Buying a Kubota

[jeffmcCath92]

I want to buy a Kubota, but I do not know how big I have to go to have one that will do what I need. I want a brand new one. Here is what I need.

FEL
Pallet forks (Need to be able to occasionally lift a 1,000 pound skid off the back of a semi)
Belly Mower
Rear Blade


I guess my biggest concern is how much they will lift with pallet forks on them.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

 

[DustyRusty]

There are a lot of people that are great about spending other peoples money, so you need to set the upper limit of what you want to spend. If you give a dollar amount then I am certain that someone will come up with something within your budget. Would you consider used if it were quite new and low hours? That will get you more machine at lower costs. Here are some suggestions however, they are not close to you. Check your facebook marketplace for similar listing's

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[pokey1416]

Oh you’re going to get all kinds of questions

Let’s start with - are you sure you want a belly mower? If you want to lift and move 1,000 lbs comfortably I don’t think you’ll find a machine that would include a belly mower.

Maybe a large B series or an L series?

Those with applicable machines will respond.

 

[PaulL]

The LX is the biggest machine that has a belly mower. It will lift 1,000lbs, but only just. http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/010/7/1/10715-kubota-lx2610-attachments.html. The weight would be 500mm forward, and the forks have weight too. So you'd be using the curl to get a tiny bit of height, then backing up, then lowering it. It's unlikely to lift 1,000lbs onto a semi, only off.

Another option, if you have a loading ramp, is to get 3ph pallet forks. You can lift a lot on the rear, just not to much height. If the semi is backed up to a loading ramp, then that wouldn't be an issue.

If you really need the 1,000lbs, then probably a grand-L or an MX is the right machine, and then you just use a rear cutter.

If you're set on a MMM (and a machine sized to mow on a house lawn, which an MX isn't really), then you can get a forklift attachment for the 3ph. They're not common, but they do exactly what you want.

WIFO Farm Equipment | Forks - Forklifts

wifo.ca

 

[jyoutz]

You’re better off to get a tractor of appropriate weight and capacity to use your forks to do what you want. Then buy a mower for the lawn. MMM aren’t much fun to install and remove and they really affect the usefulness of the tractor for tractor chores if left attached. Been there, done that. Never again.

 

[fried1765]

You’re better off to get a tractor of appropriate weight and capacity to use your forks to do what you want. Then buy a mower for the lawn. MMM aren’t much fun to install and remove and they really affect the usefulness of the tractor for tractor chores if left attached. Been there, done that. Never again.

Good solid advice!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

possible option....

Since the 'offload semi' use isn't often, consider a small ,used forklift rated for say 2,000#. A forklift IS designed to 'offload semi' with Smoooooooth action of the controls. A 'tractor with pallet forks' will probably be very jerky and imprecise. though it will work, it'll require a LOT of 'stick' time, something you won't get as it's 'occasional' use.

If you do this then 'tractor with belly mower (MMM) and rear blade will cost a lot less.

I had a tractor with front loader and it's only job was lifting 1800# giant pumpkins. Kinda scary as the controls weren't nearly as nice as the 5000# forklift. The controls on the BX23S for pallet is real 'challenging',the worst of all 3 machines. even after 6 years, 1/2 the stick time being pallet, it's not relaxing or fun compared to the forklift.

If you do decide on tractor for forklift duties be SURE to test drive at the dealership !!! Unload 1000# crates THERE !!! Just because the sales guy points to the flyer saying ,yes it'll lift 1300# does NOT mean it'll be a smooooth ,EASY event. If they won't let you try before buy, do NOT buy. It's as simple as that.

The bottom line, is it's YOUR money so take the time to be 100% SURE whatever you buy WILL do the jobs you need it to.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

possible option....

Since the 'offload semi' use isn't often, consider a small ,used forklift rated for say 2,000#. A forklift IS designed to 'offload semi' with Smoooooooth action of the controls. A 'tractor with pallet forks' will probably be very jerky and imprecise. though it will work, it'll require a LOT of 'stick' time, something you won't get as it's 'occasional' use.

If you do this then 'tractor with belly mower (MMM) and rear blade will cost a lot less.

