Tractor Sizing Seeking Advice On Which Model To Buy

SmokemanGRP · Jan 27, 2011

I've decided to replace my old Deere 2630 with a new Kubota and I'm trying to decide which model would work best for my needs. I'm considering the L3200, L3800 and L4400; all with HST.

We are building a house in the Arizona high desert on 40 acres. The terrain is nearly flat, about a 2% slope, there are mesquite trees scattered about and several sand bottom washes that are dry most of the time. The dirt ranges from soft sand to caliche which is hard as cement. The land is covered with desert grass and the majority of the property will remain natural. I've only cleared a 150' fire buffer around the house and several hiking trails.

The primary uses for the tractor are:
1) Maintaining a 1200' dirt driveway and the hiking trails with a box blade and/or maybe a chain harrow
2) Hauling and spreading rock and dirt
3) Clearing sand in a wash away from driveway culverts once or twice a year during Monsoon season
4) Digging French drains to direct rain away from the house

I'll mow the area around the house and the hiking trails with my Deere riding mower so a bush hog isn't required. I have a neighbor with a big Deere hoe who hires himself out very reasonably so a backhoe isn't required.

All 3 models fit into my budget but I'd rather not spend any more than necessary. On the other hand I've frequently read to be careful to not undersize the tractor. I'd appreciate any and all recommendations.

Thanks,
Greg

TripleR · Jan 27, 2011

Of the three mentioned, based on your parameters, it appears the 3800 would be a good fit. It will do everything you describe yet give room for any additional needs. The L3200 will do everything now, but won't leave much power margin for future growth.

Mike Costello · Jan 27, 2011

I've got an L4400HST and have performed just about all the tasks you anticipate doing with plenty of power. I've got a 10 acre property which is primarily flat like yours. One thing to keep in mind is dealing with soft sandy areas may increase your power needs, so more power even if it's not needed all the time is better. I've found the L4400HST to be an excellent tractor without a lot of extra bells and whistles and attractively priced for what you get for your money.
Drive all the models you're interested in to be fair. I'm not plugging the L4400HST way over any other; just sharing real world experiences on this model. I'm sure others on this forum can do the same on the other Kubota models you've mentioned. Mike.

bigbull338 · Jan 27, 2011

if my memory is right the 2630 JD is a 45 to 55hp tractor.an the MX5100 HST is about the same hp.an it would be all the tractor youll ever need for your place.

SmokemanGRP · Jan 27, 2011

TripleR & Mike,

Thanks for confirming that either model should be sufficient; the 3800 if I want to save some bucks, the 4400 to cover all bases. I need to go see these in person now.

SmokemanGRP · Jan 27, 2011

bigbull338 said:
if my memory is right the 2630 JD is a 45 to 55hp tractor.an the MX5100 HST is about the same hp.an it would be all the tractor youll ever need for your place.

BigBull,

Thanks for the reply. The JD 2630 is 58HP (drawbar) & 70HP (PTO) and weighs about 7500 pounds. When I drive it around the cleared area it leaves deep tire tracks that I have to rake so I'd like to find something lighter (and more dependable). I have considered the MX4700 and since it is only ~ $1500 more than the L4400 I guess I shouldn't rule it out.

TripleR · Jan 27, 2011

SmokemanGRP said:
TripleR & Mike,

Thanks for confirming that either model should be sufficient; the 3800 if I want to save some bucks, the 4400 to cover all bases. I need to go see these in person now.

Always a good idea. I went looking for a 35-40 HP machine and came home with a 50HP.

My recommendation was based on your parameters; my own inclination is to go a little bigger than you think you will need unless you know for sure you won't need it. I went with a M8540 instead of a M9540 as we had run an 80HP CX80 for 12 years and knew it had plenty of power.

I went with a L5030 over a L4240 because they were essentially the same size and I found a good used L5030.

Good luck.; always an adventure when buying tractor.

Grandad4 · Jan 27, 2011

It will be hard for anyone who hasn't been on your property to pinpoint which of these tractors will work best for you. They all will perform reliably and get your work done, although the more tractor you have, the more you'll typically get done in a given amount of time. By the time you put a loader and a rear implement on these tractors and maybe ballast the tires, you'll be somewhere in the 5,000 to 7,000 lb range, and you may encounter some of the same rutting in soft areas. Industrial tires have a wider profile and less aggressive tread, which may help somewhat with the rutting, but you give up some traction. Since you are doing more material moving than anything else, if it were me, I'd favor the larger size machines, either the L4400 or the MX. The new HST MX models seem to me like very nice, rugged machines, but you really couldn't go wrong with any of those tractors.

CompactTractorFan · Jan 27, 2011

TripleR said:
always an adventure when buying tractor.

That it is...:thumbsup:

airportdude · Jan 27, 2011

SmokemanGRP said:
I've decided to replace my old Deere 2630 with a new Kubota and I'm trying to decide which model would work best for my needs. I'm considering the L3200, L3800 and L4400; all with HST.

We are building a house in the Arizona high desert on 40 acres. The terrain is nearly flat, about a 2% slope, there are mesquite trees scattered about and several sand bottom washes that are dry most of the time. The dirt ranges from soft sand to caliche which is hard as cement. The land is covered with desert grass and the majority of the property will remain natural. I've only cleared a 150' fire buffer around the house and several hiking trails.

The primary uses for the tractor are:
1) Maintaining a 1200' dirt driveway and the hiking trails with a box blade and/or maybe a chain harrow
2) Hauling and spreading rock and dirt
3) Clearing sand in a wash away from driveway culverts once or twice a year during Monsoon season
4) Digging French drains to direct rain away from the house

I'll mow the area around the house and the hiking trails with my Deere riding mower so a bush hog isn't required. I have a neighbor with a big Deere hoe who hires himself out very reasonably so a backhoe isn't required.

All 3 models fit into my budget but I'd rather not spend any more than necessary. On the other hand I've frequently read to be careful to not undersize the tractor. I'd appreciate any and all recommendations.

Thanks,
Greg