Kubota SVL75-3

[KWood255]

Hi all, I am looking to add a CTL to the fleet for a variety of reasons. My tractor is great for many things, but I am pushing its limits of lifting near daily. 

I have narrowed down my want list to either a Kubota SVL75 or SVL97. The 97 would be grand, but dealing with DEF and further emissions is a drawback, as well as the cost difference. 

My question to you...Will the SVL75 lift and maneuver bundles of lumber in the 3000-3500lb range? I get a variety of responses from dealers regarding this. We bundle our lumber/timber in +/- 1000bf lifts generally. I am hoping for a machine that will handle upwards of 4000lbs to load a trailer, on good flat ground of course. Any related experience here? Many thanks. 

[YellowHammer]

I have a SVL97, the cost is a little more, but the DEF thing is not an issue.  It's got a fairly big DEF tank, and Kubota has extra warranty time for DEF systems beyond their normal warranty, (at least mine did).  It only goes into regen occasionally, and it finishes quickly.  I have not had a single problem with mine, it is a beast, and I also use it for earthmoving with a 4 way bucket.

The extra HP and high flow lets me run mulching heads for taking trees down almost a foot in diameter.  

HP is king, get it all.    

  

[Magicman]

The SVL97 seems to be king here with the contractors.

[barbender]

My opinion on DEF is evolving...I still don't like it, but it helps the rest of the emission system work better and be under less of a load. The exhaust gas recirculation system is what lessens the life expectancy of engines, and DEF systems cut way down on the amount of EGR circulation from what I understand. It also lessens the load on the particulate filter (DPF). 

Here's a good illustration- I have an 09 Dodge 3500, 6.7 Cummins. Pre-DEF, but it has an EGR and DPF. Oil change interval was cut back to 7500 miles, regardless of conventional or synthetic oil, because of high soot loading due to the EGR system. When they went to DEF systems in 2010, the oil change interval got doubled to 15K iirc. The DEF systems keeps the EGR from activating all the time and recirculating all of the soot back through the engine.

As for weight capacity, I have a Case 1845C. I am limited to 500bf packs. This is a 6500 pound machine, I don't remember the lifting and tipping capacity. An SVL75 is a bigger machine, but I still think 1000bf packs will be on the edge of its operating capacity. I'd go with the bigger machine unless you know for a fact that 75 will do the job.

[KenMac]

Is it possible for you to demo a SVL75 to see for yourself how you like it? Most dealers have some available for rent or demo for this purpose. 

[barbender]

I would definitely demo or rent the machine that you're thinking about purchasing.