L4400 vs MX5100 - what's the catch?

[CPM]

This was done a couple of years back but things have changed since then.

The MX5100 now comes with a Hydrostatic option and 2 or 4wd select.

Does the L4400 have any advantages over the MX5100? The price is so close, I'm wondering what the catch is?

This is my first tractor and it would be great to get feedback as essentially, this is my shortlist!

 

[LD1]

There are quite a few differences in them two.

The 5100 is bigger and heavier. It has a stronger loader and 3PH. And if I remember correctly, it has 20" front wheels as opposed to the 16" wheels on the L4400.

Personally, if price were similar, I'd go for the bigger MX5100. I cant comment too much on the other things like bells and whistles because I dont own either. All I can do is go off of paper specs.

 

[gwdixon]

If I were looking at those two tractors you might want to add the M5140 to the list if you are buying new.

The M series are designed as ag tractors - mainly to do dirt work but versatile enough to handle compact tractor jobs.

The M's seems to be stronger and heavy duty than the L's. An old farmer might say they are a as "real" a tractor as can be bought nowadays.

 

[weldermike]

There are quite a few differences in them two.

The 5100 is bigger and heavier. It has a stronger loader and 3PH. And if I remember correctly, it has 20" front wheels as opposed to the 16" wheels on the L4400.

Personally, if price were similar, I'd go for the bigger MX5100. I cant comment too much on the other things like bells and whistles because I dont own either. All I can do is go off of paper specs.

Ditto on what LD1 said. The 5100 has bigger loader, heavier lift capacity, bigger front wheels, and front axle, turbo diesel with 7 more hp, telescopic lift arms, heavier rear lift, and for a similar sized machine compared to the 4400 its just a tank of a workhorse. Ive had a L4400, and now own a MX5100 and I am very happy with it. Either machine is an excellent choice but for a couple extra bucks I would put my money on the 5100. Just my opinion bud, youll be happy either way im sure.

 

[bigbull338]

for the price differance hp an loader,id go with the MX5100 HST 4x4 w/LA844 quick tatch loader.

 

[k0ua]

The telescoping lower links ( on the MX) are worth a lot.

James K0UA

 

[CPM]

The telescoping lower links ( on the MX) are worth a lot.

James K0UA

Why are they a big deal? Does it make things easier?

They're also CAT II on the MX, not sure what the big deal is about that either...

 

[gwdixon]

Why are they a big deal? Does it make things easier?

They're also CAT II on the MX, not sure what the big deal is about that either...

Cat 2 is much heavier duty and can work with Cat 1 or Cat 2 with just a little inexpensive bushing.

But, it sounds as if you have already decided. Buy the L and we can go on about our (monkey) business.

 

[k0ua]

Why are they a big deal? Does it make things easier?

They're also CAT II on the MX, not sure what the big deal is about that either...

Yes, they do make hookups much easier. When you don't have them, then you can start your search for some sort of quick hitch. (Pats, carters, I-match or equivelant). Some people still like the quick hitch better, but I know of no-one that likes the bare 3pt lower links. I don't know how your swear word vocabulary is, but mine was greatly enriched by using the bare lower 3pt links for a while. I have some Carters now.

James K0UA

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Why are they a big deal? Does it make things easier?

They're also CAT II on the MX, not sure what the big deal is about that either...

The telescopic lower links makes it a lot easier to hook up 3pt equipment. Just back up withing a couple inches and then when you go back there to hook up you just extend the links out and hook them to the implement. When its hooked up you raise the 3pt and they go back into their locked position.

Cat 2 allows you to use bigger and heavier duty implements if you so choose. You can still use Cat 1 implements but it gives you more options all together since you can use anything designed for Cat 1 or Cat 2 3pts.

Have you tried both tractors out? If not I would and that may make up your mind as to which one is best for you.

 

[CPM]

The telescopic lower links makes it a lot easier to hook up 3pt equipment. Just back up withing a couple inches and then when you go back there to hook up you just extend the links out and hook them to the implement. When its hooked up you raise the 3pt and they go back into their locked position.

