Buyer looking at L3830 compared to NH and JD

[MessickFarmEqu]

Neil,
Does the additional weight of the New Hollands and the John Deeres mean that they use cheaper inferior steel?

You do hear people say that, but I don't know how anyone could possibly know. I think the bottom line is that you simply don't see structural failures on most any modern tractor, weight is no longer an indication of quality for a tractor.

 

[JerryG]

You do hear people say that, but I don't know how anyone could possibly know. I think the bottom line is that you simply don't see structural failures on most any modern tractor, weight is no longer an indication of quality for a tractor.

Worded very well.
I don’t think that any of the major manufactures are using inferior steel in any of their products. Now, what I do believe is that the different companies have different philosophies. Kubota for instance is the lightest tractor on the market. I believe that they have chosen to do that for a reason. Some might say that it was to save money and to make a cheaper tractor and I am sure saving money that is part of it, but the major reason is because the vast majority of Kubotas are used for primarily mowing. Not solely mowing, but for a larger percent perhaps. A heavy tractor isn’t need for mowing. They are catering to their primary customer base. The other majors seem to have a different philosophy. It seems as though they feel that a heavier tractor is required even if the weight is more substantial and costly. I feel that they are catering to the remainder of the market other than the mower segment. I’m not saying that Kubotas can’t be used for other types of jobs, but they excel at mowing. On the other hand I am not saying that the other majors can’t be used for mower either, but they seem to be geared more for other types of work.
rk.

 

[goneandbrokeit]

The location of the loader stick appears to be too forward. Does this cause you fatigue due to the arm being extended?
victor23

I have a L3830 and I am quite pleased. If the joystick location is important to you, consider it is possible to get the cab joystick. The placment is then similiar to the JD.
I had this done as I also have a JD4110 and this makes the loader control when switching between tractors.

 

[art]

Just to add to this I sell three brands or could say seven makes of compacts including two in this discussion and the Kubota is known for it's ability not to be in the shop! The Kubota when using the cab hydraulic joystick put's it back on the right fender instead of towards the dash.

 

[Victor23]

Thanks guys for the input. I don't mean to over analyze the issue. Its just I buy things and keep them till they just are wore out. My vehicles are driven for about 200,000 miles before I get new ones. My current tractor is a Ford 600 if that tells you anything.

I plan on buy this new tractor and keeping it for a very long time. I am trying to heed the advice on this site by buy a slightly larger tractor than I really need anticipating future needs. Don't want to have buyers remorse.

Sounds like any way I go would be a good choice. Thats good to hear about the Kubota. I have always had an appreciation for them. May be I try to wrestle a grand L 4330 from the dealer for a good price.

Victor23

 

[woodlandfarms]

You do hear people say that, but I don't know how anyone could possibly know. I think the bottom line is that you simply don't see structural failures on most any modern tractor, weight is no longer an indication of quality for a tractor.

Just for reference, isn't the Kioti getting lots of bad marks for structural failure? I don't discount anything you have said, your posts are always spot on, I just thought that the Kiotis had some serious structural issues.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Just for reference, isn't the Kioti getting lots of bad marks for structural failure? I don't discount anything you have said, your posts are always spot on, I just thought that the Kiotis had some serious structural issues.

They've been having some pretty major issues with loaders and the engineering of the machines does seem to lead to higher failure rates in general. However I can't say you hear much about the rear end castings or 3pt connections breaking. Thats where the bulk of this raw iron weight is located.