Tractor sizing

[chim]

"Enough to get by" is also enough to make one regret not going with a larger tractor.

 

[greg86z28]

Go with an M8 or don't even bother getting anything at all.

This question is typically difficult to answer without knowing budget. You could be spending anywhere from 20k to 35k based on some of the models listed here.

 

[blackdogfarms]

Not sure you should count 3 acres of swamp in your calculation. That leaves 8 acres.

I have 8 acres and my B2910 has done what I have needed without complaint for 18 years.

My guess is a L2501 would be perfect, as it is a bit bigger than my B2910.

I do not know but guess there is a huge difference between the L2501 and the cub cadet you mentioned.

Bigger is not always better. You need to match the tractor to your needs.

I supplemented mine with a BX for grass cutting and smaller chores. I do not think in my case a tractor larger than the L2501 would be as useful. YYMV of course...

Yeah I cant justify the 3 acres in the acreage calculation, only the tax man can justify that.

The L2501 is nearly the same size as the old cub cadet, which has been worked hard and abused for years. It got the job done minus the PTO hp for using the finish mower adn would lose power with the bush hog, hence where the 35 fame into play with 35 hp at the PTO.

 

[blackdogfarms]

This is the only statement that *might* justify the Grand L3560... although, the extra cost doesn't add up unless this is for a business (...and you can write it off).

My L2800 is the same frame as the L3901 and the hydraulics are the same (well, except I've jacked my PSI way past what you would get from a dealer). I would save your cash and buy a L2501 HST, with a Grapple, Top-N-Tilt hydraulics, box blade and several other things that you would not be able to afford if you bought the Grand L3560....

Bigger is not always better, sometimes it's just only more expensive...

While I am listed as a farm and am operating/starting a small pastured pork business, I can write the tractor off...however I wont make much than 4k off the business.

 

[blackdogfarms]

I see a lot of comments linking tractor size / HP to land area, I appreciate that can be a valid metric. Personally I selected my tractors based on what HP was required to run attachments that give me certain capabilities. I found that many attachments that I was looking at had a PTO HP requirement of 25 HP minimum. I had an L3200 for several years that is a HST and is rated for 25 PTO HP, I used it with a Woodmaxx 9900 chipper, 6’ snowblower, heavy duty Woods rotary cutter all required minimum of 25 pto HP. I often felt the need for a little more power so my second tractor was a L3901, I am very happy with this selection and notice the difference of stepping up to 30 pto HP.

I think the L2501 is a good machine but personally would be concerned at the lack of pto HP ( I think 19 HP for hst) in trying to run many of the attachments that I own. It’s true that you can buy smaller or lighter attachments but I believe that there needs to be a certain capability and safety factor with equipment. My recommendation is buy the L3901, you will be happy in the long run with the level of power both for pto and for general ground work. It sounds like the financing also supports you selection.

My only criticism of the L3901 is the loader capacity, in reality it struggles to lift a pallet with a 750 / 800 lbs load on 300 lbs forks, I sometimes need more than this and I’m fortunate to have bigger equipment. It’s good to understand the limitations.

L3301 was $1,700 saving when I purchased my 2018 L3901, I paid the additional money for the L3901 and was happy that I did.

I’d recommend front quick attach, 3rd function for grapple use, 2 rear remotes, loaded rear tires and telescopic rear stabilizer bars.
Good luck with your selection.

I believe the L2501 to be a good machine as well, just not sure on PTO hp for my limited needs. I need to watch some more videos on it while mowing. The loader capacity is a concern, but unless you step up to a grand L that wont change. I can get by without extra capacity and anything is better than the nothing I have now. I do want to make the best purchase possible. thanks for all of the assistance.

 

[RCW]

Maybe I'm oversimplifying things, but in looking at your list of required work, is the "occasional round bale" your limiting factor?

