Is the XR3135 really worth it?

[Cramblit26]

All valid points. Although I'm not sure that i can justify the added cost. My dealer and myself went over a few tractor combinations last night, and he did point out the cab on multiple machines. But would throw in the number of or types of implements that I could get in lieu of the cab, which I thought was a very valid point. Honestly, I think I might try to make a removable cab. In the last year, I've upgraded my fabricating equipment and I think if I'm patient enough, it should turn out decent.

Also, I walked out of the dealership last night with a very decent quote on a XG3140. So that might very well be the direction I end up going.

 

[Scottw32]

I have an XR3135C, and just like the rest of these guys are saying the cab and the seat when you find yourself putting in long hours on it are well worth the added cost. On those days I have to plow snow it stays t-shirt comfortable in that cab while my neighbors are bundled up like snowmen!
I use the added ports in the rear year round for top and tilt on my box blade and plan on adding a 3 point snowblower next year using the ports for the rotate and angle of the the snow-shoot. This tractor has spoiled me!

 

[shooterdon]

If you decide to build a cab, insure the doors or windows are easily removable. They are little greenhouses in the sun.

I intend to keep my machine for the rest of my life (late 60's now). The $4k additional cost will not be much per year for the advantages gained. But I understand the need to stay in budget.

As to the all the implements you can add in lieu of a cab, consider making do without the "nice to have" until you save more money. They can always be added down the road or in some cases borrowed from a neighbor for occasional use.

One last thing. Have your wife drive both types. There will be times she may need to get the work done and having her on board with the decision is important. In my case, getting the larger cabbed tractor was a no brainer after my fiancé drove both and realized she would be using it too. It did cost me a $200 radio that she wanted if she was going to spend much time in it...LOL.

 

[PJSprog]

One last thing. Have your wife drive both types.

I can't disagree with this at all. My Wife loves to work with tools, and taking her to the dealer to test drive one helped the sale go through that day. When it was delivered, she was the first to jump in and take it for a spin, asking all kinds of questions about what all the controls do. She uses it nearly as much as I do, moving landscaping and plant materials. And, since women tend to outlive us, she'll probably be using it longer than me.

 

[Nate71]

A couple things I noticed that were important to me when I bought the xr3135h, beyond the seat, was the larger platform around my feet and most importantly was the fuel tank location. I have to keep fuel in 5 gallon cans. I didn't want to lift them up that high behind the seat when I turn 70.

 

[3gunr]

I own 4 tractors and none are Ls. But i just talked my buddy into buying a new xr4140hst because of what you get for your money, my next tractor will be an Ls.

 

[Croomrider]

I bought an XR3135H and I think all of the extras you get with it are well worth the extra money. For me one of the biggest was the adjust-ability of the seat. Not only is it a much nicer seat which absorbs bumps by riding up and down on adjustable spring tension, but it also has arm rests and moves back a lot further for longer legs since the gas tank is not directly behind it. Other features include an adjustable steering wheel, a fender mounted loader joy stick, 2 rear remotes, lower gas tank, extendable lower links for 3pt hitch, lever to raise lower 3pt from back when attaching implements, cruise control, and maybe some others I've forgotten. According to the specs I think it is also a little heavier than the MT2xx, but I'm not sure. They are physically the same size. So far I love the tractor, and have no regrets. I did not need or want a cab.

 

[Doofy]

The right hand cab door is useless because of the fel control (unless you are a skinny contortionist). This also makes the RH step unnecessary but the location is a good spot to add a much needed tool box. The LH step is a little to narrow for both my boots at once (not agile enough to just use one foot and up). Lastly, the factory stereo speakers are totally lame and worthless (cheap and tinny sounding).

The rest of the tractor is near perfect.

 

[smartascii]

Maybe I use my tractor less than some of the others on here, but I have an XG3140, and I have never regretted saving the money over the nicer version. YMMV.

 

[hks003]

If I lived somewhere where I had to move snow in sub zero weather, a cab would be a must have, whether factory (with ac) or a removable one. I've lived in the south all my life, so heat and bugs are just part of the deal when outside, and my yard stays so wet in the winter time that the tractor doesn't move much so to keep the grass from being mud.

But, since it seems like you'll be dealing with snow, I'd say go for the cab. My guess would be getting a cab later would run you more than at the initial sale. Also, you can buy implements one at a time as you need them, so it's not like you have to go drop that extra $4k tomorrow.

As someone with the "base" model G3038, I could definitely use features like the standard rear remotes, gas tank location, loader controls location (although I think the newer XGs have them on the fender now), and fancy seat that the XRs have.