Buying a L3010HST

JayinNH · Apr 6, 2001

Hi Guys,
I've been looking ,driving and pricing Kubota tractors for about 5 months. For my price range the L3010 looks right for me. I was given a price of $20,000 for r4 tires ,land pride 6' rake and a 7' rear blade. We have horses and 15 acres. After a couple of year down the road I plan on purchasing a backhoe, posthole ,and a bush hog. Is this machine have what it takes for this kind of work or should I wait and purchase a larger tractor? Possibly a L3710 or larger? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Boondox · Apr 6, 2001

Well, I've only had my L3010 for a couple of months now, but I'm sure satisfied with the power having traded up from a B1750. Haven't used the PTO yet, since my world is still covered with snow.

That said, I would have gone for the 3710 if only it would have fit in my garage. Clementine (my bota) has only about 4" to spare.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

JayinNH · Apr 6, 2001

Pete,
If you are satisfied with the 3010 why would you upgrade her? Do you think you will need more power? What do you intend to use her for?

Boondox · Apr 6, 2001

More HP, especially at the PTO. Greater hydraulic output. More weight. But it's a tradeoff. The 3010 is a great tractor at a great price point. In the end I went for something that fit in the garage and saved $$$ for implements

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

john_bud · Apr 6, 2001

Jay,
I have a L3410 HST that I bought with the factory R4's, (liquid filled), folding ROPS and the Kubota front end loader and I paid about 18,500 (not counting tax...). You may still have some room to negotiate, unless the rake and blade are more valuable than the FEL. There are many levels of quality and cost in implements, so they could be. (But I doubt it /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif)

As far as power and quality, the machine is great on both counts. I need to sneak between trees as my primary chore, so I didn't want to go too large on size.

In my opinion, the reason to get a larger tractor (aside from the obvious macho ones /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif) is to allow the use of larger implements. Larger means faster, and faster means more acreage worked. That's real important for a farmer that has very limited time to plant and harvest.

I live on 15 acres, and if that was the only land I tractor'ed on, I would save some money and get the slightly smaller "B" series. From what I have learned on this forum, they are very capable tractors! They do every thing the larger "L" series does, only in smaller bites. So, I guess I would vote that the 3010 is going to be more than adequate for your needs./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Bigger is better, but few people finish mow with the "M" series!

As they say, your milage may vary!
Have fun and let us know what you finally choose.
John Bud

Joeinindy · Apr 7, 2001

I also have a L3410HST and so far I'm very pleased with everything about it. Like everyone said "you lose traction before power" and they were right. I paid $20,000 for mine with FEL, HD bucket, folding ROP's, Ag's, ballast in tires, 6' cutter, 6' rear blade. The power at the PTO seems more than enough for anything I'd need.

AndyR · Apr 7, 2001

Don't know where you are in NH but Chappell Tractor had a couple of low hour used tractors last week. I bought a backhoe off of one (3600 w/cab) that had only 10 hours in 2 years! If you think you might be getting into any squishy stuff I would consider the ags over the R4s (but not if you are doing lawns). With the ags and chains I run out of power before I run into wheel slip. Also, the 3710 will allow you to go to a larger backhoe (like a woods 9500). You maight also consider a Worksaver rake - I found one that was every bit as heavy as the Landpride but a definite savings.

Andy in NH

JayinNH · Apr 7, 2001

John,
That pricing on the L3010HST of $20,000 included the LA481 loader with the 66" bucket.Do you think this price is still high? Out of Chappell Tractor, Mears Tractor and Elliot Maine Garage, Mears had the best price. Since I live in NH I don't pay any tax . (right now anyways)

john_bud · Apr 7, 2001

Jay,

If 20K includes the FEL and the attachments, you are right in the ball park. (I'd still ask for a hat and the service book) Now go out there and buy, somebody has to stimulate the economy so my stocks go back up!

John Bud

JayinNH · Apr 7, 2001

John,
I couldn't possibly take the maiden voyage without a hat. I'm glad that you think I'm in the ball park. I was starting to worry until you brought up the FEL. For all around use does it make a differnce what size and duty bucket you buy. If you could provide me with some pros and cons I would appreciate it. We have a small farm. I would probably do some earth moving, Stone walls, cutting trees, and general landscaping. We purchased the house knowing there was going to be a good deal of yard work.
Thanks for the help,
Jay

JayinNH · Apr 8, 2001

Andy,
They told me $800 for the landpride rake. What would the worksaver rake run? I haven't been able to find any at dealerships. Is that a special order?
Jay

JayinNH · Apr 8, 2001

Andy,
They told me $800 for the landpride rake. What would the worksaver rake run? I haven't been able to find any at dealerships. Is that a special order?
Jay

AndyR · Apr 8, 2001

I got my Worksaver rake from Dick at Intervale Hardware in Wilton. Nice and heavy with gauge wheels optional. Cost was $598.

Andy in NH

Anonymous Poster · Apr 8, 2001

I have a new 8' Leinbach HD rake for sale for $480. I'll try to borrow a digital camera and post a picture if you're interested.

{I also have a 7' and it's easier to maneuver through the woods connecting our properties.}/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JayinNH · Apr 9, 2001

John,
If you could get me a picture of the rake before Friday that would be great. I'll probably buy my tractor this Fri. I'm interested in the 7' if you could get me a picture.Thanks
Jay

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2001

Hi Jay,

No, I want to keep the "7 foot".Sorry.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I bought the 8' new @ an auction last year for $480...when I couldn't go through the woods easily, I then bought the 7'.

I would only recommend the larger 8' if you have flat open spaces, definitely not anything confined.

JayinNH · Apr 9, 2001

Hi John,
I think I really need a 6' rake. The 8' will be too big for my needs. (even the 7' now that I think of it). I have some steep hils and a couple of tight areas. Even though I will have to make more passes I think the time behind the wheel will improve my skills. Do you use your tractor for commercial or just residential? I have been told that the bigger rakes are a favorite for landscapers. Are the larger rakes built tougher? Are the smaller more for finish work?
Jay

JayinNH · Apr 9, 2001

John,John,Andy,Pete,
Did you guys buy your tractors primarily for Residential use or Commercial use? Also, Do you guys follow the recommended maintence provided by kubota or do you follow your instinct?
Jay

AndyR · Apr 9, 2001

Yes and Yes

(Residential use and follow Kubota's maint. sched. plus whatever makes sense - 'course TBN is a running reference). I try to buy the best tool I can afford for the particular job at hand, that way far fewer problems and it always leaves future directions open...

Andy in NH

JayinNH · Apr 9, 2001

Andy,
TBN for me is like training wheels on a bike. You guys have given me great pointers(Support) as well as the informational literature provided by TBN.I found this web site on Fri of last week and spent about 15 - 20 hours reading and and asking questions. This site is great for a beginner like myself who has had limited hours on a tractor. Thanks again.
Jay