Will an L3560 w/ BH77 fit in my garage without drama?

[PaulL]

Tractors don't lose much value. Particularly an L2502. If you buy too big you've got a lot of cash in it. I know there's not really such a thing as "too big", but none of the tasks that you describe need anything bigger than the L2502.

Stability is your main concern. To my mind a larger tractor may be wider, but it's also taller. It's not necessarily a lot more stable. If you want more stability you get spacers, you take the loader off, you load the tires. The smallest tractor (the BX) is generally seen to be the most stable one, I see no particular evidence that an MX or a Grand-L would be more stable than a standard L.

If it were me, I'd buy the L2502 and see if there's anything you can't do with it. It's a simple and robust machine, and a great "starter tractor". My first tractor had a pretty hard life, as I made all the mistakes you can make with your first machine. If, after a few years, you need something more, you'll know what it is you're trying to achieve. It's not the end of the world to turn over the L2502 and get something else, and then that machine will stay in good shape if you've already made all your first tractor mistakes.

I do feel like we need someone to visit and point out the L4802 is an orphan machine (inside joke). But it's kind of true - if you're spending enough for an L4802 you probably would be better with a grand-L or an MX, unless there's something very specific you needed in the L4802 (a weight limit you have to stay under or something).

On turning circle, the theoretical turning circle with turning brakes isn't one that you'll do much. Using turning brakes is a pain, and they chew up your turf. But an MX isn't _that_ much bigger, there's no reason the turning circle would be dramatically different.

Summarising all that, if it were my money I'd:
- Get the L2502, see how I go
- If not that, then Grand-L because they're a great machine
- If not that, then sure, an MX, but it sounds quite a bit bigger than what you need

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

OP,

good day.

I wonder a couple things:

is this a new to you property?

if not what are you currently using to take care of the place?

if it is new to you is this your first tractor purchase?

I think based on those questions, it might prompt some other questions and insight from the members.

i have a B (which is closer in capability to a small L) and also have an MX. they have very different capabilities and it’s not really based on number of acres IMO. To me it really depends on what you are trying to do (tasks), future uses, layout of your property and buildings, and how much you want to be able to lift or pull. Without understanding those I think it is very easy to buy too much or too little machine. JMHO.

that being said on 16 acres, it would not be unheard of to have more than one machine..

as far as MX maneuverability, they are pretty incredible actually…they really drive like a smaller machine and have a pretty small turning radius. When they feel large is when you are turning with an implement on the back, such as a brush hog or BH. Same goes for a B…either way you have to be mindful of the lineal space they take up and when you turn the implement swings…so if there is a fence post or a building or a tree, just have to learn to be aware of the obstacles…the tractor will turn really short, but that makes the implement swing faster.

I’d recommend not get too happy with the throttle until considering those questions above. IMO they are an ounce of prevention on your wallet.

good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[NWAZL3560]

My L3560 with LA805 loader and BH77 backhoe is 19 ft long with the back hoe in normal position.

 

[IWantAnOrangeTractor]

My L3560 with LA805 loader and BH77 backhoe is 19 ft long with the back hoe in normal position.

Wow that would fit easily.

Any chance you could measure the height to the top of your folded ROPS? I'll buy you a beer the next time we run into each other.

Summarising all that, if it were my money I'd:
- Get the L2502, see how I go
- If not that, then Grand-L because they're a great machine
- If not that, then sure, an MX, but it sounds quite a bit bigger than what you need

This is where I'm leaning. But if I can confirm the Grand-L fits I might be tempted. Thanks for the detailed thoughts, it's really helpful.

is this a new to you property?
if not what are you currently using to take care of the place?
if it is new to you is this your first tractor purchase?

Been here 1 year. I currently have a Ventrac, which is a "tractor". It's amazing at mowing or brush cutting steep hills, stump grinding, power-brooming the asphalt driveway in winter... So I already have all the lawn-tractor stuff handled.

But it can't dig a hole, scoop a load of mulch over a wall, load dirt into my UTV, or unload a crate from my truck.

 

[PaulL]

But it can't dig a hole, scoop a load of mulch over a wall, load dirt into my UTV, or unload a crate from my truck.

