Comparing the B2910 to the L3130

[Rolando]

The MSRP's I got were from the Carver web site for the two models and the $16,670 was for the L3130 HST. I guess getting the extra capability of the L3130 just doesn't cost much more once you get to the feature set of the B2910.

I'm not sure I understand your comment about the backhoes. The B4672 is a lower capacity than the BL4690. The B4672 has a 6.5 feet reach while the BL4690 has a reach of 7.5 feet. I would expect the BL4690 would be more expensive. I don't need a lot from the backhoe, so having a less capable, less expensive unit available for the tractor is actually a benefit for me.

 

[Nik]

I sold my B2410 with FEL and stepped down to the BX23. I have about 2 acres. Things I miss about the B2410 so far is the quicker movement of the FEL. THe BX23 FEL is very slow at lower RPMS. The ride is smoother on the B2410 likely due to bigger tires. In regard to the backhoe, the BX23 hoe works well. I can see the advantage to a aftermarket backhoe such as WOODS for a B series tractor. No need to constantly reverse the seat when moving the tractor and longer reach even with the Woods 6500. I have seen the WOODS put on and removed and it may be easier than that of the BX23. I like the small size of the BX23 for my property however I may be disappointed with it compared to my B2410. If your main goal is not mowing but heavy landscaping work than I think you would be happier with a larger tractor. The L series tractor are great for heavy work. I enjoy using my brothers L3710 and really like using the pallet forks (quick attach) for moving brush and heavy objects. The L3130 may be a good size for you without being too large. I would get a dedicated lawn mower such as a ZTR or rider mower and make this less of a factor in picking a tractor. I now have a ZTR and did not get a mowing deck for the BX23. I have been very happy with the ztr. It seems to be the quickest and most maneuverable way to mow a lawn. By the way you can always sell the larger tractor after you completed your projects. I had no problem selling my B2410 and attachments (1 week) and this paid for the BX23 with some new implements. Kubotas have a good reputation making them attractive to potential buyers if they are priced right. You should test drive the B2910 and L series to get a feel for their operation. To confuse you more just keep in mind the tractor looks smaller on the dealer lot than on your property. That is why I would go with the L3130 or 34330 for your property then the larger L models if you like thse better than the B series. I think the BX23 may be too small for you planned uses.

 

[To20Chris]

If you really plan on finish mowing a large portion of the lot regularly, and are worried about leaving tracks, then the B2910 may be the way to go. Otherwise, the L3130 is a far better deal. If you were to calculate the difference in the size of the footprint these two machines make in comparison to 5ac, it would so small as to be meaningless (OK, I had to - my back-of-the-envelope calculation says the difference in the footprint of the two is about 0.003% of your property size!). How could one be too big, and the other ok?

 

[ronjhall]

Rolando
The difference is $500 cheaper for the B4672. The only difference in the 2 units is the length of the Dipper and Boom. Cylinders, Pump, and other items are the same.

 

[Rolando]

Thanks, Henro. It looks from your comments that you bought a B2910 and then decided to also get the BX2200. Could you talk about how you came to decide to add the BX2200? I think it would give some insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the B2910. Did you consider a smaller tractor when you got your 2910?

 

[rswyan]

Rolando,

I'm one of those that made the decision to go with a B2910 rather than the next larger model for not much more, due largely to what I forsaw at the time as my long-term primary use - mowing about 5 acres of lawn. I have a ton of landscape work right now where a larger tractor would be nice, but the next model up is as you say significantly heavier. Living here in Ohio, where we have heavy clay soil that ruts very easily when damp, the extra weight was not an advantage but a liability. When we bought, we figured that it was probably going to be the only tractor we'd ever buy. But quite frankly, now after playiing in the dirt a little bit /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I've been toying with the idea of making it a side business and have wondered more than once if we shouldn't have gotten a little larger tractor. FWIW.

 

[penokee]

Rolando
I've gone thru some what the same process as yourself. Started with a B7800 and progressed to a L3130 based on much sage comment from this board. I have a few more acres and will be skidding and pileing logs, FEL work with gravel and mowing woods roads with a Bush hog. The L3130 or L3430 with the 723 FEL better fit the bill for this type work.
Now I have one more decision to make before I purchase - which Dealer? Both are approx. 60 miles away and their price varid by only $17. Need the machine, so may have to flip a coin. I looked at Green and Blue also, but Orange appeared to me to be a little heavier made. All good machines. Enjoy. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
penokee

 

[willywildes]

Hi Rolando as a new 3130 owner i just went through the same issues and drove myself crazy. my land is open with hills. I will be moving alot of dirt. 65 years of turning right with a pull disc has moved it mostly down hill. I read every post on TBN some people say i dont need that big of a machine and i might agree. I tryed to rationalize the 7800 and 2910 to save some$$. There wasnt that much difference. My 72"tiller works great i now till in 20min what took all day with the troy built what i'm trying to say is don't over analize it, lose sleep over
it.(I did) only you know what will work for you and what you want
I used the 72" box scraper for eight hrs today the wife says
we will have Busch gardens in no time. enjoy, GO DO IT !!

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

If you have to make a straight comparison between New Holland and Kubota as far as reliablity is concerned Kubota wins hands down. Adjustusted for volumes, we fix about many more New Hollands than we do Kubota's. Part of this is because Kubota tends to do things right the first time, you see very few warrenty recalls even on their brand new models.

 

[gduff]

Are you sure about the width? You could be looking at minimum width on the 3130, which is 59.8 with R1 tires. The 3130 can be adjusted out to 71.2" width. (58.3 to center of tread plus width of tire 12.9 = 71.2) This would be even wider if you chose R4's. I had a B7800 which is the same as the 2910 without some of the bells and whistles and the rear tire width was not adjustable on it, so that may be the same case with the 2910. I now have a L3830 HST, which is slightly larger than the L3130. (I have my rear tires set at around 6' as measured on the outside.) I find this to be a much more stable tractor than the B7800. I have an LA723 on the 3830 and had a LA402 on the 7800. I am a little surprised about Bob considering the 402 as anemic as that would not be my impression. I always thought that the tractor might be a little light for the power of the 402. My 7800 would easily lift the rear tires of the ground, even with considerable counter weight. (53" Tiller or 5' Rotary cutter etc.) This was in the lift, not curl operation. I can't say that the LA723 will do that on my 3830 albeit heavier tractor and this may be a good thing.
I can see where the 2910 would be a better choice if you do a lot of lawn mowing. The L series will "leave a mark" if your lawn is at all soft. (Or even if it isn't) Some might even consider the 2910 on the heavy side for mowing. If your future needs include a larger lot size you may be better served with the 3130. Good luck in whatever you choose.