KUBOTA TRACTORS/BACKHOES

[inveresk]

Can anyone offer a novice some advice on tractor/backhow combinations? I tried out a couple Kubota tractors recently, the L3130HST and the L3400 HST. The former was the more expensive and I thought a better tractor, quieter engine, seemed more robust even though a couple less hp than the 3400. However, the backhoe configurations available confuse me. The 3130 is only available with a 3pt backhoe whereas the 3400 has a quick connect. Can any dealer or Kubota user explain the advantages, disadvantages of each and offer advise on what might be best? How easy is the 3pt bachoe to change myself? Should I look at backhoes by other manufacturers as well? Lastly, what is the difference between a subframe backhoe and one without?

 

[ronjhall]

I own a <font color="orange">Kubota </font> BL4690 3PH backhoe for my B2910. I can be a pain to install on tractor. I have had it for about 3 years now and have leaned how to install it in about 1/2 hour. Most people with sub frame backhoes claim that they will can install their backhoes with little problem and time.
Your dealer must be trying to sell you a LA513 loader on the L3130. The larger BH90 backhoe can be put on the L3130 if a LA723 loader is installed.
The L3400 HST is a new tractor this year. It uses the new BH75 backhoe. Which is the replacment for BL4690. It is a 4 point hitch and uses the tractor hydraulics to run the backhoe.
If I was buying a new tractor I would get the L3130 or L3430 with LA723 loader and BH90. Having the ability to dig 9' deep would be a plus over the BH75 and BL4690's 7'6" depth.
Check out the different attachments that are available for the different tractor models at
<font color="orange"> Kubota's </font> web site. Click Here

 

[inveresk]

Thanks for the guidance. Very helpful. The dealer did quote me on a LA 513 loader and 4690B backhoe, principally, I think, because he had those installed on a 3130 already. He was prepared to discount the tractor some because it had 58 hours as a demonstrator, he said, but I wondered if it was might have been as a rental. The loader had quite a few scrapes and knocks. There seem to be pitfalls aplenty out there for the unwary novice.

 

[ronjhall]

If the task you have for a tractor can be done with 513 FEL and 4690 BH. Consider the dealers offer. 58 hours on a tractor is very low. Tractor should have all the 50 hour service done on it. Which can cost a few dollars. A loader with some nicks and bangs may be normal wear and tear.

 

[inveresk]

I've asked the dealer to give me an e/o for the FEL and backhoe you suggested. I'll compare prices and then make a decision. He's offered $750 CAN discount on the basis of the 58 hours and the 50 hour service has been done. I can probably get by with the backhoe and loader they offered. Whilst I have some building works to do, it's not of the nature that should cause me to need to change the backhoe very often.

 

[ronjhall]

Hope you will be sitting down when he gives you the price. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
It's easy to spend other peoples money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[inveresk]

Well, dealer just phoned and the larger loader and hoe is costing an extra 1,700 CAN. The total package is 39,900 CAN, delivered.

 

[inveresk]

I thought I had this bottomed out but the dealer is trying to tell me the 3430 is a far better tractor than the 3130 and is less than a couple thousand bucks (CAN) extra. Are there significant differences between the two machines to warrant it?

 

[inveresk]

From what I can see from the downloaded spec. from the Kubota site, the HST machines are identical in every respect except the 3430 has been bored out 4mm per pot and so has 3hp more. Tire size, gearing, etc. all look the same. 3430 is 330lbs heavier (is this done by weights?). Am I missing something or is the dealer trying to blow smoke up my ****?

 

[inveresk]

To answer my own question, I challanged the dealer who has come back with confirmation that the tractors are identical except for the 3hp more in the 3430. I can't believe the salesman didn't know this. He's been on the payroll of the local Kubota dealer for years. I'll probably still run with them, but these kind of events really do raise issues of (mis)trust that pollute the experience of buying.

 

[ronjhall]

3130 and 3430 are same tractor except for engine size.

 

[AntrimMan]

I do believe Ron is correct sir.
They are the same tractor except for the bore. In my book the weight is identical. I can't explain the 330# difference you found.
The bores are 4mm diameter different and so is the torque.
The L3430 has 33.6 net HP the L3130 has 31.0
That HP is measured at 2700 RPM. I have never needed to go WOT, 2300 is fine.
There may be a slight rounding error in the book as the PTO HP is claimed to be 3HP greater on the L3430, 27 vs 24.
The land speed is the same, etc, etc, etc.
No matter which you decide upon, get the more significant BH90 and LA723 if you can swing it. I can't imagine throwing the tractor around with a 3PH BH and not doing damage eventually. That's not to say damage would happen, but you will throw the tractor around if you are as enthusiastic as I am.
The BH90 dismount and re-mount is as simple and quick as claimed. Two hyd quick disconnects and two pins to pull.
One caution, the MMM is not compatible with the BH90 sub frame.
Sometimes a demonstrator is delivered to the job site so the potential customer can feel it out in a real world situation, that may explain the 50 odd hours on the clock.
I have stated in previous posts that if 31 HP is not enough for you, then 2.6 more HP is not gonna make your day. Actually when you think about it deeply it doesn't make a lot of sense to offer two different machines otherwise identical. Maybe I'm missing something.

Good luck, post the pics when it is delivered.
Martin

 

[AntrimMan]

Ah Geez. I need to qualify that identical statement above.
When you compare the L3130 and the L3430 with "the same drive system" they are identical but for the engine bore size and the resulting increase in HP, torque and fuel consumption.

Sorry if I missled anyone.

penetent Martin

 

[inveresk]

I've placed an order for the 3130HST with the BH90 and LA723. Total price including all taxes and delivery - 39k CAN. I got prices from JD and NH for equivalent machines but they were significantly more expensive.

Thanks to everyone who helped with my Kubota education. I'll post some shots of the beast once it's delivered.