Still puzzled - 3130 or 3830?

[jlemon]

I stopped by the NH dealer to test drive the 35D tractor and liked the sloping hood, but didn't like the dual pedal arrangement. Next stop was the Kubota dealer, where I tried the GST and HST models, and really liked the pedal arrangment on the HST, as well as the tilt steering wheel (especially compared to the NH). The JD dealer didn't have a model available to try, but since they use the same dual pedal setup as NH, I decided on a Kubota, and hope to order one by the end of the month.

Next step was to visit several dealerships, and one that was relatively close to me had a clean shop and setup, stocked a large amount of Kubota parts, and was patient with this tractor novice. The prices he gave me while I was test driving the tractor seemed a little on the high side, so I'm in the process of getting quotes from other dealers.

While I had initially decided on a basic 3130 HST setup, I'm now starting to succumb to the siren call of "it's just a small step up..." and need a reality check. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

A friend brought his JD 4310 and 6' cutter over to cut down some of the 8' thistles on my property, and happened to mention that he normally runs the cutter on his utility tractor, as he feels the JD bogs down and is underpowered to drive that size cutter. This has me worried, since our properties are the same size (40 ac), but mine is more hilly, and I was planning on running a 6' cutter on the 3130.

Should I really consider moving up a notch to the 3830? The rear wheels are further apart than the 3130, which seems to mean that correct sizing calls for larger than 6' implements, which in turn need larger tractors - IT'S ALL AN EVIL MARKETING PLOT!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I have been following RaT's 3830 posts, but still am not sure whether a 3130 will do what I want. One dealer I talked to said that a 3130 will pull a 6' cutter, but if it were him, he'd go with a 3830. I'm not sure if this was honest advice or if he was trying to upsell. The other dealer I liked didn't try to lead me into a larger tractor at all.

Any advice to go one way or the other?

 

[MarkV]

I don't think there is a "one answer fits all" to your question. I have been looking at the same two tractors and also would like to run a 6' rotary mower. There are a number of members that are using 6' behind the 3130 but it depends on what you are mowing. If thick heavy grass is the majority it may be to big, spotty grass and light brush clearing you may be ok. The general guide I have always heard is 5 PTO hp per foot of mower. The 3130 is 24 PTO hp so the 5' is most likely a better fit. The 3830 is 30 PTO hp so that would fit the guide for a 6'.

MarkV

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

There is no question at all in my mind that if I had those 40 acres, AND could afford the extra for the L3830, that is the way I would go.

It seems each time you step up in tractor size, you proportionally get a lot more tractor for the dollars you lay out.

You will appreciate the extra HP on the hills I bet. There was a post here by someone that I remember. He went from a B2910 to a L3010. HP per LB of tractor was lower on the bigger 3010. Could not go up the hills as fast anymore, to the extent that he thought there was a problem with the tractor...

I keep thinking the same thing about the 3130 vs 3830. Etc, etc...

Good luck and hope you do it right the first time!! Naturally only you can make the final decision for your specific needs.

 

[hillslider]

I am a new owner of a L3130HST and love the tractor. Nothing but grins /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I only have 15 acres to maintain for our two horses and I use a 5' cutter. The area is hilly and there is some pucker factor involved in mowing!! If I had 40 acres I would go with the L3830. The L3130 would do it but it would be to slow and as far as using a 6' cutter on a hill with the L3130 you would have trouble. I have the tires loaded and max weight on the front bumper and my tractor will slip and slide in 4x4. I have even managed to have the front wheel leave the ground. I have to be very carefull!!!!! The L3830 is heavier and wider.......two things I could really use but can not justify with my small farm. So for you I recomend the bigger tractor......you will be happier with the performance on your larger property. Good luck with your endeavor.

Rob

 

[jlemon]

That's a useful guide that I didn't pick up on earlier. The grass around here is currently way overgrown, and appears to be a mix of smooth bromegrass, canarygrass, red clover, and bluegrass. Not sure if this qualifies as heavy grass or not, but it sure is TALL right now. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I had someone come out to hay the back pasture - he gave up saying that there was too much thatch in the grass (it wasn't cut last year), so his moco keeps stalling. Looks like one of my first tractor jobs is to just go out and chop the entire field down, although I think that would just ADD to the thatch problem.

 

[jlemon]

I believe I read the same post. A recurring theme on the board seems to be that the 3130 may be undersized for the frame, but will get the job done if you go slower. I'm sure that a 3130 *could* get the job done, but may not be as enjoyable or efficient as a 3830 at the same task.

