Compact tractor that will move sod pallets?

[mx315]

I've been looking in to buying a tractor, instead of renting, but definitely want something big enough to move a pallet of sod or mulch around on the jobsite. I was told that the Kubota MX4700 with a LA844 would do it, but I'm a little doubtful. I don't need to unload from the semi trailer, just move it around after it's put on the ground. Our sod pallets weigh between 1800 and 2400 pounds. A friend of mine had a L4400 model and said he kept blowing out wheel bearing from picking up sod, so he changed over to a skid steer.
Does anyone use a tractor to move sod? If so, have you had any issues from the tractor moving that much weight?

[KrayzKajun]

You are better off with a skidsteer. Inorder to get tht much lifting capacity you are going to have to step up to a very large tractor.
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[mx315]

I know skid steer is better for lifting, but I have a few accounts that require some bush hogging a couple of times per year. I have justified buying a tractor to do those instead of hiring it out. The jobs will cover the cost of a tractor note for the year, but I can't see spending $40K for the skid steer. If I would have hit the Powerball for $250 million last night maybe.

[Ridin' Green]

The biggest reason people have trouble with front wheel bearings/seals etc is because they don't use near enough rear ballast, if any at all. You need to use the amount suggested in your op's manual for any given amount, not just what some guy tells you they "think" should be enough. Loaded rears won't be enough alone, nor will wheel weights alone, and usually rear wheel weights and loaded rears aren't even enough. You need to carry the max that the manual says to for safe FEL work with any given amount. Sometimes that is the max that the three point is rated for.

[KrayzKajun]

For $40k I could a tractor w/ loader & bushhog and either a skidsteer or CTL. I'm guessing yur looking at buying new?
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[mx315]

I was looking for new, because of warranty and a good shop for service.
I priced out the MX4700 hydro with quick FEL bucket, bush hog, box blade and forks for $26,800
The Bobcat skid steer with only the bucket was $42K.

[newtostone]

You can get a nice used bobcat heat/ac with 100-300 hours with warranty for 33-35k. Brush hog on the front and that will do it all.

[PROCUT1]

You can get away with a smaller tractor and use rear forks if you dont need to unload from a trailer

[JB1]

so your in panama city then, nice area, was just there this past weekend.

[mx315]

I will have to look into some used of both types. It will take some time to go through all the models and find the right fit. I've been renting some Takeuchi's with the joystick controls and they were pretty nice and a Bobcat with the foot controls that I hated.
JB, you guys had some really nice weather... it's been a crazy winter so far

[JB1]

I will have to look into some used of both types. It will take some time to go through all the models and find the right fit. I've been renting some Takeuchi's with the joystick controls and they were pretty nice and a Bobcat with the foot controls that I hated.
JB, you guys had some really nice weather... it's been a crazy winter so far



yes it was great was there between christmas and new years also and had great weather, no winter this year.

[GLS]

A skidloader is definately more suited for heavy lifting, but I wouldn't rule a compact tractor out if you have bushhogging to do.

We own a kubota L3240. We are able to move most pallets of sod (some of the heavier ones need a few pieces taken off first), ours may be lighter than others. I would think a bigger L series or MX would be much better off. Again, not ideal for heavy lifting, but it may get the job done.

As someone else mentioned, rear forks are another option. If your pallets are delivered to the ground, you can move them with forks on the 3 pt, especially with a hydraulic toplink.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7530/img2900fe.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/52/img2900fe.jpg/)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5766/img2392j.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/img2392j.jpg/)

[mx315]

Thanks for the info, I would rather have a tractor for bush hogging and the price is better. I looked at some skid steers over the weekend and a used one with low hours is more than a new MX4700 with 5 implements. I found out that my friend using the L4400 never had weights or ballast on the back, so I'm sure that was a big reason for the wheel bearings to keep going out. I may have to load a couple of pallets a year into my dump trailer or onto my flatbed, so moving it around with the rear forks is a good option too.

[lawn king]

Many models in the kubota L series will suit your needs, there is no need to buy an M series.

[mx315]

I've looked at several models in the L Grand series and for the money I think the L3240 with the 724 loader maybe the best option. The lift capacity on the Grand series is better than the bigger budget models. I can get the rear hydraulic toplink forks and move the pallets. It's still small enough to get between houses and big enough for most things I need it to do.

[lawn king]

Take a close look at the 3540 and the 3940 as well. I was in a similar situation and discovered the 35 worked better for me than the 32. The grand L's are nice, you will never regret the purchase!

