L4330 vs. L5030 - Very tough call

npaden · Mar 16, 2006

Okay, I think I've narrowed all my choices down to the L4330 or L5030 with GST. I tried out the HST and GST models this morning and really like the GST better for my primary useage.

The L4330 is $24,000 with a LA-853 loader w/ toothbar and the L5030 is $26,800 with the same loader.

I'm going to be using it on 42 acres and using a 6' shredder and 7' box blade mainly for leveling and smoothing my 2,500' driveway.

Is the difference in 36pto hp and 44 pto hp going to make much difference? That is 22% more pto hp for only 12% more price, but if it is wasted on my application then that's still $2,800 more for nothing.

I could use that $2,800 on a implements and get a more useful tractor if the 36 pto hp will be plenty for a 6' shredder. I don't know if I can justify spending $4,000 to get an 8' shredder to begin with but if I did I think that would be too much for the 4330 but the 5030 could handle it.

I'm going to probably pull the trigger this afternoon so any responses before then would be really appreciated.

Lastly, the dealer was going to throw in a metal canopy on the deal but I asked for a toothbar instead. I figure I can always were a hat but if I'm digging with the front loader the toothbar would make a lot of difference, especially in an area that I have with some caliche.

Does everyone thing that sounds right?

Thanks for all the input so far!

Nathan

tjkadar · Mar 16, 2006

I would go with the L5030. We've gone the conservative route when buying a tractor twice and both times wound up with too little tractor for the job. I would rather end up with a little too much hp then too little.

RFB · Mar 16, 2006

You might want to recheck on the prices you were quoted.
26,800 seems a little high, at least in my limited experience. That is the price I was given for a 5030HST with Cab and 853 loader. Although you may not want/need the HST or the Cab, both reflect a price bump above GST & ROPS.

npaden · Mar 16, 2006

The tootbar is included in the $26,800 number (it is a $595 option). The local dealer is a little higher than another dealer 400 miles away ($1,000 - $1,500 higher depending on model I'm looking at) but they supposedly don't haggle and I don't want to have to haul my tractor 400 miles away to get it serviced.

The price difference on the HST vs. GST is only $100 difference, I would think a cab would be several thousand dollars difference though.

Maybe I will try to haggle with the no-haggle dealer.

Oleozz · Mar 16, 2006

You've probably made your decision by now but the price on the 4030 sounds way high. I believe when I was looking at the Kubota it was around $21,600 with filled R4's and loader. High on the tooth bar also, Markham sells a 72" for about $330 and that includes the shipping. Whatever you decide hope you enjoy it.

npaden · Mar 16, 2006

This sucks. I called the next closest dealer 120 miles away and they quoted me $22,450 for the L4330 and $24,900 for the L5030 both with the LA-853 Loader with quick attach bucket but not with a toothbar. Now I either get to make an jerk of myself trying to talk the local dealer down or drive 120 miles to go pick up a tractor.

I guess I still have the decision to make on whether I should get the L4330 or the L5030 as well.

Thanks for the input so far.

Nathan

Oleozz · Mar 16, 2006

I am buying another tractor 130 miles away and it sure is a gamble, especially if you have problems. I guess you have to decide if you want to give your local dealer all that extra money for being close. Our local dealer was 32 miles away but his prices were so high he gave me no alternative but to travel. You have a tough choice and only you can make the decision and hope it's the right one.

Gator6x4 · Mar 16, 2006

Things to consider. 1.) How handy are you at repairs. 2.) discuss with the dealer about you making minor repairs, him providing the parts. 3.) Chasing leaks, water, oil and hydraulic can be time consuming. 4.) Service manager, will he talk with you on the phone to help diagnoise a problem. I went with a dealer several miles away on my last tractor purchase. No problems. I call the dealership, talk to the service manger,remove a defect part, take it to the dealership receive a new part. The dealership is happy, I am happy. No transporting tractor. Tractor stays inside all the time. For major repairs I would take it to a dealer. I can transport the tractor for approximately $50-60 dollars on a Roll Back wrecker. This could be something else to check on. Call local wrecker companies and see how much it would cost to transport the unit.

Builder · Mar 16, 2006

I'd travel 120 miles to save that kind of money 24/7. We're talking about Kubota here, not some pile of junk. The chances of problems are very small.

Besides, why wouldn't the local dealer service a tractor purchased elsewhere? Even if it's warranty work, the dealership gets paid by Kubota, right? that's gauranteed money for them.

Make sure you ask the cheaper dealer what their warranty repair policies are-maybe you can get them to throw in a free trip on their rollback if there's a warrany issue? All they can do is say "no".

Even if that wasn't the case-Hit the road, dude and pocket the savings!

DUMBDOG · Mar 16, 2006

Not to start any arguments here, but are you referring to the L5030HSTC for 26,800. That sure seems like a low price. Did this include all installation, controls and bucket or anything else?