Mulch any of the machines will do, and dirt into a UTV can't be too heavy (it'd break the UTV), so again can't be too much. Unload a crate though - how heavy? How high? That may be a task where machine size matters.

Some of the backhoes are quite a bit less capable. I think it's the BX and B though that have a much narrower swing angle. Once you're at an L they're all reasonably good. Still nowhere near a mini-ex though.

Do you definitely need a backhoe? What are you going to dig? How often? If you need a backhoe, they're super useful. But if you're just digging dirt here and there, a tooth bar on your FEL will do a lot more than people think.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Do you definitely need a backhoe? What are you going to dig? How often? If you need a backhoe, they're super useful.

Please sir, lets not be silly.........Everyone needs a backhoe.....It just that some people don't realize they need one yet!

Best 10K I ever spent. Love mine.

It has more uses than just digging too. I have used mine to load the truck when the tailgate is up, used it to hold up a pin'ata, ....move things around......etc....

I will go so far as to say that, after having one, I would not get a tractor without a BH.

 

[trikepilot]

Do you definitely need a backhoe? What are you going to dig? How often? If you need a backhoe, they're super useful. But if you're just digging dirt here and there, a tooth bar on your FEL will do a lot more than people think.

Good point. I only got a BH because it was on the only used tractor that fit my needs and was priced fairly. If I had to do it all over again, I would gladly buy a non-BH tractor and then rent a Mini-Ex as needed.

 

[Mikeymotorbikey]

Are you working with a dealer on this endeavor? Can you demo the machines your thinking of?


My cousin recently purchased 12 acres nearby, I was convinced he needed at least a B2601 like I have.

I loaded my B up and brought it over for a weekend test run. Then, the next weekend I brought over my old Case 446 with the loader.

It was amazing to see that we got much more work done with the old Case, it was just a better fit for his property which is heavily treed and has some slope to it. He and I were much more comfortable on the old Case as it just fit better on his property.

In the end he purchased a new BX2380 and has been very happy.


I never expected it to turn out that way, I assumed that larger is always better. But, in this case having a couple different actual machines on the ground made the choice very easy.

 

[MOOTS]

Good to know people get work done without actually going 3 sizes up I will also get 2" spacers if I go with the 2502.

This raises a question on how specs match reality. The turning radius of the L2502 and MX4900 are 8.2 and 8.9 feet respectively (both w/ brake). I was shocked that they were so close. Does this similarity play out in reality? Or is the MX actually significantly harder to navigate in tight spaces?

If the MX is in the cards, get the MX.
I had a LX2610 before getting the MX. It is very nimble and just more planted doing work. Is the MX physically bigger? Of course. That simply means the trails will be just a bit wider. I was very impressed with the MX once I got in the woods with it. I did have to take out a few extra trees, but that wasn’t a big deal for me.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Wow that would fit easily.

Any chance you could measure the height to the top of your folded ROPS? I'll buy you a beer the next time we run into each other.



This is where I'm leaning. But if I can confirm the Grand-L fits I might be tempted. Thanks for the detailed thoughts, it's really helpful.


Been here 1 year. I currently have a Ventrac, which is a "tractor". It's amazing at mowing or brush cutting steep hills, stump grinding, power-brooming the asphalt driveway in winter... So I already have all the lawn-tractor stuff handled.

But it can't dig a hole, scoop a load of mulch over a wall, load dirt into my UTV, or unload a crate from my truck.

From what I have witnessed with my neighbor, a ventrac is like a billy goat….very impressive. A tractor is not a substitute for that task on hilly ground IMO.

As far as the machine I think any of three you mentioned are all great choices, but I don’t have any suggestion as the only criteria I have heard from you is related to garage door size and length of machine to storage space.

this may seem harsh, but it’s my suggestion politely/respectfully (I understand maybe you did not ask for this). IMO need to determine what problem trying to solve(otherwise I think you risk buying too much or too little machine):

1. fitting a machine to an existing garage door / parking space?
or
2. sizing machine to the work that needs done.

good luck.

 

[IWantAnOrangeTractor]

From what I have witnessed with my neighbor, a ventrac is like a billy goat….very impressive. A tractor is not a substitute for that task on hilly ground IMO.

