TC33DA vs. L3430

Kevin_S · Aug 25, 2005

I'm looking for one tractor to: 1) finish cut grass 2) brush hog about 15 acres 3 times a year 3) Get into woods to make wood 4) Work up small areas (1 acre or less) for wildlife food plots. I think I've narrowed my search down to the TC33DA or L3430. I've priced both machines with the same options: FELw/quick attach,R4 tires, 1 rear remote,72" H.D. bucket,72" MMM, grill guard, 5' bushhog. I can get either machine for the same price, $23,500 plus tax.
Here's my thoughts on the NH: I like the more compact design, the SS seems pretty nice although it's more wearable parts. The loader has 300lbs less capacity along with 1000lb less 3 pt capacity. The 0% for 60mo is pretty attractive.
Here's my thoughts on the Kubota: I like the heavier FEL capacity(I'm not sure if 300lbs is a big deal). The 3pt. capacity is more but I can't foresee needing to lift 2600lbs back there, plus I'm sure the front end would be up with that weight. It seems to be more bulky which might not be good in the woods.
Am I being unrealistic with what I'm expecting this tractor to do? I know brush hogging might suffer a bit, but if I go bigger then I think finish mowing will be out of the question. Also why do people compare the TC33DA to the L3130? It seems to me the 3430 is much more comparable in many areas.
Oh well I'm done babbling any advice would be appreciated. Is there any one out there that does the same thing with there tractor? Thanks in advance.
P.S. I'm new here and I couldn't get on the profile page. Also can't indent the paragraphs for some reason?

ronjhall · Aug 26, 2005

Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
If you go to Kubota's site. They have a compare feature. It compares the L3430 and TC33D. I'm not sure this is a good comparison. The TC35 may be closer. The data for the TC35 can be seen under the L3830.
The only difference between L3430 and L3130 is engine size.
You should make sure dealer is offering the LA723 loader for the L3430.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 26, 2005

I think Ron makes a good point about the TC35 being more of a direct match to the L3430. The TC33 is a bit smaller in physical size and lower in capacity, its a very fine tractor but I think it is a bit out matched by the L3430, especially if the 723 loader is on the Kubota.

The TC33 will give you the SuperSteer and Sensitrac for ultra-tight turning radius and the advantage of automatic 4WD engagement, that alone will cut your mowing time if you have any obsticals to mow around, and that is a very nice advantage toward the New Holland tractor if you don't want to spend any more time mowing than you absolutely have to.

My take is that the if the TC33 is pitted up to the L3430 with the 513 loader then I would take the TC33 without a second of hesitation. The 14LA loader is superior to the 513 in terms of useability and visibility.

If the TC33 is pitted up to the L3430/723 loader, then the L3430 is going to have more capacity and simply is going to be a beast in comparision if you need a beast it is tough to beat in that size machine.

The TC will get you into tighter places, mow faster, FEL is more efficient to use and has great eronomic design but gives up capacity.

The L3430 has the legendary reliability of the smooth running Kubota engine, with the 723 loader it has all sorts of power, with the 513 loader it has only an average loader on a great tractor.

cart99 · Aug 26, 2005

I'm pretty sure the Kubota B3030 is a closer match to the TC33DA, and if you are concerned about doing finish mowing, it might be a better choice as well.

Kevin_S · Aug 27, 2005

Thanks for the reply.

The kubota is priced with the 723 FEL, my salesman said he wouldn't even think of selling me the 513.

Over all my Kubota salesman knows a lot more about his product than the NH salesman. When I go for price quotes the NH guy just says he'll match the Kubota price, which maybe should be the the TC35DA and not the 33DA. I also like the 2 pedals for the hydro on the 35. But I was told you could only put there 84" MMM on the 35 which is to big for my lawn (2 acres-possibly more in the future), is this true? I'm not sure the NH guy knows for sure.

I guess I need to decide if I should get a bigger tractor (40+ hp) and a dedicated lawn mower or stick with trying to get one tractor to do it all.

Any thoughts on a side or rear discharge MMM on this size machine? For $3100 I'd like to get the right one.

As of now I'm leaning toward NH even though the Kubota salesman is more knowledgable.

Go Packers /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

thcri · Aug 28, 2005

(
Any thoughts on a side or rear discharge MMM on this size machine? For $3100 I'd like to get the right one.

Go Packers /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

My dealer talked me into the side discharge. His reasoning was the rear discharge was not as good at discharging the grass and you end up with clumps all the time. You have to mow religiously to prevent this. However, I took his advice and took the side discharge and now am somewhat sorry. Makes it tough to mow from both sides. I wished I had the rear as I do mow religiousls /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

murph

Mark_K9 · Sep 5, 2005

I am in the process of trading my 900 hour TC33D for a Kubota L3420 DT. My reasons for trading are focused mostly on the transmission-the hydro on the TC just doesn't meet my needs. On the early machines, reverse is very slow (not to spec), and in the winter, the hydro pedal loads up with snow when combined with the NH loader valve. The plastic shroud over the valve does a great job of funneling snow under the hydro pedal. In other words, slow reverse with snow trapped under the pedal means difficulty plowing snow.

Other items that prompted a trade are more cosmetic in nature. Faded paint, rusty plated parts, recurring tilt steering column problems and also the fact that the original equipment Titan R4 tires are basically shot at 900 hours. I had a Kubota prior to the 33D and found fit and finish and material slection to be much better than NH.

Regarding your comparison question, the L3430 is much closer in specification to the TC35. I agree with the other reader that you may wish to compare the B3030 with the TC33. You may also want to look at an L3400HST. Both should save you money when compared to a TC33.

After all of these words, I strongly recommed that you choose your machine based upon the quality of the dealer. If both dealers provide the same level of service and the same price, I would then opt for the L3430, as it is more machine than the TC33DA.