[manatarms]

If you're looking at the MX4700, you might as well look at the MX5100. For a slight price increase you get more HP and telescopic 3pt. hitch arms...which are the cats meow and could not be added for the price the 5100 commands over the 4700.

-Mark

Thanks for the info, I would rather have a tractor for bush hogging and the price is better. I looked at some skid steers over the weekend and a used one with low hours is more than a new MX4700 with 5 implements. I found out that my friend using the L4400 never had weights or ballast on the back, so I'm sure that was a big reason for the wheel bearings to keep going out. I may have to load a couple of pallets a year into my dump trailer or onto my flatbed, so moving it around with the rear forks is a good option too.

[SixFourStroker]

For lifting that much of a load a skid steer would be best, but if you are still considering the tractor route check out something along the line of the M5040. They are a little heavier built and might take the load better. We have a 7040 and it's been great. I know its not apples to apples but just a thought.

[Ecoscapes]

64Stroker, how do you like that M7040? I sold my L3830 2 yrs ago and have been trying out skids, tractors, leaning towards L57 or M6040,70, does the M ever seem to big on jobsites? (if your using it for landscape jobs) I'm getting into driveway grading, woodlot thinning, boulder walls, I just don't want to get the L and have it not be enough but don't want to get the M and it be too much! What about towing? I have a F350srw diesel now, would need bigger truck for M? Thanks for any info -

[SixFourStroker]

I really like it. We mainly use it to run our big round baler as I do custom hay baling in the summer. I use it in the winter to clear driveways and it does good but if anything it is a little big. Ours has a cab though so that makes it pretty good sized. I really think if you got a 6040 or even a 5040 with the industrial lo profile tires you would be happy with it. If you plan to do heavy loader work I would definitely lean towards an M. I have run several L series and the M's seem to have stronger hydraulics. I have cleared a few wood lots with it and it will take down a pretty decent sized tree. At times you wish you had an extra gear in the transmission, but for me that's not a deal breaker. The shuttle works really slick too. As far as towing. I pulled ours with my 03 F-350 srw and you didn't know it was back there. Ours has fluid in the tires and 2 sets of wheel weights as well. If you have any more questions feel free to hit me up.

[lawn king]

If your leaning towards heavy landscaping-hardscaping,etc, get the larger machine. Keep in mind compaction (weight) is an issue on lawn installs and working on established turf. I went with the 3540 because the weight to power ratio worked for me.

[mx315]

I ended up getting a L5240HST a couple of days ago. I ran across a deal I couldn't pass up. I haven't put it to work yet, but I think it's going to workout good.
Thanks for the input guys.

[Ramairfreak98ss]

I've been looking in to buying a tractor, instead of renting, but definitely want something big enough to move a pallet of sod or mulch around on the jobsite. I was told that the Kubota MX4700 with a LA844 would do it, but I'm a little doubtful. I don't need to unload from the semi trailer, just move it around after it's put on the ground. Our sod pallets weigh between 1800 and 2400 pounds. A friend of mine had a L4400 model and said he kept blowing out wheel bearing from picking up sod, so he changed over to a skid steer.
Does anyone use a tractor to move sod? If so, have you had any issues from the tractor moving that much weight?


Wet sod ? like it usually comes :p Most will struggle at best.

Our JD 4720 tractor has a huge rear cement counterweight in the ballast box, its the cab model, so its heavier than the open station machine, 2 of 3 sets of rear wheel iron weights and the 400cx leveling loader, "JDs highest capacity unit" .... I have to sit about 5-6 bags of salt on the back ballast box and move around "gently" just to unload pallets of salt from a truck.

It will lift it enough to get them off the trailer, but it will NOT lift a 2600lb skid of salt that high to load trailers. Its lift capacity at the pin is like 2800lbs, the front JD worksite pro forks attachment alone is 415lbs plus the 60lbs for the front skid steer adapter plates/handles over top of just the pin method for the standard buckets.

A skid of sod from our local company is going to be probably the same weight.

Thats the biggest of the JD tractors thats considered compact at all.

Our 319D JD track loader will move any skid of anything around with ease, but again has rear weights, & cab model

At say 2000lbs for a skid, our machine would work fine for what your doing, and not be unstable turning etc... but ill tell you there WILL be a ton of weight on the smaller front R4 tires if driving over loose soil and if its muddy or wet, you'll have some nice ruts. A Deere open cab track 320? i think thats the model, machine should work better for this, won't rut up the area either.

We've used all the machines for sod and i won't bother with anything besides our little track machine if its anything other than hard dry soil.