Comparison 3940 vs 3300

[Granite Tractor]

I came home from my local dealer today ready to finalize deal on a 3030 (paperwork will be ready tomorrow).

Then I talked to a neighbor who has owned several Kubotas (including a 30hp model; not sure which one). He currently has a L3940.

Based on what I'm planning to use our tractor for (see this post), my neighbor is concerned that I'll be disappointed with the 3030.

He has similar land - more mowing, less snow removal from driveway.

Specific concerns he raised with a 30 hp tractor:
- not enough power to mow tall grass without slowing down considerably
- not enough power to mow grass while going up steep hills
- not enough power to clear deep snow without getting bogged down
- rear hitch not standard design; requires buying Kubota attachments (or Land Pride) made for the B series
- PTO design requires running tractor at full RPM

I'm new to tractors, so I have no idea how to evaluate any of these potential issues.

He has offered to let me try his tractor on our land, which would be great, except I have no point of reference to make a comparison.

I hate getting rushed into a decision (I've been looking at my options since October, but 0% finance ends this month).

I'm considering just holding off on a purchase altogether until i have cash saved up to buy tractor outright or Kubota offers 0% financing again (assuming they will do that again).

Problem with that is that while I'm saving/waiting, I'll be shelling out considerable money for someone else to use their tractor to mow our fields, grade our driveway, and plow.

Any advice greatly appreciated. If I skip a cab on the 3940, I can get price close enough to my budget that the cost differential between the two tractors is reasonable.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I came home from my local dealer today ready to finalize deal on a 3030 (paperwork will be ready tomorrow).

Then I talked to a neighbor who has owned several Kubotas (including a 30hp model; not sure which one). He currently has a L3940.

Based on what I'm planning to use our tractor for (see this post), my neighbor is concerned that I'll be disappointed with the 3030.

He has similar land - more mowing, less snow removal from driveway.

Specific concerns he raised with a 30 hp tractor:
- not enough power to mow tall grass without slowing down considerably
- not enough power to mow grass while going up steep hills
- not enough power to clear deep snow without getting bogged down
- rear hitch not standard design; requires buying Kubota attachments (or Land Pride) made for the B series
- PTO design requires running tractor at full RPM

I'm new to tractors, so I have no idea how to evaluate any of these potential issues.

He has offered to let me try his tractor on our land, which would be great, except I have no point of reference to make a comparison.

I hate getting rushed into a decision (I've been looking at my options since October, but 0% finance ends this month).

I'm considering just holding off on a purchase altogether until i have cash saved up to buy tractor outright or Kubota offers 0% financing again (assuming they will do that again).

Problem with that is that while I'm saving/waiting, I'll be shelling out considerable money for someone else to use their tractor to mow our fields, grade our driveway, and plow.

Any advice greatly appreciated. If I skip a cab on the 3940, I can get price close enough to my budget that the cost differential between the two tractors is reasonable.

You know your neighbor and you don't know me but I disagree with most of what your neighbor said. I've had 2 B size tractors and one L size tractor and several BX's. A BX and a B will cut tall grass on flat or straight up the side of a mountain if it can get traction. Don't have to run full out but even if you do, so what. Don't do snow so I don't know about that. The B has a 3ph like any other tractor. Think your neighbor knows his tractor but nothing about the other Kubota models.
If you have a need, what difference will it be if you buy now at 0% and pay monthly pmnts or save monthly pmnts till you have enough to buy it? Also, prices have continued to go up so it could cost you a few thousand and at least several hundred dollars more in a year or two.

 

[Granite Tractor]

You know your neighbor and you don't know me but I disagree with most of what your neighbor said. I've had 2 B size tractors and one L size tractor and several BX's. A BX and a B will cut tall grass on flat or straight up the side of a mountain if it can get traction. Don't have to run full out but even if you do, so what. Don't do snow so I don't know about that. The B has a 3ph like any other tractor. Think your neighbor knows his tractor but nothing about the other Kubota models.

