MX5800 or L6060, that is my question?

[OakieDrifter]

Hello, while I am new to the forum it seem like I have been saving a life-time for an orange tractor. We have a cow/calf operation and I'm looking for a 50-60 horse tractor that I can use to renovate our pastures: Plow/disk, will use the brush hog mowing, clean barns, pull NH518 Manure Spreader and do other front loader work on our woodlands. My main question concern is with he HST transmission, will I be able to pull a plow or subsoiler without burning up the transmission? VS a manual transmission? Some of the dealers have suggested the HST may not be ideal for this work but I wonder if anyone has had experience in this area. I don't have a lot to do, maybe 40-50 acres and after that I use it primarily as a utility tractor as as described above.

I have read many of your favorable posts on the MX5800 and the L6060 or another model?

Appreciate any thoughts you may have in to help me make the right decision.
Thank you!

 

[Swampcollie]

I looked at exactly the same 2 tractors in august. I ended up with the 5800. The 6060 is really nice and I liked it a lot. It has more features but none of the features offset the price difference for me. For my purposes the 5800 had everything i needed for significantly less money. I really love my 5800 and have not regretted my decision.
Were money no object, i probably would have got the 6060.

 

[virginiavenom]

it's about 6k difference tractor for tractor. many of those features on the 6060 like the 2 speed for each actual HST gear that is on the fly changeable are hugely helpful. just like the throttle up trigger, nicer seat, I like the HST pedal better. the auto throttle and stall guard are very nice. I'm sure there are a myriad of other features, but those are the ones that stood out to me. I think the tilt wheel was handy as well. I love the intellipanel, it's very nice. I know many of these seem meaningless. they really aren't once you've truly operated and worked both, you'll say money well spent. also.....the dealer I worked with told me they make better deals on the grands almost always. he said they usually try to come down about another 2k on them because they get the upsale commission.

 

[TripleR]

I don't plow with anything anymore with gear or HST, but I routinely pull an 1100 pound HR3584 box scraper and that sure tests the transmission. I don't do this 8-10 hours a day like I use to, if I did, I'd go with gears.

If you are new to tractors and need 50 acres prepped one time only, check with a local farmer with the proper equipment. If you buy a breaking plow and decent disk for a one time thing, they will wind up spending years in a shed afterwards.

While I prefer the Grand L, either will do the same amount of work, just depends on your priorities.

 

[virginiavenom]

curious how many HST transmissions in kubota tractors have had to be replaced from overworking or usage and what the usage would be, how many hours, and properly maintained or not. I know it's not the same, but my buddy owns a landscape business and has for a long time. he has a set of Scags that have over 5000 hours on them, other than oil and filter changes, has never had to replace or fix anything in the HSTs on any of them. he said by comparing his old trusty units to the new ones that the new ones are noticeably crisper. but doesn't know whether or not it's newer tech in the transmissions or the wearing of the HSTs. I know it's not the same, just a subjective discussion. curious if there are any mechanical differences between MX5800 and L6060 HST design, strength or longevity.

 

[OakieDrifter]

All good advice, thank you. Like most, I don't really want to waste money on features i don't need, but want to maintain the flexibility to do all the jobs I hope to accomplish with a new tractor. Your tips on renting implements and seeking the good discounts are much appreciated. I will have to visit some of our dealers in our area and kick some more tires and see if I can get a better understanding of what i really need.

Thanks again!

 

[Boo]

Being able to select "what I need" is very difficult, as it depends on your ability to see the future. My imagination can have me buying things that I end up never using. I also was shown the 6060 when I bought my MX5800. I have to go through trees that don't offer much space, so a larger tractor; while appealing to the little boy in me, makes less sense if I can't use it in my trees.

I do end up on occasion thinking I want more power when, in reality, I just need to take more time to get the job done.

Don't worry about the HST versus gear. There are some tasks that will make you regret the gear purchase. I have had only HST and have never had a problem with it; and my wife loves HST.

What is more important to you? Either choice will serve well. My imagination has a back field with several implements which I have yet to use, but one day...........

 

[TripleR]

The physical dimensions of the MX5800 and L6060 are pretty much the same.

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/005/8/6/5863-kubota-mx5100-dimensions.html

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/007/4/2/7421-kubota-l6060-dimensions.html

 

[OakieDrifter]

Your point is well taken regarding the size. I do also work in the woods and need the maneuverability in inside the barn. Also I am very conscious of working on grade due to the hills on our place.

Also TripleR thanks for the specs!