Deal ? or No Deal ?

[only1chief]

I lost my L245DT in a recent wildfire (California) and I need to replace it. It had a FEL and TnT Gannon . It served me well and I've got to find a replacement.

I drove 120 miles to look at a nice L3130 (2004) with LA723 loader, Gearmore 25272" box w/ full hydraulic top & tilt ripper, bucket mount Gearmore X450 McMillen digger and two augers, Gearmore 1000#c clamp-on forks. 640 hours. always stored inside. Owner told me it has "Geostatic" trans but it is a Glideshift. R4 tires. Told me it cost him a little over $30,000 and he is asking $21,500, firm price.

It is definitely bigger than what I had and I could sure use the bigger bucket and wider scraper. The other stuff I could use occasionally but I suppose I could also rent when I needed it.

There were times when the L245DT would fit (4 ft. wide bucket) where a larger tractor wouldn't so I have some concern. Maybe I'm worried about nothing because it wouldn't be very often anyway and the larger bucket would be an advantage.

I stopped by a Kubota dealer on the way home and looked at what he had.
The L2800 looked similar in size to my L245DT, The L3240 looks like the L3130 I just looked at. A new 3240 w/ HST, 724 loader with the quick-disconnect bucket feature, box scraper w/ TnT is $25,344 before taxes. 3240 w/ GST is $24,244 before tax. Prices not that far off from the used 2004 L3130.
I don't know what transmission I would want as all I've ever used was my L245DT "gear grinder" trans. and sometimes it was a pain when loading.

Any advice or opinion are appreciated.
How big of a bucket will fit the L2800?
Chief

 

[Carl_NH]

Sorry for your loss of the L245DT - they are good tractors - can lift a ton and do a lot of work but are a handful to handle when loaded. I had a L175DT with a loader/backhoe similar your unit i restored then traded for a B21. The L series is a tough unit and I agree with your selection of a L2800 or L3240 series. The L2800 is a more cost effective unit and similar to the L245 while the L3240 will get you more lift, length and is a more "robust" tractor as a step up from the L2800.

The old L1 or 2 series tend to be "tippy" due to their narrow wheel base and ability to lift their butts off to the surprise of the operator.

Regarding the HST/GST decision each has benefits - if you do ground work - plowing or where you want to maintain a constant speed the GST is very good maybe preferred. On the other hand if you do a fair amount of loader work and manuevering around tight spots the HST is the best choice. I would not go back to the 8x2 gears in old L series now that I have the HST - hands down its great for all around use.

Price - a $4K difference for a 2009 new unit with attractive financing vs 2004 540 hr tractor as a "cash deal" should be a easy decision - definitely go new. The value of these tractors has been interesting to see since many of us bought in 01-03-05 etc and each year they bring out more models, more HP, more lift capacity etc. than the year before.

Every year the competition increases - 8 years ago it was predominately Orange/Green - now there are at least 8 different brands all vying for the same market. The point being is if the list price in 2004 was $30K that price/performance may have been very competitive then, but today that similar unit is $25K.

 

[medicshawn]

I agree with Carl. For that little price difference go new. Unless you're plowing a field go with the HST. Also look at adding Skid Steer Quick Attach to your new tractor. Good luck with your new tractor search.

 

[rbargeron]

.........I drove 120 miles to look at a nice L3130 (2004) with LA723 loader, Gearmore 25272" box w/ full hydraulic top & tilt ripper, bucket mount Gearmore X450 McMillen digger and two augers, Gearmore 1000#c clamp-on forks. 640 hours....Glideshift. R4 tires......asking $21,500..........

FWIW, a friend just paid $13k for an L3130 with under 500 hours, HST transmission, LA723 loader, Woods 5' rotary cutter, R1 rubber, clamp-on forks and a 7' manual-angle snow plow. Are those Gearmore items worth $9k?

 

[texbaylea]

Just a note. If you go with the L3240/LA724QA you do not have to get the 72" bucket. With my L3130/LA723QA I got the 66" HD bucket instead. For me it is easier to maneuver plus I expect longer/better service from the bucket.

Vernon