Kubota L3010 vs JD 4300 vs NH 2120 vs ?

[Anonymous Poster]

Help! Have 5+ wooded acres w/RR and old canal bed and want to build house, barn/garage, and pond. Retired now and looking for a tractor to excavate basement, build pond, put in drive (100+ ft) and then maintain (can take little bites). Thinking diesel and 4x4 and 30-40hp (Kubota L3010 or JD4300 or NH 2120/TC33D or Zetor or Kioti) but open to any and all suggestions. Questions: What questions should I ask? New/Used? Make/Model? Tranny? Implements? What else? Thanks!

 

[John_Mc]

All of the models you list are in the same ballpark, capability-wise EXCEPT for the NH 2120... it's a lot bigger and beefier than the others (probably similar to a NH TC45, a JD 4600 or 4700, or a Kubota L3710))

The Kubota 3010 / JD 4300 / TC33D would all be great choices for the maintenance work. You could probably do your initial construction work with one of them, but my bet is you'll find yourself wishing for something bigger (unless you don't mind spending a lot of time. For this initial work, the larger sized tractors I mentioned above would be more appropriate. Keep in mind, however, that the larger implements needed to use this larger capacity are also more expensive.

A recommendation: You may want to go with one of the smaller units, then rent a big one for the big jobs (digging the pond/basement) or contract this out (a good sized excavator can do in a day what would take you a week or more in a compact tractor). This way, you've put your money into what you'll need for the long term.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the insight and suggestion -

Two questions. (1) I know risk is involved, but generally, would I be wiser (a quality I don't quite have down pat just yet) going with a used larger tractor (NH2120-JD4700-L3710) than with new smaller siblings? Is there really much difference between new and used? How old is too old? (2) Would the initial construction work likely "tear the heart out" of smaller tractors, or would lots of small bites be easily within their capabilities? Again, thanks!

 

[Bird]

<font color=blue>would lots of small bites be easily within their capabilities</font color=blue>

Yes. I'm assuming you know at least a little bit about engines and mechanical things and you won't hurt the smaller tractors if you properly maintain them (oil changes, etc.), don't "lug" the engine, and things like that. If you have the time and patience to do the work with the smaller ones, you'll be happy with one. If you're in a hurry, you won't.

 

[Boondox]

How about getting a dedicated TLB like the L35? I have an L3010, and as much as I love her I think if I had the sort of work to do that you mentioned in your first post I might rent a TLB or trackhoe. Of course we could be thinking two entirely different things when we hear the word "pond." Here in Vermont ponds are generally measured in terms of an acre or so. Back in Southern California a "pond" could be dug in a day with a pick and shovel. Just how much digging are we talking about?

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=blue>...in Southern California a "pond" could be dug in a day with a pick and shovel...</font color=blue>

Peter.... how true.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Of course, I lived in San Diego area and it was the big blue Pacific... /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

But, over here in New York, the big wide ponds are done with a dozer... the deep deep small ponds are done with a backhoe...

 

[John_Mc]

<font color=blue>(1)...would I be wiser ... going with a used larger tractor (NH2120-JD4700-L3710) than with new smaller siblings?</font color=blue>

It's hard to say... generally, I'd recommend buying what you need for the long term, then renting or hiring for the really big jobs (like roughing in a big pond with a dozer). The advantage of the larger equipment is obvious: get big jobs done faster. The advantage of smaller is price (both for the tractor and the attachments), maneuverability, and less damage to a lawn if you're also using it for mowing. One alternative: buy the bigger in used equipment (especially if your big jobs will stretch out over a significant amount of time), then sell it when your big jobs are done and go for something smaller when you're in "maintenance mode".

<font color=blue>(2) Would the initial construction work likely "tear the heart out" of smaller tractors, or would lots of small bites be easily within their capabilities?</font color=blue>

As Bird noted, you can do the work with the smaller equipment, it just takes more patience. Personally, I would not have anywhere near the patience to dig a one acre pond with the smaller tractors. I own a NH TC33D, and as much as I like using it, I would not tackle that job with it. If you do decide to go this way, I'd strongly recommend that you get a subframe mounted backhoe, rather than a 3 pt hitch mount. You're going to be doing a lot of work with it, and you could damage one of these smaller tractors from the stresses. The subframe protects it from this type of damage.

<font color=blue>Old vs. new</font color=blue>: I'll leave that to some of the more experienced users here. I will say that it's more important how a tractor has been maintained and used (or abused) than the calendar age. In the used category I'm most familiar with NH/Ford models: In th esmaller size range, the 1710 or 1720 is similar to the TC33D in capability. In the larger size range, look at the 1910, 1920, or the 2120 you mentioned. These are similar to the TC35/TC40/TC45 currently being sold. Others can probably tell what older models to look at in other brands.

If you will be doing a lot of loader work, Hydrostatic Transmission (HST) is nice to have. A good alternative to HST would be some type of synchronized shuttle shift (lets you change directions much more easily than the straight gear shift transmission). However, if constant clutching and shifting does not bother you, I would not pass up a good deal on a gear shift tranny.

Sorry so long winded... a nasty habit of mine. Hope some of this helps.

 

[John_Mc]

Re: suggested implements

Implements you should consider:

You will definitely want a Front End Loader. Get the heavy duty bucket (not the standard duty some dealers sell). You will probably want a toothbar for the loader bucket. (I don't have one yet, but it's on my list before I get into any serious digging).

I'd also look at a Box Blade. It should be wide enough to cover the tracks of your tractor. This would mean a 6 foot unit for the smaller size tractors discussed elsewhere in this thread (TC33D, Kubota L3010, JD 4300). Probably larger if you step up in tractor size. If you are renting equipment for the big jobs, then you don't need to own a super-heavy-duty model for the maintenance jobs, but get a good solid unit either way.

Backhoe: If renting or contracting out the big jobs, you probably don't need to own this. If you are doing it yourself, judging from the size of the jobs you are contemplating, I'd get the biggest backhoe that safely matches your tractor. ( for the NH TC33D, this would be something like the NH 757c or Woods 7500. for the TC40D you could step up to a NH 758c or equivalent). The smaller your BH, the more often you have to reposition your tractor. Others may disagree with me, but I'd urge you to go for the subframe mount, rather than a 3 pt hitch backhoe.

Those are the basics. To add to that, consider at least one hydraulic rear remote. Two would be better. These are usefull for running some implements (post hole digger, log splitter, etc.) also the can be used for hydraulic "Top 'N Tilt" which lets you adust your 3 pt hitch toplink and side link from the seat, hydraulically, rather than jumping on and off the tractor each time -- this feature is very usefull if you are doing a lot of earthwork with the box blade.

Others will have suggestions for more implements, I'm sure. If this hasn't already shredded your checking account, give us a few minutes; I'm sure we can come up with more.

 

[John_Mc]

TractorFactor:

Where are you located? If you're in my neck of the woods, I'd be happy to let you come out and try out my TC33D to see if thats in the size range you might be interested in. Unfortunately, no backhoe, but I do have a 6 ft box blade & FEL that you may want to try (plus about 1000 ft of gravel road which could always use some touching up here and there).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

John_Mc

In Ohio - Dayton area. If you're close, I would be interested. Been told by a salesman (NH TC33) that a loader is "almost" as good for leveling dirt as a box blade. Said you just keep going over it until you level it off. Don't know enough to agree or disagree. Is he "feeding me a load"? I have to put the road in over some gullies and the canal bed. Thanks for your thoughts. - Roger