Tractor Sizing Pre-Purchase homework - L3301DT Package

[TripleR]

Very good advice from others, buy as heavy of a box scraper as you can, buying less will lead to dissatisfaction and much more work, been there, done that. I have a BB2584 we only use for counter balance and I've added extra weight, no substitute for weight of heavier components.

I never recommend a geared tractor and especially one like the L3301 due to the PTO type and more difficult direction changes etc.. TractorData.com - Power Take-Off

I have tractors like this and used them for years, so it can be done, just not a good idea, in my opinion, for a new user.

If at all possible don't base purchase based primarily on cost, I know it's not always possible and for most of my life only bought used, but if a person can swing it, a better tractor equipment is the best way to get long term satisfaction.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/214590-how-use-box-blade.html

Understanding Tractor Transmissions - YouTube

"How To" Operate and Drive a Tractor: Part 1 - YouTube

Good luck

 

[jeff9366]

Interesting. Stated weight of the BB1260 is 346#. = 69 pounds per foot of width.

Is it built strongly enough to withstand use in heavy soils? Throwing some ballast on top of the BB would seem to be easy enough if the thing is inherently strong enough.

~~~"IF"~~~ You are better off with the weight in steel in the implement, adding strength, instead of ballast, adding stress.

Nothing wrong with Land Pride as a brand. Consider heavier BB25 and HR25 Box Blades from Land Pride.

Your soil will be a key factor in your decision.

Would something like the Cimarron BB60 be a better choice at 483#? = 97 pounds per foot of width. Post a LINK to Cimarron and we can all take a look.


PHOTOS: Bush Hog (Brand) 60" Rollover Box Blade, 625 pounds = 125 pounds per foot of width. This was a max load for my Kubota B3300SU, Photos #1-2. It is an easy pull for the much heavier L3560, Photos #3-5. Both about the same horsepower, both with R4 tires.

 

[jeff9366]

I visited with my Kubota dealer this morning.

Dealer said Kubota is providing promotional money for sales including a Kubota tractor and two implements, Kubota or Land Pride (which Kubota is buying) brands.

So I would think your dealer would be flexible as to model of Land Pride Box Blade and Land Pride Rotary Cutter you want in package with your Kubota tractor.

[ Promo is current in Florida. May or may not be available in other states.]

 

[chinton]

I missed that about the PTO on the L3301DT. This makes me question more. And to transition to the L3301HST. It doesn't look like the L3901DT has the overrunning clutch and I don't want to get carried away with it.

My take away so far is look at the heavier box blade vs. the one in the local dealers package deal. The cutter seems ok given I'm not out doing a field.

As to the Cimarron BB, I just saw that on the distributor's site when I was looking at their prices for a Danuser EP6 PHD. I can't find a site for the Cimarron, so it will drop off my list. I'll look at the LandPride site for their heavier BB.

So far my implements I see in my future are:
* BB & cutter already discussed (though I may drop the cutter if I can use the Ratchet Rake to police the rocks and such so my lawnmower won't keep eating spindles)
* WoodMaxx Chipper WM-8H
* WoodMaxx RT-58
* Danuser EP6 w/the offset mounting kit (hoping the skid steer quick attach is compatible with the Kubota Quick Attach)
* Piranha tooth bar
* Ratchet Rake tooth bar
Not all at once of course.

 

[s219]

Are you using low range? My L3240 HST weighs 3,400 pounds stock and I have a loader, loaded tires and a backhoe attachment. With all of that on I can break traction in 4wd with the diff lock held down on any surface. The engine does start to struggle if it has good traction, but it has never given up before the wheels slip. If you have a geared model the engine won't even struggle to break traction.

Low and 4WD. When pulling a box and it fills up with heavy clay soil, it's a significant load. Now, I am sure I could have pushed the tractor further, but it clearly was working hard and running out of steam. There have been other cases where it will break traction first, but that almost always has been on loose gravel or slippery mud, so traction was already marginal and losing traction was not a surprise there.

 

[jeff9366]

I own both a Ratchet Rake and a Rollover Box Blade.

I have been thinking about Ratchet Rake versus light Box Blade this morning.

I like the Ratchet Rake, which I recommend based on 600 hours experience.

Dealer is offering BB1260/346 pounds/69 pounds per foot.

I searched for the weight of L3301 bucket but could not find a number. I presume L3301 bucket weighs approximately 240 pounds, extrapolating from other Kubota specs. 68" Ratchet Rake weighs 88 pounds. Adding 240 + 88 = 328 pounds, pretty close to 346 pounds of BB1260 Box Blade.