Oh absolutely. I'm not getting rid of the ventrac.

how heavy? How high? That may be a task where machine size matters.

this may seem harsh, but it’s my suggestion politely/respectfully (I understand maybe you did not ask for this). IMO need to determine what problem trying to solve(otherwise I think you risk buying too much or too little machine):

The questions about what I'm going to do with it are all very reasonable questions. It's impossible to recommend what to buy if you don't know what you're going to do with it.

But at the same time, I'm not renting this for a week to do a job. I'm buying it for (hopefully) the long haul. Do I know exactly what I'm doing to want to do with the tractor 3, 5 or 10 years from now? Honestly, no I do not. Could I end up buying a CNC machine that weights 1700 lbs that I need to get off my trailer? Maybe! But I dunno.

Given that I don't know what the future holds, I'm not convinced the criteria of "fits in my garage, and can comfortably and safely navigate the property" are quite as unreasonable as they might first seem.

I'd like to buy something that definitely meets my current needs (which are admittedly fairly minimal) but also has at least some chance meeting whatever future endeavors come my way.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Just go look at and drive them, if you haven't done so.

Garage size is usually secondary to the job intended. But with some; it is first.

If you are a 1st time tractor owner and have a big wallet, the Grand L was made for you. Made exactly for you. Kubota did it's homework on affluent small property owners. Big money. And very nice and easier to use tractors. If you own a airplane and a net worth of several million. You only want a Grand L.

Grand L owners are here, but mostly on stock market and aircraft or yacht forums.

From what you, the OP has said; You can't define the work needed by the tractor, other than digging, but you know that you want a BH. One that fits in your garage.

I would say, go try a BX23S. Ask a dealer to let you play with it on the lot. Then try a B, L or LX. Then try an MX and Grand L.

The difference is huge to the unknowing.

A mini ex is the best BH. Period. But, have you ever operated a BH?

Maybe you've a got a few bucks and you want to play with dirt toys again.

No offense. But educate yourself with hands on trial at a dealer. Most dealers should help you out.

If you only want garage candy, you want a Grand L.

No offense to you Grand L folks.

 

[IWantAnOrangeTractor]

Big money. [...] If you own a airplane

Hahah, well I don't own an airplane so I guess the Grand L isn't for me.


Funny thing is, I assumed they were big money.. and was shocked that all the basic tractors were almost as expensive. How can the L2502 w/ BH cost almost $40K? How can the L3902 be only $3k cheaper than an L3560 LE? My god the prices.

I don't want all the luxo crap. I want a nice basic platform that still be working fine in 20 years. The l2502 and L4802 are my sprit animals tractors.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Hahah, well I don't own an airplane so I guess the Grand L isn't for me.


Funny thing is, I assumed they were big money.. and was shocked that all the basic tractors were almost as expensive. How can the L2502 w/ BH cost almost $40K? How can the L3902 be only $3k cheaper than an L3560 LE? My god the prices.

I don't want all the luxo crap. I want a nice basic platform that still be working fine in 20 years. The l2502 and L4802 are my sprit animals tractors.

Add ons:

Backhoes are 10 grand add on.

Add a cab? Another 10 grand.

Front snow blower? Again... 10 grand.

If you want a simpler basic tractor with a loader. Much, much, cheaper.

You could buy a well equiped MX open station with a loader and a box blade, for less $ than B or LX with a BH and cab.

 

[PaulL]

So, you're buying a machine aiming to keep it 15-20 years. That's not a bad idea, but there's actually no shame in turning over a tractor once a decade.

If you buy a machine that does everything that you might conceivably need in the next 20 years, you're almost certainly over buying. If it's only $5-10K difference in price, and there's no downside, then sure, no reason not to. But:
1. I think the price difference from an L2502 without a backhoe to an MX with a backhoe is gonna be a lot more than $10K. And those are the outer limits of what you're looking at
2. There is a downside to a tractor that's bigger than you need (interpreting need generously here). It does a bit more damage to your land, and everything you buy and do is bigger. All your implements are bigger. Uses more fuel. All the consumables cost more. Bigger trailer if you take it anywhere.
3. If you buy a backhoe that you never use, it takes up space and is in the way. I'd be taking the backhoe off when I wasn't using it, because it messes up your centre of gravity and your approach and departure angles. If you want ballast get a ballast box. You don't want to take it on and off every time you use the machine - so do you have a space to store the backhoe under cover that still lets you use the tractor?

