Tarzan, being in the army airborne for four years and owning my own business, load the wagon because this mule can pull and my skin is thick. It takes far greater then this to bother a dumb kentuckian only referring to myself, the three toughest years of my life, was third grade, have a great day tomorrow and I will let you know after another drive test, thanks Chase
TEST DROVE 4720 W/CAB & 5030 W/CAB
- Thread starter Chase
- Start date
- Views: 7356
Another source of unbiased information can be the Nebraska Tractor Tests . From the main page, click the link at the top to "Test Reports" then click on the various brands to find specific tractors.
cowboydoc
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2000
- Messages
- 6,725
- Tractor
- JD 8320 MFWD, JD 6415 MFWD, FEL, and cab, John Deere MFWD 4600, John Deere 4020, John Deere 4430, John Deere 455 mower, Deutz, and Gehl 4610 perkins skidsteer
Sorry CT I didn't know my opinion was against forum rules. I notice you didn't dispute that I said the RTV was superior to the HPX. I suppose that's true but it's not true that the 4720 is superior. And of course all those things that make the 4720 better, like the load match, electronic cruise, turbocharged, climate controlled and filtered cab, 20% less noise than any other cab, more hp, more pump capacity, more hydraulic pressure and gpm, etc,etc., well those are just things to go wrong with it or a person doesn't need and don't count.
slowzuki
Elite Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2003
- Messages
- 4,100
- Location
- New Brunswick, Canada
- Tractor
- Kubota L5030 HSTC, MF 5455, Kubota M120, Allis Chalmers 7010
I own an L5030hstc and love it and I think I'm fairly unbiased.
The JD items that would interest me, the air seat and direct injection
I suspect per pto hp the JD is more efficient than the 5030, both direct injection and turbos increase efficiency.
Never started a JD but most direct injections smoke more on startup. The 5030 has never had a problem that way.
I'm not so keen on electronics in a tractor, I certainly wouldn't like them in my transmission.
I would also try driving the machines on rough ground, the air seat may make up for the JD's shorter wheelbase. Try to find an L5030 with a loader though as having the loader on makes the ride rougher.
I'd try to find out as much about the service department and support before hand too, maybe some references? I've never had a problem with my machine but I bought it with 500 or so hours on it so any problems would have been worked out.
Anyways, either way I think you should get a good machine!
The JD items that would interest me, the air seat and direct injection
I suspect per pto hp the JD is more efficient than the 5030, both direct injection and turbos increase efficiency.
Never started a JD but most direct injections smoke more on startup. The 5030 has never had a problem that way.
I'm not so keen on electronics in a tractor, I certainly wouldn't like them in my transmission.
I would also try driving the machines on rough ground, the air seat may make up for the JD's shorter wheelbase. Try to find an L5030 with a loader though as having the loader on makes the ride rougher.
I'd try to find out as much about the service department and support before hand too, maybe some references? I've never had a problem with my machine but I bought it with 500 or so hours on it so any problems would have been worked out.
Anyways, either way I think you should get a good machine!
riptides
Super Member
So taking into account the items of interest, what kind of price point comparision between the two? Is it hundreds or thousands of dollars we are talking about.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
cowboydoc
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2000
- Messages
- 6,725
- Tractor
- JD 8320 MFWD, JD 6415 MFWD, FEL, and cab, John Deere MFWD 4600, John Deere 4020, John Deere 4430, John Deere 455 mower, Deutz, and Gehl 4610 perkins skidsteer
<font color="red"> what kind of price point comparision between the two </font>
I can only tell you about the 4720 riptides. It's been two years since I priced a 5030. I priced a 4720 with cab today for another friend and it was $26,771.36.
But you are right the price certainly is a consideration especially if you don't need the extra that the 4720 has.
I can only tell you about the 4720 riptides. It's been two years since I priced a 5030. I priced a 4720 with cab today for another friend and it was $26,771.36.
But you are right the price certainly is a consideration especially if you don't need the extra that the 4720 has.
MODiesel
Silver Member
I recently pulled the trigger on a L5030HSTC, but did spend some time looking at the new Deere cab models as well. Here's what I determined:
1. Both have excellent engines. The Kubota is rock-solid, and used in a variety of other equipment, just like the Deere. The indirect injection is slightly quieter, though, and I viewed the lack of a turbo as one less thing to worry about and/or go wrong. The 4720 obviously has more power, and in that respect, a more direct comparison is probably the 4520.
2. The Kubota HST trans is the cream of the crop. I've played around with the LoadMatch feature on the Deere's, but even with all the loader work I do I never found this to be anything terribly compelling. That's just my opinion, though.
3. The mechanical cruise on the Kubota was far more appealing than anything electronic. I found that I always "fought" the electronic setup on my NH TC40D, but the simplistic lever & pedal arrangement of the Kubota was a joy to operate. It also allows you to use either brake pedal at the end of rows, and with the electronic speedo, you can reset it to exactly the same speed every time. My NH only would brake in one direction, otherwise it would shut off the cruise. I'm not sure of exactly how the Deere works in that regard.
