L4610 trial use

Driver · Jun 27, 2001

Friday my local dealer delivered an L4610hst with LA 852 loader, loaded ag tires, and a Bush hog SQ720 rotary cutter. He didn't give my any time limits, but he knows that it is likely that he won't have to come back and get it./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif If I keep this tractor, he will put a block heater on it before winter.

Just my luck, the wife had planned a horse camping weekend and we left before I could put an hour on it. When we returned, I put seven hours on it bush hogging pastures and moving rocks. So far I am impressed. I only put a few dents in the Bush hog and was able to do a better job the first time out than last years hired out work. It sure is a good way to learn more about the lay of the land from the tractor seat. I was particularly pleased at how easily I can reverse directions when needed to get back to a row. It is going to take a little time to get used to the heel-toe hst pedal.

Some questions that I have so far:

1. If I want to leave the loader on to move stones during the brush hog job, how safe is it to elevate the bucket above fence line level in order to mow closer to the fence? I know that it is inherently less stable with the bucket up, but the main area I am concerned about is one of the few flat and level areas I have to work in.

2. If I decide to remove the loader to brush hog, how important is adding front weight? Will the suitcase weights fit on the standard Kubota grill guard that comes with the loader?

3. The 6' bush hog is only just wider than the tractor wheels. Anyone hear run a 7' cutter with an L4610?

4. I am finding it a real challenge to find level spots to remove and reattach implements. I'm afraid that a machine shed will have to wait at least a year. I have just enough room now to park the tractor under cover, but not the implements. Anyone have any bright ideas about how to create level spots for implement storage? There is so much ledge that I don't think I can create a spot with the FEL that isn't on soft ground. Anyone pour concrete over ledge with good success?

As you might guess, I am really enjoying the tractor so far. It is getting highly unlikely I will let it go back to the dealer./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif In the final deal, I am going to add a finish mower and box scraper.

More to follow.

Driver

Boondox · Jun 27, 2001

Driver -- You've got yourself a BEAST!!!

A couple of point from my experience with my L3010. (1) I have a block heater but have never used it. Even at minus 20 last winter, Clementine started first time, every time. (2) On flat ground -- after uprooting a couple of my wife's saplings and bushes and catching absolute hell for it -- I raise the bucket over obstructions routinely when mowing mostly level ground. I don't have anything heavy in the bucket when doing so, but the L4610 is a monster compared to mine. (3) Like you, I have very little level ground on which to store implements. At first I stored them in back of the garage bays, but they got in the way so out of desperation I dropped them on the soft dirt next to the garage. It was mostly flat cept where the hens do their dust bath thing, and sloped gently downhill. What I found is that the telescoping lift arms made my fears groundless. I attach my implements, lift them, nudge them into place with the old hip nudge, and insert the pins in the lift arms. No fuss at all.

Hope this helps.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

glennmac · Jun 27, 2001

Driver,

Have a B2910 with a 60" medium duty Woods brushhog, so I'll address a couple of your question. I alway brush cut with my loader on. It balances the heavy cutter on the back. You want balance particularly if you are going up and down hills when you are cutting. That is, you dont want to chance tipping backwards when you are going or turning up a hill. Also, the loader acts as a sort of "shield" to press the brush under the tractor and protecting your grill. Curl the bucket to the maximum curl position and hold it out in front of the lower part of the grill.

(I do take the loader off for finish mowing, because then I am concerned about taking weight off the front wheels to avoid lawn scuffing and increaing maneuverability.)

I often raise the bucket up to go in tight circles around bushes or cars or some other obstruction. It is safe if you are on reasonably level ground. But not on a steepish side slope. You have a heavy tractor and your wide lowered cutter is also adding some stability. You'll get the feel for it.

As to changing implements on unlevel groung, or easing and speeding up the change process in general, investigate Freedom Hitches. I have them and consider them a very worthwhile investment. They have been discussed here and they have a website and free video.

Sounds like the only thing returning to the dealer is a check. Tractors are wonderful: how many things in life are both useful and fun.

Bird · Jun 27, 2001

1. I wouldn't hesitate at all to raise the loader above the fence line when mowing, so long as it doesn't have a load in it, no serious side slope, and no fast turning.

2. Take the loader off, pick up the mower with the 3-point, and drive it around a bit; see whether it feels too light on the front end. On my B2710 with 5' mowers, I always leave the loader off when mowing, whether finish mower or brush hog. Smoother, more comfortable ride, better visibility, and don't have to worry about catching a tree, fence, etc. with the loader. And I don't need any additional front weight.

3. No personal experience with it, but unless you're cutting really tough brush, I feel sure that I would prefer the 7' brush hog.

4. Can you find some old pallets or boards to lay on the ground for a platform for the implements?

Have fun with the new tractor.

Bird

HR_Mutt · Jun 27, 2001

Driver
I asked my dealer about the block heater and he said "don't waist the money". She started fine from January on.You mean you left the L4610 home alone to go camping???/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gifThink I'd of told the wife have fun and be careful>LOL!On your questions,
1.No prob. empty bucket, somewhat level ground, no high speed turns, etc.
2&3 I'm using a 7' mower without FEL, no prob/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif keeping an eye out for a nice used 8'.note:my fronts are loaded also.Use the weight funds towards the box scraper.
4.Use the sweet LA852 loader to make all the flat spots(with practice/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif you want.I would recommend dropping the loader off on concrete if possible.I am not familiar with the ledge you refer to....crushed limestone packs down pretty well on the soft spots.You've got a great piece of equipment there and hope you can keep it.
regards
Mutt

JATO_RaT · Jun 27, 2001

Mutt, you said what I was going to say. I believe the loader on the 4610 is a snap to remove with no forward bracing. Correct me if I'm wrong.
1. Forget the front weights. (why would you need them?) Mower won't be a problem
2. Lifting the loader and driving, especially with no weight in the bucket is fine unless its real steep and your sideways.
3. Block heater, hmmm, it rarely gets below 32 deg. where I'm at, not qualified to answer. My experience with Kubotas engines are that they start easliy down to the coldest weather we encounter.

4. Rat...

HR_Mutt · Jun 27, 2001

Rat
Only thing I would add on the loader removal is I run it up against an approx. 6" concrete wall that was poured into foundation.She stays put/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. The front brace is probably not necessary now that I think about it, just trying to get it out of the way. The first time I pulled it, was right after reading a post about someone doing the hookup on wet dirt and ending up with it dropped on their hood.The loader is so sweet to put on and take off/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
regards
Mutt

Driver · Jun 28, 2001

Thanks guys.

I am thinking block heater as I can routinely expect a few nights -20 to-25F each winter and many around minus 10. These mornings I always seem to need to get up and move snow.

What we call ledge up here is either exposed bedrock, or the surfaces of enormous boulders(20x30' or more). The rock is never completely level. Maybe I can site my machine shed and get the foundation/slab poured a year early.

Driver