L2800 HST CK30 or Branson3510

[drdage]

I am new to the board but I have sure learned a lot in reading past posts. I am trying to stay below 16K for my tractor/loader budget. I have a 20 acre mostly wooded property with about 1200 ft of gravel driveway to maintain and keep snow removed. I also have some cut wood I will move/drag and an area that was plowed and left for about 40 years (5 acres) that I would like to smooth out. I don't need to mow because I have a 17 hp garden tractor for that.
The L2800 HST with loader and industrial tires is $1550 and is the closest dealer. The CK 30 HST with KL130 loader, ballasted tires and grill gaurd is $15500. The 3510 shuttle shift is $16200. The Kioti and Branson dealers are about 75 miles away.
I was ready to buy the L2800 because of the closeness of the dealer and product reputation but it is substatially lighter and less powerfull then the Branson. It has less power and features compared to the Kioti. Any opinions as to the appropriateness of the L2800 for my situation,( or the others)?

Thanks Paul,

 

[Dargo]

You can always add weight rather inexpensively however, you can't take weight off if it's part of the tractor. If that is the only issue, for the reasons you stated above, I'd buy the Kubota. If the overall size and power and weight are important, I'd buy the Branson. Good luck.

 

[Dodgeram]

If the overall size and power and weight and comfort features are important, I'd buy the Kioti (again).
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[drdage]

Thanks for the opinions. I'm still not sure which but I have ruled out the Branson.

Paul

 

[Limecuda]

I'm looking for a similar size tractor and have considered the same tractors as you. I am also considering the Farmtrac 300DTC and the Montana 3040. This week I'm leaning towards the Farmtrac, but last week it was the Kubota. I'm confusing myself looking at every detail. In the end I just want the best deal for my money.

 

[gamble77]

Thats a great price on the CK30HST w/FEL, you better get that while it is there.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

The CK30 is a better overall tractor than the L2800HST. The dealer's distance would be my biggest concern. For 5 acres either tractor will do the job. The L2800 has the advantage of being from a closer dealer and if you are not doing the work on it, or if you are a total newbie, then dealer consideration should be taken as a very serious consideration. Overall, you'd be happy with either of the machines.

What I know is that one of my dealers is 5 miles away, the other is 8 miles away, and while I have a choice of 3 trucks and 1 trailer to haul my tractors, sometimes it is nice to have a close dealer who will just come out and do the work or pick up the tractor when I don't have time to haul it in.

 

[drdage]

Bob can you tell me why the ck 30 is better in your opinion then the L2800. I am really torn between these 2.

Paul

 

[b33b]

FWIW, I was quoted $14,900 for an L2800 with ag tires and and loader, $16,200 for an L3400 - and that was two weeks ago. R4s add $500 to an L tractor, do you need them if you don't plan to mow with it?
Cal

 

[drdage]

I'm set to buy either the L2800 tomorrow or the CK30. Any L2800 owners please give me your impressions and experiences with the tractor.

Paul