I had a tractor with front loader and it's only job was lifting 1800# giant pumpkins. Kinda scary as the controls weren't nearly as nice as the 5000# forklift. The controls on the BX23S for pallet is real 'challenging',the worst of all 3 machines. even after 6 years, 1/2 the stick time being pallet, it's not relaxing or fun compared to the forklift.

If you do decide on tractor for forklift duties be SURE to test drive at the dealership !!! Unload 1000# crates THERE !!! Just because the sales guy points to the flyer saying ,yes it'll lift 1300# does NOT mean it'll be a smooooth ,EASY event. If they won't let you try before buy, do NOT buy. It's as simple as that.

The bottom line, is it's YOUR money so take the time to be 100% SURE whatever you buy WILL do the jobs you need it to.

I'm with you. I think an MX, or at least a large L, is the smallest that should be used for a 1000# pallet. I think, from the limited info given, that's more tractor than Jeff needs for his other tasks.

 

[jyoutz]

possible option....

Since the 'offload semi' use isn't often, consider a small ,used forklift rated for say 2,000#. A forklift IS designed to 'offload semi' with Smoooooooth action of the controls. A 'tractor with pallet forks' will probably be very jerky and imprecise. though it will work, it'll require a LOT of 'stick' time, something you won't get as it's 'occasional' use.

If you do this then 'tractor with belly mower (MMM) and rear blade will cost a lot less.

I had a tractor with front loader and it's only job was lifting 1800# giant pumpkins. Kinda scary as the controls weren't nearly as nice as the 5000# forklift. The controls on the BX23S for pallet is real 'challenging',the worst of all 3 machines. even after 6 years, 1/2 the stick time being pallet, it's not relaxing or fun compared to the forklift.

If you do decide on tractor for forklift duties be SURE to test drive at the dealership !!! Unload 1000# crates THERE !!! Just because the sales guy points to the flyer saying ,yes it'll lift 1300# does NOT mean it'll be a smooooth ,EASY event. If they won't let you try before buy, do NOT buy. It's as simple as that.

The bottom line, is it's YOUR money so take the time to be 100% SURE whatever you buy WILL do the jobs you need it to.

A forklift is great. On pavement. If he needs to unload off pavement, then those lifts with the off road wheels and tires cannot be bought cheaply.

 

[NCL4701]

I'm with you. I think an MX, or at least a large L, is the smallest that should be used for a 1000# pallet. I think, from the limited info given, that's more tractor than Jeff needs for his other tasks.

Yeah. I’d be comfortable routinely loading and unloading 1000lb pallets/skids at semi trailer height with my L4701, with reasonable ballast of course. For that job “reasonable ballast” to me would be minimum the 1000lb added by loading the R4 rears plus at least 500lb additional on the 3 point. With that configuration, 1000lb on forks at semi height is quite comfortably within its capabilities on much less than ideal ground. Not quite sure I’d want anything smaller but no experience with the smaller Kubotas.

Not sure exactly what all is to be mowed with the belly mower, but anything big enough for the 1000lb lift is going to be quite hefty for most finish mowing jobs. With the L4701 its bare weight is about 3300lb not including loader or any ballast in the tires. You could put the loader on only when needed, set it up with turf tires, run a finish mower off the 3 point behind it, and put about 1500lb of something on the 3 point for counterweight when lifting the 1000lb pallet/skids. If finish mowing needs are for a large, relatively flat field type area a L4701 or MX set up for finish mowing with a large finish mower might work. If finish mowing is for a relatively normal residential/office yard type area with obstructions to mow around it would probably be like taking a tandem dump truck to a strip mall parking lot. Most likely the 1000lb lift and mower are two separate machines, but if finish mowing a well drained soccer field…

 

[GreensvilleJay]

My forklift has big front tires and GREAT on packed gravel (aka RAP ). Since he's unloading a semi,I'm assuming roadside and driveway operation ??
Hadn't considered the tractor rear ballast issue. Having 1,000# EXTRA weight on tractor for the 'occasional' need would be 'problematic'. While needed for the 15-30 minutes of forklift duty, you don't want that weight on when mowing the lawn !!! I can't see anyone remove/install wheel weights for occasional use and for sure nobody will suck out beet juice or calcium to mow the lawn .....

another option ?
maybe these 1,000# loads could be split onto 2 skids ? That would reduce needed loader capacity,so smaller (less $$ ) tractor could be used ?

