Tractor search

[cford36]

My only concern with the used Kubota would be that it may be "not used enough". Low hours for that amount of time. A lot of sitting isn't good for mechanical things isn't necessarily good. Just something to consider.
Like in the previous post, look at all options before making a decision.

 

[martialplumber]

I did call the dealer today and asked about the low hours and parts their answer was; No problem with parts for that machine and they where the original sellers of that machine and the owner just did not use it and he has just traded for a newer and bigger machine with this dealer. It is not a done deal yet with me I will look at the other brands, this dealership is about 21/2 hours North from where I live and would be 11/2 from where I would keep the tractor That is the same for the Kioti dealership.The other dealerships LS is 30 min west from where I live and a Mahindra dealership 1 hr south.The closes are John Deere and a Kubota

 

[jibe717]

I love buying new. But with the deal you are getting on that Kubota I would lean towards it.

Will the dealer give you the name and phone number of the old owner? I would want to talk with him if I could. Also how do the size specs of the different tractors compare? The bigger Kubota isn't too big size wise for what you will be using it for? I'm also assuming that all of the fluids will have been dropped. Crank case, hydraulics/trans, anti freeze, front axles. If not try to negotiate them in. I would also try to push for a dealer 6-12 month warranty or a set number of machine hours.

But more HP and 3k less. Low hours. I like the deal.

 

[check]

I love buying new. But with the deal you are getting on that Kubota I would lean towards it. Will the dealer give you the name and phone number of the old owner? I would want to talk with him if I could. Also how do the size specs of the different tractors compare? The bigger Kubota isn't too big size wise for what you will be using it for? I'm also assuming that all of the fluids will have been dropped. Crank case, hydraulics/trans, anti freeze, front axles. If not try to negotiate them in. I would also try to push for a dealer 6-12 month warranty or a set number of machine hours. But more HP and 3k less. Low hours. I like the deal.

Yes, but 15 years old? And did it sit outside during all those years? I would be very worried about rubber components (esp. tires) and other components that deteriorate over time, both from normal ageing and from from the sun.

 

[martialplumber]

Here is a picture I took of the 2002 Kubota

 

[Piston]

I would absolutely go for the Kubota. There is no issue whatsoever with getting parts for these. There is no reason to think that a 15 year old tractor is old and worn out, or that it doesn't have "enough" use on it.

The tractor looks like it's in great condition. Did you get any photos of the cab? Does it have rear remotes?

I have seen 2 isolated instances where the toplink connection point at the tractor end, has been pulled out/broken off by extremely heavy loads bouncing over large bumps and jarring the casting off the tractor. This is a VERY expensive fix, but also VERY unlikely.

If the rears are not loaded, you will want them loaded right away. I made the mistake of waiting, and after using the FEL a few times realized I absolutely needed the wheels loaded.

I use a 1300lb box blade, a 1,000lb rotary cutter, a 1,400lb chipper, a 1200lb stumpgrinder, and other numerous (lighter) attachments with mine. I've never had an issue with it.

If you want to add rear, or front hydraulics, there is a step by step thread in my signature for doing so to this tractor. There are not many of these models as it was only built for two years.

For the uses you describe, it will NOT be too big for you. I was originally looking for the smaller L series, and posted on TBN and was talked into going with a larger L series. I'm glad I did, as I actually feel like this tractor is still too small for what I want to do.

Look at it like this, aside from shinier plastic, HST +, more modern looks, a fatter wallet, and bragging rights, this tractor is identical in capacity to the new grand L series regarding FEL lift and power. The price is good, but as mentioned offer lower. I think I paid 16,500 for my open station version about 5 or 6 years ago???

If I wasn't looking for a bigger tractor, I would very likely buy this one you posted about, transfer over all my hydraulics, and sell mine, just to get the cab and fresh tread on the tires!