4. Having used both a "banana shaped" treadle and the dual pedal arrangement, I prefer the treadle on a HST. The preference comes from doing work in reverse, such as when mowing, blading, etc. With a treadle, you just stomp on the back of the pedal, which is close to the seat. This keeps your body in a comfortable sitting position, with your leg nearby, while you look backwards. With dual pedals, you have to stretch out and push the Reverse pedal forward, while trying to look and control things going backwards. I always found this to be less comfortable, especially if you do a lot of back & forth work.
5. I have no idea what I would use the increased implement hydraulics for on a CUT. I do utilize rear remotes for a top link, and for those implements that have hydraulics to raise or lower travel/height wheels, but beyond that, the higher 3-point lift capacity of the Kubota, and the easy-to-service external cylinders were more appealing. Ditto on the Cat 1 & 2 capabilities.
6. The Deere cab is superior, but I did not think it was substantially better. It is quieter, but I'm one of those folks who either has the radio on, or my iPod on. In either case, ambient noise is not a big factor. If everything else were equal, I think the Deere cab could put it over the top. However, things are never exactly equal.
7. The Deere cab is very new, though. I recall that Deere had all sorts of electrical gremlins with the release of 4010 series. Figuring that most any new product will have some bugs/issues within the first year or two, the older and proven cab setup of the Kubota was less worrisome to me.
..added on edit..
8. Forgot to address the loaders. The 853 is rated higher than the 400CX, and the Kubota front axle looks a lot beefier to me. Looks, obviously, can be deceiving, but both of those aspects added another notch in the Kubota column for me.
Given all of that, I leaned heavily towards the Kubota. Interestingly, my dealer is also a combined Deere and Kubota dealership, and has been for over 10 years. They have two locations -- one that deals with equipment up to about 90hp, and one across the Missouri River that sells everything up through the largest combines and articulated tractors. Both sites were frank with me in admitting that they see a lot more warranty work on the 4000 series Deere's then they do on the Kubotas. In fact, they admitted that they do very, very little warranty work on the Kubotas. So, when I coupled that with the other pros and cons that I was weighing, I happily selected the Orange tractor. It should be delivered here at the end of this week, just in time for Christmas! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Regards,
Jay
1. Both have excellent engines. The Kubota is rock-solid, and used in a variety of other equipment, just like the Deere. The indirect injection is slightly quieter, though, and I viewed the lack of a turbo as one less thing to worry about and/or go wrong. The 4720 obviously has more power, and in that respect, a more direct comparison is probably the 4520.
2. The Kubota HST trans is the cream of the crop. I've played around with the LoadMatch feature on the Deere's, but even with all the loader work I do I never found this to be anything terribly compelling. That's just my opinion, though.
3. The mechanical cruise on the Kubota was far more appealing than anything electronic. I found that I always "fought" the electronic setup on my NH TC40D, but the simplistic lever & pedal arrangement of the Kubota was a joy to operate. It also allows you to use either brake pedal at the end of rows, and with the electronic speedo, you can reset it to exactly the same speed every time. My NH only would brake in one direction, otherwise it would shut off the cruise. I'm not sure of exactly how the Deere works in that regard.
4. Having used both a "banana shaped" treadle and the dual pedal arrangement, I prefer the treadle on a HST. The preference comes from doing work in reverse, such as when mowing, blading, etc. With a treadle, you just stomp on the back of the pedal, which is close to the seat. This keeps your body in a comfortable sitting position, with your leg nearby, while you look backwards. With dual pedals, you have to stretch out and push the Reverse pedal forward, while trying to look and control things going backwards. I always found this to be less comfortable, especially if you do a lot of back & forth work.
5. I have no idea what I would use the increased implement hydraulics for on a CUT. I do utilize rear remotes for a top link, and for those implements that have hydraulics to raise or lower travel/height wheels, but beyond that, the higher 3-point lift capacity of the Kubota, and the easy-to-service external cylinders were more appealing. Ditto on the Cat 1 & 2 capabilities.
6. The Deere cab is superior, but I did not think it was substantially better. It is quieter, but I'm one of those folks who either has the radio on, or my iPod on. In either case, ambient noise is not a big factor. If everything else were equal, I think the Deere cab could put it over the top. However, things are never exactly equal.
7. The Deere cab is very new, though. I recall that Deere had all sorts of electrical gremlins with the release of 4010 series. Figuring that most any new product will have some bugs/issues within the first year or two, the older and proven cab setup of the Kubota was less worrisome to me.
..added on edit..
8. Forgot to address the loaders. The 853 is rated higher than the 400CX, and the Kubota front axle looks a lot beefier to me. Looks, obviously, can be deceiving, but both of those aspects added another notch in the Kubota column for me.
