Questions about purchasing first tractor

[stoyan79]

L3800 would be my top choice. No DPF junk under the hood. Make sure the loader bucket is SSQA (skid steer quick attach). HST would be my choice for trans.

 

[Baby Grand]

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.

You're going to need a heap of bacon, eggs & hash browns to run one of those.
Try attaching and removing a heavy implement with and without the extendable lower lift arms, then make your decision.
Like Pappy, I consider them to be indispensable.

 

[oosik]

Extendable lower lift arms - a VERY nice feature when attaching any implement, particularly a heavy one. And, as you will find, not many implements are really too light. And most don't move around a lot when sitting hard on the ground. My previous tractor didn't have the feature, my current one does. I have NEVER been able to hit the "sweet spot" - perfect alignment between tractor & implement - on the first try. Extendable lift arms will, most times, make up for this misalignment. Also, all my implements sit on wooden pallets - easier to wiggle around for that very last alignment adjustment. I've only squashed/pinched my hands/fingers a couple times during the implement attachment procedure but I've come real close a lot of times. I can tell you, its not a good way to start a day. Out where all my implements are stored - the grass always lays flat - from verbal abuse caused when attaching implements.

 

[josiahgarber]

Extendable lower lift arms - a VERY nice feature when attaching any implement, particularly a heavy one. And, as you will find, not many implements are really too light. And most don't move around a lot when sitting hard on the ground. My previous tractor didn't have the feature, my current one does. I have NEVER been able to hit the "sweet spot" - perfect alignment between tractor & implement - on the first try. Extendable lift arms will, most times, make up for this misalignment. Also, all my implements sit on wooden pallets - easier to wiggle around for that very last alignment adjustment. I've only squashed/pinched my hands/fingers a couple times during the implement attachment procedure but I've come real close a lot of times. I can tell you, its not a good way to start a day. Out where all my implements are stored - the grass always lays flat - from verbal abuse caused when attaching implements.

Which Kubota models have the extendable lift arms? I assume the L3800 and L3901 don't. Thanks for your help.

 

[Al Mac]

Find the size/series tractor you want and get the largest HP in that series. It is better to be looking at the extra HP when needed than looking for it.

Get one before the DPF gets on it and look at the HST models.

I like the tree planter photo with the quick attach youngster.

Al

 

[bigcut]

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.

Hi Josiah,
I think the others have offered good advice on tractor selection. If you're in Washington County, then I know the terrain/geography well. I'm originally from Brownsville, Fayette County, a stone's throw from you. As you said, the land is hilly. So, I'm going to direct my comments on things to consider, regardless of your brand and model selection.

I'd be sure to get the tires filled/loaded with beet juice for added weight. Traction will be an issue for you and you want to be careful in navigating those steep foothills of the allegheny mountains. If you're 23 acres are flat, then you're propably in the 1-5% in SW PA.

The other thing I would consider are weights to counter balance your implements. In addition, you may want to consider "spacers" for the rear wheels and of course only consider 4 wheel drive. That should help with center of gravity issues.

If I remember, there's a dealer in Uniontown and one in Butler, but I can't remember which brands they carry.
Sounds like your onto an interesting business venture. I'm sure all of us will be interested in hearing back on your decisions. Keep us posted and good luck going forward.
John

 

[josiahgarber]

Hi Josiah,
I think the others have offered good advice on tractor selection. If you're in Washington County, then I know the terrain/geography well. I'm originally from Brownsville, Fayette County, a stone's throw from you. As you said, the land is hilly. So, I'm going to direct my comments on things to consider, regardless of your brand and model selection.

I'd be sure to get the tires filled/loaded with beet juice for added weight. Traction will be an issue for you and you want to be careful in navigating those steep foothills of the allegheny mountains. If you're 23 acres are flat, then you're propably in the 1-5% in SW PA.

The other thing I would consider are weights to counter balance your implements. In addition, you may want to consider "spacers" for the rear wheels and of course only consider 4 wheel drive. That should help with center of gravity issues.

If I remember, there's a dealer in Uniontown and one in Butler, but I can't remember which brands they carry.
Sounds like your onto an interesting business venture. I'm sure all of us will be interested in hearing back on your decisions. Keep us posted and good luck going forward.
John

We have a couple dealers right here in the Lancaster, PA area which is nice. I hear it is important to have dealers in the area for service.

 

[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.

I'm also now looking at a used L3940 with low hours. Any thoughts on this tractor compared to the L3901?

 

[s219]

I'm also now looking at a used L3940 with low hours. Any thoughts on this tractor compared to the L3901?

Better and heavier (3940 is a Grand L). But you should compare all the specs to understand for yourself.

 

[josiahgarber]

I don't think the used L3940 has any rear remotes. How much of a pain is it to get these installed at a later date.

I'm looking at the following implements.

2 Bottom Plow
Disc
Tiller
Snow Blower
Box Blade
Carry All