3130 or 3140??

[rufus]

Well, I'm still deep in thought over this tractor. While the number for the 3130 DT model is a bit less painful to look at, I'm beginning to wonder.....for the extra $1500 over the long haul, maybe the HST is the way to go. Considering our terrain, the mowing, loaderwork and time in the woods and on hills, I'm beginning to feel as if I'd have better control with greater ease and perhaps safety with the HST. And if I end up having this tractor for as long as I hope to, it would probably be worth the extra investment in the end.

Now if that's the case, my question is, with the the loss in PTO HP w/ HST model, am I kidding myself to think the 24HP will be adequate for the 10-12 acres of 5ft wide bushhog mowing?? Should I suck it up and be looking at the 3430?? Is there a noticeable difference between the 3130 and 3430? Or with this sized area should I be considering even the 3830 HST with a 6 ft mower?? I imagine that I will mow these fields at most 2-3 times a year so maybe it's not worth the extra $2000-$5000 for the bigger models?? I'm pretty sure that the 3130 would meet my needs otherwise.

Another question: The dealer has offered the 3130 HST w/ 723 FEL HD 72" bucket and 4 way valve, and Filled R4s, for $19,900. I'm prepared to tell him I'll do it for $19,000 if he throws in a quick couple package ($390 value). Does this sound reasonable? I've heard of dealers giving free trucking for the regular tractor servicing. With a 1/2 hr drive to the dealership and no trailer, how reasonable is it to ask him to throw this service in?? Thanks for all the helpful insight everyone! TBN is a great resource!!

 

[Junkman]

I will only answer part of the questions that you pose. I would go with the Hydrostatic because over the next few years the manual transmission tractors will become less and less desirable. It is like when automatic transmissions came into being in automobiles. At first no one wanted them, then some people wanted them, then everyone wanted them, and the market for a standard transmission car went away for the most part, except for the muscle cars.
As to the part about the dealer wanting $19,900 and you want to offer $19,000 and have him throw in a $390 accessory, and free services to make the deal, I don't think that I want to be standing in your shoes when you make this proposal. I think that he might be inclined to tell you where to go, and it isn't going to be very nice! He is in business to make a profit and for you to try to deny him the ability to make an honest living isn't fair. I have been told by some on this site that I am very harsh sometimes, so I will try to tone it down for you.
I assume that you go to work and get a pay check... how would you feel if your employer were to ask you to work for free one day a month???? Do I make my point clear without being harsh??? I am certain that he wants to sell you a tractor at a price that both of you can live with. If he sells them too cheaply, then how do you expect him to be able to continue to service you, his customer with warranty service?? He isn't getting wealthy on one sale, that is for sure. He needs to pay for employees, rent, taxes, lights, telephone, etc. out of the profit of every sale. He like you, has obligations that need to be paid..... and sometimes that is even if he doesn't make a sale that week! Having been in business for 40 years, I know how hard it is to succeed and continue. I remember in the beginning, not being able to take a pay check for 2 years and sharing a bottle of peanut butter and crackers with the dog, because we were both hungry and there was virtually no food in the house. Every cent went back into the business to keep it alive and for it to prosper for the future. The Junkman

 

[F350Lawman]

Relax a little. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Why do some people get all upset when a buyer offers a price that is "perceived" to be way low? Do you get upset when dealers frequently quote 21,000 for cars or taractors that sell for 19,000. Is the dealer out of line for trying to get 21,000? No. Neiher is the buyer who tries to get a 19,900 tractor for 19,000 plus some freebies.

Nobody's asking the dealer to go hungry, if he doesn't like it he can just say no. My dealer asked for 16-17K for a tractor I bought for $14,900, I have no hard feelings. He tried and failed, that''s the way the game is played. he gambled that being the only JD dealer for 50 miles I would bite, he lost. If he sells it for 16-17 more power to him, if someone shrewder than myself gets one for 14K the same goes for them.

It's just business baby, nothing personnal. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Junkman]

He asked for opinions...... mine is one, and yours is another. We just have a different way of approaching this. You bought a tractor for $14,900 when the dealer was asking $16 - $17 K. I have a hard time understanding this..... did he ask $16 or was it $17??? or did he drop it $1,000 during negotiations?? How far did you have to go to get the $14,900 deal?? What was the list price of the tractor to start with?? We all like to save money, but how much do you have to save before you start to sacrifice service???