 

[jlemon]

Wow, it sounds like you have much steeper hills than I do! The steepest grades I'm looking at are about 30% in some areas, or 6:20 by my tape measure. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Luckily, not all the property is like that, but enough that it is a concern.

I just showed this post to my CFO, and she says for only a $2,500 price difference, I should just buy the 3830 and be done with it. Seems she's more willing to spend my (oops, OUR) money than I am! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif However, one of the points she made was that you have to consider the temperament of the person using it, and we're both impatient and probably not willing to slow down TOO much.

So it looks like I'll be faxing dealers for quotes on the 3830 today, and hoping that I haven't decided to buy too big. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

jlemon,
I have a 3830 with a light duty 6' brush hog and the tractor pulls it with no problems. Even up slight inclines (I don't have any REAL hills) the tractor doesn't hesitate. If your budget allows it, I think the 3830 is worth the extra $$. A tractor is a long term investment, so you want to make sure you get plenty of satisfaction for your money.

buckle

 

[_RaT_]

I would say that if your terrain was flat the L3130 HST would be fine, but since it is hilly, thats what might be the most compelling reason for having more HP/torque. Any tractor will load up when hit with hills and really thick and tall grass especially when sized with an implement to take maximum advantage of the HP. The HST allows great control for those areas that are either thicker then others or when cutting bumpy terain. It's one of those things that seems to go unmentioned for the most part, but the HST really starts to be a "seat of the pants" operation when your body feels the dips and bumps as the front axle hits them. You automatically and instantly respond via the pedal. When going downhill and you hit the thick stuff, it is also great in that you never brake or clutch to slow down, you just again back off on the HST.
The price jump on the L3830 may be part evil marketing ploy and also a few extras over the L3130/3430, for one, you have a different rear end, different lift on the 3 pt hitch, different battery size, tires, and perhaps a few others I've already forgotten. That increase in price will seem little in no time once you start using the tractor, its still got me excited to use. I feel like a little kid. Rat...

 

[SageBrush]

The L3830 will give you a stronger tractor over all.

I have a Bush Hog 286 (6' approx. 900 + lbs) it works well on my L4330 (with the loader on) which has 36 pto hp (GST). The L3130 HST has 24 pto hp at 2700 rpm. Kubota rates the tractor for a 6' cutter with a weight of 770lbs. My L4330 is rated for a 926 lb bush hog, mine weighs a little more. If you go with a L3830 you will have the same 926 lb weight rating. The L3830 HST will give you 30.5 pto hp. If you want a 6' medium duty cutter, the L3830 would be my minimum. There are some 6' med. cutters that are rated for 30 hp. I think the one I have recommends a 40 hp tractor. My other 31 hp tractor can't handle a 6 footer of any kind, it struggles in anything over 3 feet tall using a 5 footer.

So, if you want to stay within Kubota's weight ratings, a L3130 could handle a 6 footer under 770 pounds. But, I think you'll be wanting more power if you cut tall, thick or wet grass.

I almost went with the L3830 untill I decieded on the 4 banger. There is nothing wrong with a nice 5' med. cutter either. I try to stay within spec on weights and such, maybe some one can relate their experiance running a 900 to 1000 pound cutter on a L3130. I would recommend avoiding the light duty cutters if you do much brush cutting.

 

[icat]

I'm with Rob - I've also got the L3130 HST. My property is 18 plus acres and it's mostly flat (way bumpy though). I'm pulling a 5 foot Bush Hog rotary cutter and the only thing slowing me down is my own pucker power. If I had the acreage you have, WITH the hills, then I'd go with the L3830 also. If you had gentle rolling hills then I might suggest otherwise.

I think it's also important to ask yourself how often you'll be cutting. If it's all 40 acres at one time, then go with the biggest tractor you can afford. If it's a cross fenced pasture for cattle or horses, then the numbers go way down because of stock rotation. End result is the largest area mowed at one time may only be 5 acres or so. With that number in mind, the size tractor you need may vary.

 

[MarkV]

Jlemon,

I know exactly what you are going through. The 3830 is $2000 to $2500 over the 3130. Not so much money over the life of a tractor but most have already made a couple of price jumps to get to the 3130. Then, the 4330 is only about $2500 more than the 3830. Not that much money over the life of a tractor and you get that wonderful high capacity loader. Then, there is the quick hitch, the 4 in 1 bucket, the T&T system, the new larger implements……….I hear ya brother!

