3130 or 3830?

[CLinton_in_FL]

Is the extra Hp worth the extra price?

 

[sanmigmike]

Thanks for posting this, I am wondering the same thing, depending upon the dealer it will cost be about $2200 to move up there for more hp, slightly longer wheel base and bigger tires..... Is it worth it? One dealer tends to think no and the others point out it gets you above 30hp PTO and opens up a few bigger inplements.

 

[texbaylea]

I did not think so for my situation. The L3130 is a very good and useful machine.

Vernon

 

[lowdownbooty]

why not split the difference with the L3430?

jEFF

 

[Henro]

I think you need to post more about what your particular needs are. It could be that even a 3130 size tractor is too big...or that a 3830 is too small, in the opinion of those here with experience to share.

How many acres are you dealing with (as compared to owning) You could own a lot of natural forrest that you won't touch for example, and only want to maintain a few acres with the tractor. OR, you might want to work a hundred acres...

Myself, if I were in need of a L series size tractor, I would probably spring for the 3830, IF I could afford it without too much budget pain.

Part of the reason is probably that I am spoiled as far as power to weight ratio, owning a B2910. This is only a guess, but the L3830 may approach the same ratio as I am used to now.

Think this out carefully. It costs a lot to buy a new tractor, but it costs even more and hurts more to do it over a second time I would bet. Not that you(or I) would do it over.

"I wish I would have..." also hurts a little too, as the years go by... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[_RaT_]

I was about to purchase the L3130 HST about 1.5 years ago. I had owned a L48 prior to that. Two dealers mentioned I might be a bit underwhelmed by the power of the L3130 in the HST version and to consider the L3830 if HST was my desire. I ended up doing just that. Was it necessary? Maybe. Do I run out of power with the L3830 HST? At times. Is it a problem? Not really. I think I could have made do with the L3130. The L3830 besides having a larger engine in both stroke and bore, a little larger tires, also has a little different gear ratio in L-M-H ranges and a little more lift capacity on the 3 pt hitch. My neighbor just purchased a L3830 HST with a 72" Brush Hog. In using it to cut some very tall, wet and very dense grass, it really worked the tractor. Of course, using HST makes it quite simple since once you develop the ability to take advantage of all it has to offer, controlling your cut speed is a snap. On occasion, it was so heavy it required a complete stop to cut and do a little "digesting" of the grass. I don't think the L3130 would have done the job nearly as fast with a 72" brush mower, but then, once you get it cut to size, the next cut is much easier.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

I am in the same boat CLinton, I will probably get a 3130 due to the budget but if I could muster up another $2200 or even $3400 I would go with the 3830 or 4330. We will see come March. If I get a good refund on my taxes I may be able to upgrade.

steve

 

[_RaT_]

In retrospect, my opinion would be that if your going to be doing considerable mowing, get the L3830. If your doing a combination of stuff and minor mowing, the L3130 should be fine. I would add that the L3130 in GST or shuttle would be beneficial if your budget just can't spring for the L3830 and your doing a considerable amount of mowing. I have HST on my L3830 and a 84" finish mower. The combination works very well. My neighbor has a L3830 HST with a 72" brush hog and in tall grass, there is no question that low and slow speed is key. Anyway you look at it, the primary difference between the L3130 and L3830 is going to be a difference in the speed you can run mowers, tillers etc. If that is not a concern, the L3130 should really work well for you.

 

[Theowegian]

Do you think the fuel consumption is a lot greater with the 3830 compared to the 3130?

Have you heard anything along those lines?

I have a 3130 and the fuel consumption, to me, is excellent!
dwight

 

[_RaT_]

I seems to be about 10 gallons for 10 hours of use or 1 gallon an hour. When I think about what happens in an hours time with $2.00 worth of fuel, it is pretty cheap. It also makes a huge difference if I'm mowing which eats the most and using the loader which seems to use the least. I would guess the fuel usage difference would not be huge between the two.

 

[philc]

I'm also in Florida and looking at a 3130, 3430 or 3830. My application is only field mowing and I have about 14 acres or so. I'd like to get an 84" finish mower for it and have two questions:

1. You are happy with the 84" on the 3830. How well a fit do you think it is with the two smaller units?

2. How well do they hold their value, compared to each other? If one is a better resale value (ignoring initial purchase price difference), it may be a better overall value.

TIA.

 

[_RaT_]

I don't know! My 84" finish mower (Landpride) works very well on my L3830 HST. I would like to see how much difference there would be on the L3130. I suspect that my biggest difference would be going up my hills and of course in taller wet grass. I think if your grass is routinely cut, you should have no problems. Resale, I think both tractors would be very comparable respective of their initial price. I would not want anything smaller then a 84". I really like mine. The belt has been through 3 seasons now and does not even begin to show signs of wear. I'm on the second set of blades.