Kubota L3130 HST (4WD) vs John Deere 3320

[silverfox]

I had pretty well decided to go with a Kubota L3400 DT but after reading these forums decided that the L3130 was a better way to go. Then I dropped by a JD display booth and saw a JD3120. More work and reading here and I believe the JD3320 is a closer match to the Kubota. As a real rookie in this whole tractor environment I thought I would throw this out there and ask for some input on which way to go. My requirements are: 13 acres with 8 in paddocks (3 acres need to be cleared of brush first and then all will be grass), 2 acres of lawns, 1 acre veg garden, 2 acre fruit trees, a 1/2 mile gravel road and two 500 foot driveways to be cleared of snow. Ground is fairly flat and will need general maintaining. These tractors may be too much but I would rather have a bit more than not enough. I will add an FEL and a blade plus a mower deck of some kind. Lastly, the Kubota dealer is in town (15 mins) and the JD in the next town (45 mins). Both dealers offer maintenance at your home. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[OrangeGuy]

Both are excellent tractors. The Kubota Grand L series has been out for about three years now and has proved to be an exceptional performer. The JD 3x20 series not as long, but not many changes from the previous models so it's a time tested performer as well.

Your decision will probably be made on dealer, features and price. Go with the dealer you are most comfortable with. They will be your "partner" for quite some time. Regarding features, some that I like about my Kubota Grand L 3430 are:

* single pedal hydrostat - IMO much more convenient and operational for loader work
* hydraulic actuated PTO vs. electric - IMO more durable and much easier to feather engagement, less complicated than "electric" feature
* extendable 3pt hitch arms
* manual cruise control vs. electric - again simplicity
* 723 FEL with skidsteer quick attach - one of the best loaders ever made, easy on-easy off, powerful and quick
* skidsteer quick attach - worth its weight in gold, JD should have adopted this feature with the new 20 series tractors. They have on their skid loaders and industrial small tractors.
* steel hood and fenders - fender stays put when you grab it to mount the tractor
* cool orange color - IMO much easier to find out in the yard after you've stopped for a refreshment

Price - Kubota has found a way to offer superior products that lead the market in share and are generally priced much less than their JD counterparts.

The above reasons are why I chose Kubota over JD. Your reasons may be similar or not. Have fun making your purchase.

OrangeGuy

 

[OrangeGuy]

Sorry Silverfox! I forgot to welcome you to TBN. You will find this to be an excellent site to expand your knowledge regarding compact tractors and equipment.

Welcome to TBN!

OrangeGuy

 

[frank_f15]

I will ask the same old Question? HAVE YOU woked them both? sometimes 2 tractors may be very similar, features, price, Etc. but one will just feel better to you.

 

[browns40]

Hi silverfox,

I am new to tractors... although not to machinery... and yes, it does sound like your tractor desires may be greater than your need for your property, but if you WANT... well that's a different thing altogether! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

what I can tell you about has been my limited experience with the JD 3320:

Great Tractor. I think JD may be underrating the actual horsepower to make it more of a "match" for "the big Orange" machine's 3130... Yanmar is saying different (thanks RockyRidge)...

eHydro with LoadMatch... unbelievable... only a major impact, stump, etc. can stall this tractor... only happened once... automatically provides power when engine would get overdrawn. I shut it off--ONCE! No need to ever again... I don't know if Kubota has this feature... Your hands are free from throttle, transmission shift

Ease of use: everything is right there for me: PTO knob, right next to throttle, right by tach... loader joystick & rockshaft lever just in front of & to right of where arm naturally sits... tranny shift just outside L hand... 4WD engagement... a little low & initially chunky (now smooth) to the left & close to parking brake, but hey... this should not be getting the use of other controls!

What I'm getting at is it's a very ergonomically sound machine, AND:

Did the 50 hour (and switched out trans & front axle fluids way early--but petroleum products will be rising to meet fuel & it's like insurance...). Again the ergonomics were incredible.

When I rebuilt garage floor added 2x12 the lentgh of the "tractor landing", well it just so happens with that extra 1 3/4 inches a 5 gal bucket now slides right under front axle, transmission, and oil plugs--how sweet is that? Only front hub area plugs requires oil pan I'd planned to use for all. Plus whole job was done for under $60 (not on the synthetic bandwagon) & 1 hour of time....

MX-5 is a tank--have turned blades to shreds already (thanks former owner--where the he!! did an iron wagon axle come from, and why 1/2 buried?!?!?!), cleared nearly 2 acres of alder (clumps of 4-12, 1-3 inch diameter), not a complaint from it, only slipped clutch twice...

300Cx loader--if you can fit it in, you can take it where you want (I have HD 72" bucket). It's pried out stumps, delimbed trees, rolled granite 4X4X3 ft easily, dug part of a pond... & goes on & off in 3 minutes.

That's my limited opinion on what I've seen & know about JD 3320 eHydro. Ergonomics & ease of use/maintenance superb... better than any vehicle I've owned.

Drive them both, talk with dealers, get your feel for them.

I do all maintenance, so it's a BIG plus I really hadn't even thought much about... also might be good to check on parts network... with fuel going up, distances will be costing more & more to travel.

Good luck with the search!

 

[silverfox]

Thanks for all the input! Am waiting now for prices from both dealers. The orange guys don't have a 3130 in stock so have only been on the 3400 and that was very limited. I have sat on the JD but again only limited time. No real demos have occurred as that does not seem to happen around here. Is there much difference between a 513 and 723 FEL? What is a "Skidsteer quick attach"? I also need to get a harrow - any recommendations on size? Lastly, thanks for the welcome! I have already learned a lot here and look forward to more in the future!

 

[OrangeGuy]

Look at your literature. Kubota does a good job of explaining the spec differences from the 513 to 723 FELs. The 723 is the HD version. It is the loader of choice unless your loader requirements are lighter duty and you will not be removing the bucket. The skid steer quick attach allows you to change from the bucket to many attachments without having to remove and reinstall pins. You simply flip up two levers, lower and tilt the bucket (or attachment) toward the ground and back away. Reverse the procedure to attach next attachment. If you are going to be switching attachments with any frequency, the skid steer quick attach is a must. In addition, because Kubota uses the universal skid steer quick attach, many attachments from Bobcat and other skid steer manufacturers can be used on your FEL. Examples are pallet forks, utility forks (manure), snowbuckets, blades, hydraulic post hole diggers, round bale forks, and the list goes on and on.

As to what size harrow a 3130 can handle, up here in Minnesota a harrow is a ground leveling device pulled over worked soil to break up clods and level. Harrows generally have spiked (6" fixed steel) or spring (12" flexible steel) teeth. My 3430 handles my 20" spring tooth harrow with ease. If you are talking about a ground engaging "field cultivator", something that will sink in 6" or more, then I would recommend something around 6' to 8' (3pt or pull type). I pull a 75 year old 7 1/2' behind my 3430. See picture.

Hope this helps.

OrangeGuy

 

[Nuru]

I would drive them both. See which one you are most comfortable with. I am trading in my 4310 on a 3320 CAB tractor - no more dust, dirt, pollen-stimulated allergies, rain, freezing and scorching while working on my property for me!

 

[offroadr]

I have spent some time on Kubota's mainly a 2910 and just ordered a JD 3320. I just liked the ergos of the JD better.

 

[NYBOB]

I have a 3720(same as the 3320 but more HP) and love it. In my opinion the two pedal HST system is better then the treadle pedal. I had a treadle pedal on my NH TC33D and really didn't like it.

I also have the air ride seat and believe me, if you are going to put a lot of hours in the saddle, then it is a great option to have.