I vote 3830 for your situation of hills and acreage. (You back me up when it is time to show my CFO) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MarkV

 

[_RaT_]

I forgot to mention, I run a 84" finish mower on my L3830. I wish I had the 96" and am quite sure the L3830 would handle it. I also have a brush mower that is 80" wide, offset massive beast, chains on front and back, weighs about 1500lbs and am pretty sure it will be sold with the International. I think the Kubota will run it, but I'm pretty sure I will need the loader on to support its weight while raised. Its just not worth the hassle. As far as weight ratings go, I think it has more to do with the raised position use traveling to another destination. If you look closely at the L30 series brochure, I'm pretty sure thats a L3130 with a set of batwings hanging off the back. Either Kubota does not follow their own recomendations or is flexible in the implement specifications suggested in the owners manual. Rat...

 

[jlemon]

Initially, the mowing duties are going to be most of the acerage, so I don't want to get something too small and spend all day mowing. The CFO (and junior CFO's in training /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif ) do have plans to convert some of the area to horse pasture but at the moment they only have 3 minis and big plans to add larger horses Real Soon Now.

Actually, I feel a little sorry for the minis. The grass is higher than they are! It does make for a nice game of hide and seek, though. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">… for only a $2,500 price difference, I should just buy the 3830 and be done with it…</font>

Hi,

You’re a lucky man, you have a very very smart wife…! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

For the 30.5 PTO hp, you could run a standard duty 6’ rotary, or go with a 5’ medium duty cutter to cut bigger and nastier stuff… and with the long stroke diesel in the L3830, it will have more torque reserve to help out the rotary cutter considerably… and it’s about time… I hadn’t seen a long stroke Kubota in a while…

Side by side the L3130 and the L3830 may look similar… but start mowing some heavy brush… you’d be hard pressed to keep the rpm’s up on the L3130… (and keep up with the 3830), whereas the L3830… which would flex it’s muscles and zoom to the finish line without hardly breaking into a sweat… /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (well, maybe just a little /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

(lots on nice things happen when your tractor goes past the Magic 30 PTO hp mark...!)

 

[s22]

My 3830HST came friday w/ 6' Woods cutter, my land is hilly...
the 3830 pulls that cutter with authority and I couldn't be happier....It is a small step for a whole lot more juice......**********you can alway make more money, you can never make more time*************

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I went through the same questions as you and bought the L4330 a few weeks ago. I am pulling a 6 foot Woods cutter and it is working wonderfully well- in fact I used it this evening to mow a pasture. As a small aside, I ordered the chain shields on the front an back of the Woods and it has not thrown anything out from under it. This is a very nice safety feature and I would recommend spending the extra dollars to get the chains.

I went with the 4330 because of the extra torque provided by the 4 cylinder engine versus the smaller models. Earlier comments are correct- you end up with a stronger and higher lift capacity loader and you get to spend more for larger implements! If it is in the budget, I would strongly recommend the L4330 with HST! Good luck in your search. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

From the JD 4310 to the JD 4710, the stroke is the same, 3.54 inches. The Kubota L3130 has a 3.6 inch stroke, longer then even the largest JD compact. Johns right, the L3830 is a 4 inch stroke and part of the reason why I chose it. My International is a 5.06 stroke. It's power is very good. Both are 3 cylinder diesels.

 

[glennmac]

Jonathan,

I'm strongly with those who recommend the 3830 as the smallest you should buy for 40+ plus acres with hills.

I have 11 acres. I mow about 7 of it, with some slight hills. I have owned a BX, a B2910, and am now shopping for a Grand L. I probaby will settle on the L3430 because I am little concerned about the power to weight ratio of the L3130. If my hills were more significant, I would go for the 3830.

Whether you need more than the 3830 to mow--probably not, unless you need or want the bigger and stronger loader the 4330 offers.

As to mowing large acreage, you will want at least a 72" brush cutter, which any of the Grand L's can handle, with the aforementioned lugging penalty on hills and in high grasses in the lower hp models. Of course, once you knock the long grasses down the first time, you could mow with an 84" finish mower, assuming you dont have rocks and other hard objects in your pasture.

Another mower option for people with large acreages of combined lawn-pasture is the Woods RM990. I have no personal experience with it, but have read up on it and have seen people here post favorable reviews. It has 90" of cutting width, uses six, cutter style, free swinging blades, and weighs 1,213 lbs. My understanding it is used in both commericial finish mowing applications and field-pasture mowing where there may be some roughness and obstacles (but which dont require full blown rotary cutter strength).

Good luck.

 

[jlemon]

Thanks for the comments. I've settled on a 3830 and am in the process of collecting quotes; I'll post the configuration and prices in another thread.

The RM990 sounds really interesting, but probably out of the price range I'm currently looking at. A standard duty rotary cutter will probably get the job done for now, and later I can add a finish mower when I get tired of making too many passes on the lawn.