B21 versus L3400 with added backhoe

[JCS_in_KY]

A year ago we got 20 acres in the country. I've never owned a tractor before but trying to take care of this much land without one is way too much work! The main uses will be the following: keeping 1000' of gravel drives graded, doing some rough grading around the property, trenching, some bush hog work, we plan on tilling up about 2 1/2 acres for some corn next year, and we may do some occasional odd jobs in the area with the tractor that would mainly involve trenching to about 24 - 36" deep. I talked to a local Kabuta dealer and they suggested two different models. A used B21 (2002 model I believe) with about 950 hours on it for $16,800 or a new L3400 for $15,200 with Frontend loader and then adding a Kabuta backhoe for $5700.00. It seems to me that having the extra horsepower of the L3400 would be better for bush hog work but from what I can tell the B21 is a stronger tractor and better for backhoe work. Given my uses which would you go with? If there's another model you think would work better I'm definetely open to suggestions. John

 

[ronjhall]

Another drawback to the B21, is loader cannot be removed.
If you decide to go with the B21, make sure the 3PH lower arms are with tractor.

 

[kossetx]

John, I've been researching and looking for about what you are. If your looking at the l3400, consider the l3130. It has way better lift capacities than the 3400, or the 4400 for that matter. It has a better transmission and a more open deck, along with others items that just make it a better choice. The 3400 is more in my price range, but at a mere 1000 more, I will have to go with the 3130 if I buy Kubota.

 

[L3130]

I went through the same thing and ended up with a L3130 with L723 loader and BH90 backhoe with a soft cab and heat. It's a very nice machine. You will not be disappointed. Here is a picture if you want to see what it looks like.

Link to picture

MikePA - Converted wide and large inline images to links. If you use inline images, please make sure they are no larger than 640 x 480 and a size that is considerate of TBNers who connect via dial up modems.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

<font color="blue"> If there's another model you think would work better I'm definetely open to suggestions. John </font>

John, welcome to TBN.

If you get to the point where you are considering a Grand L, and I hope you do (compare the L3400's LA463 loader to the LA723 - forget about ever having a HD grapple), consider the 3430 or 3830 instead. I think the 3130 is marginally powered for the substantially heavier Grand L frame. See my rants about Kubota's marketing decision to under-bore the 3430 engine just so they can offer a 31 HP tractor. Similar to the hack job on the 4630 - same dispacement and torque as a 4330, $2k more? Heck of a deal.

Especially if you're going to be contracting out, think about the bigger tractor. Grand L's are a tremendous value, incredible bang for the extra buck.

John D.