Advice for novice

[okie489]

I just bought 15 acres of raw land with uneven terrain and about 50% thick brush, vines, and trees. I plan to build a house on a flat spot which I’ve already had a contractor clean up. I plan to gradually clear the surrounding acreage to establish a lawn and trails.

I’m new to tractors and researching options. Locally, I found a Kubota L4060HST-LE (used by local park to pull a Christmas light train) with only 17 hours—essentially new, sold with full manufacturer warranty—for $33,000. It seems like a good deal.

I anticipate considerable grapple work to clean up downed trees and quite a bit of brush hogging.

Is this tractor a solid choice for that work (no prior experience), and is the price fair?


Any advice appreciated!

 

[jyoutz]

I just bought 15 acres of raw land with uneven terrain and about 50% thick brush, vines, and trees. I plan to build a house on a flat spot which I’ve already had a contractor clean up. I plan to gradually clear the surrounding acreage to establish a lawn and trails.

I’m new to tractors and researching options. Locally, I found a Kubota L4060HST-LE (used by local park to pull a Christmas light train) with only 17 hours—essentially new, sold with full manufacturer warranty—for $33,000. It seems like a good deal.

I anticipate considerable grapple work to clean up downed trees and quite a bit of brush hogging.

Is this tractor a solid choice for that work (no prior experience), and is the price fair?


Any advice appreciated!

That would be a very good deal if it also includes a loader. But for what you’re describing, you should also consider a heavier machine such as a M or MX.

 

[lynnmor]

Sounds like the right tractor if it includes a loader. The price is fair if it has been maintained and kept under roof. By maintained, I mean that the oil should have been changed every year to keep condensation low. How old is it?

 

[GeoHorn]

If you need a grapple you’ll need to look into additional hydraulic connects and/or thumb. Those can diminish the price advantage of that tractor. You might want to visit with a Kubota dealer for a comparison with a tractor/grapple combo availability. Could be a surprise there for you.

 

[jyoutz]

If you need a grapple you’ll need to look into additional hydraulic connects and/or thumb. Those can diminish the price advantage of that tractor. You might want to visit with a Kubota dealer for a comparison with a tractor/grapple combo availability. Could be a surprise there for you.

I can’t imagine a dealer selling a nearly new machine with grapple for less than $33k.

 

[GeoHorn]

I can’t imagine a dealer selling a nearly new machine with grapple for less than $33k.

Dealers often have used-equipt they’ve taken in trade or from estates. My local K-dealer is who actually talked me OUT of buying new…and helped guide me toward an individual selling his lightly-used Kubota. (Dealer made nothing but a friend out of me….and is why they occasionally get service-work from me.)

 

[jyoutz]

Dealers often have used-equipt they’ve taken in trade or from estates. My local K-dealer is who actually talked me OUT of buying new…and helped guide me toward an individual selling his lightly-used Kubota. (Dealer made nothing but a friend out of me….and is why they occasionally get service-work from me.)

Oh I know, but they won’t sell a unit with only 17 hours on it with a bucket and grapple for $33K.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If it doesn't have a FEL (Front End Loader) on it you don't want it.
It's too hard to add a FEL after the fact.

Get the KTAC insurance on it!
It will cover all the newbie mistakes that you could make.

But yes the 4060 is in a good range of size and power to do a lot of work.
One thing to note: While a cab is nice for summer and winter work, they are not good with dealing with clean up in heavy brush and trees, you will end up breaking something!

 

[okie489]

I realize now that my post wasn’t clear. The 33k includes the loader but does NOT include a grapple. The machine hit the dealer 02/2025 and was used by the local park from October to January. They report oil was changed after the park finished with it.

I will need a grapple. The dealer likes the terra force and it seems like a decent deal but I couldn’t find any forums here with comments about that brand of attachment

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Well then have them throw KTAC insurance on it and a third function and your good to go!

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I will need a grapple. The dealer likes the terra force and it seems like a decent deal but I couldn’t find any forums here with comments about that brand of attachment

I've used Terra Force forks and bale spear, and they seem to be well made. I see a root grapple on their website. It appears to be well designed, greasable pivots.