B3030HSDC Questions

[MesaPlower]

Hello:

I'm considering a B3030HSDC for use in Colorado at 9200' of altitude for 40 acres of general ranch work and considerable snow blowing/removal. We have a bout 2000' curvy hilly of driveway with serious wind drifting issues. Some rough pasture mowing, no finish mowing.

A few questions for the gallery!

1. At this altitude is there enough grunt in the tractor for what I want to do? Especially with regard to the snow blowing. I like the power to weight ratio, but the absolute power isn't that large.

2. Can you put chains on a B3030 with R4 tires without spacers? [I've read through a lot of posts and can't really determine this]

3. Is there any difference [besides the seat] in model years of the B3030?

4. If I look to step up in size, what do people think of the new L40 series vs the old L30 series? Any experience with the new turbo engines?

Thanks!

 

[MesaPlower]

I should mention I absolutely need a cab for winter condition up here with 40 mph winds common.

 

[amigauser]

The original B3030 models had the "bad" seat and also some had front end loaders that were out of alignment. Other than that I do not believe there have been any changes.

I have a B3030HSDCC that I purchased back in October 2006 and I have been happy with it. I don't have the Kubota blower, I have the Kubota quick hitch and 6' front blade and it works well. If you were going to do finish mowing the B3030 is a good choice. If you are mainly getting the tractor for loader work and PTO implements and are not concerned with weight, the Grand L 40 series is the way to go.

To be honest, if I had it to do over again, I would probably have gotten a Grand L. I was originally going to use mine for finish mowing but I changed my mind and I now use my B3030 primarily for loader/grapple work. The Grand L models have a much better loader in terms of lifting ability and much more PTO HP depending on the model. Some of the larger Grand L models are also turbo charged which would probably help with the high elevation at your location.

I would get a Grand L for what you will be doing if you are looking at only Kubota as an option.

Norm

 

[RFB]

I think that the 3030 is a little light for your acreage and altitude. I would consider the Grand L 40 series. I plow a lot of snow at 3200 feet and I often need every bit that my G L5030 can give.

Also, unless you really need r4's, think of r1's. The difference in traction is immense.

 

[LarryRB]

Hello:
2. Can you put chains on a B3030 with R4 tires without spacers? [I've read through a lot of posts and can't really determine this]
Thanks!

I have an L 48 TLB and do a 1600 ft drive. I think I would go a little bit bigger than 30 hp and as someone stated, the grand L for that extra oomph..
As far as chains, running thousands of hours with large backhoe's particularly the Deere 710, we always run chains on the fronts and never rears. All highway , state and local, chain the fronts only, so clearance isn't a problem. All of us run a local brand called St Pierre roller chains. They are designed for the front tires, and litteraly "roll" along with the tire. No tire problems and no "chunks" taken off the R4's because of tight chains and a tight turn with the tractor allowing it to cut chunks off the outer edge of tires,, The front axle "pulls", and pulls hard almost giving too much traction, Where you have to watch this is in piling high..

 

[RFB]

Larry,

Only running chains on the front does not work out in the high country; you would be stuck in one of those minutes they use in NYC.

Several times this week (back-to-back storms) I was plowing in snow taller than my rear tractor wheels. I use V-bar duo-grips front and rear, the tires are loaded with rim guard (500 lbs each) and I keep the backhoe on. I was still slipping in some parts.

 

[mjarrels]

I think at 9200' you should be looking at something with a turbo.

mark

 

[ME83]

I would look into a JD 3720 if I was in your position. It is turbocharged and has a lot of power for its size, which is what you want for a snow blower.