Tractor Sizing Tractor buying advice for 47 acres at 8600 ft

[Jchonline]

Download the spec sheet. The engine type is a V1505-T. The T indicates turbo. It's also on tractordata where it plainly says turbo. It used to be right in the specs section on the old version of the Kubota web site before it changed in the last year. I don't know why they hide this information. Maybe because of the problems the B3350s were having. Or because some people are anti-turbo.

You can also see the turbo on the parts diagram. (Messicks has one on line).

Thank you for digging into it. Great to know.

 

[nybirdman]

I happened to go to the local Kubota dealer the other day;he had a M6060 next to a L6060 and there is quite a physical size difference.The L6060(cab) is very similar to my L4240 in size;the M6060 cab looks like a real beast and definitely wouldn't fit in most garages.
If you want to go HST the L6060 for sure;if you can handle the size and manual trans the "M" series are sweet for sure.
Some perspective;the nephew just paid $40,000 for a 80HP,low hour(1100)cabbed 16 year old John Deere.

 

[rScotty]

Along the bigger and smaller tractor thoughts.....If I were to get a smaller (subcompact) to do smaller chores with (or those that require more maneuverability/smaller footprint) anyone know of a subcompact with a turbocharged engine?

I looked at Kubota, JD, and Kioti and did not see any. I might have missed them.

You are unlikely to find smaller engines going to the expense of turbocharging. Cost is one reason of course, but the smaller diesels don't generally need turbocharging. It turns out to be is easier to design a higher compression ratio into a small engine because the strength per unit volume works in the designer's favor. So right off the bat, that higher compression ratio makes the torque go up.
And then since there the rotating parts are also proportionately less massive, the small motor can be spun to higher RPMs. As a bonus, everything else on the combustion menu from valve timing to mixture swirling also gets more efficient at higher RPMs. You get the extra HP for free at higher RPMs; no need for a turbo. (HP=torque * RPM).

If you are just set on adding turbocharging, there are lots of turbo kits for small diesels. Any competent mechanic could add it on for a few grand. But I'd try it first without.

I think that a HST with lots of gear ranges would be more useful than the turbo. I wonder who makes the best HST in a small tractor? Anyone know?
Luck, rScotty

 

[rScotty]

Some perspective;the nephew just paid $40,000 for a 80HP,low hour(1100)cabbed 16 year old John Deere.

Sounds to me like your nephew just might be one of those guys who understands value in mechanical things.
rScotty

 

[kra9484]

I've been reading this thread with great interest! Lots of knowledge i see. This is my first post since joining a couple hours ago... I'v been doing my research for the last 2 months & the Grand L6060 with LA1055 Loader, BH92 Backhoe & L4485 Front mount snowblower, is the winner for me. My purchase is less than 2 years out (also my first tractor). I am in seattle now but will be retiring back the NW Montana to live in the mountains. I'm not up as high as Jchonline but about 5K feet. My property is 15 acres sloped on a mountain side with a windy 1500 ft driveway with 500 ft elevation gain. My #1 reason for a tractor purchase is snow blowing, second is playing around in the woods. So far the only thing i'm not sure about is if i should get the 3" wheel spacers (6" total from Bro-Tek) and if it's best to have wheel weights. Can anyone provide experience for either of these? Thanks

 

[Redneck in training]

Look at Zetor. There are several dealers in N. CO. Zetor is turbocharged, no DPF no urea. Has front PTO. Front Three Point Hitch is available.
Technical Parameters Zetor Major - ZETOR TRACTORS a.s.

TractorHouse.com | ZETOR MAJOR 8 For Sale - 15 Listings - Page 1.

 

[kra9484]

Whoa, thought i was adding to the common conversation to Jchonline for both our same interests. Didn't mean to intrude. I'll see if i can figure out how to delete my post. Sorry Jchonline!

 

[Jchonline]

Look at Zetor. There are several dealers in N. CO. Zetor is turbocharged, no DPF no urea. Has front PTO. Front Three Point Hitch is available.
Technical Parameters Zetor Major - ZETOR TRACTORS a.s.

