Another 1st Time Buyer Help Thread

[pandemic326]

Morning everyone

First let me say thank you for looking at this thread. I have searched and read threads and forums trying to learn but of course wanted to post a more focused question/request for information for my situation.

Second, except for what I have read and folks I have spoken to, I know nothing about tractors. I currently own a small 2wd JD x720se. That’s as much as I know about.

So with all that said my family started homesteading last year and we moved to a 31 acre property that is about 2/3 wooded. Things I will be doing include moving materials, digging fence posts, grading a long driveway, and bush hogging. Expansion opportunities are endless, do a garden every year via a walk behind rear tine tiller. Would love to get an excavator attachment and chipper shredder attachment. Stump grinder would be great but definitely a back burner item.

My land scape definitely includes some hills/ grades that my little John Deere has definitely gotten stuck on if you don’t lock the diff and maneuver out.

Things I am thinking from research done:

Need 4wd?

Go gear drive over HST for longevity, reduced maintenance costs, less power loss to pro?

HP rating above 35HP?

things hung up on:
What models to look at?

new vs old, is tier 4 emissions really that horrible?

used pricing, I have no clue what is good vs inflated

really looking for your advice. I admit I wasn’t even sold on a brand but everyone really seems to love kubota and while I have always grown up loving green paint, the right to repair and move out of the USA have kind soured me.

also I am definitely a buy once cry once kind of person. I know I am going to get asked what my budget is and the answer is that it sort of depends. Outright purchase under 25k. Finance with 0% on a new, I have a lot more flexibility based on the payment.

thanks everyone for your time

 

[GreensvilleJay]

quik look...

4W, HST, <35HP , more HP is not always better
'carryall ' for 3PH , amazing what can be hauled on them
rent PHD when needed , faster and cheaper
buy 3ph rototiller , homesteading means growing your own food,so BIG gardens

 

[jimh406]

Buy a MX cab model.

 

[old and tired]

4x4 is a must have; HST is also a must have, IMO. I can work longer hours and feel less tired at the end of the day. Also, HST will be easier for wife and kids to drive...

Look for and get to know prices in your area... you'll miss out on good buys if you come to the forum and ask... they sell very quickly. You are up against people who know prices and buy cheap to turn around and sell it for more. You'll see their ads on craig's list...

Don't forget to budget implements into your costs... I bought mostly used implements but the tractor was new. I would shy away from new tractor because of ECU problems... look at the bill from this one from Craig's list...

Kubota L3901 Tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale - craigslist

Kubota tractor bought new in 2015, two owners. Just over 700 hours. In 2024 it got a new battery, New ECU, and regular oil changes. Will also include box blade 60" and Auger.

raleigh.craigslist.org

 

[BBFarmer]

The Grand L has done me perfect since leaving my standard L .......don't think about it, just do it! lol

 

[pandemic326]

So is something like this a good deal for example?

2011 Kubota M7040SU $25,999
• Manual four wheel drive


• Mechanical shuttle


• Rollover Protection System - R.O.P.S


• Tires - 16.9x30 & 9.5x24


• LA1153 loader with 72" bucket - serial B9509 Engine Manufacturer: Kubota V3307


Engine Type: E-CDIS, Direct injection, liquid cooled diesel, natural aspiration


Horsepower: Net: 68 hp (50.7 kW)


PTO HP: 62 hp (46.2 kW)


Rated RPM: 2600 rpm


Wheelbase: 82 in. (2085 mm)


Height: 97.2 in. (2470 mm)


Width: 67.3 in. (1710 mm)


Weight: 4475 lb. (2030 kg)


Ground Clearance: 18.5 in. (470 mm)


Tire Size: Front: 7.50-16 F2; Rear: 16.9-30 R1


Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal. (70 L)


Transmission: 8F/4R


Brakes: Mechanical multi-plate wet disc


Hydraulics: Pump capacity: 11 gpm (41.6 Lpm)

 

[PoTreeBoy]

4WD, HST, ~40HP, FEL w/SSQA, independent-type PTO, R1 tires preferred, L or MX. Don't rule out a good used machine.

 

[jyoutz]

Morning everyone

First let me say thank you for looking at this thread. I have searched and read threads and forums trying to learn but of course wanted to post a more focused question/request for information for my situation.

Second, except for what I have read and folks I have spoken to, I know nothing about tractors. I currently own a small 2wd JD x720se. That’s as much as I know about.

