L4400 HST vs MX5800 HST

[kubota4me]

Here is where things are at with me. I currently own a five year old L4400 all paid for. I desperately need a grapple for quite a bit of work waiting and ongoing on my wooded and prairie property. I have decided to go with a Land Pride 60 grapple weighing 400 lbs.

My two choices are: (1) convert my L4400 to quick coupler loader, buy a new bucket, buy and install the Land Pride grapple. Or

(2) trade my L4400 in on a MX5800 that already has quick coupler loader, install the Land Pride grapple.

The MX5800 would have 61 hp vs 45 hp on L4400, have a heavier three point category 2 hitch, have about 300-400 more FEL lift capacity.

I only have 150 hours on my L4400. L4400 weighs 3307 lbs, MX5800 weighs 3734 lbs.

I would be taking on 5 years of payments for the trade difference. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated! I use the tractor to mow with bush hog, move some snow, and when I get a grapple to move brush piles and small trees. That is the extent of my usage.

Also, are the add-a-grapples worth looking into for my needs, moving brush piles and small trees or am I better off stick with a full grapple?

 

[jeff9366]

I currently own a five year old L4400 all paid for. I only have 150 hours on my L4400.

You are averaging thirty (30) engine hours per year. The tractors are reasonably close in weight, which is the key parameter relative to grapple work. I would keep the L4400 and consider clamp-on Debris Forks and Manure Forks to move brush piles and small trees.

LINKS: Tractor Debris Forks
Multi-Spear Ultra Fork

The ULTRAFORKS have less lift capacity but spears slip under brush piles without pushing the brush away. Great for moving leaf piles, bulk mulch and compost. With Debris Forks, to pick up big loads you usually need the pile in front of a tree or other backstop to lift cleanly.

I have used an indestructible Bucket Spade from this firm for seven years. It goes on the bucket and comes off the bucket easily. I expect Bucket Solution's forks are top quality as well. I have Debris Forks from Haynes, now closed.

Five more years of payments? Not I.

 

[KennyV]

Keep what you already own, If it is capable of doing the things you need done... Put a skid steer adapter on the loader... It will open your future word to many more possibilities ...
And for the amount of grapple work you have available You will appreciate having an Actual grapple, and the ease of switching the loader attachment easily will only allow you to be more productive. KennyV

 

[majorwager]

Agree w/ Kenny. However the clamp on forks for a bucket, have the potential to bend the bottom lip under even a moderate load. Regardless.the MX or your tractor would require the expense of adding a 3rd function at the loader front, for hydraulic grapple. W R Long and others offer a DIY kit. Everything Attachments has them on their website.
EDIT:
The other salient point that jeffy did not mention is really critical. The bucket depth must be added to the load. By this I mean that the load upon the clamp on device is even futher forward from the pivot pins. This further reduces you load cabacity. The dedicated grapple positions the load closer to the pins where it belongs.

Converting to a QA for the loader tools makes tasks so much more enjoyable.If you are handy, the titan system is the least expensive. Some kubota buckets are difficult to convert, but either way, you would need a plate adapter. Tomahawk offers good quality buckets, very reasonable.

See follow up post below.

 

[jenrow33]

Agree with KennyV x2

 

[majorwager]

Agree w/ Kenny V



Washburn Company, offers a conversion from pin-on to QA, that is very simple, About $600. But the brackets are adjustable and everything just bolts together. If you post a photo of your current bucket attachment, more input can be posted.

Is the grapple dealer working with you on installation or is it an implement sale only?


This photo is ridiculous, load is too far forward from pivot pin, substantially reducing lift capacity and may easity upset tractor balance and stability. Must also factor the weight of the clamped on attachment!!..

 

[newbury]

<snip> I have decided to go with a Land Pride 60 grapple weighing 400 lbs.

My two choices are: (1) convert my L4400 to quick coupler loader, buy a new bucket, buy and install the Land Pride grapple. Or

(2) trade my L4400 in on a MX5800 that already has quick coupler loader, install the Land Pride grapple.<snip>

Convert and change your present bucket!!!

Check w/ Kubota, they may offer a pin-on adapter for about $700. They did for my M4700 a few years ago.

Although based on your PAST usage I'd say you could probably get by with clamp ons for years.

 

[Greenfield Dave]

I bought this for my L4400. Price has gone up, but I love it.

ATI Tach-All Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach Hitch for tractor loaders

 

[nybirdman]

I would keep the L4400 and add a Green's Machine Thumb;easily removable (make it bolt on) and you don't have to change your bucket;that and a tooth-bar make a decent ("poor Man's) grapple.I use mine all the time and it works very well.