Buying Advice need advice on 3030 or 3400

[skipperbrown]

I have a bx2200, mmm 60", fel, 500 hrs. I use it for mowing our 2 ac and it has been a huge help in keeping my place up. I have quite a bit of landscaping to go around and under, but I can mow it in about 2 hrs. I love that little guy although he's always a little shy of size w/ 3 pt implements.

I am going to be buying a 80 ac tract (20-30 ac in pasture) about 120 mi away and will need a tractor at the new place about 4 times a year mostly for mowing and also for planting food plots/road maint. I don't want to leave the tractor at the new place. I have a 7000 lb, 18' trailer that weighs about 1,000, so I have 6,000 capacity and I am restricted to a 6 cyl suv to pull it.

The restricting variable is my suv. It's rated for 5000 lb tow package and I have a brake controller installed for pulling the bx around. I don't see selling it to buy something heavier in today's climate besides the new property/tractor are going to tap me out.

I was initially thinking to buy a b3030 (about $23.5k w/ fel & mmm) for both properties and sell the bx. Then I thought, heck, the 60" deck and mid pto for the 3030 cost almost 4 grand and I'd be lucky to get 8 grand for my bx. I'd rather just keep the bx for the yard and get the 3030 w/o the mower deck and have 2 tractors for the $4k difference.

Then I thought if I kept the bx and didn't need the 3030 for home use, I could get a bigger 3400 model for the same price and have a bigger, stronger farm tractor. However, I then I started worrying about carrying the extra 900 or so lbs which is going to max out my suv (figger 500 lb bush hog, 500 lb fel, and 3000+ lb tractor, extra 'stuff', and 1000 lb trailer).

Another problem is that nobody within 150 mi has a 3030 (I've need seen one in person), but 3400's are readily available both new and used.

This is driving me crazy. Do you think I can safely sneak by carrying a 3400 around if I take it e z? Suggestions?

 

[Wombat125]

This is just my simple opinion, but given the amount of land you have, I would get the 3400 and trailer it slow and conservatively. Isn't Pensacola flat as a pancake?

In hill/mountain country, I might suggest differently.

 

[skipperbrown]

No, Pensacola is quite hilly. Why Navy Point Mtn has a sand dune that tops out at almost 12 ft above sea level. I also almost fell in my backyard when I tripped over an ant hill. That's ant HILL. Flat as a pancake, my arse!

The land is in Alabama on a 350 ft plateau. The air is so thin, I can hardly breathe.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Wombat125]

Ok, that's just funny. We are at about 6600' above sea level here. For cheap kicks we have lowlanders run to the end of the driveway and back. They come back huffing like three pack a day smokers.

What flavor is your SUV? I assume you have a relatively long wheelbase? I have a 4.0L Jeep Wranger with a 93" wheelbase that you couldn't pay me enough to hook 5000# up to. Power isn't an issue, but my Jeep would get pushed around like an ugly little brother. I still think, though, that with a nice long wheelbase and trailer brakes you should be fine.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I have the 3030. Nice tractor, but from the sounds the 3400 would be better for you.

Why not leave it locked up out there?

 

[ccsial]

The L3400 weighs 2600 LBS. With a loader and mower you will be under 5000 LBS. I'd sure go for the L3400. I looked at the 3030 and got the L3400HST. It is just more tractor.

 

[art]

I think that the 3400 would be the best choice! Towing a little slower and buying a bigger mower so you are done quicker when you get there should average out!

 

[skipperbrown]

I have a Toyota FJ Cruiser which has a very short wheelbase. It has the same v6 engine as the Tacoma. I've decided I would really like a bigger vehicle (Sequoia?), but I'll get killed trading it now and besides, I'd rather have a new tractor than a new vehicle. Things my wife doesn't understand ...

The brakes on the trailer are very good and when carrying the bx, fel, 5' bushhog and 500 lbs. of corn, (about 2700 lbs total) the braking effort is almost the same w/o the load when the controller is properly adjusted. However I sure know the package is back there when I hit the sand dunes. I drive very conseratively and always finish last in races.

I really don't feel comfortable leaving the tractor on the property as it is a rather remote location and I'm afraid someone will decide they need it more than me. I was a little shocked when I took my bx into the dealer the first time and almost took the key with me. "Oh, no problem," said the manager, "All them bx's uses the same key." Doesn't that give you a nice warm fuzzy?

I'm leaning towards the 3400. All the dealers have them in stock and there are several used in my area. There are also several used deere models in the same category.

The 3240 (3395 lb base weight) is substantially heavier than the 3400 (2600 lb base weight), why is that?

Thanks for your help!

 

[crashz]

The Grand L is a much bigger tractor, thus the weight difference. I agree, the L3400 is your best choice. Very nice tractor too. The 3030 is nice, but the extra beef and lack of gadgets are probably better for your uses.

Here are a few things to consider before towing:

- Maybe leave the loader at home unless you know you'll need it.
- Do not be tempted to load the trailer with less than 10% tongue weight. This will cause the trailer to push the FJ around.
- Keep the pressure to the maximum load carying capacity in the tires on the truck and trailer.
- Johnny Law will definately notice a SUV with its headlights pointing to the sky. If you are only slightly over the towing Gross Combined Weight of your vehicle and trailer, in the eyes of the law, you are still over. To minimize the possibility of being pulled over and weighed, a weight distributing hitch, good strong tires and some suspension upgrades will be needed. The upgrades will also give you more stability and confidence on the road.

good luck and keep us posted!

 

[grizzjeeper]

I tow my L3400 with backhoe with my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Place thr tractor on the trailer so you only have about 350 lbs of tongue weight. That will keep your headlights from shooting in the air.

With trailer brakes and knowing your limitations you should be fine. Power have never been a problem and this tows better than my Dodge Dakota with a v8 in it. Go figure.

Trailer brakes are a must! Drive Slow! Remember what you have back there and be aware of your surroundings. Like driving a rig, your not going to corner fast, stop fast etc but it doesnt mean you cant be safe.