L4400 or M5000

[imported_NYFarmboy]

I am in south central N.Y. and I have been doing alot of research on the kubota tractors and decided that the M5000 is what I really want. However, a dealer that I had spoken to is recommending an L4400, maybe because that is what he has on his lot. I have about 50 acres that I plan on bush hogging and/or tilling, besides other work. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Also, I figured that an M5000 4wd with a 702FEL, quick attach, agric tires, ROPS, calcium loaded tires, and a 7ft bush hog may go for $24,000 while the L4400 would be more like $20,000. Does this sound realistic? Does anyone use a dealer in the area that they can recommend.

 

[N80]

A quick look at the specs suggests that the MX5000 is just a little more tractor in most aspects. They have similar 3pt hitch lift capacity with the L4400 having a minial edge. The 5000 weighs about 500 more pounds and appears to have a higher hyrdaulic pump capacity. It is slightly longer than the 4400 but otherwise similar in size. The M series is advertised as a more robust, dedicated Ag tractor, but I'm not sure what this means specifically; maybe it has a stronger tranny, beefier castings, and bearings. But that's just a guess. I imagine its FEL specs are better than the 4400.

I'd say that if money were no object, get the 5000. It costs more, but you get more.

I've had my 4400 about four months now. If you decide to look into the 4400 and want to know more about it I've written a review that should get posted here in the Review section in a few days.

One other thing, the 4400 has no provision for a cab, which could be a definite drawback for cold weather use.

 

[SWB]

Have you thought about the M4800. It is more tractor for just a little more money.

 

[HEC]

I had the M5400 for several years and really liked it,I just went to the M5700 only to get the creeper gears which were not available in the M5400 as I use the M5700 for snow blowing.If it were my choice I would go for any of the M series as they are a little more beefier as mentioned already,but I am sure you would be happy with either one you choose.Be sure you know exactly what you will be using the tractor for in the future and pick accordingly ,as a dealer also told me the M5400 would back up slow enough for a snow blower because he had one on his lot,it did not.Be sure and know the capabilities of which ever tractor you choose and make sure they match whatever it is you will be doing with the tractor,it may save you a lot of aggravation and money in the long run,I learned the hard way.Good Luck /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bob_Young]

Hi Farmboy,
I've got 50 acres north of the Finglerlakes that I work on with my L4300(predecessor to the L4400; same HP, almost the same weight). If it were my only tractor, I'd say it was a bit on the light side. It seems to have plenty of power and good traction but not enough weight to handle a medium duty 6' 3-pt. bushhog (Woods BB720) without the FEL in place. With the FEL, it handles it OK but it's at its limit. The geometry/dimensions of the 3-pt. hitch dictate that I have to partially disassemble one side of the hitch when I hook up to the BB720.

Fortunately I also have an old Ford 4000 that handles the bushhog OK. I've come to view a medium duty bushhog as a requirement for my place. The standard duty hogs take a beating when you get in a stand of sumac or small growth ash.

If it will be your only tractor and if your bushhog is 3-pt and weighs over 1000 lbs, I'd definitely go with the bigger tractor. Even better would be one of the smaller M-series Ag tractors others have mentioned. The M4800 thru M6800 models are at the end of their run and replacement models have been announced. In order to clear the lots of the older models, discounts are available on some models. You might ask your dealer if any apply to the M4800 or M4900. They are definitely more tractor.

In my L4300 manual, there's a section titled "Implement Limitations". It gives the maximum weight and size for many common implements. For a Rotary Cutter (bushhog) the max width is 72" and the max. weight is 880 lbs. This in spite of the fact that the L4300 has a lift rating of around 2300 lbs. at 24 in. behind the lift point. The reason for this is that on the bare tractor, too heavy a cutter can lift the front of the tractor off the ground. Keeping the FEL on during mowing (not a bad idea anyway) will then become a necessity.

Since your dealer has L4400s on the lot, ask to see the manual and look for the Implement Limitations section. It'll give you a better feel for the L4400's true capabilities than the raw specifications will.

On the other hand, if you'll be trailering your tractor; going too big will put you in a bind with your tow vehicle/trailer.
FWIW
Bob

 

[N80]

The load limit for a rotary cutter on the L4400 is also 880 pounds. I'd ask about the MX5000 at the dealer. It is heavier by around 500 pounds and its 3pt hitch is rated for Cat I and II. (But still has the same lift capacities as the 4400).

Adding ballast or FEL to the front might make either tractor more suitable to a heavier mower, but technically the manual does not confirm that.

My L4400 handles my LX6, which is a light duty mower and weighs 650 pounds, with no problems with the FEL on. Balances well, but I've never run the mower with the loader off. I also run a heavy duty, and very heavy, 7' mower, but it is a pull-type and does not put as much weight on the back of the tractor. It runs it with no trouble though.

Again, living in NY are you planning on having an enclosed cab? If so, you can write the L4400 off easily.

If you do find out how much weight the 3pt on the MX5000 will carry, please let us know. You will probably need the manual to find this out.

 

[HEC]

The load limit on the M5400 for a rotary cutter was 1000lbs if that helps any.

 

[slowzuki]

The MX5000 is really just a barebones old model Grand L4610 with gear tranny and the L5030/L48 motor if you get up close and personal with it. The specs can also confirm this. It is a nice little tractor and Laurin have a nice little cab for it too but it isn't a big tractor by any means.

 

[40_acre_mule]

After a lot of research, I decided on the L4400. But, I had very specific issues to address.
I have several swampy areas on my 40 acres. My old tractor couldn't handle the muck for several reasons...
1. too heavy
2. narrow tires (ag types)
3. 2 wheel drive only
Plus, I had other goals in mind...
1. as much power as I could for the money
2. price around $20,000
3. user friendly for minor maintenance, such as fluid/filter changes
The 4400 solved all those problems without giving up too much power or breaking the bank. It is nearly 1000 lbs lighter than the old tractor, has Industrial tires, and has 4WD. This tractor can get across all the mucky areas except right after a heavy rain. It handles my medium-duty 6 ft rotary cutter (720 lbs) without trouble. The price, with 4WD and FEL was right at $20,000. I can reach all the filters without being a contortionist.
Most of my cleared property is gently rolling hills that is fairly smooth, plus the swampy spots.
On the other hand, the FEL can't handle as big a load as the old tractor, but I'm not trying to reconfigure the entire landscape, so it wasn't a problem.
I can't address the cab issue because it doesn't get cold enough, often enough to justify one down here in south Mississippi.
If I were you, I'd try to determine just exactly what I planned to use the tractor for, not just your immediate goals, but what you might use it for ten years from now.
Good luck with your choice.

 

[FL4400]

I was looking at a M4900 when I first started looking but my Finiancal adviser would not let me spend as much as I wnted for a tractor. I worked on a hay farm for thr last 4 years and that is all I have ever been on was full size AG tractors. But I have not been dissappointed one bit by the L4400, it has been a greta tractor with alot of power for it's size. Know I am good I did not get the 4900 because it would have been way to big for my property once I have finished all the major chores I am doing.