3430 has 8.9 hours on it after 2 half days of work

[InlineDieselFan]

We finally called the dealer and told them to deliver the new 3430. we have used it for 2 half days of work moving some logs, pulling out some stumps, moving dirt. Along with general how do I use this thing? practice.

The bucket could easily pop the 12" and under stumps out the 18" or so ones took a couple of attempts, the 2 footers were hit and miss if they came out.

Brush hogging, is a keep clear operation, at least we have very few rocks mostly clay, but a hunk of wood, would not feel good up along side the head.

The dealer knew the piece of property we bought and did say that for the first year or two a 5030 would be nice but after the big work was done a 3130 is what we needed, and what he reccommended unless we had money to burn. We got a good deal on the 3430 and certainly don't regret the extra HP. We do lose traction prior to losing power.

After the second day of work, as we were driving home the boss lady said "we could sure use a backhoe. If Kevin (my brother wants us to add a bay to the shop we are going to build and store his boat) gives us money for an additional bay on the shop lets take that money and buy a backhoe. Then when we are done with the backhoe we could still sell it for several thousand."

I guess I will need to keep her around. She even enjoys driving the tractor.

steve

 

[notamustang]

Better watch it you might be using the money to buy yourself a tractor if she enjoys it that much /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DavidVT]

Enjoy the heck out of it! I hope to have another new one before long!! Great Tractor indeed.

 

[_RaT_]

I personnally like going with the smallest tractor that will meet the future needs I have. If I had a monumental amount of work to do and then it was just maintainence, I would have done exactly as you did. I would prefer to rent a industrial if I had to eliminate the big issues. Having a smaller tractor is all around easier when it's doiing the job it is designed to handle. I think there are times when you can have to much tractor. It will easy to start putting time on the tractor. Get the filters now for the 50 hour maintainence.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

RaT,

Getting filters is on the list of things to do.

Since we will head down to the property again in a few days the bucket arms are going to get greased 1.1 hours early.

I am glad I bought a 12,000 GVW trailer, as I added up the weights of all the goodies, 6,000 pounds of tractor and accessories. 3,000 fro the trailer itself, throw in tools tie downs and such. The weight adds up quick.

steve