I have 24 total acres that I maintain with about 18 acres of hilly pasture and approximately 4 acres of woods. I currently use my 4240 for tasks including mowing the pasture with a 6 ft rotary cutter, moving saw logs, processing firewood and general grapple work, clearing old fence rows, and other general chores around our hobby farm.
I would love to hear some real world feedback and experience from anyone that may have faced this same upgrade decision. Does the additional engine and PTO HP from the L6060 / MX6000 make a significant difference in performance when pulling a rotary cutter on hills? If you upgraded from a Grand L HST to a M-Series hydraulic shuttle, was the trade off in transmissions worth the extra capabilities and power of the M-Series?
I started out with a BX25 (for 5 years) on my property which is a similar size to yours, and do very similar tasks, but also do a lot of snow removal for three or four months over the winter. I ended up going the two tractor route because that really is the best choice for me. As my signature says, I now have an MX6000 and M6060 with the F8/R8 transmission but I did add the Creep range so I have an F12/R12. The M was sitting on the lot ready to go and I got a
really good price, so although a 7060 with F12/R12 and Creep (giving F18/R18) would have been ideal, and what I would have ordered if going that route, I can't say that I have any complaints about the tractor I ended up with. I'll be pulling a 3x14 plow with it next week over at a friend's 20 acres, as well as a big disc harrow in the spring, and if it handles those tasks well I'll be as happy as a clam. So far though, whether pulling the rotary cutter, moving logs with the grapple, dragging the land plane, dragging the box blade, pulling the dump trailer or unloading the disc harrow and plow from the trailer, the M has exceeded all of my expectations.
I've pulled the Land Pride RCR1884 rotary cutter with both the MX and the M over my hilly property and there's no doubt that the M is a better experience, but the MX has no trouble doing it. The M with its longer wheel base and bigger tires rides way better than the MX and I have wheel weights on both and Rim Guard in the rear tires of both. The M with it's larger displacement engine and clutch feels considerably more powerful despite having similar hp ratings. I will say though, running the MX in the summer and working it hard does stress the engine cooling and a/c system. I'll be adding insulation in the canopies of both tractors in the spring. Obviously, keeping the radiator and a/c condenser screens clear is important.
Honestly, although the HST is easier to use, it doesn't take much practice to become proficient with the hydraulic shuttle. I use the clutch when backing up to an implement and only use the hydraulic shuttle to change direction without depressing the clutch (which of course is the whole point).
If I were to give up one of the tractors it'd be the MX without a shadow of a doubt. The M is so much more tractor but the MX has a lot of utility too. Hopefully I won't need to part with either of them. I used both today and will use both this weekend and there's no downside to having both other than the cost of ownership.
Good luck in your decision.
