upgrading to bigger Kubota or skidsteer?

[Ecoscapes]

I've had a 05 Kubota L3830 tlb 40hp for over 5 years and its time to upgrade. I do stonework and landscaping, mostly country jobs with big yards, driveways, drainage, old stonewall rebuilding, etc. Dealer has a Kubota M6040 (ind. tires) he thinks will be a good upgrade, but the size makes me a little nervous as far as hauling, and smaller yards. Test drove a NH skidsteer 190? and was impressed by its manuverability and size. The l3830 is becoming to underpowered for bigger driveways and stones, allthough no complaints, just need more power and lift. Anyone familiar with M6040? Time to go with skidsteer for this tractor man? Like that you can put the skid into a dump trailer and be on your way. Also considering the L52 or L5740, Thanks for any info!

[JB1]

i've got both and both serve the purpose well.

[SellingIron]

Skidsteers are compact and have there place. They can out lift any tractor which make them a must and for the most part more productive.. Find your local dealers and see what they have to offer. Each dealer I'm sure will work with you. Do you have any brand loyalty?

[Ecoscapes]

Thanks, I'll be checking out a JD 326 today, checked out a NH190 the other day, pretty loyal to Kubota but don't think one of their new track machines is in the budget. I'm sure all brands have their pros/cons. Seen some used CATs around too. Any suggestions on brands? I do quite a bit of raking, is that allright with a skid? backing up with rake?

[JB1]

Thanks, I'll be checking out a JD 326 today, checked out a NH190 the other day, pretty loyal to Kubota but don't think one of their new track machines is in the budget. I'm sure all brands have their pros/cons. Seen some used CATs around too. Any suggestions on brands? I do quite a bit of raking, is that allright with a skid? backing up with rake?


I have a JD 325, which the 326 is the newer version, I really like the new cabs on them. I haven't had any trouble with mine.

[tnmtn]

if the tlb is working out good for you have you thought about keeping the one you have and going with a used full sized tlb for when you need the power? prices are very good right now. kubota also has the M59 for more power if you wanted to stay loyal.

[Ecoscapes]

Thought about the M59; have to sell my tractor to upgrade, got a mini ex this year and need only 2 machines, the mini and heavy duty bucket loader. The boulders and patio flagging stone are getting heavier, L3830 just wouldn't lift and after being sprayed with hydraulic fluid several times its time to upgrade:dizzy: Wish the M59 came with a cab, got a 300' driveway to plow. Seems like I'll have to be up in the 70 to 90 hp range for a skid steer to lift heavy stone, JD330? Like the L57 Kubota not as much lift but more versatile. Did alot with 40hp maybe about 20 more hp will do it.