Tractor Sizing What size Kubota? L or Grand L series?

[Browns329]

I am looking for my first tractor loader and posted this thread:
Help choosing 1st compact tractor/loader - Page 2 - TractorByNet.com

I am posting here in the Kubota forum since I am leaning heavily toward Kubota. I hear that they are good, reliable tractors, and the prices seem good. I also have 2 friendly dealers within 20 minutes.

I still would like some help deciding what size tractor that I should get, and whether the Grand L is worth the extra money. I don't know if all the extra electronics on the Grand L would just be more stuff to go wrong.

I would also like any tips on the prices that I have gotten.

Thanks!

 

[shakin]

my friend has a grand l 3240 and the electronics appear to not be an issue very well built. what type of work are you doing the extra wieght is good for some tasks. he works in the woods and has a winch and relys on the extra weight for this. also the l series seems to be more basic if you like flash you'll want the grand L. i have run his and the controls are right where they should be and it's a very capable machine. you cant really go wrong with one of the bota models. they do come with a little higher price tag and there are other more than capable brands, so it would'nt hurt to shop around unless you have you're heart set for a bota.

 

[LD1]

I have a L3400 and so far it has done everything I have asked. There have been times that I wished it were a little bigger, but not many. Since you are familiar with farm life, I'll assume you know what an 8n is. The 3400 is about that size physically with a little more power, 4wd, and a FEL. The impliments it will handle are about what an 8n will handle, which was part of my reason for not buying bigger as my dad has an 8n with tons of implements that work perfectally on a 3400.

The biggest thing you need to consider when buying is what "size" tractor will suit you property and trailering needs (if you need to tow it) the best. If you have tight areas, you may be limited to a smaller tractor. If you do a lot of cutting or running implements that require a pto, then get the most HP you can afford within you size limitations. If you do a lot of loader work, weight trumps HP.

A 3240's will out-work a 3400 on ground engaging activities because it is heavier, even though the 3400 has more HP. Likewise, A 4400 vs a 3240 weigh about the same, and have similar loader specs so would be about equally suited for ground work but the 4400 would far exceed it in pto driven implements.

The 3400 and 4400 offer the most bang for your buck because they dont have all the luxuries of a grand L. Its like comparing a chevy to a mercedes...they both go from A to B, but the mercedes is a lot fancier.

Bottom line, you need to decide what the intended uses will be of the tractor. Then go to a dealer and get a "real world" feel for the size of the tractor, and look at the specs such as lift capacities front and rear, HP, weight of the tractor, etc. And dont get too worked up about the lift capacities of the loaders unless you plan on moving round bales or heavy pallets. The 3400 is rated at just a tad over 1000lbs @ bucket center. While it may not seem impressive to some, it doesn't have any problem at all with a full bucket of wet dirt, gravel, or whatever else. Most loaders have more than enough lift to fill the bucket and move it.

 

[dcabernel]

I started off intending to buy L but switched to Grand L after reading some of the threads here. I love it.

I do use the extra bells and whistles, such as "Stall Guard". I've been digging out trees and tree stumps in heavy clay and really have to work the loader to dig them out. The stall guard is great when you get a little too aggressive. "Auto Throttle Advance" is nice on the road or even when not working the tractor hard around the yard.

I don't at all regret paying more for the Grand L, it's a sweet ride.

 

[texasjohn]

I could not be happier with my Grand L.

No problems with it at all.... 700 odd hours

 

[lawn_king]

Both are good capable machines. If you plan to spend long hours on/in the tractor the extra features in the grand l will sure add to the tractor experience,well worth the extra $ in mho.

 

[art]

One of the things that you should look at is the options that are available for on the front. That may get you past your hurdle!

 

[Browns329]

One of the things that you should look at is the options that are available for on the front. That may get you past your hurdle!

Art - What type of front options are you referring to?

 

[Casco1]

When I bought mine ( '02 L3710 ) I purchased the ATI quick disconnect and forks. It added $700 to the price and it's been such a help it was worth 3 times that. I also bought a canopy, I enjoy being outdoors even in winter, this also made extra lights easy to install. Useful placement of hooks on the buckets and good lighting. Most of which I found by searching this site.


I spent many hours on this site before I bought and have never regreted what I learned

 

[Ron D.]

I went through the same decision making process you're going through about 4 months ago. I only have an acre and a half, and it doesn't have any woods to underbrush. I bought my tractor used, and had choices of several really nice low hour tractors.

The two I was considering was a 2003 L2600DT (gear/201 hours) with FEL and a 2001 Grand L3010 (Hydro/331 hours) with FEL. My primary use is landscaping my property, and I am probably more suited to a BX. However, I wanted something a little larger than a BX, because weight and size are advantageous for getting work done quicker, provided you're not working in tight areas.

The primary difference that I noticed in the Grand series vrs the regular L series was everything was heavier duty on the Grand series. The hydraulics on the Grand were quicker, lifted the loader faster, etc. The axles and frame are substantially heavier than on the standard L, 3 point lift stronger. The added weight of the Grand concerned me since I'm using it on improved/improving lawn, and soil compaction would be more of an issue than with a lighter tractor.

All that being said, I went with the L2600DT because the Grand seemed to be way more than what I needed, but for a few dollars more, if you need more heavy duty, the Grand is a great choice. I read a great post here somewhere that essentially boiled it down to time. It rightly said the lighter less powerful tractor will generally do what the heavier more powerful tractor will do, it will just take you a little longer.

Look at your needs and go from there. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Either way, you shouldn't be disappointed with a Kubota, I have never been and have owned several on and off since the late 1970's.