Whats wrong with the L4400?

[N80]

I'm looking to buy a new tractor soon. So far the Kubota L4400 is the strongest contender and fits my budget and needs. However, I've searched these forums and all over the internet and there just isn't a lot of buzz, good or bad, about this tractor. I realize it is a new model, very basic and not particularly sexy, but it concerns me that I can't find much in the way of reviews, opinons, etc.

So, I'd appreciate any info, reviews or opinions that are out there. Just for reference, I'm also looking at the JD 990 which is comparable but more expensive. I hope you folks can give me some good info because I'm probably going to do this in the next week or so. I'm a bit nervous about spending the money and it doesn't help that I'm not really in to tractors. I just _need_ a good powerful compact. I wish I were excited about it but I'm not. Maybe I will be once I get it.

Also, main jobs will be mowing roads and small fields and light maintanence of dirt roads and house site. Will likely get the FEL.

Thanks.

 

[bobbyjak]

Take a look at this a little ways down in discussions:
"My wife bought me a Kubota "

Hope this helps

 

[N80]

Hmm. This makes me nervous. Its like the 4400 doesn't exist.

Edit: Thanks, I did see that post. So there's at least one happy customer. I'd still love to hear a little more about this tractor.

 

[wushaw]

It is mainly because it is only offered in a gear drive only and lots of folks like a hydro tranny in their tractor. If it fits your needs then I don't see any reason not to give it a whirl.

 

[grandad]

When Kubota first introduced their tractors in the US, I think their product line consisted of units like the L4400. So, Kubota has a long history of making basic, essentially bullet-proof small tractors. They continue to make those models for sale all over the world. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute if the L4400 fits your needs.

The US compact tractor market is in a features race, just like with cars. All the manufacturers are racing to add features to outdo the competition. Most of us - I'm as guilty as the next guy - fall for all the fancy doo-dads. But your L4400 will work just as hard and last just as long as any gussied-up model.

Enjoy!

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Its also because its not even a year old. Up until this year it was known as the L4300.

 

[Youare]

Back a few years ago I had the same experience when looking at a Kubota L3000DT there wasn't much said about them anywhere. Anything I did read was positive.

The tractor I purchased was a no frills basic gear drive machine which is just what I wanted. I feel I got more of what I was looking for in a tractor for what I wanted to pay.

I think you will find it a very fine unit.

Randy

 

[RobJ]

Nothing is wrong with it. I just went through this with a used L2500 I just bought. I got one reply but it was a good one. Sure I wanted to see 100 posts on how the L2500 performed well and was a perfect machine. But after reading I see that it's a basic model, gear trans, 1 gauge, no frills. Actually the perfect tractor I needed. Simple to fix, basic parts, no fancy hydro tranny, basic electronics. And who really needs a shuttle shift when your mowing a 5 acre field. Moving a lot of dirt I can see. So I got the Ford XL with no carpet instead of the Lariet. I'm happy.

Good Luck with it!
Rob

 

[N80]

Well, I'm a no frills kind of guy. The geared tranny doesn't bother me at all, I've driven them before in the past. Prefer manual in my trucks. I'm sure I'd like an HST but that simply isn't an option for my budget and HP needs. And I suspect that the economical geared tranny is why the price of this tractor is what it is. This allows me to get the 45 hp I want for the price I can afford.

I'm getting quotes at around $15,000 with the standard Ag tires (which is what I want/need).

Two questions:

1) One dealer quoted me $950 to get a single remote installed in the rear. That seems outrageous. JD only charges $350. Should I hardball the guy for a lower price on the remote?

2) I have access to an old, but rebuilt, JD tag-along rotary cutter. It is 7 feet wide. I can have it for FREE. I have doubts this tractor can run it though. Any thoughts?

 

[Highbeam]

It will run the cutter, whether you can take a full 7 foot wide bite or half cut a 4 foot wide swath with it depends on the material to be cut. Heck, it's free.