I own both an L6060HSTC and an MX5800HST. I looked at an M but decided the slightly smaller MX would suit my needs. So far, it has.
FWIW, here are a few thoughts:
- Both tractors have plenty of power compared to my old L3430HSTC
- The front wheels are larger on the MX and do provide a bit more traction. I use the MX mostly for earthwork with a BH92 hoe. For some reason, the hoe is more stable on the MX than on the L6060 even though it is slightly heavier.
- I use a 72" flail with the L6060 and so far, it has never bogged down while mowing heavy vegetation.
- I mow 7 acres & plow snow with the L6060 and recently traded up from an L6060HST to the L6060HSTC cabbed model. I'm getting older and needed the creature comforts. The heat is great when plowing at 10 degrees and the A/C is nice when mowing when it's 95. You say you don't want a cab but consider the future.
I've been looking for a used Kubota to upgrade from my old Ferguson to35 that is accumulating too many problems.
I'm wanting something a little more powerful to run my flail mower without bogging down, possibility of haying in the future, and strong 3pt to lift those occasional loads that my Bobcat 743 skidsteer (1300lb roc) can't do.
4wd is a must since I'm dealing with hilly terrain. Wide base/low center of gravity is also ideal for the same reason. I do not want a FEL since I have the skidsteer which is a much better tool for material moving, though if I find the right tractor that has one and still a decent price, I'd be okay with it, or possibly sell it to help with the purchase price. Actively do NOT want a cab.
I've been avoiding looking at L series tractors almost entirely because I hate the tiny front wheels on them. I've seen those get stuck so easily compared to the M series larger front wheels for 4wd.
I also get the sense that L series is altogether a lighter duty machine, but also smaller overall for the power they have. I'm starting to wonder if the smaller size would be a good thing for the hills that I'll be working on, and also working around and under trees a lot.
My actual question then is this:
Am I correct in avoiding the L series or should I open my mind a little to considering them? I see a lot more L series out there so I have more options to choose from, but I also wonder if that's because everyone has just traded theirs in for a M series.
Thanks for any help!
I own both a 4WD L6060HSTC and an MX5800HST. I looked at an M but decided the slightly smaller MX would suit my needs. So far, it has.
FWIW, here are a few thoughts:
- Both tractors have plenty of power compared to my old L3430HSTC
- The front wheels are larger on the MX and do provide a bit more traction. I use the MX mostly for earthwork with a BH92 hoe. For some reason, the hoe is more stable on the MX than on the L6060 even though the L is slightly heavier.
- I use a 72" flail with the L6060 and so far, it has never bogged down while mowing heavy vegetation.
- I mow 7 acres & plow snow with the L6060 and recently traded up from an L6060HST to the L6060HSTC cabbed model. I'm getting older and needed the creature comforts. The heat is great when plowing at 10 degrees and the A/C is nice while mowing when it's 95. You say you don't want a cab but consider the future.
- I mow steep slopes with the L6060 equipped with R4 tires and see no RPM or traction loss when mowing uphill using my 84" finish mower.
I think the answer to your question really depends on how you plan to use the tractor. Don't overlook the MX series as was previously suggested.