new guy looking for some advice: MF1742 vs. Kubota L3901 both with loaders

angriffnole · Sep 9, 2017

Have owned a few very old tractors for hobby and doing basic food plot stuff in the past. I bought 100 acres in Georgia that is somewhat hilly. This is my first new purchase of a tractor and I am in "New tractor purchase paralysis" Both dealers are 30 miles away. Honestly, Kubota dealer so far has been a better experience. Like the 1742 set up, a little bigger tractor and seems would be more stable plus will lift more and has shuttle. Kubota with HST drives great and Kubota dealer has them flying out the door. I think I am getting a descent price on both. 1742 with loader, gear driven out the door cash price $23,100. L3901 with loader and brush cutter and added cruise control is $23,000 out the door cash price. Both 2017 models. I know its whatever I like best and best dealer support but I like both very much and both are long time dealers. I really appreciate opinions I have read since being a part of this forum and I will appreciate any opinions that anyone has good or bad concerning price, quality or personal experience.

Steppenwolfe · Sep 9, 2017

I am not familiar with the MF. The Kubota L3901 is a great tractor, and very well put together. If you go with the Kubota, get loaded tires and wheel weights in the back, it needs them. Price seems just a bit high, but like you said, they are flying off the lot... That should tell you something.

Tractorable · Sep 9, 2017

For 100 acres in Georgia you may want to consider the L4701 or MX4800/5200/5800 series Kubota, equivalent MF or Yanmar.

If they're too pricey look at some of the equivalent machines from the Korean manufacturers, Kioti, LS, TYM, Branson.

Goose69 · Sep 9, 2017

Agree with Tractorable.
....I only have about 69acres of land, and would not want a smaller tractor than my 2706e. Comparable Kubota would be the MX series.
.... I went with the Massey over the Kubota, because of dealer preference, cost, and simpler emissions set-up. But they both are fine tractors,

Tractorable · Sep 9, 2017

Help us help you by telling us what work you need to do with the new tractor? Then we can get a better idea of the appropriate size and horsepower you'll need.

angriffnole · Sep 10, 2017

Basically brush cutting fields, discing and clearing fire lanes. Use the loader to repair roads and fire lanes from rain water run off. Nothing to big. No hay bales or anything like that.

redman135 · Sep 10, 2017

Hello, angriffnole, you say you are on hilly country. Have the dealer set the rear wheels to the widest track for stability.
Also load the rear tyres. The dealer should be able to give you the options and load the tyres for you.
Lastly, on hills ag tyres are better than industrial tyres and get the 45 degree tread(best lateral grip), not the 30 degree tread.
As for which tractor, which one is the best fit? ie how comfortable is the seat?
when you reach for the controls, are they under your hand or do you need to stretch(rapidly takes the gross of a purchase)?

paulfun9 · Sep 10, 2017

Of the two you looking at I would bring the 1742 home!

Tractorable · Sep 10, 2017

How many acres of brush cutting? Based on having 100 acres, I assume it'll be significant. The L3901 HST has 30 PTO hp which is about the minimum hp required to operate a 6ft rotary cutter. Also, the L3901 is going to be significantly narrower than a 6ft rotary cutter. I have no doubt that the L3901 could do it, but it'd be the minimum amount of tractor you'd want to cut a lot of acreage with a 6ft rotary cutter.

The L4701, MX series, Grand L series, Yanmar YT3 series, or comparable other brands would put you into a machine that would handle larger mowing tasks with ease, and their extra weight would help with the discing and other tasks around the farm.

TSO · Sep 10, 2017

I agree with other posters... Look at the next size up, the Massey 2706e or the Kubota mx5800.

If you're stuck on the above 2 you mentioned, the 1742 is more tractor than the L3901, but both machines offer great quality.