Clearly stated:3130 underpowered! More than once

CTyler · Feb 3, 2005

( What is even stranger is that he clearly stated that he just dynoed his PTO a couple of days ago and it is in fact putting out the exact same horsepower as it would have if it were at sealevel with no decrease in power from the altitude? )

I have been wondering about that 24hp dyno test.
I suspect that was the "Corrected" sea level number not the actuall HP at 4200'.

Poppa · Feb 3, 2005

( 20% loss of power at Ramon's altitude.....

Ramon....go for the turbo JD. )

So then nothing but turbocharged diesels should be sold above what elevation??

Seems to me that if the loss of power at his elevation is 20 percent then he just needs to compensate for that by buying a tractor with more horsepower. That way he doesn't have to limit his choices to those that are turbocharged.

This would then suggest that he could be happy with the 3430 or the 3830. And hence we have now come full circle for the umpteenth time and have proven from multiple angles that Ramon bought the wrong tractor.

Power insufficient to please Ramon
Power insufficient due to Elevation
Power insufficient due to as yet unknown problem

But of course that isn't the problem...the problem is what is Ramon going to do about it????

I know others have become turned off by this thread but I find it remarkably informative. For one thing I have found that one early piece of advice I found on this board was very correct. "Find the size tractor you want and get the biggest engine for that size". And as Henro and RaT have pointed out, know what you are buying before you sign on the line. Finally, I do believe that the one lesson I will cherish is what to do with a problem purchase. Seems to me you always end up with two choices.

Deal with it or Deal it away.

Ramon, I hope that whatever is set-up for tomorrow makes everything seem better on Saturday Morning.

Mike

Egon · Feb 3, 2005

Easiest solution is for Ramon to trade with my B7100 equal up.
I know my little mule is not underpowered for it's size. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon

_RaT_ · Feb 3, 2005

Mr Egon, you crack me up! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Grassgod · Feb 3, 2005

That's a good idea Egon, But being in Canada how high above sea level are you?

I'll tell ya, I sit here in awe that someone could possibly be unhappy with the 3130, after reading all these posts! I still say it has to be operator error. If these machines were so simple to master I wouldnt have a job. I though the comment someone made about the egg under the pedal was clever but there is still so much more to operate a machine of this size correctly. 40 hrs is by no means nearly enough time to be even called a novice yet, but more like a true beginer. There should be a school for operation of a CUT.

_RaT_ · Feb 3, 2005

I suspect rather then operator error in operating the tractor, it was a simply misjudgement on Ramons part. Think about it. Here is a tractor, weighs about 3305lbs. Add a loader, a hoe, all the fluids, and then another 1500 to 2000lbs in the loader bucket when moving dirt and your asking the engine to do many things besides run two hydraulic pumps, a fan, a water pump, an alternator. It will do it, just not as fast as perhaps some may like. Thats about 7000 to 8000 lbs. I guess one of the problems is very few of us have hoes so determining just how much that plays a part in all of this is harder to say. I think the altitude actually plays some part in this contrary to the "dyno" testing at the dealer. At any rate, I think even the L3830 is going to be less then what he would want. The L3130 HST is 31 HP net. Torque is 75.9 ft lbs. The L3830 HST is 37.4 HP net and 89 ft lbs of torque. Jumping up to the L4330 HST it is 41 HP net and 107.8 ft lbs of torque. The L5030 HST is 50 HP, 119.8 ft lbs of torque. The Caterpillar D11R is 850 HP net, displacement 2105 cu in. I do not know the torque but it must be OK since the operating weight of the Dozer is 203,100 lbs and you still need to push the dirt. There is no backhoe option. A kelley ripper is available with a ripping depth of about 7'.

Now if it was me and I was in Ramons shoes. I would keep the hoe. Keep the cab if it will fit a larger HP model. Opt for a L3830 GST and even keep the loader or, sell the tractor and loader, get a L4330 with loader in HST or GST, put the hoe on it. I would bite the learning curve bullet and then go find a nice happy place.

Bob_Young · Feb 3, 2005

Close, Av8r, actually the cab wrecked the tractor's aerodynamics! There's a reason Kubota doesn't offer the 3130 with a cab /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.
Bob

Grassgod · Feb 3, 2005

Ramon - Would you consider selling you cab alone? If you upgrade to a different machine, your probaby better off buying a new cab.

MessickFarmEqu · Feb 3, 2005

(
after reading all these posts! I still say it has to be operator error. If these machines were so simple to master I wouldnt have a job. )

Either that, or it should be in at the dealers being checked out again, and if your still not satisified get second opinion. Obviously this is not the norm and complaining endlessly does not get you anywhere.

Archdean · Feb 3, 2005

Ramon,
Responsibility starts and ends somewhere!!
How can you blame Kubota, The Dealer or the salesman for buying something w/o knowing what you want and more importantly doing your homework and being informed is primarily your responsibility!!!
I suspect you talked yourself into a dollar buy versus upping the ante for the go faster you really wanted!!