Hiya Natural -
Here's my best advice to you, based on what you've told us.
(Disclaimer: I am heavily biased toward Kubotas in general, and Grand L's in particular, but have a very warm spot in my heart for JD's - the new Twenty Series in particular. I just think that Kubotas have the edge in the simplicity and bomb-proof reliability department, particularly the hydro tranny).
I would think along the lines of: "what's the heaviest tractor that I can still use for mowing", rather than "what's the lightest tractor I can get with 30-ish HP". The reason I say this has everything to do with LOADER LIFT CAPACITY and LOADER HEIGHT.
Time and time again, some will say that "a smaller tractor can do everything a larger tractor can do, it will just take longer". The element of truth in this statement can somewhat disguise the fact that the statement is ultimately false.
The smaller tractor will have a smaller loader, that will never, ever be able to pick up what the larger tractor will, or lift it as high. I'm not talking about an L3130 vs. an L3830; I'm talking about a Grand L 3x30 vs. a B3030, B7800, or B-anything.
Considering your acreage, and the fact that you want to clean up significant amounts of woodlands, that says grapple to me. I think you'd be happy with a 723 loader sitting on a Grand L3830HST with turf tires. To those who say you can't get any real work done with turf tires, please see
5030 "skidder" pics - the tree-bota in action.
The Titan turfs have been astonishingly productive, even in sloppy conditions. They are obviously great on lawns, are fantastic in snow, and are very rugged. (Insist on 6-plys for the fronts). There is also no better tire for putting chains on than turfs. The chains lie flat on the tread, and the traction in snow is amazing.
I believe that for the few times your lawn is a little too soggy to mow with this tractor, it would be your best bet. Make yourself a nice big concrete counterweight for the 3ph, or carry a heavy attachment. Don't load the tires - keep her light for mowing.
Why a 3830, and not a 3130 or 3430? Power to weight. The 3830 gets you to around 140 lbs/pto HP. Any more than that, and I think you're too sluggish. The 3130 is 180 lbs, the 5030 is 111 lbs.
Again, check out the JD Twenty series. If you like the JD's better, and the raw specs are close to those of the Bota, go for it. I think the Botas lift more and are a little more reliable, but that's just me. Also, seriously weigh your tranny options. HST is invaluable in some cases, and foolish in others. So much depends on your terrain, obstacles, etc. HST gives you incredible control; GST puts a little more power to the ground, is cheaper to buy and maintain, and keeps your hydraulics cooler.
Good luck with your decision,
John D.
(Oh, and don't forget to ask for the Kubota hat that comes with your new tractor). /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
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Ok, a little self-editing: I painted the above with a pretty broad brush. Maybe just make darn sure that the tractor you end up with is going to have enough loader capacity to do what you are going to wish it could do, and not let the mowing keep you from getting a lot of other serious work done. If you are sure you could get away with a 403 (402?) loader, maybe get a B3030, or other "B" Kubota.