Tractor horsepower ? for the experts

[Mudslinger]

I currently have an older model Kubota L3010 4 wheel drive tractor with a shredder. Works great for mowing or shredding but I need a front loader. Problem is, no one including Kubota has one. I am looking at a Westendorf loader but not sure of the price and how well it will work on the Kubota.

There is a possibility of buying a new tractor with a loader and putting the shredder on the new tractor. Here is the question.

I currently own 6.46 acres that has a pond and is a very rolling landscape and very rocky, small rocks, but rocky. I want to be able to use the shredder on the back portion of my property which I do with the Kubota now and other portions of the property where my Zero Turn does not work well. I have some gravel piles I need to move plus other rocks, large limestone blocks that I need to move plus moving some cross ties and some general dirt work on the place. The L3010 is a 30-32 horse tractor and it works great. Would this be a good HP range to stick with or would you go a little lower and save a little cash.

What compact tractors beside Kubota would you look at? Thanks.

[pure lefty]

If your current size meets your needs, stick with it, maybe go one size larger. I have kinda same issue, 1974 MF diesel doesn’t have a front end loader, I use it on one place and the larger kubota with loader 7 miles away. Been kicking around idea of putting a dirt bucket or on back to move things, would this be an option?


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[Abctx]

The real question is, “How often are you going to be doing this dirt/rock work??”. If it’s just a 1-2 time thing, then rent a skid steer or track loader. It’ll go much faster, and you can stick with a tractor in the 25-35 hp range (lots of 25hp tractors are as big as the 33-35 hp these days, just “detuned” to get around emissions/DEF requirements). Kubota has a deal on their 2501 with loader/trailer/shredder/box blade for $20,499, now, and it’s the same size as their 33hp.

In some respects, a slightly used closed station skid steer (ac/windows), with a heavy duty brush cutter accessory ($4-$7k), might be handier than a tractor, esp if you only have to mow a 2-4 “rough” acres.

Otherwise, a 40-45 hp tractor would be a nice size for pushing a little more dirt/rocks around, without getting “too big”. Leave your shredder on the back for extra ballast, so you don’t tip as easily.

[JBJTX81]

https://bransontractors.com/product/3725h/

I have a JD E100 and the above tractor. It's been a great tractor with no issues and it's the most tractor you can buy for your money period. There is a dealer in plainview.

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[Acameron52]

You’re gonna need at least a 100 horse!

[Bowtech38]

Come trade it in for a L2501. Non emissions and almost the same size as your tractor now.

[Mudslinger]

https://bransontractors.com/product/3725h/

I have a JD E100 and the above tractor. It's been a great tractor with no issues and it's the most tractor you can buy for your money period. There is a dealer in plainview.

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Not in Lubbock anymore. Retired and 6 hours from Lubbock!

[Mudslinger]

Come trade it in for a L2501. Non emissions and almost the same size as your tractor now.

I would love to but this rig was given to me and I do not or would not feel right trading it in, but I will be by to look at the Kubotas for sure!

[Bowtech38]

I would love to but this rig was given to me and I do not or would not feel right trading it in, but I will be by to look at the Kubotas for sure!

sounds good

[JBJTX81]

Not in Lubbock anymore. Retired and 6 hours from Lubbock!

See if they have any dealers near current location. It's been a very reliable tractor and what few parts I've needed have been easy to find. I'm only make the recommendation bc it has far exceeded my expectations.

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[ken800]

I currently have an older model Kubota L3010 4 wheel drive tractor with a shredder. Works great for mowing or shredding but I need a front loader. Problem is, no one including Kubota has one. I am looking at a Westendorf loader but not sure of the price and how well it will work on the Kubota.

There is a possibility of buying a new tractor with a loader and putting the shredder on the new tractor. Here is the question.

I currently own 6.46 acres that has a pond and is a very rolling landscape and very rocky, small rocks, but rocky. I want to be able to use the shredder on the back portion of my property which I do with the Kubota now and other portions of the property where my Zero Turn does not work well. I have some gravel piles I need to move plus other rocks, large limestone blocks that I need to move plus moving some cross ties and some general dirt work on the place. The L3010 is a 30-32 horse tractor and it works great. Would this be a good HP range to stick with or would you go a little lower and save a little cash.

What compact tractors beside Kubota would you look at? Thanks.

You have plenty of horsepower for that small space. I live on 5 and have a 26 horse kubota and it's plenty for my place.

According to tractordata.com the loader for that tractor was an LA481. It had a lift to full height at pin of 1058 lbs which is pretty good unless you are moving a lot of dirt.

I found an LA481 on ebay but shipping would be an issue I suspect...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kubota-LA481-Front-Loader-Attachment-4-3010-Tractor-And-More/133576346377?hash=item1f19c54b09:g:OyYAAOSwnA9fsAUh

Note that it will cost you at least 3 grand for a used FEL. That's about 8 skid steer rentals if you don't think you'll use it much.

The older tractors were rated at their legit HP. The newer ones are a bit exaggerated, lol. Ask anyone who had an old JD, Kubota, etc. and now own a new one and they'll tell you the same... I'd try to keep your current tractor if you can.