Deere 4310 or Kubota L3130 ?

Dave___in___CT · Oct 28, 2003

Hi folks...

Will you help me decide between these 2 tractors... ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

There's gotta be more than I read about in the literature... or the limited test drives I did...

Pro's... con's... +++'s... ---'s... experiences... opinions...
Like... performance... quality... ergonomics... quirks... problems...

Deere 4310:
4WD
12x12 ePowerReverser transmission
430 loader (heavier duty) with 73" HD bucket & replaceable cutting edge
48 8 1/2' backhoe with 18" bucket
Curtis Cab with heater & 4 lights

Kubota L3130
4WD
8-speed full-sync transmission with shuttle shift
LA723 loader (heavier duty) with 72" L2440 HD bucket with skid-steer compatible quick-detach & replaceable cutting edge
BH90 9' backhoe with 18" bucket
Curtis Cab with heater & 4 lights

Thanks...

Dave...

rockyridgefarm · Oct 28, 2003

One advantage: The Deere Backhoe. It is designed exactly for this tractor. It fits without affecting the ground clearance or a mid mower. It is extremely easy to put on and take off and it is unbelievably solid when on.

icat · Oct 28, 2003

I think the problem with comparing the two is that no one has both (at least that I know of). As such, I can tell you that I think the L3130 is a great tractor, but I can't really compare it to the JD because I have never owned one - and a test drive is no substitute for using one for a weekend either.

Having said that, and with my limited knowledge of JD's, it appears to me that the JD wins on this round. Mostly because of the back hoe. But then again, what do I know? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

stvman · Oct 29, 2003

Dave, Hammond Tractor in Fairfield Maine sells both (1-877-483-2473) as well as Hawkinsen Equipment in Plymouth NH you may want to give both a call and get their opinion on each. Or you could buy a Massey 1433 from me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Steve...

rockyridgefarm · Oct 29, 2003

( Having said that, and with my limited knowledge of JD's, it appears to me that the JD wins on this round. Mostly because of the back hoe. But then again, what do I know? )

But I squint at your picture and that looks like a FEL on YOUR Tractor! In this round Kubota wins on FEL specs... (No kidding - I beat RaT to HIS point!) Now I am happy with my FEL, and I was warned by some sharp operators that TOO much capability on either end can also be a safety problem. Since I ALWAYS am safe (notice that I keep the bales UNDER the tractor in my sig pic...) I went with the safer FEL (that's my story and I'm stickin' to it... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

But really, both have areas where they edge out the other (just don't get too hung up on that Fender Interval mumbo jumbo) And I will break ranks ( /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ) and say: Sometimes the impression is given that these are all the same tractors and just have differant colors/trim. Sorry, but there ARE differances. For a given application one may perform signicantly better than another. That said, it really is hard to go wrong getting either, with a GOOD DEALER.

icat · Oct 29, 2003

I'll agree - a good dealer is the most important consideration when comparing two quality tractors. That's certainly why I wound up with orange instead of green. I didn't care for the local JD guy, but the 'Bota dealer was very much to my liking. As I've mentioned once before, when I started looking for a tractor I didn't even know Kubota existed. The business was JD's to loose and they did a fine job. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

chrisjbell · Oct 29, 2003

Those are both really nice tractors. I'd agree, though, that you should probably make your decision based on the dealer (although the one I bought from handles both models, so that could make it real tough /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif).

This was something that stood out for me:

 L2440 HD bucket with skid-steer compatible quick-detach 

If that means you can hook up attachments made for Bobcats and such that would be awfully nice. You would be able to rent one more easily than getting 3PH rentals and theres a better selection. 'Least, I'm always seeing skid steer attachments and wishing I could get the equivilant 3PH for rent... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Dave___in___CT · Oct 29, 2003

Hi...

Yeah... I understand the Kubota quick attach accepts skid-steer implements... I waiver on getting the ~$400 feature or not... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I just usually use the loader all summer... maybe snowplow in winter...

might be nice dropping the loader bucket in < 1 minute for mowing though...

Dave...

rockyridgefarm · Oct 29, 2003

( might be nice dropping the loader bucket in < 1 minute for mowing though...
)

FWIW the Deere bucket is also Quick Attach (no extra charge), and drops in a minute, it is Deere proprietary, not skid steer, course you can add an adapter later, if you did need it

_RaT_ · Oct 30, 2003

Keith, I'm not sure if your familiar with the Kubota BH90. It is quite a stout little hoe. Here is a link to a few comparisions for what it is worth. BH90 backhoe