In addition, the (operator controlled) weight of the FEL frame bears on the Ratchet Rake. Likewise, weight of the Three Point Hitch bears on the Box Blade. FEL frames weigh much more than ( 3X? 4X?) Three Point Hitch components. So, including some FEL weight, I guesstimate that ground contact pressure on Ratchet Rake and BB1260 would be at least equal, perhaps favoring the Ratchet Rake.

Further in Ratchet Rake's favor you have articulation of bucket/RR combination in two planes from the operator's station and 1-1/2" serrated teeth on the Ratchet Rake.

Box Blade can be raised and lowered hydraulically from the operator's station. Box Blade angle of attack is adjustable via the Three Point Hitch Top Link, but not from the operator's station. Standard Box Blade does not have rippers, standard is a smooth cutting edge.

Ratchet Rake is capable of tearing up sod with its serrated teeth, the initial operation in much grading. The Ratchet Rake will not pull as large a load as a Box Blade but it may pull 40% of capacity of BB1260 per pass, with faster cycles. Ratchet Rake is more intuitive in operation than a Box Blade, which requires considerable experience to operate efficiently.

This is why I feel the Ratchet Rake is superior to light Box Blades for LIGHT grading.

This is a novel assessment of the Ratchet Rake. Subject to revision and modification.

When I have heavy grading to do, I mount my 60"/625 pound (125 pounds per foot) Bush Hog (brand) Rollover Box Blade on the tractor's Three Point Hitch AND the Ratchet Rake on my FEL bucket.

 

[lennyzx11]

I have been thinking about Ratchet Rake versus light Box Blade this morning.

I like the Ratchet Rake, which I recommend often, based on personal experience.

Dealer is offering BB1260/346 pounds/69 pounds per foot.

I searched for the weight of L3301 bucket but could not find a number. I presume L3301 bucket weight to be close to 240 pounds, extrapolating from other Kubota specs. 68" Ratchet Rake weighs 88 pounds. Adding 240 + 88 = 328 pounds, pretty close to 346 pounds of BB1260 Box Blade.

In Ratchet Rake's favor you have articulation of bucket/RR combination in two planes, from the operator's station and 1-1/2" serrated teeth on the Ratchet Rake. The Box Blade can be raised and lowered hydraulically from the operator's station, and adjusted for angle of attack via the Three Point Hitch Top Link, but not from the operator's station. Standard Box Blade does not have rippers, only smooth cutting edge.

This is why I feel the Ratchet Rake is superior to light Box Blades for LIGHT grading. Note that I own both a Ratchet Rake and a Rollover Box Blade.

The Ratchet Rake will not pull as large a load as a Box Blade but it may pull 40% of capacity of BB1260 and it is certainly more capable at tearing up sod because of its serrated teeth.

This is a new approach to considering the Ratchet Rake for me. Subject to revision and modification.

Very good points. I use the piranha tooth bar vs the ratchet rake for the below reasons.

It stiffens and protects the bottom lip of the bucket.

It increases the capacity slightly of the volume that can be carried.

It is always on vs taking on and off.

Definitely enhances the digging power and can be used for smooth grading.

Was concerned about the ratchet rake cables going under the bucket as a wear item and down the front inhibiting filling the bucket.

2nd note. You still will need weight for the back when using the loader. Filled tires should be a must. Most use a box blade for weight due to its compact size for maneuverability. There are cheap ways to add weight to it but I would buy quality. Adding a receiver hitch or ball to the box blade is a common mod which allows it to stay on the tractor most of the time.

The ratchet rake can also be used WITH a piranha bar I've read and then stored across the box blade as ballast weight is what one member has done.

I have no experience with the ratchet rake. I think the weights are similar at the 80-90 lbs. I'd hate to have to hoss that thing around and on and off as needed. But I'm getting lazier as time slips by.

However after about 100 hours on my 3301 with the piranha digging and grubbing clay and rocky ground in SE Oklahoma near you has left me very pleased with my choice.

 

[jeff9366]

Was concerned about the ratchet rake cables going under the bucket as a wear item and down the front inhibiting filling the bucket.

1. Wear on the cables has not been an issue on either of the 52" nor 68" Ratchet Rakes I have used on two Kubotas. The nylon straps and ratchet tightening mech on the 68" Ratchet Rake is pretty beat up after 600 hours but still SAFE and serviceable. Cheap mech replacements at Tractor Supply Company.

2. You CANNOT DIG AT ALL with a Ratchet Rake on the bucket. Fine grader, great at tearing out brush and vines. Zero for digging.