Grand L70 series Rops ?

[Nick_310]

I'm looking at buying my first tractor, mainly for material handling with forks(up to 1200lbs) and some gravel work, no mowing or farm work for now until I find a lot more land.

I have the new L70 Premium Rops at the top of my list, it seems to offer quite a lot for the price but I haven't been able to see one in person, there are none around me.

Do you guys think the amount of electronics and buttons on this model could possibly get into more electrical issues if exposed to weather or is it all really well sealed up? The loader joystick seems to have about 10 buttons on it, and there's a few others for the K-command slection and such.
I can't really justify the extra cost of a cab for my use, which would protect it much better.
For this winer best I could do it out a big tarp on it when not in use until I can build another heated garage next year.

Has it ever been an issue with the L60's Rops? Those didn't seem to have as many buttons and electric features but can't find one around either, all sold out. A new L4060 would have been great for my use I think.
I want something reliable long term.

My other options are Kioti CK-2640SEH which is likely enough to get the job done, or a MX hst series, those look quite simple and robust but no H-DS and some other nice things from the L70 series. Long term support with Kioti and value retention worries me a bit, Kubota seems much better.
It's a bit hard to buy blindly, but I need something before the end of this year.

Thanks for your help and information.

 

[JasonW]

No clue on the Grand 70’s but there have been grand 60’s, 40’s and 30’s for quite some time.

The grand L70’s made it to the top of your list? How? No other chores other than moving about 1200lbs on forks can be done with many different tractors a lot cheaper.

Without knowing your budget, but your looking at grand 70’s, I’d look into an older M series or MX and save a bunch of cash.

 

[NCL4701]

If you want something no frills, a MX is a good choice. If most of your hours on it will be material handling with forks moving pallets, you might consider something with a self leveling loader. Moving pallets, self leveling loader and HST would be at the top of my list of desirable features. If “material handling” is more hay bales, logs, sand, etc. with some pallet/fork work mixed in, self leveling isn’t such a big deal.

The 70 series and other “Grands” I’m sure have some swell features. I’m not familiar enough with them to have an opinion on whether any of those additional features have any value for your tasks.

 

[SDT]

I'm looking at buying my first tractor, mainly for material handling with forks(up to 1200lbs) and some gravel work, no mowing or farm work for now until I find a lot more land.

I have the new L70 Premium Rops at the top of my list, it seems to offer quite a lot for the price but I haven't been able to see one in person, there are none around me.

Do you guys think the amount of electronics and buttons on this model could possibly get into more electrical issues if exposed to weather or is it all really well sealed up? The loader joystick seems to have about 10 buttons on it, and there's a few others for the K-command slection and such.
I can't really justify the extra cost of a cab for my use, which would protect it much better.
For this winer best I could do it out a big tarp on it when not in use until I can build another heated garage next year.

Has it ever been an issue with the L60's Rops? Those didn't seem to have as many buttons and electric features but can't find one around either, all sold out. A new L4060 would have been great for my use I think.
I want something reliable long term.

My other options are Kioti CK-2640SEH which is likely enough to get the job done, or a MX hst series, those look quite simple and robust but no H-DS and some other nice things from the L70 series. Long term support with Kioti and value retention worries me a bit, Kubota seems much better.
It's a bit hard to buy blindly, but I need something before the end of this year.

Thanks for your help and information.

I certainly would not allow a new, expensive machine, extensive electronics or otherwise, to sit outside.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Do you guys think the amount of electronics and buttons on this model could possibly get into more electrical issues if exposed to weather or is it all really well sealed up? The loader joystick seems to have about 10 buttons on it, and there's a few others for the K-command slection and such.
I can't really justify the extra cost of a cab for my use, which would protect it much better.
For this winer best I could do it out a big tarp on it when not in use until I can build another heated garage next year.

Kubota definitely not waterproof but reasonable water resistant. Sometimes we have no choice but to work in the rain or store outdoors.

keep the dash / joystick covered when not in use (but can still breath) and it will survive.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I sat on a M62 TLB(once), and was very impressed with it.

But I was so focused on the backhoe, I probably am not the guy to take "advice" from.

Man, was I ever impressed with it though.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

OP, I will be the first to say that forks are a very versatile implement and I use mine a lot. That being said by your description, unless there is truly a requirement for a tractor, a tractor does not make a good forklift.

are your fork use hourly, daily, weekly, monthly etc? One or two pallets or unloading a semi?

