New Kubota Owner

[Mike Costello]

Hello to all! I am a new tractor owner and also new to TBN. I've found this site to be a great source of knowledge and information with lots of friendly folks.
My wife, three adopted daughters, and I recently purchased a 10 acre property in Missouri. Well, it wasn't long before we realized a tractor would be needed to help keep the place under control. So, after much research and discussion I went with Kubota.
I purchased a Kubota L4400HST with a LA703A loader as a package deal that also included a 6' box blade, 6' brush cutter, and a 18' trailer. The local dealership I purchased the unit from was top notch in the sales and service parts of the deal. I was introduced to the service manager who ran through the equipment details with thorough instructions on their use.
While I'm no stranger to things mechanical, due to my automotive background, I appreciate the fact that a tractor is a different type of animal completely. It can be your best friend or your worst enemy! So, with all this in mind, I'm looking forward to many future discussions on TBN. Thanks, Mike.

 

[Crash101]

Mike;
Welcome to TBN. I guarantee you'll enjoy this site a great deal. Congratulations on the purchase of your own piece of paradise and all the best to you in those future improvements using that L4400. I know you're going to enjoy it. I do recommend however that you practice in front of the mirror, "but Hon, WE need this just 1 more implement to make our lives so much better here on the place".

 

[dodge man]

I think I know which dealer you are talking abaout, I have seen the ads in Tractorhouse magizine. They always look like a great deal. Enjoy and be safe.

 

[dex3361]

Welcome Mike, I have the same tractor and I really like it.

 

[Charlton John]

Welcome to TBN, congrats on the land and new tractor. As a new tractor operater the folks here on TBN have helped me a great deal, I am sure you will enjoy the web site.

 

[N80]

Welcome to TBN. Glad you had a good experience with your Kubota dealer. I've got an L4400DT and also had a great buying experience. The L4400 is a great machine and you'll be amazed what such a small tractor can do!

 

[Mike Costello]

Thanks to all who replied to my post! I haven't done much with the tractor yet except for practice and general getting used to how it works. Seems to be a great machine with plenty of power for my needs.
For "dex3361"--Tell me more about your rear remote setup. I'm thinking of adding on rear remotes for future use. Is it worth the cost--and whats needed? My unit came equipped with power beyond, so I'm trying to sort things out.
Once again, thanks to all who replied. I'm looking forward to much discussion!

 

[Doug_D]

Man rule #13. "No pictures, didn't happen".... We gotta see pictures of your rig!

Welcome to the fourm!

 

[dex3361]

Hey Mike when I ordered my tractor I ordered the Top and tilt kit and the triple remotes(3 supply x3 return). The top is a hydraulic cylinder that replaces adjustable top link and the tilt is a hydraulic cylinder that replaces the adjustable lift arm of the 3 point hitch. The top and tilt uses 2 of your 3 rear remote cylinders and valves. When I say tripple remotes it means 3 sets of in/out or the ability to control 3 seperate cylinders. The rear remote valves tie in under the seat and can be obtained in single(2 connections), double (4 connections), or tripple(6 connections) gang set up. The center valve can be ordered as a float detent valve which means that in that position the cylinder that it controls can float freely in and out. This comes in handy when you are using a grader blade or a box blade. It lets the blades float with the ground instead of being lifted every time your tires hit a rise or bump. The float valve also operates as a normal valve when not in float detent. That all being said yes it is worth adding. The top and tilt allows you to control the angle and tilt of your rear implements without leaving the seat. The rear remote valves allow hydraulic cylinders to be used any way you want. If you want I could take some pictures and post for more clarification.
I feel like I got the best tractor for what I do on my place. The L4400 is a good machine. The drawbacks are that the bucket does not rollback as far as I would like. I do not use it for production work so it is not really an issue at this point.

 

[Mike Costello]

Doug D--Sorry about violating rule 13! Click on my profile and you'll see the tractor parked in its new home. I recently finished my new shop/garage/ storage area (aka: my man cave). Now, all I have to do is get the whole thing organnized!
Dex3361--Quite a setup you have. Many thanks for the information. As time and need become more apparent I too think rear remotes are an excellent way to go. One thing for sure--buying a tractor is just the beginning.....heh, heh, its a guy thing & its breakin my heart!

 

[dex3361]

A lot my conversations with mife start out with " I need a ........." for my tractor so I can ......... for you. She must love me.

 

[Mike Costello]

A lot my conversations with mife start out with " I need a ........." for my tractor so I can ......... for you. She must love me.

Nice approach.....has she cought on yet? Now, I have a somewhat different problem--my wife is too willing,---she's seriously challenging me for seat time on the tractor. I can already see it coming when the weather improves!

 

[BigD23]

A day late, but welcome to TBN...You're gonna love the color Orange.

Don

 

[jeconn]

Nice approach.....has she cought on yet? Now, I have a somewhat different problem--my wife is too willing,---she's seriously challenging me for seat time on the tractor. I can already see it coming when the weather improves!

I think you need two tractors then!!!

 

[dex3361]

Solved that problem Mike I got whats refered to by my daughter as the "Baby Bota" it is a BX 1500 and they dont feel intimdated by the "bucket thingy" on the front in their way. My wife is very tolerant of my orange addiction. But seriously I think you will be happy with the way the Kubotas perform.

 

[LBrown59]

it is a BX 1500 .

I have 2 of them

 

[Mike Costello]

Hey folks--I think I figured out how to show some pics. Lets see what happens now. New L400HST

New shop

Part of the 10 acre property

 

[PSDStu]

Nice looking shop!

What size is your barn?

Stu

 

[Mike Costello]

The barn is 30'X60'. It has a concrete floor and is fully insulated which makes a big difference when its cold outside. I use a kerosene/diesel heater that heats it up comfortably in about 20 minutes.
The challenge was to build something that would fill my needs without breaking the bank! This building will be wearing many hats: shop, garage, storage, work area for saws and tools etc. And of course vehicle storage--gotta keep that shiny new Kubota looking good!
Our house has a side entry garage that layout wise is just begging to be turned into a nice family room (think Lazy Boy & a cozy wood burning free standing fireplace). Anyway, that's the plan for now.
Oh yeah,almost forgot to mention-- the shop is my hideout when the estrogen levels around here begin to climb alarmingly. With a wife and 3 daughters a man needs a orderly plan of retreat!!

 

[landsurv]

Wow, nice tractor! not even dirty yet!