Questions about purchasing first tractor

[josiahgarber]

I own a somewhat hilly 21 acres. I am looking to purchase my first tractor for the following.

• Moving snow off driveway
• Vegetable production
• Subsoiling with 1 or 2 Yeoman's Shanks
• Tree planting with a tree planter
• Various other small farm activities

I am considering the Kubota L3800 or L3901. What are your opinions about this tractor to perform what I am looking to do? Or what other tractor suggestions would you have for me?

Thanks everyone for your help. I don't have tons of experience with tractors and appreciate everyone's experience and knowledge.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I don't know anything about tree planters; in fact, I don't even know what one looks like or how it works. I know what a tree spade is, but those are big beasts that require a big tractor with a lot of hydraulic power to run - at least the ones I've seen.

Aside from the tree planting, you can do all that stuff with just about any size tractor. A larger one will cost more but will do the work faster, and a smaller one will cost less but will take more time. It's all about compromises. Your implements will need to be sized for the horsepower and size of the tractor you pick.

The two Kubotas you mentioned would work fine. But there are lots of other brands that would work fine too. I would suggest checking out Deere, Massey, Kioti, LS, Mahindra and others if there are dealers near you. Those are all good reliable brands. Compare features, specs and prices on them. (Avoid chinese tractors like the plague.)

Between the L3800 and the L3901, the 3901 will have more features and cost more money. You will have to decide if those are worth it to you. There are some things, like extendable lower lift arms (on the 3 point hitch), that I now consider necessities after having them for on my Kioti. You will also want at least two sets of rear hydraulic remotes (and 3 sets would be better). And a front end loader (FEL) is almost indispensable. If I only had one tractor, I would not even consider one without a FEL.

What you will probably find is that some of the other brands like Kioti and LS will offer more tractor for the money than Deere or Kubota. But, if you sit on and drive enough tractors, you'll figure out which ones you like and which ones have the features you want.

If tree planting is going to be a long term thing, you might want to consider getting a backhoe with the tractor. A backhoe is a large added expense but is really useful for a lot of tasks.

 

[Tompet]

Those models would do everything you list, with the concern being how they could handle a hydraulic tree spade. If you mean the 3pt. hydraulic type. If that is the type you are referring I suggest you go to a manufacturers website and see what the requirements needed to be run effectively by a tractor. I randomly looked at Baumalight brand to see the requirements and that depends on what size trees you want to move which would have a large impact on size of tractor you would need.

But, if you are referring to a simple attachment blade type spade mounted on an FEL for small trees, I think your choice would be fine for all of those tasks. The rest depends on budget and what refinements you want in a tractor. If it is very hilly maybe some rear wheel spacers would be a small detail to consider when you find your tractor.

Have you looked at any other brands near you? Within reason, I think each time you look at other brands in person and ask a few questions you start to build a frame of reference for what will work for you, differences in everything from capabilities to comfort will help confirm your choice of tractor. Manufacturers websites are also a good source of basic information.

Enjoy your tractor search!

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[oosik]

I think Tompet hit the nail on the head. Look at as many differing brands as are available in your area. Sit on them, see how the controls "come to hand", talk to the service managers, lastly - what kind of deals will they make. Remember this tractor will last a long time and you want one that you feel comfortable with. Dealer service/maintenance could be a big deal also - do you get a comfortable feeling when talking to them.
Kubota is a good tractor but there are many others that are good also.

Don't rush into any deal - the more research you do now, the better your final choice will probably be. Research will allow you to ask important questions regarding a tractors abilities and, hopefully, get informed answers.

 

[jeff9366]

Either tractor would be fine.

If you are going to do this for a living, consider a Kubota "Grand L" in the L series. The refinements on the Grand L's and much better, unimpeded operator's station will add to your productivity.

A bucket spade may be all you need for tree planting. Best clamped on optional SSQA heavy duty bucket.


LINK: Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Probably go with more hp. as was said SSQA loader I would get rear remotes and third function valve

 

[josiahgarber]

A bucket spade may be all you need for tree planting. Best clamped on optional SSQA heavy duty bucket.

Here's what I mean by a tree planter.



Thanks everyone for your help so far.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Here's what I mean by a tree planter.

View attachment 392251

LOL!! That would have been my dad's idea of a tree planter too. He was really good a figuring out new and creative ways of keeping me and my brother busy.

With that clarification, it sounds to me like either the L3800 or L3901 will work just fine for you. I'd suggest driving both of them as much as possible, and decide if the extra features of the L3901 are worth the extra cost.

 

[s219]

The 3901 is just a revised version of the 3800 that satisfies Tier iV emissions, adding a lot of extra claptrap onto the engine. It also has a revised seat, LCD instrument panel, different throttle lever, and an improved 3-pt hitch. Otherwise they are the same -- the entry level L series tractors -- and there aren't any "feature" differences. So if you can get a good deal on a 3800 and/or you want to avoid Tier IV emissions, by all means go with the 3800. There isn't a practical difference between it and the 3901.

That said, I echo the earlier comment to consider a Grand L, as it's more of a pro tractor. And I'd suggest more HP for the uses you suggest, maybe into the 45-47 HP range.