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Anonymous Poster · Apr 18, 2003

I live on an island in a caldera about 25 miles from the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. It snows 6-9 feet per year except when the roofs let go and there is 10 feet suddenly on the ground. I have about 2 acres that need landscaping, gravel restoration and a new retaining wall to level the lot near the waterfront. Also there are about 10 families that occupy the island year round and we need to help each other. In my 63 years I have reliably made the mistake of buy each piece of equipment at least three times the first two being too small or some quirky rig a local entrepreneur has cooked up. This time I want to do it right and get the right power plant and accessories, FEL, Front mounted snow blower(?) and 4n1 bucket etc. I also feel that in 4-5 years I will run out of the physical ability to do much with the tractor and want to be able to sell it to a next owner and not get killed. This is a spud and grain ag community with plenty of smaller farms and horse owners. The L3430 seems ok but I am attracted to the beef of the L4330 and its ability to heavier jobs, should they arrive. It gets to 30 below for a week at a time in the winter and 90+ in the summer; thus the cab. I know that a good dealer is important but so is competition among sellers. I don't know if the bigger dealers have a lot more flexibility or they are all at the margin for new gear. I have learned that the factory warrantee is worth having especially for a green bean like me. Any thoughts or advice? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bird · Apr 18, 2003

Seems to me you've just about answered your own question. The L3430 will probably do the jobs, but the L4330 will do them quicker and easier, so you'd probably like it better. Sorry I can't help you pricing in your area. I'd just contact several dealers, get quotes, and see which one is best.

theboman · Apr 18, 2003

You mentioned the ag community, what kinda tractors do they like? That's the route I'd look and see what the local dealers have to offer in the advice line on resale value.
Wheweweweweeeeeeee, you get as much snow in a year that we get in a decade! That 30 below is, well it's nothing I want a part of either. Gosh, I love Kentucky. That's some kinda weather you folks get there.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 18, 2003

Thanks bird; you are right on, I will probably go with the larger machine if the numbers work ok. bartk

Anonymous Poster · Apr 18, 2003

I have talked to a family that runs an ag and pen bird hunting operation. The dad and the two sons say they are very antsy about any small tractor under 50hp. That is in fact one reason I am considering the L4330; hoping that a kubota 43 is close enough to a 50 to be attractive. Its cold but beautiful up here... you have better turkey hunting though!!