Compact against Utility · same Kubota lineup
Kubota L3901 vs Kubota L4701
| Spec | Kubota L3901 | Kubota L4701 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | not published | not published |
| What that price is | no published price | no published price |
| Size class | Compact | Utility |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Gear |
| Engine hp | 37.5 hp | 47.3 hp |
| PTO hp | 30.6 hp | 39.3 hp |
| Loader lift | 1,131 lbsat the pivot pin | 1,477 lbsat the pivot pin |
| Three-point lift | 1,985 lbsat the ball ends | 2,976 lbsat the ball ends |
| Hydraulic flow | 8.3 GPM | 8.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Kubota | Kubota |
| Weight | 2,778 lbs | 3,197 lbs |
| Fuel tank | 11.1 gal | 13.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Front loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab available | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain |
A highlighted cell wins its row on the rule named above the table: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price. A lift row is left unwon whenever the two makers measured in different places, or where either of them did not say — a figure quoted at the pivot pin and one quoted 500 mm ahead of it describe the same loader and differ by roughly a third, so ranking them against each other would invent a result. Prices are typical list and move with dealer packages.
From owner discussion and long-term write-ups
What owners of each one say
Kubota L3901
What they like
- The extra 13 HP over the L2501 transforms it into a genuine workhorse that handles heavy loader loads and tillage without bogging
- Strong 1,985 lb 3-point lift lets it run big box blades, rotary cutters, and post-hole diggers with ease
- Kubota's proven in-house diesel and Standard L durability make it a long-term reliability favorite
- Available in both gear and HST so you can pick the drivetrain that fits your work
- The larger 11.1-gallon fuel tank keeps it working through long days without frequent refueling
- Heavy at 2,778 lbs for excellent traction, stability, and pulling power
- Huge Kubota dealer network and strong resale value protect your investment
What they complain about
- Crossing 25 HP means it has the DPF emissions system, adding regen cycles and complexity the L2501 avoids
- The Standard L is fairly spartan - no cruise, basic seat, and fewer hydraulic outlets than the LX or Grand L
- The loader is the same LA525 as the L2501, so loader lift doesn't improve despite the bigger engine
- Priced several thousand above the L2501, narrowing the gap to the more refined LX2610 and Grand L models
- No mid-PTO, so it's not suited for belly-mount finish mowing
- The hydrostatic version gives up pulling ability to the gear model, which shows up on a grade with a full bucket
Kubota L4701
What they like
- The 47.3 HP naturally aspirated Kubota diesel is a simple, torquey, turbo-free engine owners trust for the long haul
- It's the most powerful Standard L, giving strong loader and PTO performance for heavy property and small-farm work
- The synchro-shuttle gear transmission is a rugged, efficient drivetrain ideal for sustained field work
- 39.3 PTO HP runs big rotary cutters, tillers, and hay tools with authority
- Huge Kubota dealer network, deep parts availability, and strong resale value
- The larger 13.5-gallon tank keeps it working through long days without frequent refueling
- Simple, serviceable design keeps DIY maintenance approachable despite the size
What they complain about
- The Standard L is spartan - basic seat, no cruise, and fewer hydraulic outlets than a Grand L or the competition
- The loader capacity is modest relative to the engine size, and the front end needs ballast for heavy lifting
- The base gear transmission requires clutching for direction changes, tedious for constant loader shuttling
- It has the DPF emissions system, adding regen cycles the under-25HP models avoid
- No mid-PTO, so it's not suited for belly-mount finish mowing
- Kubota premium pricing means a Kioti DK4520 of similar spec costs meaningfully less
- Hydraulic flow of 8.9 GPM is modest for the size, so loader cycle times feel slow to some owners