Comparison 3005 VS L2800 Gear driven tractors

[Tarheeler]

Ive narrowed the search to these 2 Tractors and would like everyones opinions on the 2 and how you would choose and why you feel thus etcc.....
Yes I have one Im leaning toward and have driven Both and the price difference is less than 50$.. Plus and Minuses are as follows

3005 - Pluses are Dealer is 10mins away - resale value?- R4 tires
Minuses are less hp - cramped operator area- dry brakes - 2.5% participation fee on the supposed 0% 48 mo financing

L2800- Pluses are more HP - more room in operators area - More lift capacity - Tractor weighs more -- and a few minor accessories ie fuel capacity -cruise etc - and 0% for 60 months
Minuses are dealer 50 min away - AG tires -

Tell me your opinions and the obvious thingsin your mind that I left out ( I Kow I left a few out but these are one that come to my mind)

 

[crashz]

I think you have picked two very comparible tractors.

I have a JD 770 which is the precursor to the 790 and the 3005. Love this tractor. Its tough, and does more than a machine of its size should do. A few things I don't like are the low lift height of the loader (mine is a model 70, which is smaller and lower than the 300 on the 3005), the loader strength and "battery rot". I also like to putter around and use the loader alot, which would be much better with a hydro transmission. In fact this is the only reason that I keep thinking about a new tractor.

With a gear drive, I doubt you'll notice a horsepower difference. Both will handle 5 ft implements without sweating. My machine is only 24 hp and has no problem at all running a heavy 5ft Bush Hog in heavy, wet 4 ft tall weeds with a full cut driving uphill. Without loaded tires, the mower does push the tractor around a little on turns and hills however. I did notice that the L2800 felt a little wider than my machine, however my 770 has turf tires and the L2800 had R4s. Both are light tractors with enough power to make them feel bigger than they are. I would definately suggest loaded rear tires for stability if you have any hills.

I personally like having position control on my 770, but can't see much disadvantage to the quarter inching controls for my uses. That could be different for those who do a lot of grading or maybe finish mowing.

I also like the loader control on the tractor rather than on the loader mast as well. Its only a slight preferance though, and would not make me hesitate from buying a Kubota.

Since the tractors are very closely matched, I think that a comfortable work station and dealer support would be the deciding factors. Both manufactures are top notch and will always have a strong dealer presence and parts availibility. But having local, after sale support is key. Even if its a bit of a drive. The local JD dealers that I've been to have been pretty decent, but nothing to write home about. The local Kubota dealers that I have visited have had higher prices, but take the time to educate the customer and make them feel welcome. 2 dealers in particular have been very personable, and while I have not bought a Kubota from them, I have been going to them for accessories and other power tools. Neither has been annoyed with my questions or multiple visits. I think that reflects on how they would treat me after then sale.

 

[Chilly807]

Have a close look, does the 3005 have a "shuttle" type shift for loader work? The 2800 has a lever on the left side for Hi-Lo-Rev ranges plus 4 ratio selections on the actual shifter. 8 speeds ahead and 4 astern. The Deere has 2 speeds astern, not 4.

The 2800 doesn't come with rear hydraulic remotes, and no factory kit is available, you'd have to piece it together or pay the dealer to do it. Not a big deal, but something to consider.

10 mins or 50 mins to dealer is your choice, I don't see it as a problem either way unless they're charging you mileage to service your tractor on site.

Check out where they're actually built. Kubota is Japan, the Deere MIGHT be Chinese or Korean, I really don't know for sure. Whether it makes a difference to you or not, I don't know.

The ROPS folds on the Kubota, mine fits in my garage because of that.

50% larger fuel tank on the Kubota.

The two-stage clutch is nice on the 4wd version of the Deere, my 3400 has it as well.

Sightly higher hydraulic flow on the Kubota, 20% more.

815 vs 1435 lb lift capacity on the 3 ph in favour of the Kubota.

A mid mount PTO is optional on the Deere, not available on the Kubota.

I compared the 3038 to the 3400 when I was looking, the Deere had some good features, so did the Kubota. The 3400 and 2800 are the same frame size, you get more power in the same size package. The 4400 is quite a bit bigger.

If you want R4's, the dealer probably won't lose a sale because of it, either way. Mine was offered with either r4's or r1's, my choice, same price. They loaded them in the deal as well, something you should consider with a small tractor like these. I like the r1's for what I do, which is mostly agricultural use, snow removal, woods work, etc. **** on lawns though

Good luck, don't be afraid to lean hard on the dealer to get what you want.

Chilly

 

[ChuckinNH]

My vote is for the Kubota though I have owned neither, I have test driven both. I like the lift capacities, the shuttle type of shift, the room, and the loader / backhoe options better. Both are good tractors, and what trips my trigger might not trip yours. Now, I would also look at the L3700SU........... I don't have a clue what those differences are, or what the price is yet.

