Which tractor Orange L3901 or Green 3038E?

[austindoor2010]

Which one is the better tractor L3901 or JD3030E?
I am buying a new tractor that will mainly be used for mowing, moving some downed trees for firewood, and some trail / road management on 16 acres.
It is mostly wooded, but I have 5 acres of rolling open land that is being turned back to pine, hickory, and oak woodlands. Very sandy soil in East Texas so weight is a concern.
I am torn between the Kubota L3901 HST and the JD 3038E HST. The JD with implements is $400 less that the Kubota with implements which is not really a big factor. This surprised me because I have read that JD is always so much higher.

Both have a package deal, FEL, 5 Shredder, 5 Box Blade, Canopy, & Trailer. Both have 0% financing with a down payment and I am approved at both dealers.

I like the fact that the L3901 loader comes off and that skid steer attachments work on it. I dislike the leg room and the treadle pedal seems to be too close for us guys over 6 tall. I suppose I could go with the Shuttle to eliminate the treadle petal but do like the HST especially now in my 6th decade.

The 3038E is roomier and simpler to operate and I like the independent PTO. It almost operates like my 14 year old JD riding mower. I dislike that the loader arms have to be removed by the dealer which limits what you can attach up front. I have heard that there are some quality issues on this model, such as weak loader, front seals etc.

Both dealers are reputable and within 6 miles of me so that is a wash. All of the other dealers MF, Kioti, & Mahindra are 40 to 60 miles away so I decided to keep it local.
I would like to hear other opinions about these two models. If you had to choose one, which one would it be and why?
Thanks

 

[MtnViewRanch]

For me, the Kubota. I want to be able to easily remove the loader, loader bucket, have 3 integrated rear remotes, 3 range transmission. None of those things are available with the JD e series tractors.

As far as you, you don't want to be on an uncomfortable machine for hours and hours. Best to be on something that you're comfortable on. The JD sounds like it fits you better for comfort.

List out the pros and cons of each tractor and their importance. You need to weigh what is important to you and go from there.

Good luck.

 

[nybirdman]

Two range transmission on the JD vs three on the Kubota would be the deal maker for me.I run in medium range 90% of the time.

 

[k0ua]

When I was faced with nearly same choice I bought the Kubota. It was an l3400hst. You get used to the treadle pedal in about a day of operation. The Kubota is more tractor for the money if you ask me. Of course I would look at other brands for even a sweeter deal.

 

[dusty3030]

From a guy who drives green I would buy the Kubota between those two options. More tractor for the money.

 

[Boondox]

From a guy who drives green I would buy the Kubota between those two options. More tractor for the money.

Ditto this.

 

[varmint]

I would also go Kubota, as well. I find the SSQA a really useful feature... really useful! Plus, I have had excellent service from Kubotas, unlike my neighbor with his new JD 5055E. The HST treadle is a short learning curve, as they say. You'll probably come to like it, and the HST side benefits as well.

 

[s219]

While the L3901 is the basic L series, the Deere 3038E is Deere's economy series, and I honestly think it should be costing a whole lot less than the L, not just $400 less. There are better Deere models in the 3 series that will be more deluxe and more expensive than the L. You might want to look at the Deere 3039R to get an idea of what the better Deeres are like and what they cost.

I'd say the Kubota L falls somewhere in between Deere's E and R models. The Kubota Grand L is on par or better than the Deere R models.

 

[Will_C]

Good description by S219. Myself, I couldn't imagine buying a tractor today without a QD loader and SSQA bucket. The $400 savings would just make it nicer-I'd spend $400 more for the Kubota.

Will

 

[The Deerslayer]

Being that I have the L3901, I may be a tad biased. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I agree with others that the Kubota seems to be a better value, etc.. But as was also said, you need to be comfortable on it. I was also somewhat concerned about the treadle (I am 6 ft), but after using it the first day it is actually enjoyable and comfortable. I had the shuttle on my last Kubota and could not imagine doing so again after experiencing the HST. If the quality issues you mentioned with the JD are founded, that would be a deal breaker for me. How do the warranty's compare?
If you have any specific questions bout the L3901, ask here or PM me.