Considering the L3130 for dual role - please advise!!!

[Veranidae]

I perceive the L3130 HST 4wd will effectively augment the KX161-3 on residential lots. Will it be sufficient for use on our often unforgiving terrain in New Hampshire, when necessary? At the same time, is it too heavy for regular grounds maintenance? Would the New Holland TC35DA, equipped with SuperSteer, make more sense? It's crunch time, and I'd love some feedback. I would prefer the Kubota, but fit,form, and function are critical. Thank you.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Perhaps you might consider the L3400hst? It is much lighter than the L3130, and more powerful.

 

[Scott in IN]

My L3400 (loader and loaded R4 tires) is too heavy to run in my yard. Talk about ruts-a-plenty.

FWIW...

 

[Theowegian]

The L3130 is about 1000 lbs more compared to the B3030. Why not consider the B3030? Same HP but lighter. I have the L3130 and like the weight since I dont care about the yard. I really dont think the L3130 is too heavy, tho. I think either the L3130 or the TC35 is near perfect for grounds work.

 

[slowzuki]

More powerful pto, woefully less powerful loader options.

A 3130 w/723 loader would be a good combo to the escavator (I think thats the model number you gave) but you may wish to put it on turfs.

My 5030 HSTC with loaded rears is fine on lawns in 2wd and dry weather. It will tear stuff to pieces in wet weather with 4wd engaged. The 3130 would be similar.

Perhaps you might consider the L3400hst? It is much lighter than the L3130, and more powerful.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I sell both the Kubota and New Holland. I would avoid the TC35 its a bit of a dog. You'll be much happier with the TC40 or 45. Same goes for the L-series. An extra $1400 or so for the L3430 will be well spent. In a construction type application its usually good to avoid the lowest HP model on a given frame size.

 

[slowzuki]

Oh well power wise I find my 5030 not big enough to keep up with a 5 ton class mini escavator. It can dig out rocks I can't pick up, I can't keep up back filling behind it on trenching work. Throw some water in and I can hardly move in ground it doesn't notice is even wet.

I sell both the Kubota and New Holland. I would avoid the TC35 its a bit of a dog. You'll be much happier with the TC40 or 45. Same goes for the L-series. An extra $1400 or so for the L3430 will be well spent. In a construction type application its usually good to avoid the lowest HP model on a given frame size.

 

[LSUalum]

My L3400 (loader and loaded R4 tires) is too heavy to run in my yard. Talk about ruts-a-plenty.

FWIW...

Do any of you with L3130s feel it may be too heavy for a lawn ( for mowing)?

 

[kbiddle]

I have a 3830 that I mow with and I dont not have any real issues with it.
Kevin

 

[Ben3130]

I don't consider my 3130 to be too heavy for yard mowing, assuming the ground is relatively dry and you have at least R4's, and use 2wd whereever possible. I think any Grand-L series will leave significant impressions or ruts if the ground is wet, just from their sheer weight. I have R1 tires, so I don't do finish mowing (I have a riding lawn mower), but I drive across my yard all the time when the ground is dry. As long as I am careful about how I drive, I don't do any real damage to the yard (the grass pops back up in couple of days).

I do not know anyone with a tractor of the Grand-L size with turf tires, but most people don't seem to have any problems with yard work using R4s, as long as they are somewhat careful.

For your dual purpose mode, I would definitely check out a 3130 with R4s. They are intended to be a good middle ground between turfs and ags. I think you would find the turf tires lacking in traction when working on the 'unforgiving' terrain you speak of.

Even though it is 'smallest' of the Grand-L line, I have never had a complaint about the power of my 3130. I even made the mistake of buying it with the LA513 loader, but it still performs well for my needs. I can lift over 1,000 lbs with it no problem. I would recommend going with the 723 loader if you can afford it because of the four point linkage on the bucket (greater range of motion) and of course the higher capacities.