives to have common parts in model lines, which pleases Kubota dealers too. Every Kubota dealer I visit has multiple MX tractors in inventory.


The 'standard' L series and the MX series are both 'economy' model tractors. The functional difference is 1,000 pounds weight. (L3901 = 2,778 pounds, MX4800 = 3,729 pounds) MX has larger wheels/tires, more robust front axle and transmission case. MX Loaders have greater lift capacity than standard L series Loaders. The MX series has a considerably more spacious operating station relative to L3901.



If your property is flat, either the L3901 or MX4800 will serve. The MX will get work done faster.
If you will work slopes, the MX4800 will be much more stable with its greater weight and wider wheel stance. Most neophyte owners of tractors are surprised how unstable tractors feel on anything but level ground. (Here is where your location is helpful to respondents.)
Safety first.

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier 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.

Heavier tractors are constructed on larger frames and longer wheelbases. Heavier tractors are built with thicker steel to withstand greater stress. Heavier tractors have larger diameter wheels/tires, increasing ground clearance. Heavier tractors with large diameter wheels/tires have more tractive power pulling ground contact implements, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Larger wheels and tires permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris with less operator perturbation.

When considering a new tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second; rear ballast third.

All three Kubota models you are considering will fit in a residential garage with an 84" header, with the ROPS folded.



VIDEOS: Kubota Standard L-Series. L25�1 L33�1 L39�1 L47�1 features and operation. - YouTube

Kubota MX series walk around and features by Messicks. | MX48�� MX52�� MX58�� - YouTube




PHOTOS: My Kubota L3560 has bare tractor weight of 3,700 pounds. Is this the type of work you need to do?

Looks like a lot of what I need. Add in a brush hog. You look lots flatter than me though.

 

[troverman]

I think all Kubota tractors are great. I bought a new MX4800 last year, HST, with AG tires. Have the dealer mount the tires in the widest outboard position if you are looking for stability, and make sure the rear tires are loaded. My tractor is extremely stable and I operate on steeper terrain than probably most people on this board.

The L3901 is a great tractor as well. I used my 2013 B2920 to maintain 30 acres for awhile until I got my L-series. You'd be surprised how much you can get done with a smaller tractor.

 

[AndyMA]

My vote is for an MX

Mine is a MX5200

Andy

 

[The Deerslayer]

I have similar acreage and tasks as you describe. I have had the L3901 for almost 4 years now and it seems to be the perfect size for my application. I have some slope on my land that is mainly in the fields that I brush hog. I have Ag tires that I moved out to the furthest setting and it made quite a difference. Mine is an HST, so the gear shift is not an issue. I am able to move in and out without difficulty. I had a gear drive on my first tractor and will never go back after having the HST. Again, best for my application here. Happy shopping!

 

[Edward Romero]

I’ve ordered a Kubota MX4800DT which I have yet to receive. Was getting the R4 tires but then read the R1 Ag tire has better traction. Went to the dealership to change them. I live on a slight hillside and the dealer says the R1’s would give me 8” less tread and more height exactly what you don’t want for stability. So I’m sticking with the R4’s. The tires will be loaded and possibly get wheel weights. The MX can handle 310lbs per wheel. Also getting the FEL and a box blade. Will get more implements later.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

I have the R4s and I'd not want the ag tires for general property maintenance, which is my purpose. I don't plow and I don't hay, so a more general purpose tire is best for my needs. The R4's will slide on mushy ground and really slide on wet clay. So does everything else. I just get used to it. If your hill is more than just "slight", have the dealer mount the rears as far outboard as possible. Gives you a bit more stability. My tires are loaded, but I don't have wheel weights. I do have a backhoe, however.

 

[Fallon]

R1s are optimized for traction.
R4s are a compromise between traction, durability, carrying capacity & floatation.

I'll keep with R4s as the other attributes of R4s weigh as important to me as traction. Different equation if you pull a plow all day though.

 

[Midniteoyl]

MX4800 gets my vote. The L4701 is about 500lbs more than the L3901, but the MX is close to 1000lbs more. And from what I understand, tougher all around than the L series. Especially in the tranny and rear. Couple that with some extra lifting capacity and few more inches in all dimensions, like width for stability, and to me the MX wins.

 

[tradosaurus]

I went from a L3301 to and MX5400 and glad I did. Most of my work is within the woods. Plenty of PTO hp for implements and maybe a wood chipper down the road.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Don’t be afraid of R-1’s. Set them wide, load with fluid and enjoy. I have cut grass with this setup for years. If it’s too wet for R-1’s, it is just too wet for any tractor, in my opinion.