Signing Monday - Final sanity check on MX5400, 3rd function, tires, and grapple

drunderw · Apr 25, 2025

Thanks everyone for all your feedback and help along the way preparing to purchase a new tractor. All the help and insights here over the years has been amazing.

I sat with my dealer today and did the final estimate and began paperwork on a new Kubota MX5400 cab with loader. There were a few things I wanted to confirm / get feedback on before I sign final paperwork on Monday. I've included links within. Thanks ahead for thoughts.

3rd Function
The dealer suggested against the Kubota 3rd function and instead recommended a WR LONG 3rd function. The suggestion was this would allow for better compatibility and use of Lane Shark implements later if I wanted.

Grapple
The dealer suggested a CID ULRG72 grapple. I'm not very familiar with grapples or the kind I should get. I had a grapple on my bucket on my current tractor. I was originally thinking something more like this but the suggestion was they sell many more ULRG72 type than those.

Tires
I could only do Titan R4 (AMXR6896,AMXR6897) despite wanting Goodyear R14 due to R14 tires being on back order until late May and quoted an extra $1000 in cost.
I wanted to go with R14 tires because the tractor I test drove at the only dealer that had an MX 2 hrs away had R14s on it. I do manage a gravel drive, loader work but also some plowing and rotary cutter work in the field. I've heard the R4 are actually more durable which may help me not get flats but I am thinking I may regret not getting the R14.

MX5400HSTC over MX6000HSTC
I went with the MX5400 over the MX6000 to apply money toward attachments. Coming from a 30hp/26pto Yanmar 3110d I feel the MX5400HSTC is a big bump and I can put the extra $$ toward implements and insurance.

Insurance
I have to decide Monday on KTAC. I can get USAA via Travelers for ~$2000 less (~$23/mo over 84 mos). I may just got with KTAC for the simplicity.
Rear tires will be liquid filled.

Thanks,
David

CalG · Apr 26, 2025

I've not ever come to grips with the "root grapple" concept. Seems like they would take quite a loader frame to do much to either rock or root. What frame can handle one of those?
Now, a bucket grapple that would pinch down on stone or wood... that I can see.

But you only know how you intend to make use of this fine machine.

redman135 · Apr 26, 2025

Grapple: a 2 piece lid offers betters grip on asymetric loads.
Tyres: actually RIMS: R4 usually come on 1 piece rims that CANNOT be adjucted for track/width.
Can you fit R1 rims on R4 tyres? this give the option of widening the track to improve stability on side slopes.

jyoutz · Apr 26, 2025

redman135 said:
Grapple: a 2 piece lid offers betters grip on asymetric loads.
Tyres: actually RIMS: R4 usually come on 1 piece rims that CANNOT be adjucted for track/width.
Can you fit R1 rims on R4 tyres? this give the option of widening the track to improve stability on side slopes.

The R4 rims on the MX series are adjustable for track/width and the chunky R4 tires on the MX are very stable and tough. The current style R4 tires that Kubota uses have improved traction and I would take them over R14 tires.

redman135 · Apr 26, 2025

If the OP has got factory 2 piece rims on R4 tyres then he has the best of both worlds.
I have not seen 2 piece rims with R4 tyres. Slideing beats rolling any day.

WVH1977 · Apr 26, 2025

WR Long function works just fine. The 5400 will be plenty of tractor for you. You will be happy. You might want to check out Land Pride's grapples. Kubota owns them and will include in the 0 % finance. The dealer should have them.

The new R14 tires do seem to be nice but a LOT of folks including myself have been running R4's without issue for years. I think you will be fine.

Get the machine and enjoy it!!!!

bdhsfz6 · Apr 26, 2025

My dealer also suggested the W&R Long 3rd function valve over the Kubota. He said they just work better. I've had no trouble with the W&R on my MX5800.

Dealer also talked me out of the R14's. More money for less traction for doing what I need to do.

That Spartan grapple you linked weighs 900#. That's almost half the lifting ability of the LA1065 on the tractor. I would look at something much lighter. I have a 500# Blue Diamond that does everything I need. As others have said, dual lid is better.