Trading in my B3200 for a heavier tractor

[cowzrul]

Exactly two years ago I bought a new B3200 Hydro with R4 tires. I used it for snow removal and cutting my meadow. I have discovered my little B3200 just can't do what I need it to do. We have 40 acres, mostly wooded, that I decided to start cleaning up since it's littered with black jacks and huge limbs from ice storms. I also have areas that need leveling, or cut, and the oklahoma red dirt is impossible to work with. One section will be sandstone and 30 feet away will be sand. I just recently burnt a huge brush pile that was built with a dozer. There are some stumps left in the burn pile that I want to bury and I can't even lift them with my B3200. So...last friday I took my B3200 in for the first service and saw two tractors that I believe would do what I need.

So the two I am looking at are the L4400 and Mx4700. Both have HST and are comparable in size and weight. The price difference is $1500 with the Mx4700 being the more expensive tractor. At only 60 hours the trade in value on my B3200 is $12k which doesn't make me happy so bottom line I want to make the best decision I can for long term needs. I was told to buy the biggest tractor I could afford since I have a semi-large parcel of land. The only thing I think I will miss is the ability to maneuver around trees with the smaller B3200. Flip side of that is I can't tell you how many times I have almost buried my B3200 trying to get out of the woods and ended up crawling out with my FEL. I always wondered if it was the industrial tires but have recently learned it was the fact that the B3200 only weighs 1700 lbs.

Well I know my first post was long but I want to throw out as much info as possible because after lurking here for awhile I see that many of you have a wealth of knowledge that you don't mind sharing. I am about ready to pull the trigger but I have two decisions to make:

1) L4400 or MX4700

2) R1 or R4 tires

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Just an opinion here...

#1 - Try to sell your tractor vs. trade it in, you will net more $$, but it will take longer.

#2 -If it were me, M beats L...

#3 - I am running R4's and as long as I start in 2wd, I have never been stuck yet (knock on wood). I have some very rough logged land with lots of lash and heavy debris. R4's are thicker and tougher. I will cry when I get a flat in one of my filled rears from a chunk of sharp debris... But I think R1's are more likely to get damaged that way.

:2cents: Your mileage may vary.

PS - Welcome to TBN, we like all posts, long and short. And Pictures as often as possible.

Be well,
David

 

[Fixemall]

Once you run a bigger machine you will never go back!
As far as being able to get close to things, after a year or so it will not ba an issue, a rear mower helps.
As Moss said, try to market your machine on your own, dealers make good profit on used stuff.

 

[bigbull338]

why dont you just step up to the MX5100 HST 4x4 w/LA844 quick tatch loader.with your trade youd be oweing $12000 to $14,000.

 

[TripleR]

Of the two mentioned, my preference is the MX4700, but like bigbull would just go ahead and get the MX5100.

 

[AGGIE00]

1700 LB tractor on 40ac? I have 20ac and many times my 5083 feels too small. Go big and you won't regret it. The only problem is all the tools and attachments you will need for the increase in horsepower.

 

[dex3361]

I have a L4400 and it is a wonderful woods tractor. But if I were to buy today I would get the MX4700HST or the MX5100HST not so much for the power but for the heavier built front axle and the stronger FEL.

 

[TripleR]

1700 LB tractor on 40ac? I have 20ac and many times my 5083 feels too small. Go big and you won't regret it. The only problem is all the tools and attachments you will need for the increase in horsepower.

All depends on your uses and terrain. We can do everything with our L5030 that we can with our M8540, but due to the size, we can't do it all with the 8540; ideal situation is multiple tractors, but it's often not economically feasible.

 

[cowzrul]

I called the dealer and he said it was like another $700 to bump to the MX5100 which isn't much. I was kinda worried about having a turbo for maintenance issues. He also told me since I am going to a class II versus the class 1 on my B3200 that I would need an adapter for my brush hog.

 

[KYDan]

I had an L2900 GST 4WD for 14 years and it was great! I sold it this August and bought a MX5100 4WD, HST, R4 tires with a LA844 Loader with quick attach HD Roundback bucket, Leveler Road, rear work light and I love it. The difference in what I can do with the MX compared to the L is amazing. I have had and been using tractors for 40 years from the L2900 to articulating Stigers. All of them have their strong points and weaknesses. Anyway, after all the above to-date this is my favorite of them all. It has an amazing effectiveness of power usage. I have been cleaning muck from one of my ponds and the R4's keep me on top of the worst of it and allow me to get more out than I could with the L with R1's. It is still early in as I only have 60 hours on the MX, but it is great. Be prepared for fuel shock as it will be considerably thirstier than your current Kubota. Also, I agree with the guys that $12,000 is a lowball for your tractor. However, if he, the dealer, has discounted the 4700 and 5100 from the suggested retail it might not be such a bad price. Trading a tractor is like trading in your car, you will almost always be dollars ahead by selling it outright. But it is less hassle, worry, and lets you have your new tractor faster. I sold my 14 year old L2900 with bucket, backhoe, and a Land pride finishing mower for $9,500. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.