Now, none of that is relevant if you actually need (or even want) a backhoe, and/or need or even want a bigger tractor. No shame in having machinery just because you want it. Lots of people do. But then the questions you're asking make no sense, the real question is how the machine makes you feel when you're on it. Do you feel like the king of the mountain, or do you feel like you have more machine than you needed? Only you can know that.

But if you're trying to get a machine that meets your needs and is reasonably future proof, then I'd observe:
a. If you're buying a new tractor, particularly an L2502, you can add a backhoe to it any time in the next 5 years when you find a task for it. It'll cost about the same (plus inflation) as buying it does now. And if you never have a need for one, then you've saved $5K or more
b. I've seen the recommendation before that you buy a machine big enough for every task that you'll definitely want to do, and 90% of the tasks that you might want to do. And figure out a way to do the last 10% if you ever actually decide to do it (you probably never will)

It feels to me like you're just getting scope creep because machines are cool, and it's just a little bit extra to go from an L2502 to an L3x02, and then only a bit more to an L4802, and then an L4802 is really a similar price to a Grand L, and if you're spending the money on a Grand L you can get into an MX for similar money. Problems are: you can keep going, an M's not much more money either. And, actually it's a long way from an L2502 to an MX. Doesn't matter that you did it in small steps. They're very different machines.

I come back to my earlier point. An L2502 is a great machine, it'll last forever, and it'll sell or trade for good money if it ever turns out you need something different.

The one thing I will say is that I think an L2502 is a bit underpowered for hills. I would step up to an L3x02 or the Grand L just for reasons of power. Sure, doesn't sound like you'll be roaring up your hills if the land's not reasonably flat, but it'd be a bit of a dog having to drive everywhere in L, which I believe you can end up doing with the L2502 if you're pulling anything, carrying any weight or running an implement like a rotary cutter.

You didn't mention tire choice. Ags or R4s I presume? Definitely not turfs if you're not mowing. Any snow work? Any driveway maintenance?

 

[biketopia]

The one thing I will say is that I think an L2502 is a bit underpowered for hills. I would step up to an L3x02 or the Grand L just for reasons of power. Sure, doesn't sound like you'll be roaring up your hills if the land's not reasonably flat, but it'd be a bit of a dog having to drive everywhere in L, which I believe you can end up doing with the L2502 if you're pulling anything, carrying any weight or running an implement like a rotary cutter.

You didn't mention tire choice. Ags or R4s I presume? Definitely not turfs if you're not mowing. Any snow work? Any driveway maintenance?

Good point Paul! OP, what elevation are you at if you're working hills and or doing snow work, more power, or adding a turbo to the smaller L might be a good choice.

 

[DONLI]

JUST MY 2C, BUT MY FIRST TRACTOR WAS AN l2010 fel bh, and I had 16.5 acres of hilly(some steep) ground an it did everything I wanted including digging trenchs for water and electrical lines(4ft deep) in some very hard ground!
Sold when we move off that place, wish I still had it!
Now I have an L3301 fel on 10 acres of hilly land and so far Iam happy but would love to have a smaller (L3010 or L2502 instead)
Just my 2c.

Don

 

[BBFarmer]

The first few years on the farm our 3301 did it all. Awesome tractor.

I only upgraded for a/c and protection from our massive horseflies that were ruining my life.

 

[IWantAnOrangeTractor]

Thanks @PaulL . Many good points in your recent post. I'm going to spend some time thinking about what I really want to do on the property (for sure) and come back to this decision. Oh, and I want R14 tires.

@DONLI Why would you want an L2502 over an L3301? They're the same size, right?

 

[IWantAnOrangeTractor]

The discussion has been enlightening.

However, back to the original question Does anyone with an L3560 ROPS tractor have R14 tires? And if so, would you be kind enough to measure the height from the floor to the top of where the ROPS folds?

I've seen conflicting reports but I believe the R14 are a bit shorter and should be OK. It would be nice to know for sure if I can consider this tractor, or should cross it off.