TJP89
Veteran Member
I skimmed the thread, so I may have missed it, but why are 6ft implements being looked at? I have the Kioti CK35H, and have a 5ft cutter, and a light duty 7ft rear blade. The tractor I think would handle 6ft cutter and heavy blade no issue, but I wouldn't want to go with any less HP. If you want 6ft implements, I'd go no lower than a good heavy 35HP tractor (the L3301 doesn't count as such).
I have a very low opinion of the JD 3Es, both from owner experience and specs, I think the Kubota is much better in that particular class. The L3901 is a good tractor, no frills, but will do what you want. I would not step down to the 3301. New Holland has some good tractors in that class, as does LS. With Kioti, the CK35 priced out at about the same as the L3200, the L3301's tier 3 predecessor. IMO, the CK way outperformed the Kubota in value in terms of specs and features.
On HST, it's great, I don't think you'd lose much power if any, and I don't care how good you are with a stick, it's easier to use. Also, a tractor geared tranny operates differently from that of a car, entirely different operation method. I've run automatic and stick cars, shuttle shift, power shuttle, straight gear and HST tractors, and the easiest by far is the HST.
Last note, look at weight and hydraulic capacity on tractors in addition to the other stuff. HP and features are important, don't get me wrong, but they can be stuck on anything, hydro cap and weight really tell you how that tractor is built and what it can really do.
I have a very low opinion of the JD 3Es, both from owner experience and specs, I think the Kubota is much better in that particular class. The L3901 is a good tractor, no frills, but will do what you want. I would not step down to the 3301. New Holland has some good tractors in that class, as does LS. With Kioti, the CK35 priced out at about the same as the L3200, the L3301's tier 3 predecessor. IMO, the CK way outperformed the Kubota in value in terms of specs and features.
On HST, it's great, I don't think you'd lose much power if any, and I don't care how good you are with a stick, it's easier to use. Also, a tractor geared tranny operates differently from that of a car, entirely different operation method. I've run automatic and stick cars, shuttle shift, power shuttle, straight gear and HST tractors, and the easiest by far is the HST.
Last note, look at weight and hydraulic capacity on tractors in addition to the other stuff. HP and features are important, don't get me wrong, but they can be stuck on anything, hydro cap and weight really tell you how that tractor is built and what it can really do.