Thanks very much for prompt response. I should be clear - the fact that I know my neighbor doesn't necessarily mean I agree with him Very nice guy, generous, but we have some rather strong differences of opinion on a range of topics, so I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that our choice of the right tool for a job might be one of those differences.

If you have a need, what difference will it be if you buy now at 0% and pay monthly pmnts or save monthly pmnts till you have enough to buy it? Also, prices have continued to go up so it could cost you a few thousand and at least several hundred dollars more in a year or two.

Primary difference is if I buy now to take advantage of 0%, does the B3030 meet my needs. Your feedback supports what I've heard from other B owners - thanks for adding another voice to this discussion.

 

[ethiojazz]

So you are indeed talking with your neighbor about the right items but definitely from a different frame of reference...

There are three main points as I see them...

1. Weight... Good for implements that are ground engaging... Bad if you are worried about tearing up land. Can be addressed with a type of tire.. but means sacrificing traction so make your choices there... A good compromise seems to be Industrial (R4) tires. Filled.

2. Implement use.... Reading where you started it seems that the B3030 was a downward compromise... Yes you get a cab but a smaller frame.... I can see what your friend is talking about especially if you are clearing the 1/2 mile driveway with a snow blower. Definitely the lift and carry capabilities of a heavier duty FEL is also of consideration. I dont know what your neighbor means about the PTO implements except for size.... While you maybe able to handle a 5ft bush hog with the B series, you may indeed have to slow down to allow the implement not to bog...

3. Cost... Need I say more...

You had started with a quote for L3240 (which is what I am getting BTW) but I may have to agree with your neighbor that undersizing may end up disappointing,,,,

Good luck in your decision...

 

[Granite Tractor]

So you are indeed talking with your neighbor about the right items but definitely from a different frame of reference...

2. Implement use.... Reading where you started it seems that the B3030 was a downward compromise... Yes you get a cab but a smaller frame.... I can see what your friend is talking about especially if you are clearing the 1/2 mile driveway with a snow blower. Definitely the lift and carry capabilities of a heavier duty FEL is also of consideration. I dont know what your neighbor means about the PTO implements except for size.... While you maybe able to handle a 5ft bush hog with the B series, you may indeed have to slow down to allow the implement not to bog...

3. Cost... Need I say more...

You had started with a quote for L3240 (which is what I am getting BTW) but I may have to agree with your neighbor that undersizing may end up disappointing,,,,

Good luck in your decision...

Thanks for input. The same salesman I'm currently working with is the one who quoted me an L3240 last year. At the time, based on what I had read from 3030 owners, I thought that was more tractor than I needed. But he is also the salesman who has been selling to my neighbor for years.

If I did go into the L series instead of the B, what is the primary difference between the various L models (3240 vs. 3290 for example)?

I started looking through the website last night on this, but there are a lot of models.

 

[PHILIP8N]

If I did go into the L series instead of the B, what is the primary difference between the various L models (3240 vs. 3290 for example)?

I started looking through the website last night on this, but there are a lot of models.[/QUOTE]

I assume you meant L3240 and L3940? Go to your dealer and get the sales brochures for the tractors you are looking at. The back specification pages do a good job showing the differences. I think the web site is a little weak in this area. I also have a nice .pdf specification sheet for a L--40 series tractors, not sure where I got it. If you p-e-mail me I will send it to you. Philip.

 

[ethiojazz]

Thanks for input. The same salesman I'm currently working with is the one who quoted me an L3240 last year. At the time, based on what I had read from 3030 owners, I thought that was more tractor than I needed. But he is also the salesman who has been selling to my neighbor for years.

If I did go into the L series instead of the B, what is the primary difference between the various L models (3240 vs. 3290 for example)?

I started looking through the website last night on this, but there are a lot of models.

