B3030HSDC commercial or homeowner tractor

[Patriot]

Hi, I'm new to TBN and I'd like to hear from some of the owners of the
B3030HSDC. I've been considering purchasing that model for over a month now, in which time I've researched the heck out of it, but I want some input from those of you who own one.
I have a small landscape biz and would like to know how this tractor will hold up to commercial use. I finally got a chance to test drive one earlier this week and my first impression was it was too small and didn't appear to be heavy duty enough for what I plan on using it for, which is; harley raking, rototilling, brush and small tree cleanup using a 60" bucket with grapple, post hole digger, front mounted snowblower, and the Woods backhoe for occasional trench work and small stump removal. Will I be happy with this tractor???
By the way, my 2nd choice would be the new B26, but I really like the cab on the 3030.
Complaints or praise!!
Any and all input would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Brian

 

[lawn_king]

I purchased a B3030 HSDC in fall of 2005. Its been a great asset to my operation, we use it for spraying,aerating,fertilizing,brush cutting,fel work, snow removal and light landscape construction. Dont be fooled, the 3030 is a lightweight powerhouse. With 23 hp @ the pto, a strong fel and a very strong 3 point hitch, the B3030 is a great multi purpose machine.

 

[art]

We have them in commercial operations but not quite what you describe. We have them mowing and cleaning at institutions and schools but not with brush grapples and that type of work.

My thoughts would put you into a L-series to cover the larger work but you didn't give the yard sizes that you might be working on and it seems like you are looking at some larger clean-up work.

 

[lawn_king]

I was on the fence about buying an l model myself. It came down to weight, the l models are just too heavy and cumbersom for the residential work we do, the 3030 can run over a beautiful lawn all day long, with little,if any damage.

 

[familyman]

Front mounted implements won't fly on a B26 as the loader arms are not quick-detach. B3030 is a real tractor, and it would be great for the things you mention doing. However, how big of a backhoe do you plan to run on it? I've seen alot of posts where guys are putting Woods BH80-X units on theirs and that's a pretty serious hoe. Some have expressed the opinion that it's too big for the B3030, simpliy due to weight issues, but the owners are saying otherwise. Maybe you don't need a hoe that big (?). I'm putting one on my L2800 this week, and I'll give some feedback.
It sounds like backhoe work is secondary to the rest of what you need it for. You should be fine.

 

[Patriot]

Thanks for the replies guys,

Familyman, yes, the bh will be secondary at this time and I haven't really decided which one at this point. I did see a used b3030hsdc with a woods 7500 bh but his asking price of $25k seems a bit high!

My biggest concerns are:

1) How well will it handle a Harley rake?
Will the hr knock this light tractor around?
Will it be too much for the pto system?
Due to the cost of the hr, I would prefer to rent for the time being, but the only units available in my area are the T6's, the b3030 falls just short of the pto hp requirements. T5's are not available for rent in my area!!!
And I haven't found a used one for sale as of yet.
Anybody run a T6 on this tractor?

2) The attachments that Kubota offers for the 3030, like the snowblower and the rototiller don't seem like they cover the width of the rear tires.
Does the rototiller leave tire track marks?

It appears that the 51" snowblower won't cover the 54" wide tire tracks.
And the 63" is wider than our city sidewalks.
Maybe a modification to the 51" with a slighly longer scraper blade and wings will solve the problem.

Lawn King, are you running a front mount snowblower?
If so, is it the 51" and does it clear the tire tracks?

Thanks again for the replies,

Brian

 

[lawn_king]

I have the 2782 front blower, its wider than the machine.

 

[BrianW]

I have used the Land Pride PR16 powered rake with my B3030 with no problems. I have filled R4 tires.

 

[Patriot]

BrianW,
What size was the PR16, 5ft or 6ft?

 

[LBrown59]

the 3030 can run over a beautiful lawn all day long, with little,if any damage.

If this is so why does every body get all hung up with AGs on little ole S-Cuts and garden tractors?