Cat 2 allows you to use bigger and heavier duty implements if you so choose. You can still use Cat 1 implements but it gives you more options all together since you can use anything designed for Cat 1 or Cat 2 3pts.

Have you tried both tractors out? If not I would and that may make up your mind as to which one is best for you.

Thanks for info; I haven't tried both machines as the dealer doesn't have one in stock, it's at his "warehouse". I guess that means Kubota's warehouse.

 

[CPM]

Cat 2 is much heavier duty and can work with Cat 1 or Cat 2 with just a little inexpensive bushing.

But, it sounds as if you have already decided. Buy the L and we can go on about our (monkey) business.

More likely to be the MX if anything... but I've been considering the Kioti EX50HST (I happened to be passing a dealer and had never heard of them before so I took a look).

 

[k0ua]

More likely to be the MX if anything... but I've been considering the Kioti EX50HST (I happened to be passing a dealer and had never heard of them before so I took a look).

The Kioti's are worth a very hard look, they are heavier (usually a good thing) and usually somewhat cheaper. Their loader capacitys are usually a little higher also. They seem to be just fine. I would kinda like to have a DK40SEHST but that is just me. They have a lot of nice features.

James K0UA

 

[LD1]

I have some Carters now.

James K0UA

Speaking of that.....I am wanting to build a set today at the shop, but I am away from my tractor and dont have any dimensions.

So a few questions if ya dont mind....

Do you have the weld on ones, or the pin on ones?

How thick is the metal? And what is the width of the slot and depth of the slot from the pin?

And if you have the pin on style....What size did you get to fit over the lower lift arm?

Thanks:thumbsup: You can PM me so we dont hijack this thread anymore

 

[Longhorntractor]

I am a first time tractor owner also I recently bought the the L4400 and it has done all I have needed to do. I wrestled with buying either the L4400 or the L3800. I have had no trouble with hay bales, digging holes, moving dirt or moving debris with my grapple. I saved the extra money and bought a RTV 500!

 

[Reg]

Why are they a big deal? Does it make things easier?

They're also CAT II on the MX, not sure what the big deal is about that either...

Ooops,
If you are not (yet) beyond understanding Cat 1, 2 and 3 be very, very, careful just selecting a "tractor" from glossy ad material and so called "spec sheets".

This is probably not the place to get your tractor 101 education either; find a local farmer, join a local (antique ?) tractor club, whatever it takes, but this probably ain't the place for you (yet).
Beware brand name loyalty - HORRIBLE stuff.

I don't know HOW you got down to a short list of these two, but I really think you need to find a different square 1 to start from.

All due respect, no offense intended, etc.

 

[k0ua]

I think there is a lot of good information on here for selecting your tractor. Yes just like the internet in general, you have to "filter" it out. It is like drinking from a firehose. Yes there are a lot of conflicting ideas presented, but if you stay, look, listen and learn, you can pick up a lot of useful information. I have learned a lot here in the 20 months or so I have been here. Just my 2 centavos.

James K0UA

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I think there is a lot of good information on here for selecting your tractor. Yes just like the internet in general, you have to "filter" it out. It is like drinking from a firehose. Yes there are a lot of conflicting ideas presented, but if you stay, look, listen and learn, you can pick up a lot of useful information. I have learned a lot here in the 20 months or so I have been here. Just my 2 centavos.

James K0UA

+1. This is a very good place to learn the basics. :thumbsup:

 

[CPM]

+1. This is a very good place to learn the basics. :thumbsup:

I've learned loads already. I've got different opinions from different threads etc etc. I've also chatted to a couple of local farmers, who can be just as opinionated, if not more so than the "loyalty crowd".

From what I've discovered, the 2-3 models I'm looking at seem to be reliable and cost effective for my needs, but I'm open to ideas. But in the words of GK Chesterton, "Open minds are like open mouths, eventually they have to bite down on something solid!".