Tractor Help

[Prelude8626]

Gents, in the process of narrowing down my tractor choice. I’m between a Kubota Mx5400 or an Lx4060. Would love to see input on either one or better options. One hard decision I’m having is cab or no cab.

 

[RGrizzzz]

What are you planning to do with it?

 

[yoderjac]

I have 2 tractors, a Kioti DK45 with a cab and a little Kubota B2400. I bought the B2400 at an auction with lots of hours on it for $5K. Both tractors are 4x4 with a FEL. The B2400 had stickers from a rental company, so I'm sure it was used hard and abused before I got it. The Kubota has rarely been in the shop. It just keeps chugging along. It has a belly mower and was used weekly for mowing a large lawn.

The Kioti DK45 is a much larger tractor. It has been in the shop constantly. It has a very poor design. The AC condenser sits in front of the radiator behind the battery. The battery blocks some air flow. The radiator has a screen in front of it but the condenser does not. What happens is that the condenser fills with chaff and debris when you are mowing and it puts stress on the compressor. When the radiator screen gets full of debris, you notice the engine temperature begin to rise, you know to remove the screen and clean it. There is no indicator when the condenser clogs. I went through several compressors and finally had them remove the AC all together. The cab now acts as a solar still and it is impractical to uses in hot weather. The loader on mine is poorly designed and I've had a lot of issues with it.

In fairness, the Kioti was the only large equipment I had at the time and I pushed it to it's limits clearing new ground for food plots which is really a job for a mini-excavator or dozer.

My Kioti is near end of life. I'm in the process of transitioning to retirement and building a new home, but when that is done, I'll likely be looking for a replacement. I've been doing some research. Right now, the Kubota M4D series. While my B2400 is too small for a cab and doesn't have AC, I don't see many folks having issues with Kubota AC in their cabs. As I'm getting older, I will probably go with a cab. It is really nice an lets you work in more conditions in comfort. Once you run over a yellow jacket nest when mowing, you will want one. The only caveat is to look hard at the AC design. If it fails, a cab becomes a liability. Otherwise, it is a great asset. Is it worth the cost? That probably depends on you.

For me, 4x4 and a Loader are must haves.

 

[Mennoniteman]

Gents, in the process of narrowing down my tractor choice. I’m between a Kubota Mx5400 or an Lx4060. Would love to see input on either one or better options. One hard decision I’m having is cab or no cab.

I'm a cab person, in the winter when it's too cold to be out I'm plowing snow, and in the summer when it's too hot to be out I'm mowing. If you can afford a cab get one, you will never regret it. Unless you are the outdoorsy type that likes being out in the wind, close to the soil that's being tilled. If you don't mind eating dust and you like to smell the hay you are mowing, and you've never had skin cancer or allergies, then don't get a cab.
At my age (57) I'm now seeing the people around me who've spent the most time in the sun over the years getting basal cell skin cancer spots removed on a regular basis.

 

[Mennoniteman]

The 5400 is the more capable tractor if it fits in our budget. Get gear drive if you are doing row crop work in crop fields, get Hydro if you are doing a lot of loader work. Either transmission works well for mowing.

 

[davidhelmly]

I would never buy another tractor without a cab.

 

[jsasker007]

I would vote for a cab. Once you have a cab you don't want to be without it. Whenever buying I always consider being able to get machinery serviced. Sooner or later you will need service. I don't have any experience with kubota. No dealers around me. Sorry, not much help with the brand. Just with what I see sitting on people's properties it does look like Kubota is gaining popularity where I live in central Minnesota. John deere is still what I see the most.

 

[yoderjac]

I would vote for a cab. Once you have a cab you don't want to be without it. Whenever buying I always consider being able to get machinery serviced. Sooner or later you will need service. I don't have any experience with kubota. No dealers around me. Sorry, not much help with the brand. Just with what I see sitting on people's properties it does look like Kubota is gaining popularity where I live in central Minnesota. John deere is still what I see the most.

Great point on service. In my area, Deere is problematic. With the recent proprietary software issues and folks not being able to make even simple fixes to their tractors, service is inundated. The local shop prioritizes the big acreage farmers making the little guy wait forever for service. There are a mixture of colors of tractors in our area. With dealerships for 5 or 6 brands in reasonable driving distance.

 

[jsasker007]

Great point on service. In my area, Deere is problematic. With the recent proprietary software issues and folks not being able to make even simple fixes to their tractors, service is inundated. The local shop prioritizes the big acreage farmers making the little guy wait forever for service. There are a mixture of colors of tractors in our area. With dealerships for 5 or 6 brands in reasonable driving distance.

That would be a lot of fun to have options and be able to go around comparing different brands. Ideal scenario there. I'm curious about New Holland and how they compare but I don't know anyone who has one to ask them questions. Also have to be leary of the brand loyal guys. The ones who say whatever they have at the current time is the best one they've ever had. Then a year later they have a different brand and now that one is the best they've ever had. jmho

 

[yoderjac]

That would be a lot of fun to have options and be able to go around comparing different brands. Ideal scenario there. I'm curious about New Holland and how they compare but I don't know anyone who has one to ask them questions. Also have to be leary of the brand loyal guys. The ones who say whatever they have at the current time is the best one they've ever had. Then a year later they have a different brand and now that one is the best they've ever had. jmho

We have a New Holland dealer next to the Kubota dealer. I've got friends with New Holland tractors that seem to like them. I don't have any personal experience with them.