B3030 question

[Jethro]

A buddy of mine is thinking a bout buying a B3030 HSD with a 4-1 loader. I know there have been fender issues with the BX series. Are there any gripes out there about the B3030? I have read some complaints about the seat.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

the seat is not the most comfortable, but other than that... not really. The cracking fender is a chronic problem (that has been fixed, there is a new fender and they are all being fixed under warrenty). There are no real chronic issues like this with the B's.

 

[Sully2]

A buddy of mine is thinking a bout buying a B3030 HSD with a 4-1 loader. I know there have been fender issues with the BX series. Are there any gripes out there about the B3030? I have read some complaints about the seat.

Only things Ive see written is the seat situation..as noted..and that SOME....SOME FEL's arent on "square" ( meaning properly) so that one side of the bucket doesnt touch the ground when the other side at front does.?? Not many it seems...but still??

I have had NO problems with my own.

 

[Wally01]

I've only put on about 10 hours on my B3030 but am loving it. When I first sat on the seat at the dealer the forward tilt was quite noticable but I decided I'd modify the mount. I didn't get around to doing it yet but it has not been an issue with comfort so far - I only weigh 175 lbs. The seat arms are flimsy though when used for getting into the seat. The extendable 3 pt hitch arms are nice - easier to change implements than on the 1954 Ford NAA. I guess the Ford should be considered a "premium tractor" as the 3 pt hitch has position control. Who ever purchased the Ford in 1954 sure could have saved a lot of money if the tractor could have come with a 1/4 inching valve - sorry but that's the cynic in me. I'm a big believer in knowing as much as you can about the product before actually buying it, which makes TBN an invaluable resource. I too had read the post about the unequal lifting arms on the 403 loader but made sure that my dealer verified that this problem was not present on my tractor prior to delivery. I think the more you care, the more they care. If the B3030 is the right size for you, I think you'll enjoy it.

 

[cart99]

80 hours on mine and absolutely no complaints and no regrets!

 

[lawn_king]

B3030 HSDC here, 1 year old, 150 hours all serious work hours (business) the seat sux, other than that its a great machine, lots to like about the B3030.

 

[lil_country]

I'm lovin it!

 

[alchemysa]

The main problem will be that you're going to hate the fact that he's got a 4in1 and you haven't.

 

[Jethro]

The main problem will be that you're going to hate the fact that he's got a 4in1 and you haven't.

You know me too well. I am still strugling with buying a fel for the B1550. You got the hot set up buying it already set up. At this point it is hard for me to justify spending $3500-4k on a fel with 4-1 on an 18 hp tractor that I will likley upgrade some day.

Anyway, getting back on topic, thanks for all of the feedback. I realyed all of your feedback to him this AM and he was very grateful. I think he will go ahead with the purchase. He seems to be the only person who doesn't know that yet. Everyone else that knows him is just waiting for him to pull the trigger.

 

[Jethro]

Jees... I feel like I'm making excuses to a counsellor..."um...I have this friend who has this problem. It isn't me...it's a friend of mine. Anyway he was wondering..."

 

[KubotaOne]

Jees... I feel like I'm making excuses to a counsellor..."um...I have this friend who has this problem. It isn't me...it's a friend of mine. Anyway he was wondering..."

Lift capacity is not a problem. I can still lift a full bucket of gravel without trouble.

 

[Jethro]

Lift capacity is not a problem. I can still lift a full bucket of gravel without trouble.

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like he will be good to go.

 

[alchemysa]

You know me too well. I am still strugling with buying a fel for the B1550. You got the hot set up buying it already set up. At this point it is hard for me to justify spending $3500-4k on a fel with 4-1 on an 18 hp tractor that I will likley upgrade some day.

Anyway, getting back on topic, thanks for all of the feedback. I realyed all of your feedback to him this AM and he was very grateful. I think he will go ahead with the purchase. He seems to be the only person who doesn't know that yet. Everyone else that knows him is just waiting for him to pull the trigger.

Jethro. $4000! Eeek! no wonder its a tough decision. Heres a few pro's and cons.

The 4-in-1 is definitely heavier - including hydraulics, mine is 3 to 4 times heavier than some of the standard buckets I've seen, so I suppose lifting power must be reduced, but so far that hasnt been a problem for me as I havent had to move any heavy sand or gravel. For lifting dirt it's got plenty of power although one minor gripe with mine is that it doesnt seem to curl back as far as i would like. The weight of the bucket is perhaps more of a concern with regards to rear wheel spin. I've got a backhoe and a flat block so I dont have much of problem, otherwise I think you would want some extra weight on the back for sure - especially if you have turf tyres. On the other hand a bit of extra weight up front does have some advantages if you are trying to squash a pile of rubbish or dragging back (using 'float') to level some dirt. Of course youve got more plumbing to potenially go wrong.

The advantages of the 4-in-1 are huge. For cleaning up scrub its amazing. Even my little B1550 rips out and carries big bushes and small trees with ease. The grapple drags big rocks, branches and awkward lightweight rubbish back into the bucket that would otherwise be impossible (for me) to scoop up. The grader blade is good for levelling dirt piles or cutting into tough, turf covered soil (but its an art to do it smoothly - one that I havent mastered.). With the grapple fully opened, and the bucket in a slight dump position, it gives you an extra 3 feet of reach and height which is handy if you are pushing into scrub or tidying up or compressing a rubbish pile. The extra reach keeps your front tyres and radiator (and you) away from branches, sharp rubbish etc. The opening bucket also makes dumping stuff onto high piles easier, or for dumping over the side of a high sided trailer.

These are just some of the advantages of the 4in1. The more I use it, the more tricks I learn, and the more I like it. $4000 is a lot of dough but I'm sure you'll love the extra productivity especially if yours is a 'work' tractor. (How many new Bobcats do you see these days with an ordinary bucket?). Hopefully your friend will buy the B3030 with the 4-in-1 and you'll be able to give it a good 'test' workout.