 

[foggy1111]

As said above....look closely at the tranny gears and "ranges" offered. This may tip the scales toward the Kubota....as I sometimes wish for a mid range when doing loader work with my 790 (same as the 3005). Reverse low feels too slow and hi feels too fast at times.....but I live with it pretty well.

As far as the lift capacities on these little tractors....before buying I too was concerned with higher lift capacities on other brands. But in the real world I can lift most anything I need to....and I don't worry as much about bending stuff up with the smaller capacities. I am a big believer in "balanced" tractor capacities.....as you don't wreck stuff as easy....or get hurt. Then too....you likely don't want 1500 lbs of implement swinging around on the back of your lightweight tractor.....as your just gonna have the tail waggin the dog.

The JD fuel tank seems adequate for a full days work....so that's no big deal to me.

Lotsa pro's and con's to the specs......keep asking before you spend. I compromised and bought a used gear tractor....as I was unsure of the size needed without some time in the seat on one of these CUT's. Now I know the size is right...but I kinda long for a hydro or shuttle tranny at times. (can you feel the upgrade comming? )

 

[bdeboer]

Check out where they're actually built. Kubota is Japan, the Deere MIGHT be Chinese or Korean, I really don't know for sure. Whether it makes a difference to you or not, I don't know.

3005 is a Japan built Yanmar from what I understand

 

[Tarheeler]

3005 is a Japan built Yanmar from what I understand

Yep both built in Jpan

 

[Tarheeler]

My vote is for the Kubota though I have owned neither, I have test driven both. I like the lift capacities, the shuttle type of shift, the room, and the loader / backhoe options better. Both are good tractors, and what trips my trigger might not trip yours. Now, I would also look at the L3700SU........... I don't have a clue what those differences are, or what the price is yet.

The 3700Su lacks draw bar and cruise and is $800 less than the 3400hst but had 2-3 more HP

Oh yea I dont like the Dead Clutch/pto on the 2800 would rather a Live

 

[ChuckinNH]

Man, I would like to be a fly on the wall at some of the meetings where Kubota decides what to leave off a tractor to sell it for five bucks less, and make five bucks more! I was involved in a transformation to the "Toyota Principle", or "Lean Manufacturing" so I have seen the graphs, and charts they use to make those choices, but I can't say I was impressed. In it's earliest, and most basic form tractors are engines mounted on wheels with a gear box to pull things with. Well there goes the drawbar theory! When I was in manufacturing I always heard things like "what precentage of our customers care about this?" Or, "let's go ahead, and ship this, and see if it becomes a customer service issue" My point was, and is that customers work very hard, and very long for expensive discretionary purchases, and shouldn't have to shoulder all the responsibility for researching, and getting what they really need to do the job. Leave off one feature that the customer finds he needs, (since the companies are right that many of us just don't know which things are important until we actually try to use the product) and you will have an unhappy customer because that will bug him every time he uses your product.

 

[Chilly807]

The 3700Su lacks draw bar and cruise and is $800 less than the 3400hst but had 2-3 more HP

Oh yea I dont like the Dead Clutch/pto on the 2800 would rather a Live

I noticed the lack of cruise on the HST model I saw, but missed the drawbar. You mean the one under the 3ph, I assume? My 3400 came with it, is it just the drawbar missing or the whole receiver?

Chilly

 

[Chilly807]

3005 is a Japan built Yanmar from what I understand

That's interesting to know, I looked at a 4005 and was kind of underwhelmed at the degree of "refinement" for lack of a better term. It's not what I typically expect to see from Deere.

Sometimes a global economy isn't great for the consumer.

I noticed that the Kubota I got was the same to a lesser degree, their quality control is slipping a bit too.

Chilly

 

[Chilly807]

Leave off one feature that the customer finds he needs, (since the companies are right that many of us just don't know which things are important until we actually try to use the product) and you will have an unhappy customer because that will bug him every time he uses your product.

I agree, what bothers me is that the tractor would be "perfect" if it had one more whatzit, or one feature that I really wanted. I wouldn't miss the extra hundred bucks to make it that way, but I do miss that function. Leaves a less than sweet taste in your mouth. Then again, I'm the one that decided I didn't need all the extra bells and whistles on the Grand L series.

In the end you compare prices, decide what you can afford, then look at which tractor in that price range best fits your needs with the least amount of compromise.

Chilly

 

[ChuckinNH]

I agree, what bothers me is that the tractor would be "perfect" if it had one more whatzit, or one feature that I really wanted. I wouldn't miss the extra hundred bucks to make it that way, but I do miss that function. Leaves a less than sweet taste in your mouth. Then again, I'm the one that decided I didn't need all the extra bells and whistles on the Grand L series.

In the end you compare prices, decide what you can afford, then look at which tractor in that price range best fits your needs with the least amount of compromise.