TractorHouse.com | ZETOR MAJOR 8 For Sale - 15 Listings - Page 1.

Good thought, no dealer within 50 miles. Closest is 72, but that is down mountain miles as well. Getting 30 is hard enough!

 

[Jchonline]

Whoa, thought i was adding to the common conversation to Jchonline for both our same interests. Didn't mean to intrude. I'll see if i can figure out how to delete my post. Sorry Jchonline!

No worries, best of luck in your search!

 

[Jchonline]

Thought I would update everyone on the search and discovery for the right solution. Part of this is for entertainment, the other is to perhaps share a little of my research so others are more informed.

I continued down the exploration path of a smaller SCUT or CUT now (open station) and a larger cab version once we get the house built (4-8 years). I went and looked closely at Green, Red (MF), Orange (Kub, Kio), Blue (NH, LS). Any colors I missed ? These are the dealers close to me. Of particular interest was the Kubota B2650, B3350 (for the TC), B2601, or perhaps BX23S. Only the BX23S felt like a small enough tractor for what I was considering. The B series just felt like "I might as well get the L." Jeff's comments on it being a bad idea to have 2 separate tractors (double the implement cost, etc) really hit home. Sure I might "think" I can just get a SCUT now, but we all know the land calls out to you... and being honest there is a good change I would pick up a grapple, box blade, or other implements that would be of very limited use with such a light machine. rScotty has also been a great help, frequently exchanging lengthy emails with me and helping any way he can.

So the B series is out, the BX just seems like the second tractor I should buy. After I have most of the land improved and feel like I need something for the 3-5 acres right around the home (small brush piles, limbs, firewood, etc). The BX backhoe is cute, but it probably won't do much in the hard pack granite and rocky mountains. It would be wisest to get a much larger backhoe, or just rent the mini-ex.

From there I thought a TLB might be wise. I looked at the B26 and even the L47. On the L47 I was thinking I could get one of them now, then a smaller cab tractor for winter once we move out (think B2650 with a front plow or blower). The L47 is a serious and very expensive machine. What I did find out that disappointed me about it was no Turbocharger. How can they make a $60k machine with no TC? Anyway that threw this idea out the window.

So we are back to settling on 1 machine at this point. I will just get the machine I need for the property now, and worry about anything else later. I am still on the Grand L5460 or L6060 (no M because I want HST). I go by and drive the JDs, the MFs. Unfortunately what many have said here held true at the JD dealership. My poor salesman was on his cell phone 90% of our interactive time talking to a guy about baler valves and some such. It was a customer service issue so I do respect that...but it did make me realize their priority. In my area I am not going to get much attention at the JD dealership for service. The MF 1754 and 1758 were nice, but the HST just doesn't compete with the Kubota to me. MF does have an awesome warranty. Funny, as I was sitting on one a guy in a pickup driving yelled "Don't waste your money!"...everyone has their opinions

So I have pretty much settled on a Kubota L5460 or L6060. About the only reason I can think of to get the 6060 is the extra HP for all the hills I have. There are no other reasons I would need the extra HP. I also fought with myself on Open Station vs. Cab. I really do want an open station at some point...but I feel like the L series is big enough that it negates some of the convenience of getting on/off (height/step). The cab with the wind, snow, and shade just can't be beat. I do think I am spread out enough to not have a problem with branches. I know I will have to be extra careful in the beginning when getting used to the extra size of the cab.

For a quick update in the garage: Engineering plans have been submitted to the county. We should have approval in the next week or so. Concrete to follow as soon as ground thaw allows (probably mid May). Steps prior to tractor for me are: finish garage, run electrical and solar, insulate, garage door openers. If all goes well that will all be done by August. So perhaps a tractor around that time, and perhaps I will wait until next Spring. If I wait until next year for the tractor I might rent a Mini-Ex this fall to get a head start on larger clearing and stumps. My dealer has a KX080-4 Super for about $200 a day. That thing is just awesome! It just depends on work and kid stuff.