A tractor is better they not having one, but they do not have the maneuverability or the ballast of a forklift. A wide stance on a tractor may have advantage on uneven terrain, but if truly not need a tractor I’d look into a used loader or an actual forklift with industrial tires to go off pavement use(unless your use and terrain not allow that safely). Depending on scope of gravel work I would encourage either a loader or pay someone to do the gravel and get what ever is the right tool for the material handling.

if planing to do a lot a forkin’ I’d spend extra on forks with similar functions to a forklift that allow hydraulic adjustment of the tines (in/out/side shift)

I do love forks on my tractor, but a forklift it is not.

 

[biketopia]

OP, a lot of great conversation on this. I think it would be very beneficial if you explained more about what your intended use of the tractor is. Then, the very knowledgeable folks here can help guide you better on your decision.

The Grand L 70 series is a very nice unit; I'm in the middle of procuring an L3970 cabbed model for our easement crew. Truthfully, it has A LOT of fancy features, most of which wont be used by us. But the dealer had one on the lot; it fit the budget, and we're in need of one sooner rather than later to replace the worn-out B3200

 

[hedgerow]

OP its your money but I see no need to spend up for the L70. I have a MX6000 with north of 2500 hours on it and have had zero issues with it. It will do what you want for a lot less money. HST for loader work is nice. I have put counter weight on the back and loaded 1400 pound round bales on a semi with no issues.

 

[jimh406]

I think I would go for the MX4900 instead. It has 400-500 more capacity in the loader and more HP.

 

[Nick_310]

Thanks for the replies.

My main concern is really just how well the electronics/controls are sealed up against water & weather, at least to get it through this coming winter until I have another building ready to put it in.

I found pictures of a few L70 Rops series sitting on dealers lots, mainly in the USA, and they seem to be leaving them like that outside uncovered, so they must think it's fine I guess, or someone else's problem down the road...
The MX4900hst Rops is a few thousand more than the L3970 Rops, and missing a few features of the L70's I think I'd like, like the H-DS, and better seat, better loader control and better hst pedal, easier to fuel up too, and a bit narrower which is good at my current location. L4470 is about same price as the MX4900 here.

My other options are a Kubota L2502 or Kioti CK2640, which would likely get it done fine, but stepping up to the L3970 is only about 30-35% more $ for what appears to be a lot more tractor in every aspect. I looked into track loaders but kinda ruled it out as not being versatile enough, poor vision sides/back and plenty of other electronics and costly maintenance comes with those. Lifting capacity is great though.

Main reason for not really wanting a cab is I like fresh air for rare times I can get some. I don't want the additional maintenance problems like AC not working which seem to plague many brands, I'd rather sweat in the breeze than sweat in a cab, and also since I may use it for a bit of woods/trail work I don't want to break windows, and if I can save $15-16k(cad) well that's not bad either. Will I regret not getting a cab? yeah probably...

 

[jimh406]

I have a L2501HST. It's been great. One thing that attracted me was no DPF or DEF. I know some have had great experience with emissions tractors/trucks. I haven't. No doubt that there are more capable tractors than my L2501HST, but probably none that are as trouble free.

If you don't think you need more than a L2502, buy it and use the extra money for implements.

 

[JasonW]

The Kubota L2502 will not reach your 1200 lift requirement.
Still very vague on what you plan to do with the tractor. I’m a fan on buy once cry once but also that’s not everybody situation.

Would be a good idea to buy a tractor that has good resale, use it several years and sell to trade up or just to a different model that fits your needs better.

I ran my M6040 bush hogging about 10 hours today in the rain, only chance I could get between work, a cab sure would have been nice.

 

[PaulL]

I had my heart set on a Grand-L for our new property. They are a very nice tractor. I ended up with an MX. It's quite a bit more tractor, and in my part of the world a little less expensive.

The Grand-L does have a lot of electronics, but a bit of rain shouldn't hurt them. I wouldn't leave it outside permanently, but a year won't kill it. A tarp would do a lot, although I often feel like things sweat under a tarp, and get damp/moldy.

Could you get something like this temporarily? https://www.rasmarindustries.com/14-wide/

 

[Sawdust&Shavings]

The Grand-L does have a lot of electronics, but a bit of rain shouldn't hurt them. I wouldn't leave it outside permanently, but a year won't kill it. A tarp would do a lot, although I often feel like things sweat under a tarp, and get damp/moldy.

Could you get something like this temporarily? https://www.rasmarindustries.com/14-wide/

I use a breathable tarp just large enough to cover the dashboard and seat…moisture simply evaporates and it keeps rain and show off the dash.