Bought a new B3030HSDC today

[brandoro]

The new tractor won't be ready until next week, I wanted the rear remotes which had to be ordered. Also getting the FEL, which they have, and a Landpride quick hitch. Looks like I will get it just in time for milder weather. The last couple of times I was out on the old tractor with the snow blower in -20C (~0F) temps and gusty winds is what tipped me over the edge. I had been doing not bad trying to convince myself that having a heated cab wasn't that important up until then. We haven't had much snow the past month or so until last Thursday.
Looking forward to it anyway and have been reading up on Waxman's custom work for whenever I might have enough spare time to indulge in some of that.
I'll have to make sure I can attach the BH, the guy who runs the local store mentioned he needs some trenching done. The last time I did a little dirt work for him I had steaks to BBQ for the rest of the summer, can't pass on a deal like that.
Just realized that I will need a new photo for my avatar.

 

[johnk]

Good luck with the new machine. At times I wish I had a cab but working in the woods alot I think there would be a lot of broken glass. The heat and AC will be a real gift when needed....

 

[brandoro]

Spending time in the woods is one of the things that was holding me back. I'll have to be a lot more careful with the cab than I was with the ROPS. I opened up some trails last summer so have a good start but am planning on going through with the pruning saw to improve the overhead clearances.

 

[srs]

The last couple of times I was out on the old tractor with the snow blower in -20C (~0F) temps and gusty winds is what tipped me over the edge.

Here in northern Maryland we just got a few inches of snow a couple of weeks ago. It has been a really mild winter. I have the B3030 cabbed tractor and I was out plowing my driveway and the neighbor's driveways and all I had on was a flannel shirt and jeans. The wind was kicking up pretty good and there was quite a bit of drifting and it was nice to have that glass between you and the snow/wind. Since this was the first time I plowed with the 3030 I had to adjust the heat because it got too warm inside the tractor. I even opened both rear side windows to help keep the windows from steaming up. I was able to fine tune the heat but my 3030 sure does put the heat out. I remember years past plowing out what we call a blizzard in an open tractor (B1550) and it got to be quite miserable in freezing temperatures, especially my toes. Not anymore. Enjoy!!

 

[brandoro]

When I took the B3030HSDC for a test drive around the dealer's lot it didn't even have the FEL on it yet so really couldn't make it work at all but, even with no load it soon became comfortable in the cab. With a load like a snowblower I expect it will put out as much heat as required to keep me warm and comfy.
I think the cab will be good when using the flail mower too, even though the flail keeps most of the cuttings down the odd piece has jumped up and kissed me on the cheek. Nothing has penetrated but made me quite happy that I had my glasses on.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I don't think there is any reason why working in the woods would necessarily cause broken glass. I did break a glass door on my rig last year due to being in a hurry. I was doing something where I had to get in and out of the cab a lot, so I was cheating by leaving the door open. I was rolling slowly and the edge of the door just touched my log splitter before I could stop it and kaboom - 1,000,000 safety glass shards. Anyway it took an hour and a half of my labor to replace it and $259. Lesson learned - don't have the doors open when the machine is moving.

I don't mow with mine, but it would be great at keeping all in the crap in the air out of the cab plus the air conditioning is nice

In terms of warmth. I have been out when it was -15F and after a while I was turning down the heat and fan. You should get the factory block heater installed. I think it was only $50.

 

[lawn_king]

One thing you dont hear 3030 owners brag about is the turning radius, they turn on a dime!

 

[brandoro]

The block heater is already installed. I wouldn't have a diesel engine here without one. Even though I have a shop I can heat, it isn't always heated and the tractor isn't always in it.
The front mount snow blower is next on my wish list. I can make do with the old 3pt blower for now, spring is nearly here. Have to figure out something for the chute rotator.
I'm not too worried about breaking windows out in the woods but am concerned about wiping off lights and mirrors and generally scratching things up. Good point about not moving the tractor with the doors open, they are close enough to the ground to catch on things.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I'm not too worried about breaking windows out in the woods but am concerned about wiping off lights and mirrors and generally scratching things up.

I definitely agree, that is an issue.

 

[laen64]

Congratulations on the new toy. I wish you much success and do Grill a steak or two for us all.

 

[brandoro]

One thing you dont hear 3030 owners brag about is the turning radius, they turn on a dime!

One of the things that I didn't like about the B7610 was that it was difficult to use the wheel brakes to tighten a turn in close quarters while keeping a little forward movement with the hydrostatic. On occasion I would have to reach down and push a brake pedal with my hand while keeping a little foot pressure on the hydrostatic pedal. With the different style cruise on the B3030 I'm thinking that will not be an issue.

 

[JJZ 109]

To keep my B3030HSDC from steaming up when blowing snow I keep the heat up and run the air conditioner to dry out the air. I am in it for about four hours on most storms but this keeps the windows clear. Sometimes I do have to open a window to let some heat out.

But after a few years of operating a 60 inch rear blower with a no cab JD 790, this will be a good problem to have with my new B3030 HSDCC.
Of course since I brought it home a few weeks ago, there hasn't been a flake of snow. In fact yesterday I removed the blower for the season and threw the ballast box on for spring stuff before lawn mowing season arrives.

 

[brandoro]

The salesman from the dealership called, the tractor is ready. I'll check it out tomorrow and make sure everything is as agreed before I take delivery and turn over the B7610.
Murphy must be laughing, I also got a call from a company I have done work for in the past to see if I am available to go to one of their sites to deal with a problem that came up. They will let me know by Friday. Sounds about right, delivery of new tractor followed imediately by work far, far away.
On the bright side, they might pay me enough to cover the cost of the front mount snow blower.