JD 3320 over JD 4115 Kubota B7800/B3030, NH TC29DA

[Wolf_Bo]

First of all - this is a great site. I just wish it were easier to post and that the subject line wasn't so short.

Given how much this site has helped me, I felt I should post my decision process.

I sold a Kubota B8200 with a FEL (49" bucket) and a Backhoe (6')

I wanted a tractor with a hydro transmission and where its easier to switch implements. For example, I often wanted to remove the backhoe so I could tow a trailer around my property.

I planned on comparing the Kubota B7800 to the JD 4115. More on my decision process below....

Manufacturers Websites:

Kubota - ok, but not great
NH - terrible. The first choice is Construction vs Agricultural. then I need to select the region of the world. After 5 minutes I finally found something that resembled what I cared about. The website certainly didn't help me feel confident in considering NH and when a consumer is ready to spend $25,000 - $30,000, that's a terrible reflection on the company.
JD - very informative. I like the Excel spreadsheet comparison. I was even considering a used unit so the machinefinder.com link was great. I would have liked a lot more pictures from all angles including the top. The lack of pictures made it hard for me to analyze the operator station of the 4115 and my local dealer never has one to sit on. I ended up spending a lot of time looking at pictures on ebay and other sites.

Dealers:

I'm located in Southwestern Connecticut and dealers for all three manufacturers are close.

Kubota - The one with the biggest selection which allowed me to sit on serveral units and analyze. I didn't like the fact that they only sell the B7800 with a Woods backnoe. The way the Woods backhoe is mounted makes it hard to get on and off and my application (homeowner doing landscaping on my own property) calls for lots of getting on and off the unit.
JD - The only new unit I ever got to sit on is a 3320. I've gone by several evenings and sat on units that must be there for service. The guy behind the counter is somewhat helpful, but doesn't seem to appreciate that fact that he's making at $25 - $30k sale
NH - Some units on hand. A reasonably informed dealer.

Tractors:

Kubota B7800 - a reasonably sized operator station even for a guy my size (6'2" 235 pounds). But I don't like it with the Woods backhoe (see comment above)
Kubota B 3030 - I don't like the footpedals on the hydro at all. I felt like I wouldn't be able to work with this unit for more than 5 minutes before my ankle would hurt. A remarkably unnatural configuration.
JD 4115 - All I have are pictures and specs. Because of my size, I want to know that the operator station is large enough to get on and off easily. The size of the unit is most similar to the Kubota B8200 I'm looking to replace.
NH TC29DA - a pretty nice unit from all appearances. In the end took NH and Kubota off my list because JD has the most implements. I may install a MMM and I've got my eye on the Hydraulic Material Collection System (given the price of this attachment, thank god I don't have a girl on the side or a drinking problem).

JD 3320 vs JD 4115

I finally decided that I'd buy the JD 3320 with just the FEL. It's scheduled to arrive next week. I'm going to give myself 30-60 days with it and then decide whether its too big for my application or not. If not, I'll order the 448 backhoe (more than I need, but probably has better resale and the 447). If its too big, I think I can sell it without taking too big a hit and I'll order the 4115 or the replacement for it (coming out in August?) with the FEL and the backhoe.

I hope this helps...

 

[rockyridgefarm]

That is a fantastic setup!

One suggestion is to price adding the backhoe (or at least the backhoe setup - power beyond and mounting hardware) now vs. later there may be a savings in expense. Besides adding it later will mean taking your machine back in for the install and being without it... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

You may find it is no difference and be just as well adding it later, that's OK

The mount that Deere uses for the 447/448 is amazing. You can EASILY remove the hoe or put it back on in less than 10 minutes. I love mine.

The 447 won't go on a 4020 series, so it definately does limit future possibilities. Other than that it is a great setup.

 

[Steve_Miller]

Great post, I like how you explained everything you were looking for. It will sure help other along the way. Congratulations on your purchase, hope it works out to your advantage.

Steve

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( this is a great site. I just wish it were easier to post )</font> /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Wolf_Bo,
I had no idea it was such a chore to post. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[hobbyfarm]

Wolf_Bo,
BTW,
Welcome to TBN. PLease don't forget to fill in your profile. It helps get you answers that mean something to you. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( In the end took NH and Kubota off my list because JD has the most implements. )</font>

That's a shame, especially since most of the implements are from independent souces anyway.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I may install a MMM and I've got my eye on the Hydraulic Material Collection System (given the price of this attachment, thank god I don't have a girl on the side or a drinking problem). )</font>

Wolf_Bo,
In my experience getting rid of the grass clippings just means another pass or two shreds them so small they are hard to find anyway. Besides, leaving the clippings on the lawn is better for the grass. Save your money and get more goodies! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

See? We don't know if maybe you're a golf course sup't or a turf farmer and need a material collection system.

 

[Wolf_Bo]

Dear Hobbyfarm,

Ok- I guess I need to explain myself a bit better /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Re the implements - see my comments about the Woods backhoe. It simply doesn't fit as well and that led me to believe that I would be compromising with aftermarket implements. Furthermore, the fact is that I couldn't find a Hydraulic Material Collection System for the Kubota or the NH.
That combined with, in my opinion, a better operator station, made my decision to go with JD easier.

Re the Hydraulic Material Collection System - Here in Southern Connecticut the issue isn't grass collection - its leaf collection. Each fall I spend about 40 hours collecting leaves. If I can cut my leaf collection time in half, it may be worthwhile.

Thanks, Wolf_Bo

 

[Wolf_Bo]

Mike Mc,

Thanks for the comments. I did as you suggested and ordered it "backhoe ready". I even ordered the mid PTO in case I or the next owner wants to install a MMM.

Thanks for the encouraging works about the 448. It makes me feel a bit better about spending the money

 

[hobbyfarm]

Wolf_Bo,
See? That's why the profile is important. Leafs are no big deal here in TEXAS, but grass is.

It's easy to fill out your profile - click My Home on the tabs above. Then, Personal information, email, password, etc. click edit.

This will give fellow TBN'ers a little more to go on when they reply to you with advice.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[steveinmo]

<font color="blue"> </font> "I even ordered the mid PTO in case I or the next owner wants to install a MMM."

<font color="black"> </font> You can also run a front snow blower off your mid PTO which may be nice in your part of the country.

I've had my 3320 for about a month now and love. You will too.

Steve