B3030 or L3430 or ?

[bill333]

unfortunately, I'm in Northern VA...thanks for the advice though

 

[BrianW]

Messick's is also a great place to do buisiness. Give Neil a call.

 

[rpraymond]

I purchased a L3430 last year for snow removal with a front mounted blower. Other than some really wet heavy snow it was more than up to the task and that's probably more load than any other task you would be doing. I would say that anything over 25hp should do what you're planning, but more power never hurts.

 

[Tom_H]

If money is no object for you, then I have no knowledge to help you and wish you success. On the other hand, if you are doing these thing on a non-professional level, I think a BX2350 would be much cheaper (even buying your own 48" brush hog to go with it) and would do all you listed except the stump turning and perhaps the log pulling.

 

[bill333]

If money is no object for you, then I have no knowledge to help you and wish you success. On the other hand, if you are doing these thing on a non-professional level, I think a BX2350 would be much cheaper (even buying your own 48" brush hog to go with it) and would do all you listed except the stump turning and perhaps the log pulling.

Tom...I have a 48 in brush hog...it just takes too long to mow the fields with it. I'm also a bit worried about the hills and whether the 2350 would be a bit tippy (although it might actually have a lower center of gravity -- wouldn't it be great if the tractor companies came up with a way of measuring center of gravity and provided specs?).

Right now I'm leaning toward keeping my Ford 1220 for light duty work and getting the 3430, but I still haven't been able to get quotes yet...I have to take almost an entire day off from work to do that...(tractor dealers out there...are you listening? how about an on line quote system?)

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm also a bit worried about the hills and whether the 2350 would be a bit tippy (although it might actually have a lower center of gravity -- wouldn't it be great if the tractor companies came up with a way of measuring center of gravity and provided specs?). )

I'd think the BX2350 would have a lower center of gravity than the L3430.

 

[bill333]

Well, I pulled the trigger...ordered the 3540....

 

[davitk]

Good going.... post pics!

I ordered a 3240 a couple of months ago, was delivered 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it!! I even washed it today....

 

[Builder]

For tires you might consider turfs. They work best in snow and have a lot of traction on dry ground.

Huh?

 

[art]

Huh?

Think about it, if everything is working they are driving on the driveway with a slim layer of snow on it.

 

[Toolguy]

In my experience as a Michigan farm boy I can say with certainty that turfs are better than R1s or R4s for plowing snow on a driveway. Spreading manure in the fields through a foot of snow is a different story, however. The problem with snow on a driveway is that it turns to ice when driven on. The greater surface contact area of the turfs gives them more grip there than any other tread design. For dedicated dirt work in wet and dry conditions R1s or R4s will have the edge. But, if it is dry, the turfs will do a good job. It all really depends on what the main use of the tractor is. For me, turfs are best because I have a residential lot and only work in the dirt occasionaly. Most of my time is spent on the lawn and the turfs keep the green on top where it belongs.

 

[DavidVT]

I have a 3430. It is bigger than I really need. Given the opportunity I would buy even bigger.

I use it with a 5' brush hog, 7' back hoe, truck snowplow on FEL quick attach, etc...

My R4 tires are filled. I think what I loose in traction I make up in good will with my other half when crossing the lawns..

Seriously, I waited an extra year before buying this tractor so that I could afford the larger framed tractor rather than the smaller choices out there.

The decision probably saved my life as I got T-boned with 3 hours on the 'first' 3430. That tractor was a total loss.

I have enjoyed the replacement tractor ever since.

I do wish it had a bit more power, thus my first statement about buying bigger.

The HST does take a bit of learning as I have to some times balance the HST 'go' pedal against the tach. Best example would be running down the road in HIGH and starting up a gradual incline. If I just keep the foot pedal down to the floor, the engine will eventually try to stall as the load exceeds the HP. On the other hand, if I back off the pedal to allow the tach to hold 2K, all seems smooth. It is an easy thing to forget that the HST 'go' pedal is not the throttle.

When brush hogging or doing FEL work, I find the HST is great for infinite control of your speed. I don't have a snow blower but I imagine the HST would work well for that too.

Good luck with your decision!!