Compact against Utility · same Kubota lineup
Kubota L3901 vs Kubota M62
| Spec | Kubota L3901 | Kubota M62 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | not published | ~$91,323 |
| What that price is | no published price | MSRP for the tractor-loader-backhoe package, not a bare tractor |
| Size class | Compact | Utility |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine hp | 37.5 hp | 63 hp |
| PTO hp | 30.6 hp | 46 hp |
| Loader lift | 1,131 lbsat the pivot pin | 3,960 lbsat the pivot pin |
| Three-point lift | 1,985 lbsat the ball ends | 2,796 lbs24 in behind the lift points |
| Hydraulic flow | 8.3 GPM | 30.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Kubota | Kubota |
| Weight | 2,778 lbs | 8,925 lbs |
| Fuel tank | 11.1 gal | 17.7 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Front loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab available | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | No |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 2 yr / 1500 hr basic, no powertrain extension |
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 M62
What they like
- 169.8 in of digging depth is 48 in more than the L47 and puts sewer and utility depths in reach
- TL1800 loader lifts 3,960 lb to full height at the pivot pin, more than any other tractor Kubota sells under 105 hp
- 30.9 gpm pump with 16 gpm available to a third-function valve for a thumb or breaker
- 8,925 lb of weight and a 4-post ROPS/FOPS give it the stability to use that reach fully loaded
- 15.5 mph top speed and HST Plus six-range drive make it road-mobile between jobs
- Cat I and II three-point hitch is offered, so a rear implement is at least possible
What they complain about
- $91,323 is close to double an L47 and within reach of a purpose-built backhoe loader with more reach still
- 46 PTO hp on an 8,925 lb machine means it is a poor choice for anything driven off the shaft
- The three-point hitch is an option rather than standard equipment
- 24 months or 1,500 hours of basic warranty with no powertrain extension, on the most expensive machine in this comparison
- Kubota's series page lists 2,756 lb of hitch lift where the model spec sheet says 2,796 lb