Tractor Newb - Kubota L4701 or Deere 3046R?

[NateWG]

Thanks very much everyone. Really great feedback.

I went to the Kubota dealer yesterday to have another look at the L4701 and to see what we could do on the bottom line with our 2 tractors for trade. There were many line items on the quote so he just wanted to make sure everything was needed. He gave some similar advice in going for the MX5200. I want to say list on it is about $1000 more than the L4701 and like it has been mentioned, is a much beefier tractor.

MX has the same BH92 backhoe but with the next sized up loader.

I've come to agree the 3046R doesn't have enough lifting power. The L4701 is very close. The MX can do the job.

I was curious as to why he was pushing the MX5200 rather than the MX4800 until I went out the lot. They have one L4701, one MX4800 and at least 10 MX5200's.

I've started work on a quote for an MX and I'm also going to give the 4052M a look.

Thanks!

 

[majorwager]

Are you an incorporated 501 c IRS exempted organization, If so I would contact your State procurement office and determine if a current contract exists for Compact Tractors. Your local state legislative rep should have contact info. If you do hold a IRS certification, review the State Contract for specific models and guaranteed costs. Then review your options.for purchase. The local town or county highway supt. Will have knowledge of these products. Their advice is a free resource for applicable machines. They would also be aware of State Contract purchasing procedures. On TBN, ask 10 folks, get 10 different answers. State Contracts are seldom limited to political subdivisions, not for profits can usually participate. State discounts are often > 20 percent or more. To be honest, both of your choices seem rather light duty for the tasks you describe.I own a MX.
Cab is non kubota aftermarket.

 

[North Woods]

+1 on the MX5200. There are also some upgrades on the 3pt in addition to the weight and loader capacities.. I have been looking at this size for a while. The 4800 is nice b/c it appears to be a bit more simple and not turbocharged. The 5200 and 5800 offer some upgrades that others appreciate. The 5200 seems to be the sweetspot. I basically have two choices: orange or green. When I look at bottom line out the door costs and dependability of the newer models it seems that orange works for me. I have yet to figure the specific point yet. Good idea to look at the next bigger model to see if that fits for you.