So with all that said my family started homesteading last year and we moved to a 31 acre property that is about 2/3 wooded. Things I will be doing include moving materials, digging fence posts, grading a long driveway, and bush hogging. Expansion opportunities are endless, do a garden every year via a walk behind rear tine tiller. Would love to get an excavator attachment and chipper shredder attachment. Stump grinder would be great but definitely a back burner item.

My land scape definitely includes some hills/ grades that my little John Deere has definitely gotten stuck on if you don’t lock the diff and maneuver out.

Things I am thinking from research done:

Need 4wd?

Go gear drive over HST for longevity, reduced maintenance costs, less power loss to pro?

HP rating above 35HP?

things hung up on:
What models to look at?

new vs old, is tier 4 emissions really that horrible?

used pricing, I have no clue what is good vs inflated

really looking for your advice. I admit I wasn’t even sold on a brand but everyone really seems to love kubota and while I have always grown up loving green paint, the right to repair and move out of the USA have kind soured me.

also I am definitely a buy once cry once kind of person. I know I am going to get asked what my budget is and the answer is that it sort of depends. Outright purchase under 25k. Finance with 0% on a new, I have a lot more flexibility based on the payment.

thanks everyone for your time

“Gear drive over HST for longevity and reduced maintenance”. This is a fallacy. Clutch replacements are far more common than HST failures. In fact if you read through these threads, it’s rare that people are experiencing any HST failures. Particularly with your slopes, HST would be a huge advantage. Just buy enough HP that a small amount of loss is inconsequential.

 

[old and tired]

So is something like this a good deal for example? 2011 Kubota M7040SU $25,999.....

Questions should be, how many hours are on the machine, what does it look like, is it beat to crap or does it look like it's taken care of... doesn't have to be showroom ready but should look like it was cared for...

 

[PoTreeBoy]

That sounds like a good price, maybe lots of hours? I don't think it's for you: mechanical 8 speed transmission probably not slow enough for tilling, probably needs 7' attachments to cover tracks. An M7040 is a good machine, I've run one with the hydraulic shuttle, but it's bigger than I think is optimal for you. Uses class 2 3pt attachments, which are bigger and cost more than class 1.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

10 ac of grass, 20ac of woods.
CAN you even GET a big tractor/cab(?) into those 'woods'.

Really, get a pen and paper, WRITE it all down, jobs/tasks ,check what has priority

 

[Sidekick]

About the only new Kubota Tractor with a loader for under $25k is a BX and sounds like that's not what you need. Used will be the best way to get something the size you need along with attachments and save on taxes if you stick with Kubota.

 

[OntheRidge]

My standard advice, L47 TLB. Not cheap, but it is a beast. Best of Luck!

 

[GrassLakeRon]

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2022 L3901 w/loader for $24k. 42 hrs

 

[fried1765]

NO gear drive!
It is from the horse & buggy days.
The Kubota HST is a wonderful thing.

I have a 2006 L48 TLB with HST.
It is a dream to use.

While I have no payments for anything, I would strongly suggest going new.
Whatever BH attachment you chose, will often be too small.
My BH has an 11' dig depth, and a 14' reach.
Seems like it is never quite enough for some projects.
A thumb is also an excellent idea, if you are wiling to pay for it.

I have no specific tractor recommendations, except: DO NOT BUY A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!
A hydraulic thumb is also a wonderful thing to have.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Under 50HP, I'd say definitely go 4X4 ... Over that Is not be as fussy on my property ...

HST will be much easier for a new to tractor operator to run, and loader work too!

 

[PoTreeBoy]

My standard advice, L47 TLB. Not cheap, but it is a beast. Best of Luck!

Well, @Gasifier has an L45 listed in For Sale in PA. Don't know if OP wants a backhoe.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: Would love to get an excavator attachment

hmm... backhoe ?? NO , every BH on a tractor is slooooooooow compared to a 'mini excavtor' AND you've said bush hog, driveway mtce, possible tiller for garden. Unless you have a big level concrete pad remove/install the BH can be a 'challenge'. Consider( write in down) actual jobs and time.... RENT a miniex, it'll be faster, easier over all. Heck, pick one small job, and rent a BX23S from Homedepot and see how it operates.

I KNOW it's NOT fast or easy, I've had mine for 6 years, BH has never been off(neighbours would kill me....), 3PH is still in the box. In MY case, BH is used at least 2 days a week except in Winter. Overall the small TLB does what I want(though I'm not on a hurry..).

Knowledge is power, ask,ask, ask.......write it down.....