Upgrade from L2800: suggestions?

familyman · Jun 7, 2005

To all and sundry (especially sundry!):
After 1 year and 100 hours of operating my L2800 for digging and reshaping on my property, I am considering doing work on the side doing same, and upgrading to something a little stronger (bigger/stronger BH, FEL, 6' cutting implements). I am thinking 35-45hp, dry clutch and shuttle shift, nothin' fancy, just capable and durable. I would consider a brand other than Kubota. Suggestions and ballpark pricing would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Charley

GITRGUY · Jun 7, 2005

Hi Charley,
I recently went through the tractor buying thing and ended up with a Kioti DK35. I looked at both the L2800 and L3400 at that time. Both are more basic and spartan than the Kioti and I don't regret the choice I made. Kioti also makes a 40 and 45 HP model and all are shuttle shift and syncho transmissions. I was also very impressed with the NH TC35 and TC40. They are available with 12x12 shuttles and seem like smooth strong machines. By the way, I dismissed the 2800 from the runnings because of the tranmission driven PTO. When you are blowing snow you often want that PTO cranking even if you are not moving. Have fun in your search!
Neal

Big_Lug · Jun 7, 2005

Familyman, you might want to consider a Branson tractor. I went from a 28HP TO A 40HPand stayed with Branson. I really like the new tractor. It has live PTO and more HP than I thought. You will save a bunch of money too. Check out branson.com or kukje.com. Good Luck

familyman · Jun 7, 2005

Neal, it's interesting that you should mention the DK35 -- That's the first machine I'm going to look at. I think the same dealer carries Branson so I should be able to compare the two. Thanks for the replies. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Charley

Maka · Jun 7, 2005

Hello Familyman. I would also consider the Montana line as well. They are excellent tractors and worth looking into. The 4540 is a very nice compact.

I would also look at the small utilitys of Montana like the 4340 as that is a fine machine. I would certainly drive a Montana and look at all they have to offer. I think you will be happy with what you see.

There is a dealer in Ephrata and if that is close I would be happy to PM you the contact info.

Thanks,
Maka

familyman · Jun 8, 2005

Thanks, Maka, I'd appreciate that. Ephrata isn't too far away. Who builds Montana tractors? I've seen their ads in Hobby Farmer but don't recognize the machine. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Maka · Jun 8, 2005

LG Agricultural manufactures the Montana. Here is the link to the LG website. They manufacture tractors for Montana, FarmTrac, some TAFE and others. Excellent tractors that are very feature rich.

LG Agricultural

Montana Tractors

The Montana website is being worked on but most basic info is present.

Thanks,
Maka

familyman · Jun 9, 2005

Neal,
I drove a DK35 yesterday -- very impressive! It seems to be just big enough for what I'm considering. I think the DK45 might be a little too big to operate on residential areas.
The fit, finish and sturdiness are impressive! Runs smooth and strong, drives nicely, and the FEL seems a good bit quicker and stronger than mine. If my L2800 was sold already I probably would have bought it on the spot. For the DK35 w/FEL and 8.5' Rhino BH the dealer wants $26,200.00. I didn't think that was too bad, what do you think?

GITRGUY · Jun 9, 2005

Charley, It is difficult to assuredly say yes its a good price. As you may have noticed in this forum, prices vary sometimes greatly in different areas. I paid about the same but with a different set up. I got tractor,FEL, Kioti BH 7.5, BB, rear snowblower, landscape rake. I don't know what the difference on the Rhino BH with a larger size would be. It certainly sounds in the ballpark. When I priced the L3400 the same way it cost more than that by a bit but doesn't have the features the Kioti offers. So I think in comparison with some other machines its good value for the dollars.
Neal

familyman · Jun 9, 2005

I just got a much lower price from a dealer north of here. That was a pleasant surprise, and I'm waiting to hear back from him about how he would handle warranty issues cuz' he's not too close!
I'm starting to see the light with regard to Kioti build/quality/features. They do seem to have a high quality product that will more than do the job, for less than the big three (sometimes a good bit less). Since I'm going up in size, the dollars really matter and anywhere I can save here potentially puts money towards rear implements; rear finish mower, brush hog, PHD, etc.
I have read some negatives about Kioti backhoes, and I want to go as large as is practical for a given tractor. I intend to research Rhino backhoes asap.
Thanks again! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif