Kubota L3901 vs Kubota L4701
Quick take: The Kubota L3901 costs $4,000 less; the Kubota L4701 has more engine power (47.3 vs 37.5 hp); the Kubota L4701 has more loader lift (1,477 vs 1,131 lbs).
| Spec | Kubota L3901 | Kubota L4701 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,500 | $29,500 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (760) | 4.6★ (680) |
| Category | Compact | Utility |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Gear |
| Engine HP | 37.5 hp | 47.3 hp |
| PTO HP | 30.6 hp | 39.3 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1131 lbs | 1477 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1985 lbs | 2976 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 8.3 GPM | 8.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Kubota | Kubota |
| Weight | 2778 lbs | 3197 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 11.1 gal | 13.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | No |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain |
Pros & cons
Kubota L3901
- ✓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
- ✓Simple, serviceable design keeps maintenance approachable for DIY owners
- ✗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
- ✗Kubota premium pricing means a Kioti DK or Mahindra of similar spec undercuts it
- ✗Some owners find the HST version slightly underpowered on hills with a full bucket versus the gear model
- ✗The utilitarian operator station lacks the comfort features found on competitors at this price
Kubota L4701
- ✓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
- ✓Kubota's in-house diesel and legendary Standard L durability make it a long-term reliability benchmark
- ✓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
- ✗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
- ✗The utilitarian operator station lacks comfort features found on competitors at this price
- ✗Hydraulic flow of 8.9 GPM is modest for the size, so loader cycle times feel slow to some owners