JD vs Kubota 30HP Final decision

MadisonK · Mar 13, 2006

Winter has basically gone and it's time to start all of my projects. Project 1 is buying a small tractor with backhoe so that I can start project 2. I am looking for an easy to own and operate tractor with front end loader and backhoe with thumb (for fixing 100's of feet of stone walls). I will not mow with this tractor.

The B3030 is at $26,000 for the unit described above. Is there a comaprable Deere that I should be looking at before I pull the trigger on the B3030? By the way, the 30hp Kubota is what I have it narrowed down to based on my research for my limited needs ie; more than the BX series but I don't think I need the power or the size of the L series. Thanks in advance.

SnoFalls · Mar 13, 2006

For lifting/placing stones with a BH, you *will* want some power, lift, and reach with the BH. You also may be transporting them in the FEL, so consider that too.

The BH90 w/thumb on my 'bota has the reach and strength for *most* stones, but for some big ones (2-3' across), I have to reposition to be able to handle them ... I'd say the big rock I was moving a week ago just about tasked me (my first big one in this machine tho too).

How big are the stones you're moving?

My "sizing" of the tractor involved moving stones too ... not everyday mind you, but ...

The 30hp category is where I "fit" when it came to general usage, but a strong BH also. The result was bota "grand L" or a JD "3x20" ...

I ended up bota for a few other reasons, but I've WORKED the BH90, and has been good to me so far!

canoetrpr · Mar 13, 2006

There are other Kubota's worth considering including the L3400 and L2800 - the former is priced at about what the B3030 will cost you. Both have a bigger frame and more weight.

I don't think that JD has a real good comparable to the B3030 - but then one of the strenghts that the 3030 has IMHO is its light weight - which its fabulous for mowing - something which you don't intend to do.

If you could swing it, the Grand L - even the bottom of the pile - 3130 with the added lift capacity of the 723 loader would be great.

The JD models to check out would be the new 3203 and the 3120. I tried the latter out. I found that it was a fabulous machine but had more bells and whistles than I really needed. The 3203 sounds like a real sweet setup and should be priced in line with the Kubota L3400.

A JD790 may be worth a look too. At 28hp, with a manual transmission - which is all you can get - it would equal the perf. of a 30hp with hydro. It's a really nice deal too.

MessickFarmEqu · Mar 14, 2006

( The 3203 sounds like a real sweet setup and should be priced in line with the Kubota L3400.
)

As I recall they hampered the 3203 so it won't accept a backhoe or hydraulic remotes. I'm not even sure about the Mid Mount Mower, that maybe out of the picture as well. We have been seeing pricing about $400 less than the L3400 hydro for a gear drive 3203.

canoetrpr · Mar 14, 2006

(
As I recall they hampered the 3203 so it won't accept a backhoe or hydraulic remotes. I'm not even sure about the Mid Mount Mower, that maybe out of the picture as well. We have been seeing pricing about $400 less than the L3400 hydro for a gear drive 3203.)

Ow!. Guess they are really trying to give people reasons to go with the 3120! (or L3400).

XT6Wagon · Mar 14, 2006

have you looked at the 3130 GrandL?

Its a larger frame so it will be more capible for the same HP rating. The loader is one place it really shows the different capiblites of the larger tractor frame.

Of course if you have lots of tight areas to deal with smaller can be better.