A BX or B will do everything else, just a LOT slower. After your experience with the 25 HP Cub Cadet, sounds like you want/need something a little more stout. I get that. Makes sense to get enough PTO HP .

I have zero experience with round bales myself, but there's thousands of them made around me. I know they can vary greatly with weight/size.... Seems like most folks move them around with a decent sized tractor.

Are those round bales what you need to focus on for your tractor capabilities?

(Notice I'm not even recommending a model, just the task it must do reliably)

 

[blackdogfarms]

I have 10 desert acres and do dirt spreading, trench digging, brush digging, rock bucketing and pallet forking. I went through the same analysis 2 years ago and went with the L3560 primarily due to the heavier weight and the extra features, including the low fuel filler spout. I'm very happy with mine.

Yes, heavier weight, larger loader and the simple lower fuel filling point are great perks, 10k over the L2501 but only 2 k over the 3901. Ha inching up again, Maybe I should go for the M8.

 

[blackdogfarms]

Maybe I'm oversimplifying things, but in looking at your list of required work, is the "occasional round bale" your limiting factor?

A BX or B will do everything else, just a LOT slower. After your experience with the 25 HP Cub Cadet, sounds like you want/need something a little more stout. I get that. Makes sense to get enough PTO HP .

I have zero experience with round bales myself, but there's thousands of them made around me. I know they can vary greatly with weight/size.... Seems like most folks move them around with a decent sized tractor.

Are those round bales what you need to focus on for your tractor capabilities?

(Notice I'm not even recommending a model, just the task it must do reliably)

Honestly, I can trailer the round bale where I need it and roll it off by hand or with the bucket. This isn't something I will be doing often.

My neighbor - age 70 and a first time tractor operator has the 3301, he wants bigger like the MX only because he doesn't use a ballast on his 3301 and it is light on the rear. He has decided to Just keep his 3301. He only does loader work and has never engaged the PTO, has same acreage.

I was dead set on the 3901 until I heard about the 3560 that was heavier with bigger loader for a few thousand extra.

 

[dirtydeed]

I didn't read all of the suggestions from others, but, mine would be to go with the large B (now LX) series. Perhaps, the LX3310SU (if you don't need the mid PTO) or LX2610. I have some swampy areas as well and can tell you that the added weight (bulk) of any machine will be a detriment especially if you're still going to run a rear finish mower.

 

[Oliver]

I think an LX or small L would work well. FWIW an L2501 will have *no* problem with a 6' finish mower or 5' rotary cutter or flail. Probably the heaviest use mine gets is mowing the meadows each Fall because that's the only time they get cut. I do it with a 60" flail with the engine at full PTO speed which is around 2,100 rpm and the needle has never moved 1/2 up the temp gauge. For other tasks such as loader, grapple, rear blade, uses the tractor is typically running a quiet, fuel sipping 1,600-1,700 RPM. Operating this low RPM is probably not advised on the DPF engines.

 

[RCW]

Honestly, I can trailer the round bale where I need it and roll it off by hand or with the bucket. This isn't something I will be doing often.

My neighbor - age 70 and a first time tractor operator has the 3301, he wants bigger like the MX only because he doesn't use a ballast on his 3301 and it is light on the rear. He has decided to Just keep his 3301. He only does loader work and has never engaged the PTO, has same acreage.

I was dead set on the 3901 until I heard about the 3560 that was heavier with bigger loader for a few thousand extra.

Okay - - you have the round bale thing figured out just fine, and I think you have a good handle on the specifications for each model.

Have you physically sat on any of them? Operated any at a dealership?

If you haven't, might be the logical next step.

 

[shootem604]

I would go for something closer to 35-40HP. Something at the larger end of the L scale. Are you looking for new/newer, or are you looking for pre-emisssions?

