B3030 vs L3400

[Robert7458]

I have visited my local dealer and thought I had made my decision on a 3030 with a BH75 backhoe. Although the dealer never tried to talk me out of the Kubota backhoe, he did mention that Woods was another alternative and their 70 and 80 backhoe models have the option for a mechanical thumb. After reading what I could find on the Woods 80, one concern I saw raised is that it might be ‘too much’ backhoe for the 3030. Back to the dealer I go to discuss this and, although he does not really agree with this, he did mention that the L3400 with its additional weight and size and comparable cost to the 3030 is also an option.

I have about 10 acres of relatively flat land. The land is wooded and I hope to clear a small piece and ‘clean up’ the rest. The acreage is also wet in places and I expect to use the tractor (along with yards of gravel to be brought in) to help clear this up (currently a mosquito haven). Like all land in Maine, there are rocks everywhere. I do not ever expect to use the tractor to mow a lawn with. About the only other attachment I thought I might someday consider is a snowblower. I understand that only the 3030 allows for a front mount blower but the cost of the front blower is outrageous and might prevent me from ever getting one (driveway is about 500’ and while it may be long it’s not long enough to get me to part with that much money yet). I understand that the 3400 has the option for a rear mounted snowblower but I can’t imagine doing the whole driveway in reverse.

I’ve been on both machines and don’t think that I will be unhappy with either choice but I really could use the opinions of those who have much more experience than I do. If you have an opinion on this, please tell me what you think.

Thanks.

 

[Bob_Young]

I don't own either of the tractors you're looking at, but like the looks of both. The B3030 was too big for my home needs so I went with a B7610. The L3400 was too small for my farm so I got a L4300. However, it sounds like either would be a good match for your place.

Your dealer may be trying to do you a favor by steering you toward the Woods backhoes. I briefly researched the possibility of a hoe a few months ago and got the distinct impression from this forum that the Kubota BH75 and BH90, while very strong backhoes, were both prone to dipperstick cylinder failures when used to the limit of their capability. If you do a search you'll see more than one sad tale.

The Woods, for me anyway, would be the next most logical choice and the mechanical thumb option would be the icing on the cake. Once you've dug up a big rock or stump, it would be great to move it where you want it. While clearing land, having a hoe available to load small logs on a trailer or truck could reduce the clutter and greatly speed up the job. A thumb offered by the hoe manufacturer would naturally have their blessing, while some aftermarket weld-on might void your warranty.

I too think the prices for front mounted snow blowers make them out of the question. My 200 ft. or so of drive could be handled easily in reverse, but I've heard there are "pull-behind" 3 pt. snowblowers that allow you to drive forward while operating. That might be a future option if you go for the L3400.

Have you watched a small CUT backhoe work in your area? Around here the machine gets tossed and pushed around alot due to all the rocks. The Sub-CUTS are regular bucking broncos. For this reason I think you'd be happier with the L3400. Its additional 600 or 700 lbs of weight will make a big difference when digging in rocky ground by providing a stable platform. Kubota normally does not recommend filled rears when a backhoe is mounted so you won't be able to make up the difference by filling the rear tires on a B3030.

If you do go for the L3400, get the HST as it'll make the future snowblower much easier to handle.
FWIW
Bob

 

[Stef]

If you don't mow with it, then go bigger: L3400. One of the big advantages of a B3030 is the weight. It has quite a big frame for a mower and it's light so you don't kill the land by mowing with it. But no mowing, a lot of loader work: L3400.

For the snowblower, I have a rear one on my B3030. It's great, it's cheap. But I have a 150' driveway though. I like my setup that way because: 1) I use the loader too 2) it gives more weight, so more traction on the front tires when 4WD.

Both are good machines. So I guess you have to look at your chores and see if a a bigger tractor is better. By bigger I mean weightier.

Bigger tractor good for: loader work, backhoe work, snowplow

Lighter tractor for: mowing or if your land is soft and you don't want to destroy it

Either way, you'll have fun.

 

[Robertsen]

I went through the same process. First the B3030, then the L3400 and finally I decided on the beefier L3130 for a little more money.

 

[wushaw]

Test drive them both, the L3400 is a basic model while the B3030 has the upgrades.

 

[GaryE]

Robert,

I am a firm believer in getting the largest tractor you will need. That being said, just remember we have a LONG “mud season” up here. For the most part, my L3710 has just been sitting for the last three months. It is just too heavy to do much with. But when it does dry out it will be put to good use.

I may be wrong but I do believe some one does make a front mount snow blower for the L series Kubota.

Gary

 

[cart99]

I also have 10 acres, and after looking at close to 10 different tractors, my final decision came down to an L3400 or a B3030 (JD3320 was also in the final mix). I chose the B3030, and also decided to add an ATI grapple to the FEL. I just spent all of last weekend clearing brush, trees, etc... for a new fence line and I can tell you without hesitation that this was the PERFECT tool for the job. The L3400 is a brawny machine compared to the B3030, but the B3030 took everything I threw at it and came back for more. My wife was even shaking her head in amazement at just how much nasty thorny stuff I could tear out, pick up and move with the grapple.

Additionally, the manuverability of the B3030 was critical to this job. The turning radius on the L3400 is not nearly as tight, and as others have mentioned, especially when dealing with soft ground, heavier is not necessarily better.

Also, the upmarket B3030 has a number of features that the economy L3400 does not.

 

[DiezNutz]

Robert,
As far as the BH80X being 'too much' for the B3030, I had the same concern at first. Then I sat down and went through every spec I could find, and convinced myself than the BH80X was comfortably within the B3030's capabilities. For instance:
Flow rate: BH80X spec is 5-7 gpm. B3030 approx. 6.3 gpm (implement loop)
Pressure: BH80X max 2470 psi (relief setting). B3030 approx. 2250 psi.
My dealer has sold several such setups, one of which I got to check out firsthand before I ordered mine. BH80X is a little heavier than BH75, but (a) you don't dig and drive at the same time, and (b) most of the weight/digging stresses are absorbed by the stabilizers and subframe. Speaking of the subframe, note that Woods did invest time & money to develop one specific to the B30 series. A FEL is a must with either hoe.

At risk of offending some BH75 owners (no offense intended, it's a great machine too!), here are some reasons/my own opinions that convinced me to go with the BH80X vs. BH75:
- Curved boom (almost enough of a reason by itself)
- More digging power/reach
- The thumb option (Hardly optional; I been using my two thumbs all my life!)
- Heavier duty buckets (greater selection of sizes too)
- 2 year vs. 1 year warranty
- So far no reports of bent this/broken that issues (e.g., dipperstick cylinders)
- More operator space w/better seat
- If looks count for anything, just looks more capable/serious/ready to kick @ss

Cons about the BH80X:
- 4-pt subframe mount is less user-friendly due to 4 bolts and tight clearance (arguably a stronger joint though)
- Price. If your dealer isn't a true Woods dealer, you could end up paying ALOT more for the BH80X. Fortunately my dealer is, so for me the BH80X ended up about the same cost as the BH75. Which when given everything else, was another solid "win" in the Woods column.

If you haven't already, check out the Dare-To-Compare on Woods' website (www.woodsequipment.com). You can actually download the whole operator's manual and thumb manual in .PDF format.

 

[fireplum]

Cart99
Can you add some pic's of that grapple
thanks

 

[cart99]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Cart99
Can you add some pic's of that grapple
thanks )</font>

I posted a bunch of pics in an old thread, but search is broken so I can't find it. I will try to repost them in the gallery.