Ready to purchase but still not sure

SmokyMtnMan · Oct 15, 2001

Hello, Kubota fans. I've struggled, cussed and spent about all I intend to on this old L2250 here. I know I need more power and don't need to spend anymore on maintenance on this one. I have app. 65 acres here in western NC, about half of it very steep and heavily wooded. I intend to use tractor for landscaping around house (footers, retaining walls, drainage, etc), tilling app. 2 acres of vegetables, taking care of app. 500 Christmas trees, spraying, bush-hogging, etc. Also some mowing and small job landscaping for neighbors and others. I live on road app. 3/4 mile from main road, kind of steep, so that needs maintaining as well
I know for sure i want Kubota, and from what little I know about compacts, I think i want either L3710 or L4310 in a cab model version. My issues are: 1. Do i want a mid-pto or not? Is a bellymount mower too aggravating to detach?2. Which transmission? read everything you guys have said but still scared making wrong decision.
Any help would be apprecated.

Oscar · Oct 15, 2001

Well I just bought a L3710 with a MMM and FEL. The mower is definately a pain to take off, best to leave on if possible. If your primary need is for landscaping - loader work, skip the mid mount mower. Definately go for the HST transmission, you will never regret it.

Craig

Bird · Oct 15, 2001

I'm sure there's some different opinions, but I agree with Craig. I'd skip the mid-PTO and use a rear 3-point mower and I'd definitely get the HST.

Bird

frank_f15 · Oct 15, 2001

agree with craig and bird; u want the 3pt. mower, so fast and easy to put on and take off, also hst is the way to go, takes a bit to get used to but very well worth it. FEL is a must. one question? do u realy feel u need the cab? would the $$$$ be better spent on implements? not to familar with the climate down there but don't think it gets that cold or that hot! just asking/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Oct 15, 2001

Here is a link if you;re looking for a 4310 not a bad deal....
if you are anywhere near KY.
http://adcache.equipmenttraderonline.com/9/0/8/13966108.htm

SmokyMtnMan · Oct 15, 2001

Well, according to the wife, I don't even need a TRACTOR!..but I mow in some places that is much like cutting my way through a jungle...gettting tired of getting slapped in the face with pokeberries and crap apple thorns. I just built a log home here and really need to get some things done..figured i would be working in winter with it a lot..and you're right, not really that cold..sometimes Jan and Feb has some below zero days..
so, from what you guys say so far..looks like i may go with HST..without mid-PTO. so that leaves 4310 I guess..and i just read something that indicates 3710 and 4310 is a whole lot similar and the 4610 is a completely different beast...true?

glennmac · Oct 15, 2001

I like midmount mowers--I have one on my 2910--but I wouldnt put one on an L series. That's because if I bought an L series, I would have done so because I was going to be doing a significant amount of loader, backhoe and/or 3ph dirt engaging work, for which you really dont want a mmm on the tractor at the same time. Also the Grand L mmm, unlike the B series mmm, is a pain to remove and install, and you can only use turf tires with the mmm.

I wouldnt buy a 4310, however. The 3710 is less expensive and has all the same features, plus the mid-pto, except it has 6 less gross hp. Since I believe that you will exhaust traction before you will exhaust power on a 3710, I dont consider the exta hp of the 4310 to be particularly significant. The 4610 has a significantly stronger and more maneuverable loader than the 3710/4310 and has more displacement and hp than the 4310. I would decide between the 3710 and the 4610.

JATO_RaT · Oct 16, 2001

4310 and 4610 have the same engine. HP values may be higher simply becasue of the higher rated RPM. You are correct about the loader it has a 4 bar linkage that allows for typically greater dump and rollback angles. It has about 200 KG's greater lift ability. The 4610 has a LA 850 which designates 850 KG's approximately lift ability. I have found the difference in price between the 3 tractors, the 3710, 4310, and 4610 to be peanuts, especially if you consider it over a lifetime. If you don't think a mid PTO is needed in your future, go higher HP of the 4310 or better yet the higher loader and hydraulic pump capacity of the 4610, Rat...

HR_Mutt · Oct 16, 2001

SmokyMtnMan
Not having a mid-pto was a big stumbling block for me when I bought the larger L series. In all honesty I don't need it. With the 3ph mounted mowers and HST trans. it is a quick process to poke the mower under the trees in reverse, something you can't do with a mid-mount without major trimming.
I know the cab is really nice.....how long will it hold up to getting slapped around by all those branches? I'd use the approx. 7 grand it costs for attachments and maybe check out the threads on the portable sawmills if you have all those trees available and projects available.
My $.02? The L4610 with FEL and HST/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
regards
Mutt