Currently have an L-3800. Need some yard tractor input.

Rail Dawg · Nov 17, 2014

Good input and it's appreciated. The B's get up there in price... If you had to choose between the G or L series what would you do?

Thanks.

Chuck

Wolfy · Nov 17, 2014

That's why I own several.

amigauser · Nov 17, 2014

I would keep the L and get a zero turn like someone else mentioned for mowing. That is basically what I do. I only have 2 acres with a L3240 and a Ferris Evolution ZTR. My L came in very handy a few years back when we had a large ice/snow storm that toppled many trees and caused a 10 day power outage for me. I can't tell you how many trees the Kubota dragged/pushed out of the way along with storm debris that a smaller tractor never would have handled.

JOHNTHOMAS · Nov 18, 2014

If your just mowing and are on fairly level or slight rolling land a Z will do. If on steep land the the F front deck 4wd is the best. If you want to do home landscaping along with mowing then the BX with FEL of any size will do unless ground clearance is a problem then you'll need a B of any size. Bought my 18th Kubota last week. Owned one L and most of the BX and B sizes and a few Fs and a Kubota RTV. Never given the G serious consideration and did own one T but sold it. Usually trade with Barlows who I just traded a B2620 HST FEL BH 73 hours (He has for sale for $18000 and delivers all over the US and no Ky state sales tax out of state, he takes tractors in on trade) to another BX25 my favorite Kubota tractor due to size and FEL and BH.

Rail Dawg · Nov 18, 2014

Wow I look at some of the Kubota prices and even a T-series mower gets you well north of 5k.

This is a tough decision and you all are giving sound advice.

I've done a lot of mowing with the L-3800 but that was on about 6 acres of grass. I would love to justify keeping it. Can I get a nice finishing mower and keep the L-3800? It's definitely a 2-acre yard I'm mowing and don't want my neighbors thinking I'm whack for using such a big machine.

But for ice-storms and hurricanes it would sure be nice to keep.

Thanks for such good input.

Chuck

Wolfy · Nov 18, 2014

There is a great old country song called "Mind your own business"...I have a 25hp Ford that I run a 5' grooming mower on. It does okay, does not get in tight areas or follow the ground like a garden tractor, but it is fast and much better on hills.

houstonscott · Nov 18, 2014

Rail Dawg said:
Wow I look at some of the Kubota prices and even a T-series mower gets you well north of 5k. This is a tough decision and you all are giving sound advice. I've done a lot of mowing with the L-3800 but that was on about 6 acres of grass. I would love to justify keeping it. Can I get a nice finishing mower and keep the L-3800? It's definitely a 2-acre yard I'm mowing and don't want my neighbors thinking I'm whack for using such a big machine. But for ice-storms and hurricanes it would sure be nice to keep. Thanks for such good input. Chuck

Yeah, I have an L3800 and mow the 2.5 acre yard with a GR2120. The L3800 mows the 18 acre pasture. I have a lot of trees and a sprinkler system. If you have no overhead issues or issues with weight on the soul, I'd put turf tires on it and go with a finish mower. Nice machine don't sell it. HS

k0ua · Nov 18, 2014

houstonscott said:
Yeah, I have an L3800 and mow the 2.5 acre yard with a GR2120. The L3800 mows the 18 acre pasture. I have a lot of trees and a sprinkler system. If you have no overhead issues or issues with weight on the soil, I'd put turf tires on it and go with a finish mower. Nice machine don't sell it. HS

This is what I would do also, unless I had a lot of trees to mow around, then the L would not be ideal. I would not be in a hurry to get rid of the machine.

Gary Fowler · Nov 18, 2014

If I foresaw any uses for a tractor, I would keep it but buy a zero turn mower to mow with. My daughter uses a B2920 for her 2 acre parcel but she also has a lawn tractor for tight work when needed. The tractor is used for tilling a garden plot and plowing also so it is not just for mowing.

I prefer mowing with a ZTR mower due to the speed, cut and maneuverability. With a ZTR you have very little else to do around trees, etc due to the closeness of the cut. With any tractor type mower, even yard machines, the don't get as close, need to make many circles etc to get around trees which doubles the mowing time.
A good commercial grade or near commercial grade ZTR can cost you $5-6K but they will last a lifetime if taken car of.