Still any forklift IS the choice for unloading semi loads over a tractor with loader.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

There is no way my 2501 will lift 1,000 lbs. off a semi.

I am "guess'timating", from my own personal experience moving IBC totes full of "seasoned firewood" , the max you are going to lift from that height is gonna be in the 700-800'ish area.

I also had a hard time lifting 1/2 pallets of "wet sod" from my trailer which is only about 24 inchs high with my backhoe on.

From what I remember when I was buying (3ish years ago), all the L series (except the largest, one can't remember.......4701?) had the same FEL lift capacity, so I am pretty sure you would have to step up to either the largest L, or M series, to do what you are asking of the FEL.

 

[jimh406]

I know I can lift 1000 lbs off the back of a semi with my L2501 depending on the height of the semi bed. Fwiw, the LX has even less ability to lift high items, and of course the other standard Ls have basically the same capability as a L2501.

However, that's not what I'd choose to regularly do it. I'd be looking at a Grand L or Grand L LE with the upgraded loader, L4701/2, or MX.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: depending on the height of the semi bed.

ain't they all the same height ???? I'd have thought that was a rule or law or well, 'common sense' ???

 

[fried1765]

re: depending on the height of the semi bed.

ain't they all the same height ???? I'd have thought that was a rule or law or well, 'common sense' ???

I do believe that they are all relatively close to the same height.
A "dock plate" can make up some difference.

 

[jimh406]

re: depending on the height of the semi bed.

ain't they all the same height ???? I'd have thought that was a rule or law or well, 'common sense' ???

Looking online at various sites, they vary from 4 ft to 5 ft with lowboy trailers being less.

Of course, you have a different issue with a trailer since you can't reach from the side. Some freight trucks also have pallet jacks and lift gates which makes the effective height even less.

But, like I said, I wouldn't recommend my L for this type of regular work.

 

[chim]

I like Jay's two-piece approach if you don't have a lot of grass or rear blade use. In that case you could get by with a small forklift and kiddie-sized box store rider I confess to being a tool and equipment addict and would want a larger tractor with more capability, so my input may sound excessive to some.

The lift capacity on my L4240 with the LA854 loader is listed as 2,489 lbs lift (full at pin) and 1,878 lbs lift (full at 500mm). I believe the current equivalent is the L4060 that has an LA805 loader is rated lower at 1,715 and 1,290# respectively.

Mine has picked everything it's been asked to. Without knowing the actual weights of loads lifted I can't say the limit has been reached with it. I have grabbed the rear end of a 1986 Volvo station wagon with a chain around the bumper brackets, lifted it up and relocated it to another part of the property. Kinda like playing "wheelbarrow" only with machines in lieu of third grade kids Pretty sure my previous L3200 with an LA524 wouldn't have done that.

Not certain what you're mowing. I don't like MMM's or ZT's. Been using RFM's since around 1992 here (5', 6' and now 7-1/2') with loaded rear tires. The FEL and frame are easy on/off so they live in the shed till needed. The L4240 with a 7-1/2' RFM comfortably and easily does our 3-1/2 acres in under 90 minutes and one time when I was really in a hurry it took an hour. That was bordering on abuse due to the yard not being real nice and smooth. I have documented here that the L4240 has the sharpest turning radius of the tractors I've owned.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

gee, I paid $1700 delivered for my 5000#,big front, Buda BD153 forkilft though it was 15 years ago.Put another $1000 into it over the years. IF you have patience, you CAN get a deal.

 

[NCL4701]

gee, I paid $1700 delivered for my 5000#,big front, Buda BD153 forkilft though it was 15 years ago.Put another $1000 into it over the years. IF you have patience, you CAN get a deal.

That was a smoking deal, even 15 years ago.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

smoking is right.....so much 'blowby' I added ABS piping to capture it from the valve cover 'oil cap' and dump into the air intake, after the air filter. I was going to have the engine rebuilt but 1st...is it a 3 ring or 4 ring engine(can't tell from outside....) and just HOW does one remove a 4,000 # cast rear weight ??
3 squirts of ether and she ALWAYS fired up, ANY day of the year.