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

[jeff9366]

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.

Clearing fire lanes to me implies cutting lanes down to dirt around the perimeter, which probably means you cannot avoid hills.

For increased stability consider tractors starting at circa 4,000 pounds, bare tractor, such as Kubota MX series or Kubota Grand L series. The heavier tractors will be more stable with a bush hog extending considerably to the rear.

Filling the rear tires 3/4 with liquid lowers the center-of-gravity for the entire tractor-implement combination, increasing stability.

With a 4,000 pound (bare) tractor you can operate a Disc Harrow with 20" or 22" diameter pans, weighing 900 to 1,200 pounds, the first weights of Disc Harrow which are effective at breaking new ground in one or two passes (fields) or three passes (fire breaks) after mowing.

It takes 45-horsepower gross to power a six foot wide Rotary Cutter, Bush Hog being a well known brand of Rotary Cutter.

Generally speaking, mud is NOT a tractor issue in sandy Florida, so almost all tractors sold with loaders are kitted with R4/industrial tires.

You probably know 4-WD is essential on hills. Tractors discussed here have brakes only on the large rear wheels. You only have down hill all-wheel speed retardation with 4-WD engaged.

Where are you in Florida? Near the Georgia border? If you are more specific with your location someone here may notify you of a new or used tractor bargain near you. This happens regularly.

I consider Massey-Ferguson quality equal to Kubota quality.

 

[angriffnole]

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions, Jeff you are right I should try and be more specific. It will be just for cutting the fire lanes, most of the property will be planted pines. With 5 fields each about an acre or two. I live in North Florida in the Tallahassee area. And I really did not want to spend more than 23,000. Thought maybe a new tractor would be best having new warranty in case something were to happen. Whatever I buy will be taken care of. I am picky about my stuff because if your are going to pay hard earned money for something then you might as well take good care of it. Might be a bad investment but its an investment none the less. I could not find a larger tractor in the price range. I did price a 2706e and the step up L4701 and MX Kubota but the 2706e was right at 26,500. Probably would have gone ahead if either were in the 24,000 range. I drove the compact JD and have always wanted a green tractor but the more I looked into these the more the other two, MF and Kubota just beat them out. Not bashing JD but I think others have them beat in the compact size market. Thanks to all of you for you suggestions and help. look forward to anymore that you may have.

 

[angriffnole]

Thanks Tractorable, Kubota dealer said nothing bigger than 5 foot on the L3901. Just the fire lanes cut, should have explained better

 

[TSO]

Personally, after owning many machines of different sizes and prices, i would really suggest you explore expanding your budget just a tad too get the bigger machine. That way you can "future proof" your purchase and not have expensive regrets later. In the Grand scheme of things, $3500 extra really isn't much in the long run.

But with that said, if you're really stuck on the price, take a look at LS tractors. I've had them before and they're very good machines. You get "more for your money" with that brand, and can probably get a 50+ HP machine still within your budget. LS has a big following on this forum.

 

[Goose69]

Massey 2705e with a loader should be under $24000 it is the exact same tractor as the 2706e with different engine tuning to lower the hp.

 

[angriffnole]

Do any of you think the 1700 series has any more issues then any other brand?

 

[angriffnole]

Goose, I have looked all over for that price. If you know of a dealer I can call I sure would do it. Maybe I am not looking in the right place

 

[Goose69]

Do any of you think the 1700 series has any more issues then any other brand?

Goose, I have looked all over for that price. If you know of a dealer I can call I sure would do it. Maybe I am not looking in the right place

I don't believe the 1700 series has any more issues than any other brand in that size tractor, I feel it is comparable in quality to the Kubota you are looking at, and if you like it, and buy it, I am sure you will be happy with it.!!
.... I almost bought that size range, nothing wrong at all with it, I just know for my needs, the bigger frame tractor is much appreciated...

.....Here is a tractor down there in Ga for close to $24,000. Not sure how close it is too you.
.... Or if you want to drive up to Western Tennessee, I'm sure my dealer would make you a great deal, but not sure it would be worth the drive.
.
...Pm me if you want their info and contact person

TractorHouse.com | 217 MASSEY-FERGUSON 275E For Sale

 

[bspeedy]

I don't believe the 1700 series has any more issues than any other brand in that size tractor, I feel it is comparable in quality to the Kubota you are looking at, and if you like it, and buy it, I am sure you will be happy with it.!!
.... I almost bought that size range, nothing wrong at all with it, I just know for my needs, the bigger frame tractor is much appreciated...

.....Here is a tractor down there in Ga for close to $24,000. Not sure how close it is too you.
.... Or if you want to drive up to Western Tennessee, I'm sure my dealer would make you a great deal, but not sure it would be worth the drive.
.
...Pm me if you want their info and contact person

TractorHouse.com | 217 MASSEY-FERGUSON 275E For Sale

That is the size machine that I would buy (or bigger) if I were in the OP's shoes. I have only 53 acres, and smaller frame tractor is not ideal. I run a Grand L and it is perfect.

 

[mike69440]

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.

My neighbor has the L3901. definitely a lightweight. See what he bought for the heavy work.

My L39 is my big tractor Max28 is my little chore machine.

I would move up in size considering what you will be doing with this tractor.