Kubota L3800 vs Grand L series

[TripleR]

tripleR, thanks for the comments. I know there is no perfect machine, but I would like the tractor I get to be able to handle a backhoe. I am not doing any large scale work or commercial work. This is all for my own use. I can take longer to do the work, so it is not that I have to be the most efficient. I just retired so have the time, but don't want to use my back as much, so that is why I want the machine. I also have thought maybe look for some older tractors, not the CUT's, for much less $$$. I feel the time I spend here researching will help me so I don't make a stupid decision. I have made too many of them in the past. Thanks for your help.

That sure makes a lot of difference. When I was working, I was always pressed for time to do anything on our farms. There are people on here who get a lot of work done with backhoes on the BX and B Series, so you should be able to accomplish everything you want with a BH on any of the L Series. Like I said, I don't have much knowledge or experience there, so will leave that to others. Good luck.

 

[devildog1]

[quote=jgheck;2263626]Devildog, You had the TLB's and now traded up to the 3540. Do you have a backhoe for that or do you still have your TLB's? That is one thing I would like to get is a backhoe. I think I should just get it right away as I know there is work that I want to do with it. I think also I should get the larger one. The BH92, unless there are some other makes that would be easy on and off and be better built. Any thoughts on that. Would your 3540 be enough tractor for the BH?[/quote]
jgheck,No I didn't order it with it! And no I do not own any other TLB's. Is the L3540 enough tractor?, of course it is. as TripleR said the BX23TLB and the B3200TLB did all my own drain tile replacement work with ease. But I did all the backhoe work that I had planed with the BX23 and when I purchased the B3200 TLB that work was already done so backhoe sat in barn unused. I thought buying another backhoe was the right move for me, but I had no other uses for it, so it sat in barn for one year. Big waste for me .Thus the reason to go with the Grand L3540 without the backhoe. hoes are nice to have if and when you need to do the work for them. But It's an expensive tool to sit for a year or so waiting for some work to come up, as TripleR said , I'll now rent if need arrives, much easier on your wallet too.Hope this helps you with your decision?
DevilDog

 

[beppington]

Is the 3240 and 3540 big enough to take the larger backhoe?

According to the Kubota Grand L brochure I got in May '10, the bigger BH92 fits all 8 Grand L models, from the 3240 thru the 5740.

The smaller BH76 only goes on the 3240 & 3540.

 

[jgheck]

Bigbull I agree with you. I want to get something that will be able to do what I need to do. I would like the capability of the larger backhoe. I don't want to be doing this again in another year from now.

Beppington thanks for info on backhoes for the L series. I believe the standard L's have different backhoes for them.

Devildog, I agree it is an expensive tool to sit. I think I would use it to dig and bury rocks at times, as well as ditching, and planting trees. May dig a small pond at some time as well. Not sure if I could rent a backhoe attachment that would fit a Grand L tractor or not.
Do you rent a separate backhoe rig or backhoe attachment that attaches to the 3450? I will have to check on the rental fee around here.

TripleR thanks for your comments as well on the BH.

 

[logfarmer]

Hi,
I have had a BX22 since whenever they came out (2002?) and am looking at buying an L3200 in addition to it. Is it possible to add the adjustable three point linkage to the L3200/ L3800 instead of having to buy a Grand L to get it?
Martin

 

[jgheck]

That's a good question and I don't have a definite answer, but I don't think you can. I too wanted certain options on the standard L that were on the Grand L series and I was told that you had to go to the Grand L series to get them.

 

[crazyal]

I'm not positive but I think you can use the 3pt arms off of the B3030.

 

[Johnbro]

WRT the backhoe option I agree with TripleR--rent an excavator. they are much easier to use than a BH and will out dig it, too. For the 10G or so to buy a BH92 you can rent a U35 a LOT and get a heck of a lot more done. what I do is rent one every summer or two for a week. Get a great price for 1 week. Tee up all my ditching and excavating projects and get 'er done. Then it goes back to the nice man who has to worry about the treads falling off, not me

 

[jgheck]

That's a real good point to consider. I may have to do that.
What does it cost to rent for a week?

 

[CHDinCT]

WRT the backhoe option I agree with TripleR--rent an excavator. they are much easier to use than a BH and will out dig it, too. For the 10G or so to buy a BH92 you can rent a U35 a LOT and get a heck of a lot more done. what I do is rent one every summer or two for a week. Get a great price for 1 week. Tee up all my ditching and excavating projects and get 'er done. Then it goes back to the nice man who has to worry about the treads falling off, not me

I generally agree, but when you make this buy/lease computation, you always need to factor in resale or residual value on the owned BH. The cost difference isn't 10G's vs whatever it is to lease one, but, say 50% or 60% of that (5Gs to 6Gs) factoring in resale after, say, 10 years. Use whatever numbers you like, but you get the point.