One thing to consider if you have multiple buckets or will purchase a lot of used skidsteer implements, is this tractor most likely has Kubota's pin on quick attach system that is not compatible with the skidsteer quick disconnect.
Go back and forth between my bucket, grapple, and pallet forks (actually almost never use those anymore) with the pin on system, and it's not nearly as easy to line up and use as the skidsteer style. I've thought about converting it, but I'm likely selling mine in the spring anyways.

Another thing to consider, is that if you are doing heavy forestry work, the loader on these is not very robust. I've managed to not bend mine by being mindful of my loads, but it does torque and twist with heavy use, as do all their compacts in this range. I imagine that the LA852 will be stronger than the smaller model loaders you are considering but I don't have direct experience with those.

For my uses, I find the L4610 a little too small, lacking a bit of power at the PTO, and a little too 'delicate' for what I do. It all depends on your uses, but I would ABSOLUTELY NOT GO ANY SMALLER!

Just my humble opinion . Feel free to PM with any specific questions.

(If you decide not to buy this, please share the contact info with me just for the heck of it


The L4610 is a pretty capable tractor for it's size. Look here for more pics of what I've been able to do with mine....
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/211635-grappling-fun-picture-thread.html

 

[dadster4]

The Kubota looks to be in good shape for 15 years old, but I would ignore that and compare it to the others as if you were buying it new...how do the specs, lifting capacity, weight, and comfort compare? If you do like the Kubota, check the hoses, tires, seat, and any other non-metal parts for UV damage or cracks...if something needs to be replaced just factor that in to the price or try to negotiate to have it fixed by the dealer before you take delivery.

 

[PJSprog]

We are quite pleased with our LS XR3135HC (at about the same price as your quote). That said, it would have been hard to pass on a deal like you are facing with that Kubota. We simply couldn't find any good deals on lightly used anything around here, so we went with new.

To continue beating the proverbial dead horse ... try them all and get the one you like best. You really won't make a bad choice in any of those options you've listed. All very good tractors.

 

[murph1]

And once you buy stop pricing as it will do you no good to beat yourself up over a possible better deal.

 

[newbury]

I have been looking and doing some research on new tractors. I have 12 acres and it would be used for snow moving and maintaining a 1/2 mile long driveway & moving around falling timber & a little earthwork.

Be VERY careful moving falling timber! I usually let it stop on the ground first.

What size timber and for what purpose? I bought my B7610 in 2009 and planned on using it for dragging logs to a small sawmill I was going to (and did) purchase. Virtually all my forestland was with trees 18" diameter and smaller. After dragging a few trees I was able to convince SWMBO that a larger tractor was needed for some more land we bought that had much bigger trees. Then I got my M4700.

This will lift a ton on the front and two on the three point.

So if you are going to need to process big chunks of falling timber figure out the dimensions (feet long, average DBH, species) and plug it into the Woodweb Calculator. For exmple a Doug fir chunk 10' long average 2' diameter weighs about 1500 lbs. A log of white oak the same size is about 2,050 lbs.

If your just cutting it for firewood you can usually cut it smaller.

I have kind of narrowed it down to the Kioti CK3510hst w/cab.LS 3135hc-35hp w/cab.I am not sure what Kubota I should be looking at the B or L series. The dealerships to all these brands are relatively the same distance. I have received a cost of 26,995.00 for the LS. All the machines will have a FEL. I know I have to sit on each machine to see which one works and feels better and I will do that.I am heading up to check out the Kioti and at the same dealership they have a 2002 Kubota L4610HSTC2 46hp hydrostatic. Factory cab with heat and AC. Equipped with a LA852 loader. Excellent condition with ONLY 253 extremely low hours asking 23,900.I am thinking this is a little big for what I will use it for but just asking what you think of the machine. It does have some age but not many hours,I am leaning towards new and I know I will keep it for quite a long time.I have been lurking on this site for a bit getting some great information so I decided to join.

The Kubota isn't too big, but having a cab in the woods you need to be careful. The Kioti and the LS will have the "new tractor smell" but that wears off quickly.
What's the price on a new cab equipped L4701 equivalent?

After seeing the pic of the L4610 I wouldn't be surprised if someone else on TBN snaps it up soon.