 

[rufus]

I appreciate your perspective Junkman. I too am in business for myself, not living large and hope only to get as square a deal as I give. We all have an "ideal" for what we'd like but most often have to settle for less. I'm only trying to save reasonably where I can- not insult anyone or ask him to starve. I'm prepared to make a large investment in a rig that will require service, implements and a working relationship for years to come. If he can make me a deal with that in mind I might be able to get him down some in price, especially if a competing dealer is willing to do so. I'm only trying to get a sense as to whether my offer is a reasonable one. I guess your view is No, it's too much to ask. Thanks for the honesty.

 

[Junkman]

A lot has to do with how you propose the offer also. I suggest that you get some competitive prices and see where he stands in his price. I am referring to your local area.... say, 100 mile radius. I know that you can probably buy it for less if you go to North Carolina or some other far away area where the dealer will look at the sale as once it is out of his inventory and into your hands, he will never see the tractor or you again and he is willing to do volume sales to make his profit. If you find that two other dealers are willing to make you a better deal, then deal with the dealer that you will feel most comfortable with and remember that a tractor sale is like a marriage. It will either flourish for the future or will end in disaster and divorce. If you want to negotiate the lowest price, then I suggest that you start by negotiating with the lowest priced dealer to start with..... after all, you already know how much difference there is between him and the other dealers. Personally, I would rather pay a little more and know that I can get service locally. I had to go a distance to get my tractor, but that was because the local dealer didn't have any to sell me and said, "buy it where you can, and I will service it for you". He realized that he couldn't sell me anything at that time, but he did realize that I could be made into a customer. Another local dealer didn't even want to talk to me, because I looked like I couldn't afford his nice new tractor and he did have one in stock at that time. I based my opinion of that dealer just the way that he based his of me..... First and lasting impression... The only thing that he didn't know was that I could afford the tractor and I was going to buy one....... Just not from him!!!

 

[Henro]

Sounds like the b2710 vs b2910 question...I pondered last year...

I am glad I went with the B2910...although the b2710 may have been enough.

If you can go bigger without too much pain, that is what I would do.

If it looks like it will hurt too much, then the 3130 will probably work for you just fine...

You are in a good position...you will have made the right choice whichever way you go in the end... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rdam]

If you only have to cut 3 times a year, go with the 5 footer on the 3130. You'll save some money and have long, quality seat time to "reflect" 3 times a year as you cut the fields.

I have 15 acres that I want to keep groomed to "almost" lawn standards. In the summer that means AT LEAST once a month or it's out of control. I'm doling out a little more money for a 3830 to swing a 6 foot cutter. If I finish too quick I'll dig a hole or something. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

For comparison: L3830 DT $14,800, Bush Hog Squealer SQ720, $1,200, LA723 Standard bucket, $3,800.

I shopped prices throughout the Southeast and then shopped my local dealer who matched the best price I could find. I think the prices in the Northeast are a little higher but the same rules apply. Get your best price and give the local guy a chance to match it. No haggling skills needed.

 

[RichNJKubota]

Personally I would go HST and the most HP you can afford. You know better than anyone here what implements you will be using and pick the tractor to match. However, if money is tight then downsize the implements and then the tractor.
I went with the L4310 and even though it's more power than I thought I'd ever use - it has come in handy when mowing that high thick grass and digging with the FEL. And now the baler and wagon.....

Rich

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Hi...


I've recently contemplated the same/similar options... 3130... 3430... HST... DT gear... GST... etc... and total cost...

I can't see paying ~$1500 more for the 3430 for 3 more horsepower... I don't need it... the 3130 handles a 6' finish mower just fine... maybe a 7'... brush hog... I dunno but expect a 5 footer to be no problem...

Some dealers recommend the HST because it's the most popular...
I concluded for me... the DT manual transmission is my choice... ~$1,700 less(quote I got) than HST... and I like having a foot throttle and not having to keep the RPM up as with HST... loss of 1.5 PTO HP... I like the proven gear drivetrain too... but the HST is sweet !
Dosen't bother me to stop and clutch for forward to reverse...

The $19,900 price seems ~OK on the HST...

Specs. on what I'm ordering:
Kubota 3130 DT (gear transmission)...
LA723 Loader with quick attach... 4-way valve...
72" heavy Duty round back bucket with bolt on cutting edge...
R4 tires with rears loaded...
Engine block heater...
BH90 backhoe with 18" bucket...

Curtis soft-sided cab...
Cab heater...
4 worklights...
and a few other add-ons...

Spec out what you want on paper... and get 3 quotes... apples-to-apples...

I send you private message with the Kubota dealer's name & phone number I'm buying from located in west-central VT... he seems a straight shooter and knows his products...

Good luck...


Dave...