New MX4800 owner

[troverman]

Excited to have just purchased a brand new MX4800 HST 4x4, even though I can't pick it up until July 3. Dealer needs to install loader, load tires, etc. This tractor is going to join my 2013 B2920 and 2002 L4310 which have both given excellent service.

Does the MX4800 have an identical engine to the L4701? Can wheel spacers be added to the rear axle of this machine without compromising integrity? I mow 3/1 side hills. The L4310 has been used to mow these same sidehills without spacers, but it has R4 tires. The MX came with R1 tires which are slightly taller and skinnier.

I tried out an MX5200 gear tractor, but found the speed in the low range to be too slow and the speed in the high range to overlap some, with top gears being too fast.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Congrats on your MX4800 purchase. Based on the experience I've had with my MX5800, you should be pleased with the tractors performance. For the money, it's the best tractor I've owned so far.
I routinely mow slopes similar to yours with the MX but I have loaded R4 tires. I used to have to mow on the bias with my old L3010 and R1's.
Since you haven't taken delivery yet, is it too late to have the dealer change the R1's to R4's ? IMO R4's do make a difference on slopes.

I can't help you with the spacers but I believe there are some differences between the L4701 and MX4800 engines. Here is a link to a discussion in another forum:

L4701 vs. MX4800 - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Congratulations! What dealer did you get it from? I have been extremely happy with mine. If you're not planning on using a quick hitch and you switch implements often you might consider upgrading the three-point lift arms to the telescoping ones. (That's what I did but now I wish I hadn't because I use a quick hitch and don't really need it. But if I didn't use a QH it would have been money well spent! :laughing

I am fairly certain it is not the exact same engine (although it could share components).

I also think the tractor would have more lateral stability with R4 tires (especially loaded as they will hold more volume/weight). I'm sure you know this but the MX has reversible dish tubs so the rears can be set wider. The R1s have less adjustment than the R4s. Additionally, because the R4s are wider, the overall width of the tractor will be quite a bit more with the industrial tires set at maximum width than the agricultural tires set at maximum width.



All that being said, my guess is that your new tractor, with the tires set as white as possible and filled with ballast, will be at least a stable as your old tractor. Maybe consider wheel weights? Wheel weights would certainly seal the deal.

 

[majorwager]

There is always confusion as to the exact degree of slope being discussed by members.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Slope chart:


Note "3/1" is almost vertical.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I think a reasonable person would assume he meant 1:3 without needing clarification.

 

[rbtjr]

We have a MX5800 HST with R4 tires and really like it. We had our loaded rear wheels set out as wide as possible for stability, which makes a significant difference in stability. I would expect that you can do the same with the R1 wheels and tires, and I would definitely do so if you mow on the kind of slope you describe.

About the slope, if you mean that you have been mowing horizontally on a 3 to 1 slope (1 foot of drop for every 3 feet of travel straight down hill) (versus mowing on an angle up and/or down the hill), I have never mowed on a slope that steep. I therefore don't have any advice to offer on that point other than that I would not attempt it with our MX. For mowing horizontally, I always find a way to stay at or below a 15% slope (and hopefully less), and you are talking about a 33 1/3% slope. Please be ultra careful.

 

[MikePA]

Thumb thugs need to find another discussion forum website.

Edit: Thumb thugs are people who type things they'd never say face to face for fear of the resulting dental work that'd be required. Also known as keyboard bullies.

 

[MossRoad]

We have a MX5800 HST with R4 tires and really like it. We had our loaded rear wheels set out as wide as possible for stability, which makes a significant difference in stability. I would expect that you can do the same with the R1 wheels and tires, and I would definitely do so if you mow on the kind of slope you describe.

About the slope, if you mean that you have been mowing horizontally on a 1 to 3 slope (versus mowing on an angle up and/or down the hill), I have never mowed on a slope that steep. I therefore don't have any advice to offer on that point other than that I would not attempt it with our MX. For mowing horizontally, I always find a way to stay at or below a 15% slope (and hopefully less), and you are talking about a 33 1/3% slope. Please be ultra careful.

15% is only 8.5 degrees. If you stand 8' away from a wall, 8.5 degrees will only take you up around 14". That is a very shallow angle. You should always use caution, but 8.5 degrees is a pretty low angle.

 

[majorwager]

Rbtjr,

Agree w/ you in that my MX would appear unstable above the 15 degree slope you describe. The OP has not corrected the assertion that he mows on a 3/1 slope so it is unreasonable for others to make corrections or interpretations as to the intentions of his post.

My MX tires are not loaded as the extra weight during spring mowing is a detriment albeit it does have R-4 shoes. I also have an aftermarket cab weighing 900 lbs. and that alters slightly, the tractor center of gravity. My width is set to 74 inches, outside to outside.

 

[coolbrze]

Good read & congrats on your MX! I've got an MX5800 that I just bought 2 months ago & love it. She's a beast for sure & have had it on some pretty steep sidehills at my mountain property. I'm running filled R4 rears set to the 2nd widest setting.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Thumb thugs need to find another discussion forum website.

My apologies for my part in 'poking the bear.' Hopefully the OP comes back around. Slopes and tractors deserve attention.

