New 3010GST or used 3710HST?

[chuckles]

I'm looking at a new 3010 with GST, FEL, and R4s for about $18,090. The same dealer has a used (311 hours, 2000 model) 3710 with HST, larger FEL, R4s, plus aftermarket cab and heater for $17,900. The previous owner used it mostly for snow removal and traded to larger Kubota. Seems like a no-brainer to me get the used one. I don't need the cab, but admit I like the luxury.

I'll be putting in a 4 acre vineyard (a multi-year hobby), plus pond work, back-40 road work, removing snow, mowing, and so forth. The land is a bit hilly, so the HST is a plus. However, if I could get a used 3010 w/ HST for a a good savings, I'd take it over the 3710 (I first fell for a 2910 HST, and like the narrower size for woking between the vines).

I also plan to include a Woods 7500 hoe with mechanical thumb, Woods posthole digger w/ 9" auger, Landpride rototiller, and woods rearblade (all new, regardless of which I buy).

Lastly, I already have a DR Field mower (brushhog) which works great. Can't decide between a Rotary cutter, finish mower (the wife likes this), or flail mower (love it but is it worth about $1500 more?).

Comment or thoughts??

 

[Kodiak]

Well the 3710 does sound like a tempting deal. 311 hours of not very hard use, its barely broken in. Excellant size to hang that backhoe off of. However will the cab interfere with the backhoe mounting and or operation? As for size to operate between the rows. Isn't that up to your discretion when you plant your vines? Most of the vineyard and orchard owners around here are using flail mowers, for their capability to mulch the prunings where they fall, as well as mow the grass.

As a comparison I'm also looking for an additional 12 to 15 acres to start a vineyard on. I have just purchased
a New Holland TC29, equipped with a Woods 1012 loader and a Woods 7500 backhoe. So the 3010 would be comparable in size to the package that I have chosen. This seems like an excellant size for small vineyard work. Also I have an older Mott/Alamo 72" flail mower, but I am thinking about downsizing to a 60" one, do to the closeness of the rows

 

[knucklehead]

Chuckles, check your private mail on your control panel. Sounds like you are close by.

 

[chuckles]

Russ,

Jeez I like this site! Post my first question and get a response while still online!

The cab shouldn't interfere with the backhoe, it is entirely forward of the ROPS.

Regarding width, your point is well taken. From what I know about grapes and vineyards (not as much as I'd like!), once they mature you can set things up to have some overhang. Tractor width becomes a limiting factor. The issue is that with only 4 acres planned for growth, on a hill, does the crop per acre go down significantly if I buy a 62" wide tractor vs. a 57" wide one? Probably a moot point, but I'm trying to cover all the bases.

You just increased my desire for a flail mower significantly. They seem to be much more comprehensive tools, which justifies the added price.

How do you like your New Holland? I haven't looked at one, even though one dealer stocks both. I have two friends that own them and are quite happy (one has horses, the other does occasional landscaping/construction).

Thanks for the response!

 

[Kodiak]

Up until today I have just loved the TC29 and Woods package. Its only a month old with 45 hours on it. However earlier I was mowing with it, shut it down for a 15 minute break and it failed to start afterwards. I was just going out to check the PTO safety switch, as suggested by another member. Sure hope its an easy fix.
A suggetion for work within the rows you might try to match the size of your implements to the width of your tractor accordingly. I got the 66" HD loader bucket ( 6" wider than than the tires ). Now it I'm thinking I mght have to get a 60" one instead.

 

[chuckles]

I think amtching implement to tractor size makes sense for a vineyard, thanks for the suggestion! Good luck on the no-start, sounds like it should simply be an interlock.

Part of my reasoning for Kubota is that it should be as debugged as anything out there. Whether that holds true is yet to be seen, as is whether the price differential justifies it.

Where are you located? I'm in Maine.

Chuck

 

[MarkV]

Chuckles,
You may want to verify that a backhoe can be mounted with a cab. One of the members with a L4610 has had no luck finding a backhoe that will work with his cab.

MarkV

 

[chuckles]

I've asked the dealer (who sold the unti when new) to doublecheck this. It's an aftermarket cab and sits entirely forward of the ROPS, so I think it's ok, but I'll make it a condition of purchase, should I take the leap (which I'm 70% of the way toward doing now!). The dealer said it would take one when I first saw it and asked the question.

 

[chuckles]

Well, we're taking the plunge! Haven't signed anything, but the negotaited price for the 3710 HST is $17K, with everything in proper order (some minor things, all cosmetic) and all cleaned up. Celebating the 20th wedding anniversary, and this is the big present to each other!

While I told the dealer to put it on hold, we're busy until next week, at which point my wife and I will go up to give it a thorough going over. I checked and the cab is a Curtis, which is ok with a backhoe.

We'll be adding calcium to the wheels, and will probably spring to have the new style adjustable links put on the 3 pt hitch (the one thing I like about the new L series that this doesn't have).

This baby can take a 9000 series backhoe, and friends are advising its worth the extra money compared to the 7500. More for the power to help with stumps and the like, than for the extra reach. Any comments? About $1500 more.

Still haven't decided on a bush hog or a flail mower either. Does anyone have any comments on whether a flail is more or less maintenance than a rotary??

What sold me on the 3710 is that the price really seems a deal for a 2 year old, 311 hour unit with a cab. I haven't had a chance to price the exact equivalent new, but an educated guess is $23.5K or so including cab with heater.

Well, I guess its off to sleep (and tractor dreams!)

Chuck

 

[chuckles]

Well, I think I've decided against the flail mower. Looked in the attachments section and the maintenance and 'dislike' the blades have for rocks makes the rotary more attractive. With the money saved the 9000 backhoe becomes a more realistic possibility.

Gotta get a price quote on a new equivalent L3710. Anyone have any comments on the $17K price for the used one as reasonable (or not)?