L3130 Vs. B7800/B2910

markinsemich · Mar 24, 2003

We are evaluating a B7800 or B2910 versus the L3130. The decision was pretty well made for the B7800 until we realized that the B7800 with options or the B2910 was only about a $1,000 less than the L3130 which SEEMS to be a lot more tractor. The B7800 seems like a great machine but I am concerned about the weight (not really the horse power). I have seen the smaller tractors really struggle with heavy loads in the loader.

We need to move about 150 yards of gravel, dig 200+ fenceposts, knock down a pasture twice yearly(only about 8 acres, move some very large logs, throw some snow(1300 foot drive) and move quite a bit of landscape material. I don't want more tractor than we need but I also would hate to have to contract or rent a machine because mine won't do what I need.

Any suggestions or comments would be sincerely appreciated.

Casimir · Mar 24, 2003

Mark:
Depending on how large the logs are, all three tractors would probably do everything you listed. You may just have to take smaller bites with the loader. However, if you load the rear tires or have a rear counterweight, such as a box blade or weight box, you would be surprised how much weight the loaders on these tractors will handle. With any of them, however, it will still be possible to overload them. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Looks like it boils down to which one you like best and whether the larger size of the L3130 would keep you from getting into places you need to get to. In my case, the larger frame would be too big to fit through my gates and between trees in the woods. Good luck with your choice.

Bird · Mar 24, 2003

Any one of those 3 tractors will do the job, but as you've apparently realized, the bigger the tractor, the quicker and easier the work, as long as you have enough room to maneuver the bigger tractor. If the price difference isn't large enough to drive you off, then I'd go for the B3130 (and now some folks are going to tell you it isn't much more to go on up to the L3430 for more HP in the same size machine /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif).

Will_C · Mar 24, 2003

I'm with Bird. You did not mention lawn mowing, so I'll assume it is not on the list of chores. The work you talk about would definitely be done easier with an L-series tractor. I have no agenda in telling you this, I have a BX /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Will

valkman · Mar 24, 2003

Hi,
I once bought a Suzuki Intruder motorcycle and it came in the 800cc or the 1400cc. The dealer put it this way. - "You can alway ride the 1400 like an 800, but you can never ride the 800 like a 1400"!
Good advice, I went with the 1400cc. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Go for the big one if you got the room and the $$.

Valkman

Anonymous Poster · Mar 24, 2003

Hi,

I have a b2910 on four acres and it fits me and my needs perfectly.

If I had more property, I would probably want the L3430. Same physical size as the 3130, but a little more HP.

The 3130/3430 are a step up in size/capacity from the B series. Having no real idea about all your needs, I would say go for the bigger tractor if you feel you can afford the difference in price. As long as you don't feel it is too big physically. You will get more tractor, more loader, more PTO HP, more 3PH lift...probably more other things as well...

"Few trade down, but many trade up" is one of the rules of thumb I have learned here at TBN. Worked for me...I started out looking at a BX22 and ended up with the B2910 and lovin' it.

Rick Jay · Mar 24, 2003

HI,

I LOVE my B2910. However, if the extra size and slight additional cost of the L3130 is not a problem, then the L is the one to get. It is considerably more tractor than the B series can hope to be. If you've compared them side by side, the physical differences imply that there should be more of a difference in price. I think the "L" series is a much better deal. Keep in mind that the base weight of the L3130 is almost twice that of the base B7800 or B2910. That's a lot of extra material for not much more money.

Good Luck,

~Rick

crown · Mar 24, 2003

The L3130 is alot more tractor in terms of mass not HP, however most will tell you, you run out of traction long before you run out of power. If physical size is not an issue and mowing is not a consideration I feel the L3130 better fits your needs. If I had more land and more ground engaging work to do I would love to have the L3130 it is the best looking unit available out in the market to me.
Good luck, shopping is half the fun. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

markinsemich · Mar 25, 2003

Re: L3130 Vs. B7800/B2910 Clarification

Thanks for all the great comments. As Crown said "shopping is half the fun".

Re comments and questions: We did see the tractors side by side which is what got us thinking about the L series. The Hydraulic 3 pt hitch and the mass difference in axles, tires etc. is stiking even though the footprint is not hugely different.

To clarify intended use: We will mow the horse pasture but only 2-3 times per year. Not a landscape type mowing. We have a small JD lawn tractor for the yard work. Also need to dig a small retaining pond and culvert where nature says she wants one. As to footprint- even the B will not make it into the wooded part of my property and my gates are horse trailor sized. Thanks again for all the useful info.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 26, 2003

Re: L3130 Vs. B7800/B2910 Clarification

I went through exactly what you guys are talkin about. I started out with the b7800 then the 3130 then the 3830. I have 6 acres of grass to cut so the decision I made was hopefully the right one. I purchased the B7800. I also own 2 Thomas skidsteers so when the going gets rought I'll tackle it with them.

Andyman