Did I make the right choice? L3000DT

[jtlox]

I have researching which model of Kubota to purchase. I have 7 acres and am building a new house and have had about 4000 pine trees cut and it looks like a hurricane has been here. I wanted a L3010 HST but the price difference is big.
I ordered the L3000DT today after reading information on this board. Thanks!
The out the door price for the tractor was $10758.00. I waited too late for the rebate but the price was lower after the rebate expired. I went to local dealer today and told him to make me offer I could not refuse and he did just that.
I would have liked to had a hydro trans but after driving both units I just like the L series better that the B series. The foot gas pedal is great and power was good so shifting should not be problem. I will be using a 5 ft box blade, landscape rake and soon to have finish mower(I Hope). Is not to late for me to change my order so if you think I would be better off with a different unit please reply. The B2710 was nice and $1800.00 more for a much smaller unit. I live in lower Alabama and we get rain everyday so 4wd is mandatory. After researching all the brands (NH, JD, CC and other models) I feel like the Kubota is the best machine and best value.
I have a 1966 Ford 6000 with select-o-shift and leaking hyd system. I am tired of fixing one thing so another leak will start. Its for sale if anybody wants it. $2500.00
Thanks for all the assistance.
John Turner
jtlox@gulftel.com

 

[Kodiak]

Actually for the price I'd say you did very well. I didn't think you could touch any L series for that cheap. I take it your not planning on a loader. Was wondering why? Your property sounds like it would be ideal for all sorts of loader work. And if you factored the cost of a loader in now with the purchase of the tractor it would probably be cheaper in the long run.

As for the finish mower you didn't state what type you are considering, Belly mower, 3pt, rear discharge or side discharge. So I am just going to throw in my $0.02 here. I picked up a new 72" First Choice Gm30-72 rear discharge, 3pt finish mower this spring. This was an excellent choice from a new company that is just setting up a line of dealers. The quality is right up there with the top name brands at about 2/3rds the price. I highly recommend them.

 

[jtlox]

Thanks for your info, I will be looking for a FEL but price is an issue. I would like to know if anyone makes a decent light duty loader for a good price like woods. Will the L3000DT handles it?

 

[drpepper]

You bet. I have a L3000DT and love it. It does everything I ask of it. I too used old farm tractors for years. Got tired of working on them! I am sure hydros are nice, but cost was an issue with me also. By purchasing the gear driven L3000DT, I was able to buy the FEL and other attachments at the same time. I am nearing the 50 hour mark on mine. It is a joy to have a tractor that everything works at the same time. Besides, I don't know what I am missing. I have only owned gear driven tractors. I don't think you will regret the L3000DT. Besides, down the road it will be a great trade in for a hydro if you so desire.

 

[Bird]

I have a pretty strong preference for hydrostatic transmissions; however, if you like the tractor you're considering, then it's the right choice. By the same token, I wouldn't even consider any FEL except the same brand as the tractor, but I also know there are other good brands out there, and usually cheaper, so one of them may be just the ticket for you.

 

[jtlox]

I just drove down to my dealer and notice that the L2600DT has turf tires on 16 rims not 24's.(on rear) I ordered my L3000DT with turf tires. Will it come with 16 or 24's?
I may have to go with R-4's. any help would be great.

 

[Kodiak]

In my earlier post I mentioned going with an aftermarket loader. And coincidently it is a Woods that I have. Thier model 1012 with a 66" HD bucket is the loader that I purchased. And I believe is the same model that they recomend for the L3000DT. This is a heavy duty loader. With a 100" lifting height and approximitely a 1200lb max lift capacity. It is quick attatch and has an optional quick detatch bucket mount. Also can be purchased with kubota orange factory paint at no additional charge. I beleive the cost was @ $2500 installed.

Just a comment about tires. With the amount of downed trees that you will be cleaning up. You will have to worry about a lot of sharp deadfall branches that can puncture a tire fairly easy. Most turf tires are only 4 ply an puncture easily. R4's are 6 ply thus more resistant to punctures.

 

[Kelvin]

It is common for Turf tires and Ag tires to use different size rims (front and rear). I also assume (but don't know) that the R-4 tires may be a different size as well. Thus, when switching from one type tire to another, one usually has to purchase both tires and rims.

I believe that either Ag or R-4 tires would be best for your initial usage as you describe. I agree with the other post that the R-4s (industrial tires) are supposed to be more puncture resistant. Once you start finish mowing, you may have a desire for turf tires...and maybe not.

I also agree with Bird (as usual) by preferring hydro transmissions and matching brand name FELs. My rationale on the FELs is that I know of noone (I"m sure there is someone somewhere...) that actually dislikes the brand name FEL once you get past the cost, yet there are people that prefer to avoid 3rd party FELs (like Bird and myself). Therefore, if you ever decide to sell, you'll have more potential customers interested in your tractor.

Kelvin

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have never owned a tractor before but think that the L3000Dt I bought is the greatest thing since sliced bread. In just a couple of weekends on our property the progress is amazing.
I bought my tractor as a package deal with FEL, BB, PHD, mower, and trailer and felt that I did better by buying it all together, plus the dealer did the installation of the FEL. I bought the Kubota brand FEL (LB402) and it's worth every penny. After looking at how the mounting and connections are designed specifically for this tractor I would suggest that you consider installing the Kubota FEL as opposed to another universal fit type brand. I also think that by using the KB loader you take away any warranty issues regarding what loader you installed.
The other implements I've got are Ag-Meir and Rhino, but after seeing how much the FEL is used, I think it should be matched for the tractor's design features and hydraulic system.
Perhaps you could head back to your dealer - sounds like they are willing to work with you - and see what they might have to offer.

 

[cj7]

I am sure you will be hapy with it. I also have 7acres. I have an L2500 with FEL. Was a great deal for me. Would have preferred the L3000. Bigger and more power. But not too big!