New 3016 owner with some questions

Zeek80 · Nov 4, 2015

New to the site and I just picked up a used 3016 Shuttle with FEL and loaded tires. (100 Hrs-Yeah just realized I have some service work to do) I was looking at new tractors until I figured out tier 4 emissions and found this one for $14,500. I have a couple questions. I own 16 acres in WV of which 6 acres is finished mowed and 2-3 will need a brush hog. I just purchased the property in August and have been mowing with a 50" mower and a swisher pull behind with my 4 wheeler, I can mow all of the 6 acres on a rider.

1. I am trying to decide what size finish mower to purchase. I would like to buy a 72" finish mower but was concerned about the weight with the hills and pto hp. What do you guys think 72" or 60"?

2. A friend of mine also owns a 3016 with backhoe. After finding out I bought a 3016 he said I could borrow his backhoe anytime he doesn't use it that much. Besides rear remotes what would it take for me to be able to use the backhoe? I wouldn't need it much but would be nice to be able to.

Thanks

Jabonee · Nov 4, 2015

I wouldn't think there would be much of a weight difference between the 2 deck sizes. 72" should get you done a little quicker. 60" would be better if you have to maneuver between or trim around trees. Backhoe will require a mounting kit and power beyond kit.

Zeek80 · Nov 4, 2015

I don't have too many trees and 72" would make it nice to finish sooner. Any idea how much the power beyond kit and mounting bracket is.

Navasot · Nov 4, 2015

The shuttle will handle it fine. It would handle the 60 much better in thick grass

Jabonee · Nov 5, 2015

Zeek80 said:
I don't have too many trees and 72" would make it nice to finish sooner. Any idea how much the power beyond kit and mounting bracket is.

You will have to check with your local dealer for the price of the BH mounting kit and PB kit. Every dealer has a different mark up.

tman1020 · Nov 5, 2015

I have the same Engine horsepower as you roughly and I run a 72 inch rear discharge finish mower without much problem. My tractor is hydrostat which eats up some of my horse power at the PTO but allows me infinite speed adjustment. So when I do hit that extra thick patch of grass I just ease off a little bit if I run into any problems. I think full rear discharge finish mowers use less horsepower than side discharge. I would think you would still be OK with the shuttle because it would allow for a little more PTO horsepower over the hydrostat you may just have to grab a lower gear if you get into some real thick stuff. Or take a smaller bite in the Thick or heavy areas.
That will be very handy having access to a backhoe not having to buy one. You will probably just have to get the mounting kit for his subframe unless his is a three-point mount.

Navasot · Nov 5, 2015

you will want to get all the mounting brackets if you plan on using his backhoe.. once you put them on the tractor your not going to want to take them on and off so the backhoe mounts will always be there.

Its not going to be a cheap process either.

oldpilgrim · Nov 5, 2015

Congrats on the 3016. They're a really great machine. You got a good deal and you will love it. Not many seem to come up for sale as no one wants to get rid of them.

If you are only going to borrow the bh occasionally, the costs for the mounts and hydro additions will not make it worth doing.