Sorry Got distracted.... The L series is getting into frame size and capabilities of a true tractor... Difference between 3240 and 3540 is engine therefore performance... Same frame etc... L3940 and L4240 (I believe but have never seen them together) are on a larger frame but main difference is engine between them I believe...

Implements also get expensive (on the cost piece) which is why I wanted to stay with L3240. Finally the FEL performance starts approaching the performance of a skid steer which I think is the ultimate FEL machine but I also need the PTO for bush hogging/tiller and other tools...

Good luck on your decision...

 

[davatk]

Sorry Got distracted.... The L series is getting into frame size and capabilities of a true tractor... Difference between 3240 and 3540 is engine therefore performance... Same frame etc... L3940 and L4240 (I believe but have never seen them together) are on a larger frame but main difference is engine between them I believe...

Implements also get expensive (on the cost piece) which is why I wanted to stay with L3240. Finally the FEL performance starts approaching the performance of a skid steer which I think is the ultimate FEL machine but I also need the PTO for bush hogging/tiller and other tools...

Good luck on your decision...

I agree with John Thomas for the most part, although it does depend a lot on how much land you have, and what type of work you intend to do. I have a B2630 - same footprint and hitch as B3030 and my implementes are standard size, so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Granite Tractor]

I agree with John Thomas for the most part, although it does depend a lot on how much land you have, and what type of work you intend to do. I have a B2630 - same footprint and hitch as B3030 and my implementes are standard size, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks very much to everyone for the great input; not sure how I can ever
repay it other than to pass along what I've learned here to others.

To add some detail to my prior posts on other threads about how this tractor will be used.

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing what will soon be an 11 acre property in southern NH. This property has been in my wife's family since the 70s (she grew up there), and we're purchasing it now that her parents have both passed away. Property is gently sloping with a few steep areas (heading down to a pond), and has mature landscaping. We absolutely love this place, and enjoy working on it. We plan to live here until we die (which hopefully is 50+ years away).

We don't plan on farming, owning horses, or making any major changes to the landscape of our property. We'll thin out some of the wooded areas, and would like to someday get the lawn and possibly fields in better shape.

I estimate about 7-8 acres of property are fields which we're planning to use brush mower to cut monthly. Ideally this is a long afternoon so I can get lawn mowed in same day (that's about an hour).

1/2 mile long dirt driveway, level in places, slight to moderate incline in others. i don't think anyone would describe it as steep.

needs for tractor (needs in the sense of if we don't do this with our tractor, we have to pay someone else to do it with theirs):

• cut field (not finish mowing)
• grade driveway
• remove snow from driveway (prefer snowblower to avoid tearing up fields along side of driveway)
• applying dust control

We have two young children, I work fairly long hours, and life is short, so our time is very valuable to us. I've reached the point in my life where paying more for something than I need to (from a strict get the job done perspective) is something I'll consider if it saves me time that I can put to some other use.

anticipated uses once we have one:

• pulling dead trees from wooded area to burn pile
• turning over compost pile (leaves from lawn in fall)
• digging fence post holes for fence
• applying fertilizer to field/lawn
• potentially rototilling garden, although for the size of garden we'd have, a tractor is probably overkill

 

[davatk]

Thanks very much to everyone for the great input; not sure how I can ever
repay it other than to pass along what I've learned here to others.

To add some detail to my prior posts on other threads about how this tractor will be used.

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing what will soon be an 11 acre property in southern NH. This property has been in my wife's family since the 70s (she grew up there), and we're purchasing it now that her parents have both passed away. Property is gently sloping with a few steep areas (heading down to a pond), and has mature landscaping. We absolutely love this place, and enjoy working on it. We plan to live here until we die (which hopefully is 50+ years away).

We don't plan on farming, owning horses, or making any major changes to the landscape of our property. We'll thin out some of the wooded areas, and would like to someday get the lawn and possibly fields in better shape.

