Buying Advice Kubota Advice

[Killowatthr]

I am looking for a 30 hp. compact tractor. This tractor will be used to maintain 12 wooded acres. It will be primarily used for rough cut mowing and a chipper in the future. I currently have a Ford 4500 backhoe, so a loader is not needed. Over the last few days, we have visited Kubota,NH,Mahindra and Kioti dealers. I looked at the Kubota L3130,B3030 and L3400. I also checked the Mahindra 3215, NH TC30 and the Kioti CK30. All of the tractors were nice, but I am leaning towards the Kubotas. Yesterday I was set on the L3130 After looking at one today it is too large for our needs. I really liked the B3030 and the L3400. I cannot decide between the two. I read the post with the comparison of the two models. Most of the discussion was about weight and the loader. The dealer priced both models around the $13,000 area. Can you guys give some added advice or feedback on both models?

 

[andover farmer]

Killowatt,

MY 2 cents (for what it's worth).

You mentioned that the machine will primarily used w/ rear implements, mowing, tilling etc so, my criteria would be centered around PTO HP and machine stability (when your working along slopes).

The specs say the 3030 has 23hp @ its PTO vs 29hp for the L3400.
The wheelbase (width) for the 3030 is 65.6" vs. 85" for the L3400.
The only other decernable thing i can see is the L3400's turning radius takes another foot vs. the 3030's (7'-9" vs. 6'-9"). You already know the weight diff betwen th two (about 35% more for the L).

If the dealer's saying their can be had for the same price, I'd opt for the L.

Their both great machines and I'm sure you'll be please w/ whichever one you select!

 

[ccsial]

I have the L3400 without end loader. It is used for mowing and snow blowing. I have a Ford 1910 with end loader so I didn't need one on the L3400.

I went with the HST and I really like it for mowing around trees. I can back the rear mower into the tree after I go by. It's a lot easier than using the 1910 gear tractor. I am very happy with the L3400. Plenty of power and no complaints.

 

[acresdozen]

I looked at the B7800 and 3030 and decided on the L2800 for maintaining my 12.5 acres. Did quite abit of brush hoggin (48" borrowed), going through some 7' stuff including 2" sapplings without a problem. The Landpride reverse action tiller worked great behind this baby. One thing I liked over the others was the added mass. This tractor is very stable without loading the tires. Still unsure of the benefit of loaded tires vs. more mass. Also looked hard at the JD 3203 and L3400 and couldn't justify the added expense. And the L2800 felt good. My deal was $25500 out the door as equipped below. Had use for it all and after 49 hours would not change a thing. Hope this helps.

 

[Killowatthr]

Thanks for the response. I was leaning to the B3030, but I just noticed the PTO drops to 23 hp. This may limit me to a 4 foot mower. I wonder if it will cause an issue with a chipper. I plan on using the Jinma 6".
The L3400 is missing some of the options of the B3030, but you get more hp. for the same money. Are there any major differences that I may be missing?

 

[Toolguy]

I have a B3030 with FEL and MMM that I am very happy with. I use it for mowing and maintaining my 3.5 acres. However, for the type of use you have described, I would opt for the L3400. The longer wheelbase, more built in weight and higher PTO HP makes for a tractor more suitable for your needs, IMHO. There is no substitue for size and weight when brushhogging on rough ground.

 

[Killowatthr]

I should have mentioned earlier that both the B3030 and L3400 are HST.
I can see where the added weight and power could be an advantage. I have been searching the spec sheets for differences. One of the differences is the PTO engagement. Will this be an issue on the L3400. Do you have to stop, to disengage PTO? While reading the spec sheets I noticed there is only a 4.5 hp. difference in PTO hp. Will this be noticeable? Will it affect mowing or the use of a chipper? I am trying to find a feature or item that will be the deciding factor. Thanks again for the input.

 

[Timber]

I know you said you all ready have a loader and that is great. It sounds like your planning a lot tree and brush work. Now if it were me I would consider a loader with a grapple pin mounted in place of a bucket. The kubota loader removes very easily from the tractor. If your doing any kind tree clearing and chipping it would be very valuable

 

[ccsial]

I am trying to find a feature or item that will be the deciding factor. Thanks again for the input.

Just remember that buying too small is like cutting a wire too short. I'd rather cut it too long.

 

[jbrumberg]

Thanks for the response. I was leaning to the B3030, but I just noticed the PTO drops to 23 hp. This may limit me to a 4 foot mower. I wonder if it will cause an issue with a chipper. I plan on using the Jinma 6".
The L3400 is missing some of the options of the B3030, but you get more hp. for the same money. Are there any major differences that I may be missing?

Kilowatthr:

Welcome to TBN ! I am really bored this morning waiting to see if the snow that is finally falling will give me an excuse to fire up the tractor so I am perusing TBN's various sites that I generally do not visit. I am responding to your comment as to whether or not 23 PTO HP is sufficient for a RC greater than 48". My NH TC29DA has a reported 23.6 PTO HP. I easily manage a 60" RC on my rough and sloping lower 7 A's. My avatar is me coming up my hill mowing 5-6' high "grass" and an ocassional 1.5" sapling. The B3030 is very similar to my tractor. Good luck on your research and purchase. Part of the "fun" is the "search and purchase". Buy your tractor then all of us TBN'ers will help you spend your hard earned money on attachments . Jay