Tractor Sizing Tractor size advice needed

[motownbrowne]

I stopped by the local Kubota dealer and got the following quote:
2014 L3901HST, Land Pride PD25 post hole digger 9", Armstrong RB2000i Hay spear, Armstrong RTA6 blade,Land Pride RCR1260 5' mower for $23,490, minus $1000 if I pay cash. We were talking about a front loader but I don't see it in the quote so I have to assume it's not there. A TWF 20 ft trailer is $2500.

Opinions?

JohnB

Don't buy a tractor without a loader. Actually. Make that, don't buy a tractor without a SSQA loader. I started looking at the l3800 (predecessor to the 3901) for 4,000 more I bought a MX 4700. It is still hydro, lifts almost 2x as much on the fel, has 10 more HP and quite a bit more weight to put the HP to the ground. I paid $1000 more than your quote with the FEL.

I agree with the other post about used implements. You can save a bundle on the mower, blade, and spear.

It was a stretch for me to jump to the MX from the l3800, but I've never regretted it. I can unload almost a full pallet of feed with my forks on the loader. Couldn't dream of that with the 3800. I can also move a half cord of wood on a pallet. The extra capacity makes a huge difference.

 

[pinetree10]

I agree that weight and HP don't always go together. My tractor is perfect for what I do with it but if I was going to move lots of heavy round bales I'd go with a bigger chassis. I've found that its light weight is great for driving over the lawn but there are times when mass is good too. Fortunately I don't really need a heavy machine but depending on your workload you should take it into consideration.

 

[RalphVa]

You can use a smaller tractor for all those chores (16-18 hp) except for the round bales (in front). If you got a 3ph spear, a small tractor would handle them. Might even handle them if you put enough weight off the 3ph. Even a 30 hp wouldn't be that much heavier to make it that much safer to handle the round bales without lots of 3ph weight in the back.

I'm all for smaller is better. I hate the present 1025 size engine because it's a fuel hog compared to my 18.5 hp 4010. Wish I could have my 4010 but with the nice seat, PTO easy takeoff and positioner on the 3ph that the 1025 has. Just don't need 24.5 hp. The 18.5 was plenty big for bush hogging, plowing and shredding/chipping. I know it would be good enough for post hole digging because I've used a small 2 man hole digger that was good enough for that.

Ralph

 

[TJP89]

Either the loader is included in that price of the dealer is charging way to much, even with those implements. The LXX01 series is still your basic tractor, just a step above the LXX00 series. As said above, get a loader with any tractor, you will thank yourself later. Implements can usually be gotten much cheaper used. A brand new rotary cutter would have cost me at least $1200. I picked up a used homemade one for $250 and with a little grease and a few bucks in bolts, it works better than a new one.

 

[jb15426]

Don't buy a tractor without a loader. Actually. Make that, don't buy a tractor without a SSQA loader. I started looking at the l3800 (predecessor to the 3901) for 4,000 more I bought a MX 4700. It is still hydro, lifts almost 2x as much on the fel, has 10 more HP and quite a bit more weight to put the HP to the ground. I paid $1000 more than your quote with the FEL.

I agree with the other post about used implements. You can save a bundle on the mower, blade, and spear.

It was a stretch for me to jump to the MX from the l3800, but I've never regretted it. I can unload almost a full pallet of feed with my forks on the loader. Couldn't dream of that with the 3800. I can also move a half cord of wood on a pallet. The extra capacity makes a huge difference.

I found out today that the quote didn't include the loader ($4085). So if I understand your post you paid about $24,500 for a MX 4700 with a fel. I was quoted $30,315 for a MX 4800HST with all of the attachments above (no fel). Where did you buy your tractor?

Johnb

 

[motownbrowne]

I found out today that the quote didn't include the loader ($4085). So if I understand your post you paid about $24,500 for a MX 4700 with a fel. I was quoted $30,315 for a MX 4800HST with all of the attachments above (no fel). Where did you buy your tractor?

Johnb

Bought at Value Implement in Baldwin Wisconsin. The 4800 is the new model, so the price increase is to be expected. Also, that was the cash price, but with loaded tires. Again, though, not having the FEL would be a major bummer.

One thing to consider, though, the cost to add the loader to either the 3901 or 4800 will be about the same, but the loader on the MX is much, much more capable.

 

[batwing]

I am very happy with my 35HP tractor, and would not want one smaller for my 30 acre place with a couple of acres tillable.
Ron

 

[FTG-05]

I stopped by the local Kubota dealer and got the following quote:
2014 L3901HST, Land Pride PD25 post hole digger 9", Armstrong RB2000i Hay spear, Armstrong RTA6 blade,Land Pride RCR1260 5' mower for $23,490, minus $1000 if I pay cash. We were talking about a front loader but I don't see it in the quote so I have to assume it's not there. A TWF 20 ft trailer is $2500.

Opinions?

JohnB

Cheap, fast and quality - pick any two.

This is the fast option. Which means you're going to pay either in cost or quality or both.

As others have said, focus on a good tractor with a Quick Detachable FEL - that will meet your requirements. Without this, all other issues are pretty much moot. Then get the other implements used at far cheaper prices.

Good luck!

 

[bdog]

I have learned that you should get the biggest toy....er tractor.... that will fit in your parking spot and go through your gates. It does not hurt to have excess capacity or lift power, but it really suxs to fall even a little short.

This times 100. I have owned 5 tractors in the last ten years and I continually find myself going bigger. Within reason you can do anything with a small tractor that you can with a large one (except move really big things - round bales / etc) but the difference is how long it will take.

If you are retired or have lots of time to kill or just like spending all day on the tractor then get a small one as they are more nimble and time is no issue. If you are busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest get the biggest tractor you can. I have about 25 acres and I have a 140HP tractor. Overkill? Yes but my time is at a premium. I enjoy tractor stuff but have a hard time finding time to do it. Sure is nice to be able to hook up to 20' implements with a quick hitch and get stuff done in a hurry. We don't have trees here so my situation is likely different but I have no problems with maneuverability due to larger tractor size.

 

[TSO]

Get the most tractor you can afford. I have upgraded several times, and while it would be nice to have an additional small tractor once in awhile for little tasks, I don't regret having one large enough to address all my needs.

For your description, I'd focus less on HP and more on loader lift. Get a tractor/loader that will handle your needs, and the HP should be built in appropriately.

While I've never lifted round bales, my 48HP Massey lifts 2000lbs on a pallet with pallet forks with no issue.

I would skip the 3800/3901, & if you're intent on choosing a lower frills Kubota, move up to the MX