Downsized from L4630 to B3030: expensive mistake!

[dstig1]

Go bigger. I have the L3130 - previous series, but same model essentially as the 3240 (smallest engine). I am looking to upgrade, and my use sounds a lot like yours with brush, trees, logging, plus snow. I would do the 4740... Not enough power in the base engine, IMHO.

 

[Boondox]

Go bigger. I have the L3130 - previous series, but same model essentially as the 3240 (smallest engine). I am looking to upgrade, and my use sounds a lot like yours with brush, trees, logging, plus snow. I would do the 4740... Not enough power in the base engine, IMHO.

Two problems with that, Dave. First, it's simply out of price range. Getting the 4740 would take every bit of discretionary cash we have for the next five years, leaving nothing for emergencies like home repairs, new appliances, vacations, etc. Secondly, even with the ROPS folded down it it taller than the opening of my garage, so all the implements would have to be stored outside in our often nasty New England weather, all the maintenance performed crawling in the dirt/mud/snow...and it wouldn't fit back by the sheep pens so we'd have to muck by hand. Not my favorite task.

I would be more comfortable with the next size up: same body but another 5hp, but can't find one unless I move up to the L60 longhorn series which is a lot more $$$

 

[Egon]

Good morning Pete. Tractor eh!

An off the wall suggestion but maybe an Ox for the wife is in order. Should have lots of pulling power. Or, a nicely paired set of light draft horses. They would have the advantage of quiet relaxing sled and buggy tours of the surrounding country side. Added benefit the wife would never go near the tractor with a few more animals to take care of! ( spoil )

 

[MarkV]

Hi Pete, nice to see you on the site again. I love the photo of Barley with his goggles.

MarkV

 

[HappyOne]

I had a L4350 for 15 years then got an L3430HSTC last year. I thought I finally I was finally satisfied. After using the L3430 for a year, I can see that the extra weight and 10 hp makes a huge difference for pushing, digging dragging and just about everything you use a tractor for. The Cab and AC is NICE but I still get on the L4350 if any real work needs done.

I would keep watching the used market. Something perfect may show up soon.

 

[bandit67]

Don't know how much time you have on that B3030, but I wonder if the extra 2hp on that much bigger & heavier machine will feel way too underpowered to you. A 3540 might be a better "compromise" and still fit within your price range.

Also, at this point, I think you'd be well served to start searching outside your area for a machine, if you haven't yet. Might even call the dealer I've bought my 2 Kubotas from (see signature). They were a lot cheaper than any of my local dealers for one thing, and the other big thing was that the local dealers couldn't locate the machine I wanted. I'm all about supporting local businesses, but I certainly wasn't about to give up on the machine I wanted just because the local dealers weren't able to get it for me. Part of the reason was because I was looking when Kubota was making a model change, similar to the situation you're in.