Confused about power

Ewang207 · Aug 7, 2005

Can anyone explain why there seems to be so much concern about the power to weight ratio (32.1 hp / 3305 lbs.) with the L3130? The Kioti CK30 has a nearly identical ratio (30 hp / 3055 lbs.) and people seem to rave about its power. I'm getting ready to buy a new 3130 but this is a bit confusing.

kcook · Aug 7, 2005

I agree, I have looked at it differenty. Each make of tractor will do the job I need, so it comes down to price, service after the sale and dealers in the area.

KC

RayMunising · Aug 8, 2005

I'd say because power and weight are the 2 most important factors in determining what a tractor is capable of doing. Too little weight and you're wasting HP spinning your wheels. Too little HP and you won't have the power to operate the implement you need to. Those 2 single factors more than anything else determine which tractor is the right tractor for you. A B7800/B3030 is half the weight of the L3130. It'll make a world of difference in the work each tractor will do. There's only 3 HP difference between a L3130 and a L3430. If 3 HP doesn't make a difference then why would Kubota make a 3430? Weight and HP go hand in hand to get the task done.

What criteria did you use to determine a 3130 would fill your needs rather than a B3030 or a 3430?

Ewang207 · Aug 8, 2005

I've been laboring over the decision between a B7800 or the L3130 for some time. I had decided on the 7800 and went to buy one when my dealer suggested that the 3130 was much more tractor for just a little more money (see my recent post in the buying/pricing forum). The 3130 has two more PTO hp than the 7800 and should effectively run any implement it could, and still have plenty of weight for other jobs that the B7800 may not be as suitable for. Didn't want to spend even more to go up to the 3430.

RayMunising · Aug 8, 2005

Looks like you got lots of good advice in your other thread.

I'm struggling with the B7800/L3130 issue myself but mine is a very specfic need (snowblowing) which requires high pto power but little traction (compared to say pulling a plow) and I'm questioning just how much power it takes away from the PTO to move the heavier L3130 compared to the lighter B7800. Also the particular snowblower that Kubota makes for the B7800 looks like it'd take a lot less power to run then the snowblower designed for the L3130. That makes me wonder if the L3130 isn't underpowered compared to the B7800 for snowblowing. So I hope my thread about L3130 vs B7800 PTO power isn't making you have second thoughts about your situation. I'm sure either machine would satisfy your needs. I'd choose whichever one you're most comfortable with.

MessickFarmEqu · Aug 8, 2005

Don't over analyze this guys. People say the 3130 is underpowered because its a large frame for the amount of power that it has. Its weight ratio's are well above the acceptable margins for a compact tractor. I'd say either tractor will power the PTO so closely you would never know the difference. Now getting those implements around with the 3130 will be a bit nicer. It is a cadillac.

have_blue · Aug 8, 2005

( Can anyone explain why there seems to be so much concern about the power to weight ratio (32.1 hp / 3305 lbs.) with the L3130? )

With cars, motorcycles, and aircraft, power to weight ratio is crucial for good performance. Performance is measured in speed, acceleration, and agility.

Tractors are a lot different. Since they run so slowly, power-to-weight ratio is a pretty useless statistic.

Instead of "power-to-weight", use power *and* weight. That makes the Kubota better than the Kioti on both stats.

RayMunising · Aug 8, 2005

I don't want to steal this thread but since you're a dealer you undoubtedly have lots of knowledge that I'd like to tap into. Here's my quick question ...

The front mount snow blower for the B7800 is 17.25" in dia with 3 blades
The front mount blower for the l3130 is 24.00" in dia with 4 blades.

I have no doubt that the l3130 blower is a far superior blower but also will require far more power to run. There's a hugh difference turning a 24" fan vs a 17" one. My question is which is the more effective setup, the big blower attached to a heavy L3130 with a 24HP pto (which some consider to be a small engine for the tractor) or the smaller blower attached to a lightweight b7800 with a 22HP pto (which is the most powerful engine in its class)?

When I need to blow out a 2 foot snowfall out of a 1100 foot long driveway with a 6% incline @ 20 below zero with 30mph winds I want a machine that's going to get the job done. The last thing I want after spending 25K on an outfit is the feeling that its underpowered! I don't think I'd have that underpowered feeling with the B7800. Owners of the B7800/B2910/B3030 says it's a great snow machine. I haven't heard from anyone using a 3130/snowblower but there have been some who thought the 3130 was a little underpowered.

So, the bottom line is which is the better machine for snowblowing serious snow on a regular basis? As a dealer I'd really appreciate your recommendation and why you feel it's the best choice. Thanks!

chevyorange · Aug 8, 2005

Hello, Isn't the 17" fan being run off the mid PTO which is turning at 2600 rpm and the 24 running off the back at 540 rpm?Just a thought,I don"t know the blower rpm's but i would think they are different.

RayMunising · Aug 8, 2005

Hi,
Nope, both are running off the mid pto.

Model B2782
Application B7800 B2710 B2910

mount Front
Overall Length w/3 Pt. Hitch 149.7" (3802 mm)
Overall Width 63" (1600 mm)
Overall Height / Chute 46.0" (1168 mm)
Cutting Width 60.0" (1524 mm)
Lift Height Above Ground
Operating 7.25" (184 mm)
Transport 10.5" (267 mm)
Cutting Depth 6.75" (171 mm)
Impeller Fan Diamete 17.5" (445 mm)
Impeller Fan Speed 903 rpm
Impellers Fan Blades 3
Auger Diameter 14.0" (356 mm)
Chute Rotation 220°
Weight 375 lbs

Model L2471A
Tractor Application L3130/L3430/L3830/L4340/L4630/L5030
Mounting Front Quick Hitch
Overall Length 32" (813 mm)
Overall Width 62" (1575 mm)
Overall Height 59.25" (1505 mm)
Cutting Width 61.9" (1572 mm)
Lift Height Above Ground 13" (330 mm)
Cutting Depth 6.5" (165 mm)
Blower Diameter 23.75" (603 mm)
No. of Impellers 4
Auger Diameter 14.75" (375 mm)
Chute Rotation 220 Degrees

The L2471A is one heck of a blower but I fear in reality it'd be too much for the L3130 even though it's the blower Kubota recommends for it.


NEWS FLASH. The answer my friend is in my other thread. The anwser is blowing ...

Geez that was terrible. But it's 2:13AM. Can't expect much /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Please return to your regularly scheduled original poster question. Sorry to have diverted attention from your original post.