B3030 or L3430 or ?

[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!!