 

[blackdogfarms]

1. Both tractors you're looking at are probably more than you need. You really only have 3 acres that need managing, plus some forested land that you may drive a tractor through occasionally, and a driveway. You can do what you need with an LX or an L2501, probably even with a small B (a B2601). The LX or L would easily run a 5' cutter and a 6' finish mower, your other tasks don't really require HP. The only maybe need tasks are how much you can lift on the grapple, and how big a round bale you can lift, but for what you describe you could just split the bale and cut the trees into smaller pieces - you're probably cutting them for firewood anyway so with a grand L you cut 8' sections and lug them near the house, then cut into firewood, with an L2501 you cut 6' sections and lug them near the house, then cut into firewood.

This is the best summary of my situation.

2. Tractors in this size class aren't often about need, they're about want. You could also do what you need with a wheelbarrow and a shovel and a chainsaw, but it'd take a long time and not be much fun. The answer to the question is "what tractor do you want....we can help you explain why it'll be super useful and make you feel good about it"

3. Emissions and computers are maybe a problem, but there are a lot of L3901s out there. Someone will make parts if Kubota don't, and you can still get parts for some very old Kubotas. I wouldn't let emissions stop me getting a bigger machine if I wanted one - but if I really only needed an L2501 and I was just upselling myself into a bigger machine, it might make me think twice

Only for the PTO HP for finish mowing. I have read where ppl have no issues with the 2501 using a 5 foot bush hog or 72" finish mower under normal circumstances.

4. Things you haven't talked about that matter - mid PTO (you'd need a B, LX or Grand L for a mid PTO - needed for front mount snowblower or mid mount mower. I didn't hear you say you wanted either of those). Cab? Grand L or LX for a cab. Sounds like you have forests to drive through, lots of people don't like cabs in wooded areas. Other people don't like wasps and mosquitos getting on them. I personally like being able to reach over the back of the tractor and adjust my top link, which you can't do as easily with a cab. Other people would have a hydraulic top and tilt kit. Horses for courses I guess.

I do not need a cab or mid mount PTO.

5. MX is a large machine. An excellent large machine. But if you're questioning the grand L, then you should double question the MX. You need to know what you'd lift that requires an MX (sounds like your tasks are really all about lifting - at least those of your tasks that would test the limits of the machine).

There is no way I need an MX, Grand L would be great, but is over kill. If i happen to obtian more land in the future I can upgrade then. Not in my current plans.

6. Budget. For some people that extra $100 a month is a really big deal. For others it's money, but it only means they upgrade their truck a year later than they otherwise would. For my money a bigger tractor could give you a lot of pleasure, whereas a year newer truck.....not so much. Only you can decide on how important the money is to you - but if you're budget constrained then the larger L machines are more than you need to spend - especially as others have said if that means you can't afford enough implements to make use of it

I can swing an extra $100 but it comes down to am I buying more than I need. I have an old truck for my 6 mile commute. I dont intend on upgrading, The draw to the 3301 and 3901 is the 84 month financing, makes it cheaper by $100 per month over the L2501. granted you pay for it with two extra years.

If it were me, I'd probably be in an LX, or an L2501. It's enough for what you describe. And I get pleasure from a smaller machine used in clever ways. My father would be in the grand L in a flash. He likes the biggest machine he can possibly use for any given job.

Thank you for your thoughtful well written post.

 

[blackdogfarms]

Okay - - you have the round bale thing figured out just fine, and I think you have a good handle on the specifications for each model.

Have you physically sat on any of them? Operated any at a dealership?

If you haven't, might be the logical next step.

I have operated my neighbors 3301 it is the size tractor I am use to and has already helped out with lots of work on my property. I also sat on an L4060 $$ , but while its a lot more tractor, i dont knwo that i need something like that especially in my budget.

 

[blackdogfarms]

I would go for something closer to 35-40HP. Something at the larger end of the L scale. Are you looking for new/newer, or are you looking for pre-emisssions?

I am looking only at new to take advatage of the current financing options.

 

[RCW]

"Enough to get by" is also enough to make one regret not going with a larger tractor.