I estimate about 7-8 acres of property are fields which we're planning to use brush mower to cut monthly. Ideally this is a long afternoon so I can get lawn mowed in same day (that's about an hour).

1/2 mile long dirt driveway, level in places, slight to moderate incline in others. i don't think anyone would describe it as steep.

needs for tractor (needs in the sense of if we don't do this with our tractor, we have to pay someone else to do it with theirs):

• cut field (not finish mowing)
• grade driveway
• remove snow from driveway (prefer snowblower to avoid tearing up fields along side of driveway)
• applying dust control

We have two young children, I work fairly long hours, and life is short, so our time is very valuable to us. I've reached the point in my life where paying more for something than I need to (from a strict get the job done perspective) is something I'll consider if it saves me time that I can put to some other use.

anticipated uses once we have one:

• pulling dead trees from wooded area to burn pile
• turning over compost pile (leaves from lawn in fall)
• digging fence post holes for fence
• applying fertilizer to field/lawn
• potentially rototilling garden, although for the size of garden we'd have, a tractor is probably overkill

Well, in my opinion, the B series should do just fine for what you need to do, and is also small and nimble enough to be used for yard mowing. I am also going to PM you with some other information that may be helpful.

Dave

 

[Granite Tractor]

Well, in my opinion, the B series should do just fine for what you need to do, and is also small and nimble enough to be used for yard mowing. I am also going to PM you with some other information that may be helpful.

Dave

Great thanks. If the B series works for me, I greatly prefer the idea of having a cab to stay warm in winter while snow blowing. I love winter, love being outdoors, but the idea of sitting on a tractor at night with wind gusts blowing snow into my face doesn't strike me as fun.

 

[Granite Tractor]

Great thanks. If the B series works for me, I greatly prefer the idea of having a cab to stay warm in winter while snow blowing. I love winter, love being outdoors, but the idea of sitting on a tractor at night with wind gusts blowing snow into my face doesn't strike me as fun.

i should add that in general, I prefer buying items that are no larger than they need to be - house, cars, etc.

I've never owned a car larger than a compact (I love driving and get nice compact cars, but in general the smaller/lighter the car, the more I like it).

When our kids were smaller, my wife had a MINI Cooper. The kids car seats fit in back. Wasn't much room for anything else, but we didn't need any more room (our license plate was "YGOBIG").

From this perspective, the B series seems to fit the trend....

 

[TripleR]

In reading both threads, it appears to me that you have gotten far better advice from TBN members than your neighbor. I own tractors from 25 to 80 hp for a variety of uses and my personal preference would be for the L3240 due to a little more power and because of the L40 transmission. That is just my personal preference after looking at all of them several months ago and I certainly am not saying a 3030 won't do the tasks you described.

I truly love power, but really don't see where you would "need" a 3940 as great of a tractor as they are. We looked at them next to the smaller L's; pretty big.

Listen to John and others who have and have had this and several sizes. I won't address your neighbor's errors as that has been done quite well.

Keep in mind the last two times I went tractor shopping, I brought home a different model; once smaller and once bigger

Good luck, Larry

 

[Ductape]

1) The 3030 has plenty of power for its size. I use a 60 inch rear finish mower and wish I had a 72" which I'm sure it would handle with no problems (I'd even try an 84 if I mowed enough). I also occaisionally use a 5 foot bush hog with no problem. I don't believe you will ever mow anything with any mower that would be realistic on the tractor and complain it doesn't have enough power.

2) Your problem mowing on hills will be forward motion (tires spinning because the hill is too steep) long before you'll see a HP deficiency.

3) I'll include a video of my 3030 snowblowing the winter before last and you decide. I'm always impressed with its snowblowing abilities. It will slice right through the snowbank your town's plow made at the end of your driveway...... not at high speed, but you won't be disappointed. I'm talking heavy snow, compacted by the plow. In the right conditions it will throw the snow 40 to 50 feet out, leaving no snowbanks to worry about. (Picture yourself doing that without a cab :licking

YouTube - Night Snowblowing With Kubota B3030HSDC 2

4) the three point hitch will accept any category 1 implement..... it is NOT a limited cat. 1 like some of the subcompacts have. You are NOT limited to LandPride, nor any other brand of rear attachments (provided they are properly sized to your tractor).