Chilly

Yes, still a tractor should be fully functional as advertised. Problems with the position control in early versions of your tractor is one thing, and the "quarter inching" on the smaller Kubotas is a joke for example. It doesn't exist at all above 1500 rpm which is kind of counter to the idea that hydros need to be run at the higher rpms to be efficient. To advertise that kind of thing......... and JD has theirs too, as a feature is just deceiving to the consumer.
I know I have brought this up before, and I'll try not to make a campaign over it, but the truth is that it scared the dickens out of me once! I had been using the tractor at lower rpms, and had used rotary cutters on larger tractors with position control, but had never set one up myself. Well, again at lower rpm, I got things where I wanted them, and headed for the tight area I needed to mow. I took the loader off since there wasn't much room, and tried lifting the cutter, and things seemed OK. Well, at full pto rpm, on a side hill, I saw a rock coming, and looking back at the cutter, I raised it. The speed that cutter came up at, and the resulting wheelie on that side hill woke me out of a dead sleep for sure, and I haven't been excited about the combo since, but I have learned it's quirks, and how to use it pretty well. The front tires were headed downhill, and the cutter was back on the ground grinding rock when the front wheels came back down. Instincts are good sometimes.

 

[RoyJackson]

That's interesting to know, I looked at a 4005 and was kind of underwhelmed at the degree of "refinement" for lack of a better term. It's not what I typically expect to see from Deere.

The 4005, like the 3005, is a very basic tractor for those who want basic equipment. I'm one of those folks and I really like the simplicity of my 790 (same tractor as the 3005).
Both the 4005 and 3005 designs date back to the 1980's (or older).
I know a lot of guys on TBN like a bunch of frills, but there's a substantial number who prefer simple equipment. I reckon it's the same folks who would prefer a plain jane pick up over a Cadillac.

 

[spruce Deere]

I will second you Roy I like simple and a known record of reliability. I can work on any portion of a 790/3005. As far as the OP, I too was look'n at a L2800 and at the time the 790. The 790 won out for me due to it could be narrowed up more for tree farm usage and the 'bota dealer manager was a waste of time to deal with. As foggy stated a shuttle would be nice, and a "in between' high/low reverse speed for the 790/3005. The 2800 is a little more sophisticated so to say, but it cannot match the excellent 30 some odd years track record of the 790/3005. What dealers will do and can offer, jobs/uses for tractor and type of terrain all come into consideration.

 

[Tarheeler]

I noticed the lack of cruise on the HST model I saw, but missed the drawbar. You mean the one under the 3ph, I assume? My 3400 came with it, is it just the drawbar missing or the whole receiver?

Chilly

Draw bar reciever and all

 

[Chilly807]

Problems with the position control in early versions of your tractor is one thing, and the "quarter inching" on the smaller Kubotas is a joke for example.

The new ones aren't much better, mine is still pretty choppy raising. I can live with it, but it isn't the best design.

Chilly

 

[Chilly807]

The 4005, like the 3005, is a very basic tractor for those who want basic equipment. I'm one of those folks and I really like the simplicity of my 790 (same tractor as the 3005).
Both the 4005 and 3005 designs date back to the 1980's (or older).
I know a lot of guys on TBN like a bunch of frills, but there's a substantial number who prefer simple equipment. I reckon it's the same folks who would prefer a plain jane pick up over a Cadillac.

As far as I'm concerned, the simpler the better. My local Deere dealer really didn't impress me with either attitude or price, so the garage has this unholy orange glow when I turn on the lights.. The 3400DT is about the plainest tractor that Kubota makes, the dealer asked me what I was going to use it for, if it would stay indoors when it was raining, snowing etc. I raised my eyebrows as if to say, "You're kidding right??" He said, "Well, that rules out the Grand L series.." I think he has the same philosophy I have about electronics. Mine has a few bells and whistles, but not many.

My observation of the 4005 wasn't so much that it wasn't a good tractor, just not what I'd expect from Deere for that kind of money.

Chilly

 

[RoyJackson]

My observation of the 4005 wasn't so much that it wasn't a good tractor, just not what I'd expect from Deere for that kind of money.

Chilly

The 4005 (and it's prior designation, the 990) provide a lot of power for the dollar. I'd love to have one...just can't justify a 40some HP tractor on 2.5 acres (even when I was bush hogging a 5 acre field).
And, you don't see many 990's for sale...same thing applies to it's predecessor, the 970. Seem like folks who buy 'em, keep them.

 

[Chilly807]

The 4005 (and it's prior designation, the 990) provide a lot of power for the dollar. I'd love to have one...just can't justify a 40some HP tractor on 2.5 acres (even when I was bush hogging a 5 acre field).
And, you don't see many 990's for sale...same thing applies to it's predecessor, the 970. Seem like folks who buy 'em, keep them.

Now there's something I didn't realize, that the 3005 and 4005 had been around before as the 790 and 990. Why can't the manufacturers keep the names the same for essentially the same tractor, and just keep updating them with a letter, for example. So a 990H would be a later version of the 990E with different features specific to that model? From talking to the dealer, I was under the impression that these were "all-new" models that had just been unveiled. Newbie mistake.

Kubota's the same or worse, their model lineup over the years has more entries than enough.

Unlikely they'll take their cues from me.

Chilly