L3130 GST

[siebo]

This tractor buying is starting to be a pain. I knew for sure that I wanted the JD 4310 ePowerReverser. I happen to go by a Kubota dealer and decided to stop in. I drove the L3130 GST and was very impressed. Now I am not sure what to buy. I want to pull a 84" finishing mower and a light duty 6' rotary cutter. Can the L3130 handle these implements?

 

[Gil]

You have listed larger equipment than i have, but my 3130GST easely handles the 5' equipment i have as though it is not there! This is the most impressive machine i have ever worked. Just run up the speed of the engine to pto speed, and use the transmission to control the speed you want without changing the engine speed. And when it is in gear, it's as solid as any gear transmission. I love it.

I wish you well with your choice.

Gil

 

[upgw]

I feel your pain! I really wanted the 4310, but the L3130 appears to be substantially more machine for less money. Still have not decided. One thing I can say for sure is that I don't like all the plastic on the JD. The Kubota has a lot more steel (hood, fenders, etc). The kubota is also quite a bit bigger, which can be good or bad depending on your needs. Probably going to buy the L3130.

- Patrick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Patrick, you took the words right out of my mouth. Had my mind made up on a 4310, until I saw a L3130. I don't know if I should get the LA723 FEL with the skid steer quick attach, or just stick with the standard bucket attachment system. The L3130 pumps 8.3 gal per minute of hydraulic fluid, is that enough gpm to run a skid steer mounted rock raker or brush shredder? I was wondering if some of you could share what attachments you use that are skid steer. Is the skid steer attachment system strong enough for heavy loader work? I think a 3 point mounted rock raker might be more efficient than a loader mounted anyways but I've never used one. I live in Western Washington so I will not be needing a snowblower. As far as transmissions go I am leaning towards the GST. The HST pedal was uncomfortable to me, but I've read so many positive posts about it that I'll give it another shot before I make my purchase. Finally can anyone reccomend a dealer in the Portland Oregon area that they have had good experiences with? Sorry for the long winded post but I've just finished reading 20 pages of postings and I'm feeling a little punchy. This is a fantastic site I've learned a ton about tractors already, can't wait to learn more. Brett

 

[MarkV]

Brett, Welcome to the forum. I can't answer all of your questions but will give you my take on some of them. I would love to have the quick attach system on a tractor but not to run skid steer implements. I believe you will find that hydraulic out put on a skid steer is much greater than that of this size tractor so most implements that use hydraulic motors would not work well. There is enough hydraulic power to operate cylinders on attachments like 4-in1 buckets or grapple systems on buckets. What the quick attach would do is allow you to switch from varies types of buckets to a set of forks in minutes and that can be very handy. As reported by others on the forum with the quick attach system it is plenty strong enough for the capacity of the loader on the L3130.

Good luck in your hunt.

MarkV

 

[Anonymous Poster]

My first impression of the Kubota HST pedal was not very good. But after about one hour in the seat, I don't think it could be any better.

 

[icat]

My first drive on an HST sold me. Went to the dealer to test drive a New Holland TC35. Hop on, take off, drive around the grassy area and come back - feels like a tractor I'm thinking (this one had the standard trans). Sitting next to it is the Kubota L3130 with HST. Ask the salesman, how's this one compare. He replies, you don't want to drive that one until you've driven everything else. I ask him why, he says he sells both NH and Bota and doesn't like to sell one against the other. Would prefer I made up my own mind. So I take the HST for a ride. Let me tell you - THERE IS NO COMPARISON! I love the HST.

Now to be fair, I really should have tried the TC35 with their version of HST (no idea what it's called). But it was too late (like the saleman said). I was sold! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cisco]

A 6 foot light duty (Not a medium/heavy duty - which typically weigh 400-600 lbs more at the same cutting width - and require a bunch more pto and 3PH lifting capacity) brush cutter would be fine on a 3130, but the 7 foot mower may be a bit of reach - especially in tall, wet grass and weeds - for frequently mowed grass lawns - OK. The GST configuration will net you a couple more HP on the pto, which will help if you intend to push the limits of your tractor. I've a GST for such reason (on a 3410 - which is why I've a fair idea of where the 3130 GST limits are - the only other options are (1) a bigger tractor, with more ruts in the lawn, or (2) smaller implements).

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I bought the L3130 HST from Moen Machinery Co in Gresham, Oregon. The folks there were great, from the sale to the walkthrough and inspection of the machine.

When I did my research they faired the best.

Very pleased. The tractor operates better than I expected. Nice Machine!

Chris

 

[40Kchicks]

hntr
You may have already read my reply to anouther buyer trying to figure out whether to buy the QA or not but I will repeat myself. The QA is the only way to go. The skid steer QA is so nice and availible both new and used all over. You can't believe how many attachments and different kinds of buckets are out there. I use a high capacity bucket, tooth bucket, sifting bucket, forks, and hydraulic post hole digger on my skid steer. One bucket just won't do everything I need to do.

As far as the QA being strong enough for heavy loader work. It is fine. The new holland TN75 (75HP)uses the QA and that is a ulility sized tractor. They are also used on 100HP+ skid steers.

My CAT 216 (50HP) skid steer is medium sized and flows 15gpm out the hydraulics. I built my hydraulic auger. It's great. 15 gpm at high rpms. I run the auger with the engine at half throttle so 8.3gpm might work but it would running your tractor at full throttle. The problem with hydraulic attachments is they are way more expensive than PTO attachment, like 3-5 times more. JD once priced a new hydraulic shredder to me at $4300. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I have never looked into a power rake.

Last thing. I would seriously consider the HST.

Good luck.
Eric