icat
Gold Member
I have the L3130 with HST and a 5 foot Bush Hog Squeeler. Package works great. I had the oppertunity to go with the L3430 as well, and price was not a consideration for me. I chose the L3130 because the L3430 really can't do anything more than the L3130. The 3 extra HP does NOT put you into a larger cutter size. Both tractors are "rated" for 5 foot rotary cutters, neither is rated for a 6 foot. I have 18 plus acres and only mow when I have to as well. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif But I do find myself enjoying the ride!
As for the extra width and time savings on the larger cutter - the 5 foot cutter at 4 mph will cut 5 acres in 2.5 hours, the 6 foot cutter shaves a half an hour off this time. At least this is what my dealer told me (and it seems to be correct as I can cut 5 acres in about 2.5 hours - give or take 15 minutes). So for your 10 acres you're looking at the difference between 5 hours (5 foot cutter) and 4 hours (6 foot cutter) three times a year.
By my calculations the extra $1500 will save you three hours of time per year. I'd stick the $1500 in a stock fund and in twenty years you should have enough to buy a new tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
As for the extra width and time savings on the larger cutter - the 5 foot cutter at 4 mph will cut 5 acres in 2.5 hours, the 6 foot cutter shaves a half an hour off this time. At least this is what my dealer told me (and it seems to be correct as I can cut 5 acres in about 2.5 hours - give or take 15 minutes). So for your 10 acres you're looking at the difference between 5 hours (5 foot cutter) and 4 hours (6 foot cutter) three times a year.
By my calculations the extra $1500 will save you three hours of time per year. I'd stick the $1500 in a stock fund and in twenty years you should have enough to buy a new tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
