I started a search for a new tractor for our U-pick farm about a month ago. I've had an L175 for about 15 years and we have about outgrown it. I looked at a lot of makes of tractors and in the horsepower range I was looking at I believe the L3130 is the best tractor for the money.
I appreciate this forum. I read lots of posts on several makes, so many I about drove my family crazy. The Mahindra's were tempting but I had 4 things against them:
1. They haven't been in the US that long so I'm still not sure of the parts availability in the long run ( I know Mahindra dealers will say they're here to stay but I've seen quite a few brands come and go and they all say they're here to stay.)
2. I don't like the fact they source out parts of certain models of their tractors to other companies. With Kubota I know who made it.
3. There are LOTS of Kubota dealers around so parts and service are easily available.
4. Kubotas hold their resale value as well as any tractor model I've seen. I'll probably get near what I paid for the little L175 when I sell it. Mahindras don't seem to do as well, at least not right now.
That being said I found a 2003 L3130 2WD with turf tires, standard transmission and 281 hours for $9000. It seemed like a fair price to me so I bought it. It still has 6 months on the full warranty and 1 year on the power train. Before anyone chimes in on 4WD and FEL, I just don't need them. I've got a brother in law on either side of me and they both have larger tractors with Fel's and backhoes I can use when I need one. Mine will mostly do orchard work, garden plowing and trailer pulling.
I really like this tractor. Compared to the L175 it's like going from an old pickup to a cadillac. Easy to start, QUIET, smooth driving and with the snychro transmission no gear grinding if your not fully stopped before you change gears. Well, enough said, I've attached a picture of the new addition and I hope she gives as good service as the L175. Thanks again for the forum.
I appreciate this forum. I read lots of posts on several makes, so many I about drove my family crazy. The Mahindra's were tempting but I had 4 things against them:
1. They haven't been in the US that long so I'm still not sure of the parts availability in the long run ( I know Mahindra dealers will say they're here to stay but I've seen quite a few brands come and go and they all say they're here to stay.)
2. I don't like the fact they source out parts of certain models of their tractors to other companies. With Kubota I know who made it.
3. There are LOTS of Kubota dealers around so parts and service are easily available.
4. Kubotas hold their resale value as well as any tractor model I've seen. I'll probably get near what I paid for the little L175 when I sell it. Mahindras don't seem to do as well, at least not right now.
That being said I found a 2003 L3130 2WD with turf tires, standard transmission and 281 hours for $9000. It seemed like a fair price to me so I bought it. It still has 6 months on the full warranty and 1 year on the power train. Before anyone chimes in on 4WD and FEL, I just don't need them. I've got a brother in law on either side of me and they both have larger tractors with Fel's and backhoes I can use when I need one. Mine will mostly do orchard work, garden plowing and trailer pulling.
I really like this tractor. Compared to the L175 it's like going from an old pickup to a cadillac. Easy to start, QUIET, smooth driving and with the snychro transmission no gear grinding if your not fully stopped before you change gears. Well, enough said, I've attached a picture of the new addition and I hope she gives as good service as the L175. Thanks again for the forum.
