New Kubota's (2007) are hot!

Podunkadunk · Feb 23, 2007

I bought an '06 L3130, 4x4 with HST a couple months ago. Went back to the dealership today to pick up a brush guard and some badly needed front weights.

While there, I got a chance to check out the replacement for the L3130. It's the L3240 now...not much difference in the price according to my salesman... a few cosmetic changes that I noticed. It really looks good. I'm happy with what I have, but I really like the new sleeker look. I also think they did something wth the HST system, but didn't get to inquire much about it. I don't think the HST system needed any re-work on the previous model.

Anyone else checked out the '07's? What are your thoughts?

-Podunk

Stef · Feb 23, 2007

I like the new look. I'm looking forward to see a real B26 too. It comes with a thumb in option. Ah... too bad I'm happy with my B3030.

B26TLB

L3240 same look as a L4240

L5740 cab

Glowplug · Feb 24, 2007

The new HST Plus looks to be totally revolutionary. It's impressive on paper. It has 3 ranges plus a hi/lo setting in each range for a total of 6 "ranges". It has an automatic option to go between hi/lo also. There is a means to synchronize engine speed and ground speed. It has a "Load Sensing" mechanism so that when the engine bogs down the engine rpms automatically increase to prevent stalls. There is also a "Response Control" so that you can adjust how quickly the machine responds. Makes it more or less sensitive depending on the application. I guess only time will tell how great it is in real life.

johnk · Feb 24, 2007

It's amazing what each year brings in technology. Equipment gets easier and easier to use with more and more features. The scary part is that there are more things to break and it seems as though as each year goes by they seem to be made out of cheaper materials... Shave a 16th inch off of this gear and 1/32 off that gear etc... When you buy a 50HP tractor today it just doesn't feel as masssive like yesteryears tractors do. I'm not saying the new ones aren't better engineering wise but they don't have the density or soundness of the older ones. What do you think???

dgl24087 · Feb 24, 2007

johnk said:
It's amazing what each year brings in technology. Equipment gets easier and easier to use with more and more features. The scary part is that there are more things to break and it seems as though as each year goes by they seem to be made out of cheaper materials... Shave a 16th inch off of this gear and 1/32 off that gear etc... When you buy a 50HP tractor today it just doesn't feel as masssive like yesteryears tractors do. I'm not saying the new ones aren't better engineering wise but they don't have the density or soundness of the older ones. What do you think???

From a Deere sales manager, if they put the steel in the tractors today that were in the tractors 30 years ago, no one could afford to buy them. If you want more weight, they're more than happy to sell add on weights to you.

Bob_Young · Feb 24, 2007

I agree, John. The oldtimers were a different breed of cat. Partly because they needed that weight and mass to get the HP to the ground with 2WD. Partly because that's the way tractors had always been built. Partly because iron was cheap and engineering an optimum design wasn't.

These days, with modern CAD systems and stress analysis software, there is no need to over-build parts to cover unforeseen failure modes. For all that, the tank-like construction of old tractors instilled a confidence today's lightweight wonder CUTs have to earn.
Bob

Muleskinner · Feb 25, 2007

The new 07 B26 looks like an L39. I bet the new L48, when it comes out, will look like a big version of the L39 also.

mscott · Feb 25, 2007

I agree with JohnK they are almost making these new tractors too light. If a rock or any debris fall from the bucket onto the hood it makes a once smooth shiney hood look like tin foil. I need and work my tractors. I'm in the market for a new 50 or so hp. tractor and I am looking for weight. Our terrain here in WV is very hilly and I need the weight to go up hill and put the bucket under a multiflora bush and tear it out while going forward. It takes brute force and weight to get this accomplished. I need at least around a 6000 lb tractor so if any dealers want to message me on any deals they have i'm in the market.

Kendall69 · Feb 25, 2007

I thought I was the only one who noticed. On mine the step to get up on the tractor is bent like a pretzel, from me getting on and off the tractor.

Granted I can lose a few pounds, but I also don't weigh 80lbs. soaking wet like the Japanese people they build these things for.

You would think they would make the step sturdy, as you use that part every time you get on and off the tractor.

patrick_g · Feb 26, 2007

Amen, Kendal.

I have both my steps removed right now and don't have all that much trouble getting up and down (L-4610HSTC) When I get around to beefing them up so they don't get mangled in rough usage (not just me climbing in and out) then I will reinstall the one on the left. With FEL joy stick and my girth I can't get out on the right side with the tractor running without causing the FEL to flail about randomly.

The steps easily get bent up when working the tractor in brush or over dirt piles.

Pat