L3130 the Right Tractor? R1 vs. R4 Tires?

[icat]

Looking to purchase an L3130 with HST and I have some questions. My property is an 18 acre spread with a very gentle slope at the front and a bit steeper slope in the rear. The main portion of the property would most likely be described as flat. The property drains extremly well and there is seldom a wet spot on the land, even after a heavy rain. We plan on running a few head of cattle and we are looking into planting a 5 acre vineyard. We will also have a few horses for our own use.

Now the questions. The property has quite a few Huische (we - sach) trees that have to go. The trees are about an inch to two inches in diameter, about 5 foot tall, and have loads of thorns. How will the L3130 coupled with a 5 foot Bush Hog match up to the task of clearing this land? Also, the dealer has recommended an "upgrade" to R4 tires at a cost of $700. What advantages would these tires provide? Last question, I have a quote of $13,995 for the L3130 HST. How does this compare with other areas of the country?

Thanks for the assistance!
Keith Foster
Katy, Texas

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> How will the L3130 coupled with a 5 foot Bush Hog match up to the task of clearing this land? Also, the dealer has recommended an "upgrade" to R4 tires at a cost of $700. What advantages would these tires provide? </font>

Sounds like a nice setup for what you have in mind. You can take out trees that are a couple of inches with no problem with that 'hog. The height won't matter much - once the tree is getting chopped up there won't be much left of it - might have a stump sticking up that you'll want to remove with your FEL (easiest way - didn't mention if you were getting one but I'd highly recommend it). Otherwise they'll dry up and will be hazards for your tires.

The R4s are pretty aggressive tires. My inclination would be to go for them unless you're going to use your tractor for finish type mowing. On flat ground it won't make as big of a difference, but you'll get a lot more traction from them and on hills (or when working under hard load) the increased traction is nice to have. But R4s will tend to tear up turf - although a lot of folks use them to mow without trouble.

Not sure about the price issue, but that sounds pretty good. It probably doesn't include many implements, though, and you might want to check into buying them along with the tractor as many dealers will cut you a better deal at the original time of purchase.

 

[Bird]

Like Chris said, you can cut down stuff with the hog, but you may have a small stump left. A brush hog tends to shatter saplings instead of a clean cut, so maybe they won't be quite as hard on your tires, but I'm guessing the dealer recommended the R4 tires over R1 is because the R4s are tougher and a little less likely to get punctures. The R1 (ag) tires are best for traction, turf tires to easy on the lawn, and the R4 is in between as far as tearing up the turf, but are the stiffest and toughest.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I just got back from my dealer and he quoted me a L3130 Hydo with turf tires for 13,600 and I was going to ask if that was a good price.

He also quoted me a FEL for 4500.00 and a 72" mmm for 2650.00 can any one help.

thanks

 

[icat]

Might should have added the following on my original post...

The quote is for the following:
L3130 HST with R1 Tires $13,595
R4 Tire Upgrade $700
LA513 FEL $3495 (or LA723 FEL $3995)
Box Blade $550
5' Cutter $975

How are these prices for the FEL? It looks like I'm getting a pretty good deal on the tractor. Are they making up for the deal in the FEL?

 

[Bird]

Haven't priced FEL lately, but from what some neighbors told me, and from the fact that my LA401 loader for a B2710 was $2,900 in 1999, your prices sound about right to me.

 

[frank_f15]

over all the prices for the tractor and the imlements seem ok. $19,315 with R4 and less expensive loader, $19,800 with the heavier loader. if an extra $1200 ain't to much of a strain on your budget, i would suggest the R4"s with the heavier loader. maybe u can get the dealer to budge a bit on the $700 for the R4's?

 

[icat]

It's not a strain on the budget, I can actually afford much more. Which brings me to the next question. I'm looking to increase acreage down the road to a total of 50 acres. If the terrain stays the same, and I'm just running more cattle (maybe an extra 5 acres of vinyard), would I need a larger tractor?

As I see it, the land will be cross fenced and the most I'll be cutting at one time is 10 acres (most likely around 7). Any need to go up a step or two to get a PTO that can handle a 6' cutter?

 

[JATO_RaT]

I was very close to closing on a L3130 HST. I live on hilly terrain. After speaking with folks here and dealers, I was talked into a L3830 HST. I think of the L3830 as just a little more HP tractor then the L3130 rather then being a step below the L4330 which comes with the heavier LA853 loader. ( I had to play that little game in my head to convince me the L3830 would be fine rather then thinking that for just a little more I could get the L4330) I think that if you don't live on hills and you have about a 72" brush cutter, the L3130 will be swell. I would opt for the LA 723 loader. I use a 84" finish mower and was told the L3130 would power it fine as well. It all depends on how much your cutting. If it's really thick and tall, your just going to go slower. After driving the L30 series, I must say that they are very, very smooth and quiet. I have yet to test drive any tractor quite like them. It absolutely convinced me. I found the L30's to be even smoother then my L48 which I thought already was smooth. Rat...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You might want to check your tractor width with your plans for your vinyard row spacing to make sure that everything fits for your planned use. Most folks around here use quite narrow tractors in their commercial vinyards. Maybe you can buy a narrow tractor at a later date? Also, note that the R1 tires will have more width adjustability than the R4 tires. Good luck with your project.