comparison L3830 vs L4630, fuel use question

FamilyFarm · May 16, 2006

I have narrowed my choices (unless I change my mind /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) for a larger tractor to the L3830 or the L4630. I can easily get by with the 3830 for the immediate future, but may go for the 4630 to hedge against future needs for larger capacity loader or larger capacity implements. Most of my use will be mowing (brush hog), but also box blade work on 600ft driveway, digging post holes, various landscaping projects with loader, box blade and landscape rake.
I'd appreciate any and all opinions regarding the best tractor to fit the needs. Other than initial costs, my other concern is fuel use. Can anyone give an accurate comparison of the fuel use between these two tractors? I realize one could arguably do the work faster with a more powerful tractor, but in my case I can't count on this. Much of the ground is pretty rough, so the speed of mowing may be limited more by that than the power of the tractor. I will regularly mow 7-8 acres (using rotary cutter as "finish" mower) and cut another 10 acres a few times a year.
Thanks for your help!
Terry

FamilyFarm · May 16, 2006

I have narrowed my choices (unless I change my mind /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) for a larger tractor to the L3830 or the L4630. I can easily get by with the 3830 for the immediate future, but may go for the 4630 to hedge against future needs for larger capacity loader or larger capacity implements. Most of my use will be mowing (brush hog), but also box blade work on 600ft driveway, digging post holes, various landscaping projects with loader, box blade and landscape rake.
I'd appreciate any and all opinions regarding the best tractor to fit the needs. Other than initial costs, my other concern is fuel use. Can anyone give an accurate comparison of the fuel use between these two tractors? I realize one could arguably do the work faster with a more powerful tractor, but in my case I can't count on this. Much of the ground is pretty rough, so the speed of mowing may be limited more by that than the power of the tractor. I will regularly mow 7-8 acres (using rotary cutter as "finish" mower) and cut another 10 acres a few times a year.
Thanks for your help!
Terry

Doc_Bob · May 16, 2006

( I have narrowed my choices (unless I change my mind /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) for a larger tractor to the L3830 or the L4630. I can easily get by with the 3830 for the immediate future, but may go for the 4630 to hedge against future needs for larger capacity loader or larger capacity implements. Most of my use will be mowing (brush hog), but also box blade work on 600ft driveway, digging post holes, various landscaping projects with loader, box blade and landscape rake.
I'd appreciate any and all opinions regarding the best tractor to fit the needs. Other than initial costs, my other concern is fuel use. Can anyone give an accurate comparison of the fuel use between these two tractors? I realize one could arguably do the work faster with a more powerful tractor, but in my case I can't count on this. Much of the ground is pretty rough, so the speed of mowing may be limited more by that than the power of the tractor. I will regularly mow 7-8 acres (using rotary cutter as "finish" mower) and cut another 10 acres a few times a year.
Thanks for your help!
Terry )

Buy what you need and don't worry about fuel use. Look at the cost of all the equipment. The cost of fuel is meaningless. Assume in 100 hours and you might save 1/4 gal/hr. 1/4 gal maybe an overestimate. That is 25 gallons or 75 dollars per 100 hrs. 75 cents an hour. IMO, this is peanuts in the total cost of running a tractor. If you need to save this kind of money, ride your bike to work everyday. I do. Or carpool.
Bob

Doc_Bob · May 16, 2006

( I have narrowed my choices (unless I change my mind /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) for a larger tractor to the L3830 or the L4630. I can easily get by with the 3830 for the immediate future, but may go for the 4630 to hedge against future needs for larger capacity loader or larger capacity implements. Most of my use will be mowing (brush hog), but also box blade work on 600ft driveway, digging post holes, various landscaping projects with loader, box blade and landscape rake.
I'd appreciate any and all opinions regarding the best tractor to fit the needs. Other than initial costs, my other concern is fuel use. Can anyone give an accurate comparison of the fuel use between these two tractors? I realize one could arguably do the work faster with a more powerful tractor, but in my case I can't count on this. Much of the ground is pretty rough, so the speed of mowing may be limited more by that than the power of the tractor. I will regularly mow 7-8 acres (using rotary cutter as "finish" mower) and cut another 10 acres a few times a year.
Thanks for your help!
Terry )

Buy what you need and don't worry about fuel use. Look at the cost of all the equipment. The cost of fuel is meaningless. Assume in 100 hours and you might save 1/4 gal/hr. 1/4 gal maybe an overestimate. That is 25 gallons or 75 dollars per 100 hrs. 75 cents an hour. IMO, this is peanuts in the total cost of running a tractor. If you need to save this kind of money, ride your bike to work everyday. I do. Or carpool.
Bob

grandad · May 16, 2006

You may use a bit more fuel with the bigger tractor, but not enough to make any real difference. The 4630 gets you into an excellent larger capacity FEL. If you expect to be doing any extensive work with the loader, the 4630 might be a good step up. Otherwise, the 3830 is a really great all-around tractor for the acreage and work you described.

grandad · May 16, 2006

You may use a bit more fuel with the bigger tractor, but not enough to make any real difference. The 4630 gets you into an excellent larger capacity FEL. If you expect to be doing any extensive work with the loader, the 4630 might be a good step up. Otherwise, the 3830 is a really great all-around tractor for the acreage and work you described.

jmc · May 16, 2006

Sorry to muddy the water but there has been at least one thread on the L4630 vs the L4330. As i recall, several people couldn't justify the cost difference when comparing them on paper.

John

jmc · May 16, 2006

Sorry to muddy the water but there has been at least one thread on the L4630 vs the L4330. As i recall, several people couldn't justify the cost difference when comparing them on paper.

John

CDsdad · May 16, 2006

I'm going 3830, eventually. Have been comparing for a year, and for the money, 3830 fits better. More loader is better on 4630, but I'll never push the limits of either one. Several dealers here don't even stock 4630, reasoning that most folks will go to the 5030 if 4330 isn't enough, they will locate or order a 4630, though. FWIW.

CDsdad · May 16, 2006

I'm going 3830, eventually. Have been comparing for a year, and for the money, 3830 fits better. More loader is better on 4630, but I'll never push the limits of either one. Several dealers here don't even stock 4630, reasoning that most folks will go to the 5030 if 4330 isn't enough, they will locate or order a 4630, though. FWIW.