To B3030 or not to B?

[LBrown59]

am I being too hard to please and am actually in need of 2 different machines here? Your input here would be greatly appreciated.

2 Tractors would be nice.
I know it's nice having my 3 Kubotas.

 

[Dusty1]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the B3030, I think it will be the best mix of power and size for me. From reading these forums I hear that your tractor seems to "shrink" over time, and I'm just trying to make sure I get the right one. If I'm spending this much money on a tractor, the L series isn't THAT much more expensive, yet it seems much more capable and smooth. I would really like to get the L3540, but I don't think it would be as useful for me. My wife says it takes me 10 minutes to pick out chap-stick, but shopping for a tractor is half the fun!

 

[Charlesaf3]

my b3030 felt underpowered to me. Which is why I now own it and an m59. But an m59 on a small lot could be painful. Its a compromise, gotta take the hit you feel more comfortable with.

brush hogging, the b3030 will do fine. Drive, no problem, as long as you are raking, not earthmoving. Skip the MMM and get a rear finish - equally maneuverable, and can back it in to places the MMM won't go. Just my opinion owning an MMM - I wouldn't buy one again.

Heavy duty earthmoving, b3030 will disappoint. trenching... pretty much the same. I'd look at the B TLB (21?) for that

 

[Dusty1]

Just stopped by the property I will be buying today. It's almost 18 acres, and I plan on putting in a shop with an apartment above it to live in while building the house. I measured the area going to be used for the driveway, it's 400' to the shop, and another 450 to the house. Also pleanty of brush hogging. After getting those numbers, I think I will be going with an L series tractor (I'll be there all day with the B3030 just clearing the driveway of snow!). I can get an L3540 for $33,000 with loader, back hoe, and brush hog, or the L3400 with the same for $29,000. They both have a 35 HP motor, but the L3540 has bigger tires, weighs 1000 lbs more, can pick up around 600 lbs more in the FEL, and the back hoe has an extra foot of reach (9'). So do you guys think the bigger one is definately better, or should I try to stay small for getting it into smaller yards? The L3540 is actually 16" wider (in tires) and 8" longer (from FEL bucket to back hoe feet). Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[bandit67]

The old saying "pick the tractor size you think you need, then go up 1 size" is a good one to go by.

I am very happy with the size and power of my B3030, and have done a bit of work for "paying customers" to help out when other income is a bit light, but that's only an occasional thing.

If I were to be doing some of the dirt work that I have done on a more regular basis, then a true commercial unit, such as the B26 would probably be better suited to that type of work and frequency. It can take a lot more abuse, and even as the owner/operator babying your machine, paying jobs end up dishing out more abuse than regular homeowner chores, as you are running up the hour meter. Plus, the B26 has higher capacities for the loader and backhoe than the B3030.

Obviously, an L3540 would be a more capable machine, and would handle the more abusive use than the B3030. I'm not saying the B3030 is a wimpy machine, but a commercial or heavier duty unit will last longer if a good percentage of the work is for paying customers off your property. Just something to think about.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Thats good advice from Bandit. On that front, look at the L TLB - L39? That probably would suit you best.

I think the B3030 would do fine commercially for a landscaper who was primarily mowing (see lawn king here). It'll do dirt work, but if you are doing it commercially you'll be frustrated. Doing it for yourself, no schedule, it'd be fine.

And bear in mind, it all beats the heck out of a wheelbarrow and shovel.

I think you'll find the L a bit less maneuverable, but still fine. My b3030 is noticeably more maneuverable than my m59, but it almost never is an issue, even in woods. The M can go sideways in places the B can't, which helps. And both have steering brakes.

On small lots, the B would be much better. Probably a bobcat would be even better in truth. Tight quarters is where they shine.

 

[workinallthetime]

You talk about small city lots and 18 acres, your going to have to figure out which one is more important to you. 18 acres is alot for a b3030 to handle on weekly mowing, 400' of drive is alot to maintain with a 3030, but it can be done if working on the small city lots takes priority in your pocket book over your time spent at home. With 18 acres i would want something with as big as i could get to mow with and the L series can handle thatalong with your projects around the spread.
I would really look into a skid steer for the work machine as I have said before, endless attachments, small, turns on 1/2 a dime but its gonna hurt the pocket book, but thats another tax deduction.
My 3030 shines on the little jobs the big boys cant get into, but what your talking about at home I think you would spend to much time quietly running your tractor with no one talking to you, no one complaining, no one wanting to borrow money or tools, no one asking stupid questions, no one trying to get you to go do something you dont want to, no one............
buy the L series to much for the 3030,

by the way just priced out a b26 w/ 4 in 1 bucket, forks, hydro thumb, with my trade in. 700 a month, ouch!!!! but they did say they would give me 18 for mine and im down to owing 10

 

[Dusty1]

Yeah, I was looking at the B26 also, it runs for about the same price as the GL 3540 but is smaller. If I could get a brush hog on it I would get it. Anyways, I said I was getting 18 acres, not mowing 18 acres. Most of it is wooded and I like it that way. I would just be mowing down some grass in between trees. I had just turned down a property here with 10 acres and more mowing for the B3030 without building, but now I have set my sights on more land.
You have a good idea about the skid steer Workin', but at that rate I would need a dedicated machine for every job, and that's just not in the cards for me. Also it tears up yards pretty well. The L3400 seems like a good compromise on size, but seems to have problems with the rear PTO. Decisions decisions....
So you are trading in your 3030? I wonder how it will conpare to the B26.

 

[workinallthetime]

Yeah, I was looking at the B26 also, it runs for about the same price as the GL 3540 but is smaller. If I could get a brush hog on it I would get it. Anyways, I said I was getting 18 acres, not mowing 18 acres. Most of it is wooded and I like it that way. I would just be mowing down some grass in between trees. I had just turned down a property here with 10 acres and more mowing for the B3030 without building, but now I have set my sights on more land.
You have a good idea about the skid steer Workin', but at that rate I would need a dedicated machine for every job, and that's just not in the cards for me. Also it tears up yards pretty well. The L3400 seems like a good compromise on size, but seems to have problems with the rear PTO. Decisions decisions....
So you are trading in your 3030? I wonder how it will conpare to the B26.

No im not trading in the 3030, to much bank and not enough gain. Better backhoe, better egro, more gpm, but size wise not that much more than what i have. Im sure people will argue that point and I have not ran one yet but looking at it on paper im not that impressed for the amount of money it would cost me.
I maintain one property with 5 acres and one with 10 acres, both have large open areas and wooded areas. I use the zd326 to knock the grass down and the 3030 for dirt work, drive ways,and brush removal. I also use the same set up to work on small city lots with 5' gates and not much back yard, doing everything from drian work, digging footings,and koi ponds.
1 tractor might not be the best for every job but 1 that can be adapted to do most is what your looking for. Everytime I want a bigger machine i end up with a job that a bigger machine could not fit in.

 

[Dusty1]

Yeah, I see your point, I can see quite a few times the smaller would come in handy. I just keep coming back to the fact that once you drop the cash down for a smaller machine, it's not that much more to go up a step. I bet your tractor pays for itself pretty well, and I'm sure you enjoy it's size every time you load it up on a trailer and pull it down the road.