A couple years back chim that said he wished he bought his fourth tractor first.....

He's walked a mile in those shoes.

I think his L4240 is his favorite for mowing the lawn, too...

I have operated my neighbors 3301 it is the size tractor I am use to and has already helped out with lots of work on my property.

For giggles, check out the LX3310 and L3560.

But I'm beginning to the think the L3301 or L3901 are where you want to be, and it seems logical to me. Both for work-task reasons as well as financial reasons.

I wish I bought a "B" within 18 months of getting a BX, and then bought more property, bigger jobs, etc. Still have it after 7+ years and love it. It's just sometimes it's not enough....

 

[blackdogfarms]

A couple years back chim that said he wished he bought his fourth tractor first.....

He's walked a mile in those shoes.

I think his L4240 is his favorite for mowing the lawn, too...



For giggles, check out the LX3310 and L3560.

But I'm beginning to the think the L3301 or L3901 are where you want to be, and it seems logical to me. Both for work-task reasons as well as financial reasons.

I wish I bought a "B" within 18 months of getting a BX, and then bought more property, bigger jobs, etc. Still have it after 7+ years and love it. It's just sometimes it's not enough....

Ughh the L3560 is an awesome tractor, not sure I can afford her though, not sure I need that big either.

 

[RCW]

Ughh the L3560 is an awesome tractor, not sure I can afford her though, not sure I need that big either.

I've heard they're great. I just picked one smaller and one larger, as both had come up here.

Honestly, I think you're heading in the right direction with an Lxx01, as you are familiar with them and the financing sounds advantageous.

 

[Nicfin36]

I have 10 acres. I have been very happy with the L2501. I would have been all over a L3901 when I bought my tractor, but I did not want the DPF. I will most likely have this tractor the rest of my life and do not want to worry about any computer or DPF issues. After reading as much as I could, I determined that the L2501 would most certainly work for me. Like you, I almost bought a Grand L, a L3940 years ago. I just wasn't comfortable financially to do so and held off until last year. I probably should have bought it and was not aware of the new emission standards until I bought my tractor last year.

The L2501 is a sleeper of sorts. Just thinking it is 25 hp makes most think it is a little weakling. I can say after owning it a year, it is not. I use it mostly for grapple work, loader work and the backhoe. In those categories, I think the L3301 or L3901 will not give you much, if any, advantage. However, PTO hp is where you might miss it. But, I can easily run a 5 ft tiller with mine. Yes, I have to go slow at times, but that is where the HST comes in handy. I have not tried a rotary cutter.

With that being said, I have a 1976 68 hp tractor that I can fall back on for more PTO hp if I ever need it. The only thing I use it for is to run a 6 ft brush cutter. But, it is nice knowing I have it as a backup when the L2501 would fall short, like when I was running a subsolier. And that is why I understand your hesitation on a smaller machine. With that being said, if I had only one tractor, the old John Deere would have to go.

 

[PaulL]

The horses in the L2501 are clydesdales. It's making a lot of power at low revs, it's a larger displacement motor with a lot of torque. People are running implements that supposedly need 25 PTO HP, not 25 engine HP, and going fine. It's a good machine.

The LX3310 could be a good choice.

I get the financing thing, but 2 years extra is a lot of extra money. I tend to ignore financing and look at the actual money outlay.

I think the Grand L is overkill, particularly if the only reason the neighbour (with similar needs) thinks he needs one is because he doesn't ballast. A Grand L also needs ballast, and a ballast box is not expensive.

The Grand L does have a bunch of other cool features beyond just bigger/stronger, the HST+ transmission comes really well recommended and a lot of people love it. But that's very much want not need.

I think either LX model, or an L2501 is probably the right tractor, and the L3301 or L3901 are the "next size up because I can option", which is also still vaguely reasonable. The grand L is getting into small property with big tractor syndrome in my opinion, and I think the money would probably be better spent elsewhere (implements, pole barn, beer, whatever).