Buying Advice Tractor Purchase Advice

[MarkV]

I think N80 gave some good advice. Tractor sales are not the same as the auto sale game from my experience. That is not to say that you should not shop around. There also seems to be a fair amount difference between the "going price", depending upon region.

MarkV

 

[N80]

The regional price thing is true. When I was at a dealer in Hendersonville, NC he told me he had a guy driving down from Conn. to buy a new tractor because the prices were better here and a TBN member from Virginia bought a tractor from the local dealer here because of better prices.

 

[JeffInCO]

No. 4 relation to hp and gears is related to soil type.

...

Soil conditions can vary greatly from one little spot to the next and also by vertical horizon layers. What is your soil profile?

Our land has been farmed before, but it's probably been most of 40 years. I think I've heard from the previous owner and neighbors that at least corn and oats were grown. But for the last 40 years it's been just native grass.

I don't yet have a soils test.

 

[JeffInCO]

I'm with George on this - the M6040 would be my choice too.

Knowing what I know, I would first scour the earth for an L5450 with hydraulic shuttle and the original Bradco 11-foot backhoe - but they are very hard to find unless they have a lot of hours. The M6040 is the closet thing to it in power and weight these days. An L48 would be good too, but they are on R4 rubber and for plowing you'll get better traction with R1's. Also, the L48's loader is not removable.

I know the "M" series is built a bit stronger, and with more horsepower. A few questions:

1) It doesn't appear that Kubota offers a loader as a standard option for the M6040. What would you suggest for the loader?

2) What is the difference between the synchro and hydraulic shuttle shift? I guess the hydraulic is only available with a cab (not sure I need or want a cab anyway).

3) What do you see as the primary reason to go with the M6040 over the L5740? Plowing or ditching? HST vs Gears? Overall durability?

As I said in my original email, I'm wondering if one "compromise" tractor is the wrong solution. Maybe I should go with something smaller (Grand L) for front end loader and backhoe work, then eventually buy a used higher horsepower tractor without all the bells and whistles for farming.

The 5740 looked like it might be a good compromise between the two. Maybe the 6040 is a better compromise?

Thanks for your input!

Jeff

 

[piller]

JeffInCO:
1) Kubota offers the LA1153 FEL as a standard option for the M6040, it's very nice, comes with the quick attach skid steer mounting system. The specs for the loader are:
AttachmentView

2) Synchro shuttle vs. hydraulic shuttle: All of the M5040/M6040/M7040 models come with an F8/R8 shuttle transmission. There is a 4 speed synchronized main shift, and a high/low range which gives you 8 speeds. There is a shuttle shift lever located to the left of the steering wheel. The shuttle let's you go between reverse/neutral/forward. The synchro shuttle has a dry mechanical clutch, so you push in the clutch pedal when using the shuttle to change directions. The hydraulic shuttle is available on 4wd models ROPS or cab, it has a wet hydraulic clutch pack that is smooth and durable. With the hydraulic shuttle you just move the shuttle lever between reverse/neutral/forward to change direction without using the clutch. Try the hydraulic shuttle, I think you will like it!

3) For me and my needs the M6040 is a better tractor than the L5740. I would only consider the 5740 if I needed the HST transmission. The 6040 is bigger, more powerful, stronger loader, more lift, etc.

I cannot really help with the compromise question or your tractor buying strategy. There is no correct answer, if you visit three different dealers they will give you three different suggestions. Good luck, keep posting and asking questions