Given all of that, I leaned heavily towards the Kubota. Interestingly, my dealer is also a combined Deere and Kubota dealership, and has been for over 10 years. They have two locations -- one that deals with equipment up to about 90hp, and one across the Missouri River that sells everything up through the largest combines and articulated tractors. Both sites were frank with me in admitting that they see a lot more warranty work on the 4000 series Deere's then they do on the Kubotas. In fact, they admitted that they do very, very little warranty work on the Kubotas. So, when I coupled that with the other pros and cons that I was weighing, I happily selected the Orange tractor. It should be delivered here at the end of this week, just in time for Christmas! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Regards,
Jay
MessickFarmEqu
Super Member
</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Messick, i enjoy reading your posts but please don't start putting out untrue information. mike )</font>
I'm not infaliable. Its a big industry and at times I do simply quote things from the sales schools. If I was off base I appoligize.
One credit to Deere, I do wish Kubota offered a suspension seat. Thats a nice feature to have.
I'm not infaliable. Its a big industry and at times I do simply quote things from the sales schools. If I was off base I appoligize.
One credit to Deere, I do wish Kubota offered a suspension seat. Thats a nice feature to have.
bam747
Silver Member
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2004
- Messages
- 209
- Tractor
- John Deere 4720 (2007)
In the interests of full discolusre, I thought I should point out that the "Automotive Cruise/Motion Match Upgrade" option (LVB25548, $86 from the Deere Configurator) gives the 4x20 cruise control automotive style options including resume, accelerate, and decelerate. This option also adds SpeedMatch and MotionMatch to the tractor.
Per the 4720 operators manual, in the section titled "Using Cruise Control (eHydro With Automotive Cruise Control Option":
**Engaging Cruise Control
1. Depress forward travel pedal until desired travel speed is reached.
2. Fully depress top of cruise switch (A) to engage cruise control.
· Instrument panel cruise control indicator light will illuminate when cruise control is activated.
3. Release forward travel pedal.
4. Adjust maximum travel speed:
· Fully depress top of accel/decel switch (B) repeatedly to increase speed by increments.
· Fully depress bottom of accel/decel switch (B) repeatedly to decrease speed by increments.
NOTE: Machine must be moving forward, not stopped, for resume function to operate.
5. Fully depress top of accel/decel switch (B) to resume cruise speed after cruise control has been disengaged.
**Disengaging Cruise Control
NOTE: The machine will stop if cruise control is disengaged while the machine is in motion. To maintain forward motion, depress the forward travel pedal before disengaging cruise control.
1. Fully depress bottom of cruise switch (A) to return switch to middle position, or depress the right brake pedal.
· Instrument panel cruise control indicator light should go out when the cruise control is disengaged.
As I understand and have seen Kubota's manual cruise control in operation, it is a lever operated with the left hand that is connected to the HST treadle peddle. It is in effect a hand operated remote control for the HST treadle peddle that allows you to set and maintain the forward treadle peddle position. As already stated, you can "resume" your cruise setting, but this is a fully manual operation requiring the operator to reset the cruise control lever to its previous position.
Per the 4720 operators manual, in the section titled "Using Cruise Control (eHydro With Automotive Cruise Control Option":
**Engaging Cruise Control
1. Depress forward travel pedal until desired travel speed is reached.
2. Fully depress top of cruise switch (A) to engage cruise control.
· Instrument panel cruise control indicator light will illuminate when cruise control is activated.
3. Release forward travel pedal.
4. Adjust maximum travel speed:
· Fully depress top of accel/decel switch (B) repeatedly to increase speed by increments.
· Fully depress bottom of accel/decel switch (B) repeatedly to decrease speed by increments.
NOTE: Machine must be moving forward, not stopped, for resume function to operate.
5. Fully depress top of accel/decel switch (B) to resume cruise speed after cruise control has been disengaged.
**Disengaging Cruise Control
NOTE: The machine will stop if cruise control is disengaged while the machine is in motion. To maintain forward motion, depress the forward travel pedal before disengaging cruise control.
1. Fully depress bottom of cruise switch (A) to return switch to middle position, or depress the right brake pedal.
· Instrument panel cruise control indicator light should go out when the cruise control is disengaged.
As I understand and have seen Kubota's manual cruise control in operation, it is a lever operated with the left hand that is connected to the HST treadle peddle. It is in effect a hand operated remote control for the HST treadle peddle that allows you to set and maintain the forward treadle peddle position. As already stated, you can "resume" your cruise setting, but this is a fully manual operation requiring the operator to reset the cruise control lever to its previous position.
RedDog
Platinum Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sorry CT I didn't know my opinion was against forum rules. I notice you didn't dispute that I said the RTV was superior to the HPX. I suppose that's true but it's not true that the 4720 is superior. And of course all those things that make the 4720 better, like the load match, electronic cruise, turbocharged, climate controlled and filtered cab, 20% less noise than any other cab, more hp, more pump capacity, more hydraulic pressure and gpm, etc,etc., well those are just things to go wrong with it or a person doesn't need and don't count. )</font>
Nice post Cowboydoc.
RedDog
Nice post Cowboydoc.
RedDog