 

[MossRoad]

Rbtjr,

Agree w/ you in that my MX would appear unstable above the 15 degree slope you describe. The OP has not corrected the assertion that he mows on a 3/1 slope so it is unreasonable to make corrections or interpretations as to the intentions of his post.

My MX tires are not loaded as the extra weight during spring mowing is a detriment albeit it does have R-4 shoes. I also have an aftermarket cab weighing 900 lbs. and that alters slightly, the tractor center of gravity. My width is set to 74 inches, outside to outside.

A 3:1 slope is 71 degrees. It is a completely reasonable assumption by everyone on this forum but you that the OP does not mow a 71 degree slope. If he does, then you are correct and we all are wrong and you'll have our heartfelt apologies. Until that happens, I suggest you let it go. Thanks.

 

[rbtjr]

Clarification: On our MX5800, the rear wheels spread as wide as possible measure a little over 78" outside to outside, and our R4 rear tires are loaded. We have an FEL which we leave on all the time but no cab or anything else that would substantially raise the center of gravity. Our MX is IMO as stable as our prior L3800 with R4 tires, loaded, on which we had installed 4" spacers on each rear wheel for added stability. So, all in all, I think that our MX is pretty stable. Still, I don't mow on steep slopes, but then again I don't have to because I can easily avoid doing so.

 

[majorwager]

Moss,
Attempted issue summation in post 4, Tractor Girl offered assistance in post 5.

Perhaps you would consider your 8 ft distance analogy as a "sticky" posted at top of general forum, owner operating, as clarification for members, Tractor Girl chart also helpful.

 

[armarm]

Mx5800 here with R1s. What's the widest stance setting, outside to outside, in inches?

 

[troverman]

Hi gents,

I'm not offended in any way. The documentation for this job contract states a slope of 3/1 which I assume to mean a drop of 1 foot for every three horizontal feet. Parts of it are very steep! I've had the tractor for a bit and have not changed anything yet - I've only mowed one 10 acre field with varying degrees of slope and graded a long driveway. The meter reads 16.8 hours. This particular job is coming up at the end of September. My plan is to ask the dealer to set the wheels out to their widest possible setting and try it like that. (I can't figure out a way to move the tires loaded with 513 lbs of Ballast Star around myself). My heavy 6-foot flail mower is offset to one side and sits very low...I think that helps a bit. So far, I like the ag tires...they seem to offer better grip in tall, moist grass without tearing anything up unduly.

The tractor is nice enough. It seems to have less power than I expected. The HST trans is very smooth, as is the engine. I added the Kubota deluxe fiberglass canopy. Hopefully that doesn't raise the center of gravity much.

I'd add rear wheel spacers if possible, but I don't see anyone who makes these for an MX.

 

[Edward Romero]

I’m waiting on delivery of a MX4800DT. It’s my first tractor and I’m also on a slope in the Sierra foothills. Was thinking to change the R4’s to R1’s. I read they have more traction. Wanted pulling and pushing traction for grading. But dealer said I would lose 8” in tread width and gain height. So staying with the R4’s. They will be loaded. Was thinking of wheel weights for the rear tires to lower the center of gravy. Manual says up to 310 lbs. per wheel. Also did not know you can widen the track on the MX. I knew about the larger tractors. Thanks for the info. Was also thinking of wheel spacers but concerned it would add more stress on the rear axle bearings.

 

[NCL4701]

Hi gents,

I'm not offended in any way. The documentation for this job contract states a slope of 3/1 which I assume to mean a drop of 1 foot for every three horizontal feet. Parts of it are very steep! I've had the tractor for a bit and have not changed anything yet - I've only mowed one 10 acre field with varying degrees of slope and graded a long driveway. The meter reads 16.8 hours. This particular job is coming up at the end of September. My plan is to ask the dealer to set the wheels out to their widest possible setting and try it like that. (I can't figure out a way to move the tires loaded with 513 lbs of Ballast Star around myself). My heavy 6-foot flail mower is offset to one side and sits very low...I think that helps a bit. So far, I like the ag tires...they seem to offer better grip in tall, moist grass without tearing anything up unduly.

The tractor is nice enough. It seems to have less power than I expected. The HST trans is very smooth, as is the engine. I added the Kubota deluxe fiberglass canopy. Hopefully that doesn't raise the center of gravity much.

I'd add rear wheel spacers if possible, but I don't see anyone who makes these for an MX.

Your MX has the same type wheels as my L4701. I’m aware some of the smaller L01’s have non-adjustable wheels but mine are like yours. I considered moving mine. Loaded, mine are a bit over 500lb so at least one appropriately sized tire handler is needed to do it safely. Depending on where they’re set now you may even have to take them both off simultaneously to swap them to keep the tread correctly oriented, which would require two tire handlers. Your plan to have the dealer take care of setting the width is definitely a wise move. Simple job if you have a smooth floor and a couple of tire handlers. Quite dangerous otherwise.

 

[Edward Romero]

Read on a Dealer site the MX with R4 tires loaded will add 400 lbs per tire. That was on Messicks. Also the MX can take up to 310 lbs per wheel with weights per the Manual.