Opinion on used L4701

[snipehunter7]

Howdy! First time poster. I am in the market for a new tractor. I have been looking at a couple of new Kubotas (various L models) at my local dealer. Today I ran across a used L4701 and wanted opinions from some of the experienced folks here.

I will be managing roughly 40 acres of mixed pasture and woods. There are some trees that need some work and a grapple is in my future.

Not super experienced tractor wise. I would like this to be something that my wife/kids can operate.

L4701 with 5’ bush hog and 6’ loader. I was hoping for a HST for ease with multiple operators with little experience but not on this one.

How is this in terms of price and tractor for my needs? This is substantially cheaper than some of the new tractors I was looking at. I appreciate any and all input.

 

[fried1765]

Howdy! First time poster. I am in the market for a new tractor. I have been looking at a couple of new Kubotas (various L models) at my local dealer. Today I ran across a used L4701 and wanted opinions from some of the experienced folks here.

I will be managing roughly 40 acres of mixed pasture and woods. There are some trees that need some work and a grapple is in my future.

Not super experienced tractor wise. I would like this to be something that my wife/kids can operate.

L4701 with 5’ bush hog and 6’ loader. I was hoping for a HST for ease with multiple operators with little experience but not on this one.

How is this in terms of price and tractor for my needs? This is substantially cheaper than some of the new tractors I was looking at. I appreciate any and all input.

"I would like this to be something that my wife/kids can operate"
Don't make a BIG $$$$ mistake!
HST ......ONLY !!!!!

 

[Vlach7]

Gears are good for plowing and brush hog/field work, HST is best for all the rest, snow removal, FEL work, ect. I have had both and HST is nicer. If you have acreage to do you will probably want a 6' Brush Hog. Now is that a good deal? Seems high, I shopped for over a year before I bought and had to hop on it immediately because the good deals go fast.

 

[JimmyJazz]

I agree, ONLY consider a tractor with a hydrostatic transmission. Much easier and safer to operate and better resale value also. Look on the website www.tractorhouse.com to gauge the pricing. The gear driven units are less expensive to purchase and the lessor demand afterward may expand the discount. I think your are on the right track with an L series in the 40-50 HP range. You could run a 6ft lighter duty cutter if the conditions were not to bad. Good luck.

 

[PaulL]

Where's @Cathy Liebchen when you need her? Isn't the L4701 an orphan model?

I agree, if you want family to drive it, get an HST. There will be other Ls around that are HST and good buying if you're happy buying used - they're very common machines.

 

[TGKY]

I have an L4701DT (gear) that i purchased in late 2021 with a woods Brush Bull bb72.30 and I paid 32k new all in tractor and hog.
I have just over 50 acres mixed between woods and open pretty evenly. I do a lot of ground engaging, habitat management type of work, bush Hogging and loader work.

I wanted a gear drive. I did try hst. I have taught my wife, 12 year old son and teenage daughters to operate the tractor.

it works for us.
It looks like the tractor you are looking at only had 25 hours so basically new. I’m not sure what that unit would cost new today. My gut is that’s a fair price. Not super cheap but not super expensive. I’m not familiar with that bushog models so that may sway my opinion if i were making the decision.

I would add that a 5’ hog is small for this tractor. I had one of them still from an old tractor that I messed with a little. It worked and all, just not as efficient as it could be and didn’t cover my tracks well.

 

[jyoutz]

For the acreage you have the L4701 is the lightest tractor I would consider. I would also look at the MX models.