5) PTO design requires running engine near max RPM for rated PTO speed , yes..... but there are things you can do at less RPMs once you do a little 'trial and error' with whatever you are running.


I think that overall, you need to asess exactly what you need to do with your tractor. Obviously a B3030 is not going to move round bales, nor be very good at running a 6 foot bush hog.

 

[ethiojazz]

It sounds like you have come to a decision and would for sure be satisfied with the additional info you have provided... a task such as you outlined is basically a maintenance affair and given the weather conditions in NH I would assume you would bushhog only 4 or 5 times... The snow blowing is really well described in the video by Ductape, so best of luck...

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I was going to go on but I have to make one more comment. I've also been a small car guy. I've about always had a Sports car 2 seater and usually preferred smaller cars for personal use. I've got Grands now and also have to have a truck but still have a small car for fun.
The L is a Tractor, it sits and rides like a tractor. The F350 is a truck, the D9 is a Dozer. But there are B's (and BX's) there are F150's and there are D5's. There are bigger and smaller. You've expressed a preference for smaller and I relate to that. My preference for Tractor work has been the B, the L seemed to big to me on my hillside property but it also felt good some times to be "up there" on my tractor. For day to day use I always preferred the B's for tractor work.
Mowing yards with a tractor the best compromise is the BX's and they are like subcompact cars in fact they are classed as subcompact tractors. The B is the compact tractor.
You stated your time is valuable, buy your tractor now.

 

[_RaT_]

I was going to go on but I have to make one more comment. I've also been a small car guy. I've about always had a Sports car 2 seater and usually preferred smaller cars for personal use. I've got Grands now and also have to have a truck but still have a small car for fun.
The L is a Tractor, it sits and rides like a tractor. The F350 is a truck, the D9 is a Dozer. But there are B's (and BX's) there are F150's and there are D5's. There are bigger and smaller. You've expressed a preference for smaller and I relate to that. My preference for Tractor work has been the B, the L seemed to big to me on my hillside property but it also felt good some times to be "up there" on my tractor. For day to day use I always preferred the B's for tractor work.
Mowing yards with a tractor the best compromise is the BX's and they are like subcompact cars in fact they are classed as subcompact tractors. The B is the compact tractor.
You stated your time is valuable, buy your tractor now.

Well if you have ever driven a D5 I think you would say that is a dozer as much as anything can be a dozer. Even a D2 behaves as much like a dozer in feel, roughness and for its ability to move dirt based on its size. For tractors, you guys certainly have a point. I found my L3830 HST to be nice and manuverable compared to my L48, L4850 or even a NH 2120 I had. I did try a Kubota L3130 HST prior to the purchase of my L3830 HST and I would say that if you are going HST, the L3130 was just to underpowered. I realize your talking 3030 which I have never seen and it sounds like it may be a shuttle type tractor which should work out well. If your neighbor was talking HST across the board, he would have a very valid point in my opinion.

 

[Granite Tractor]

Thanks very much everyone - your first hand experience has been tremendously valuable. I've decided to stick with the 3030 and will be heading to the dealer this evening to sign paperwork.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks very much everyone - your first hand experience has been tremendously valuable. I've decided to stick with the 3030 and will be heading to the dealer this evening to sign paperwork.

Congratulations and don't forget we like pictures.

 

[RobKinNH]

You won't be disapointed with the B3030. I just stepped up from a B7500 to a B3030 last week and love it so far. It's big enough to do what I want but nimble enough to go around the house and thru the woods. Not sure where in southern NH you are but the dealer I bought mine from had a few more 09 leftovers at a good price.