Worried about the HST3130

[marty236]

I hate to beat this to death, I have a HST3130 on order and I was so happy but after reading all the negative posts I am a little nervous. I only have 10 acres and I want to do some digging, not a crazy amout, just garden stuff. Does it have enough power to go up steep hills, like in and out of ditches. Please only reply if you have operated a HST3130. Thanks

 

[texbaylea]

I hate to beat this to death, I have a HST3130 on order and I was so happy but after reading all the negative posts I am a little nervous. I only have 10 acres and I want to do some digging, not a crazy amout, just garden stuff. Does it have enough power to go up steep hills, like in and out of ditches. Please only reply if you have operated a HST3130. Thanks

marty236
I am not sure what you mean by steep hills. My only "steep" grades are ditch sides and I normally have no problem getting out. My usual operating mode is about 1800 rpm and mid range, very occasionally dropping into low.

 

[texbaylea]

marty236

Sorry, I did not add a comment I should have. What "all the negative posts"? Some time back there was one poster that could not get off posting against the L3130 but either he did not know how to operate a HST or refused to learn. Yes, it is not a 50hp tractor but within its niche it is a great machine and has done everything I expected or asked.

Vernon

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

more often than not most issues like that can be attributed to an inexperienced operator. As long as a tractor has traction it will climb most any hill as long as you know the proper operating technique.

 

[BrianW]

Just remember that the hydro pedal is a gear change pedal and not a throttle and I don't think you will have any problems. When the tractor is starting to bog down, it is instilled in automobile drivers to push down on the pedal. This is just the opposite of what you should do on a hydrostatic transmission.

 

[RPK]

Marty:

I've got 140 hrs on my L3130. I have a steep driveway to go up and down. It can bog down a little in mid-range going up the hill but I usually shift into low-range and have no problem at all. The HST is so nice when you're manuvering around in the woods and using the front loader. Which I do a lot of. Good luck with it

RPK

 

[SteveA]

Our L3130 rocks! You won't be sorry with your purchase. Good luck.

 

[Kendall69]

I have work my HST in heavy, soupy beach sand which includes steep hills - actually dunes, and no problem climbing them. Of course not in high gear.

 

[marty236]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm really excited to get it. I get delivery on the 23rd.

 

[cmhyland]

Marty,
Your going to love that machine.... I have the B2910 ( Little Brother to your machine) and it's a hydro.

High range is really for transport and mowing.... Any real work is done in Mid range or low range..

Regards,
Chris

 

[InlineDieselFan]

I have only operated the 3130 at the dealer when shopping. But I got a good deal on the 3430, and have a few hundred hours on it now. It is not a 50 hp machine but I did not pay for 50 hp either. I have loaded tires and going up an incline in the driveway in high gear it will bog down. But other than that it does great. When I am out working I usually have it in low, the ground is just too rough to go fast so I opt for the power.

Learn how to drive it and know that you have certain limitations and you will be happy as can be, they are great machines.

steve

 

[DavidVT]

HI,
I have a 3430HST with loaded tires also. At about 140 hours now, I still have to remind myself that the pedal is NOT a 'gas' pedal. This is my second one due to a nasty wreck. I really only needed a small tractor but bought this larger model for stability on my hilly property. That size decision probably saved my life when my first 3430 was t-boned in the road with me on it.

Plowing snow with my FEL mounted truck plow, Low is too slow to push a wall of snow before I loose traction but Mid range can bog down to a stall if I keep my foot mashed into the pedal. I do most of my dirt work in low and brush mowing in mid. High for me is just to get somewhere,period.

Yes, even in perfect conditions I can stall the tractor driving down my dirt road in High Gear as I go up a grade. (if I keep my foot mashed into the 'go' pedal).

I don't use it enough to always remember the right way to use the 'go' pedal. However, the tractor has no problem reminding me.

I would buy another just like it if I had to. Would I go for more power if I could afford it? Of course, but I'd not be unhappy with just the 3430.