do i really need L3010?

[drk]

hello everyone and thank you for your insights - they've been extremely valuable. i've made a decision to buy a kubota and have determined which dealer i will buy from.

i have just 3.5 acres, but it's an interesting 3.5. i have a sandy 150' beach that needs cleaning at least once a month. my land rises about 15 feet from water to back edge in a steady 15 degree climb. it's mostly manicured lawn. since it's the combination of three lots, it still has has a few large areas that need to be cleared (holly hedges, small trees and tons of ivy). i've recently cut down about 50 hemlock trees (2-6"/25-40') around the perimeter. i have about 50 more to cut down and haul out. i'll also need to take out the 100 or so stumps when i'm done. for this i believe a backhoe will work best. i have a 4' x 100' stone retaining wall that used to separate to of the lots. it will need to be broken down and hauled out from the middle of the property. over time, i hope to plant new trees around the perimeter. my guess is that we'll need at least 50. i'm in the northeast, so i'd like to be able to plow snow. we've got 9 fireplaces in the old house and go thru quite a bit of firewood each winter. i'd like to be able to move and stack it myself. i also plan on removing the wooden sea wall and replacing it with a masonry one.

i'm sure some of this will require professionals, but i'd like to try as much as i can. what's got me a bit confused is the number of different things i "think" i'd like to do with a tractor.

i thought a 2910 would be perfect, but several people have suggested to me that i ought to go for the 3010. while it's a beautiful machine, it just seems too big for 3.5 acres and possibly much too heavy for the lawn even with turfs. but, all of you know much more than i do. i've been researching for a year and i know i'm close. i'd really appreciate any input you can give me to help me over this last decision hump. thank you in advance.

best regards,

drk

 

[MReeter]

DRK,with all your ambition I don't think you need a tractor,just a shovel and an axe!!! But,if you decide on the L3010,Kubota has a set of "Super Turf" tires available,around $600. option.With a set of these tires,the tractor will compact less than a B-Series.

 

[paccorti]

drk,

I usually have a hard time with "how big of a tractor questions." In your case I think a L3010 would be a bit much. You do have some big jobs to do. From what I've read pulling stumps with a backhoe is very hard on the machine. Not saying that a L3010 couldn't handle it but it might be better to rent a bigger machine to do the job. A hoe costs what... $6000+. You could rent a larger machine for quite a few days to get the job done for less. Plus once all those stumps are pulled what are you going to do with the hoe? I'd look seriously at a B2410 or a B2710. Besides... I think the 27 takes the same hoe as the L3010... Bird?

On the other hand there is pride of ownership. I put a lot of stock in that! Why do people by sports cars to go 55mph? Why do people buy suv's that never leave the asphalt. So... In my opinion, logic says smaller tractor, particularly since your large jobs are 1 off's. On the other hand the L3010 is a real sweet machine. If that's what you want then I'd say get it.

Peter

 

[Bird]

drk, no personal experience with the L3010, but I see them at the dealer with the turf tires and belly mowers, so I MReeter's right that it won't compact the ground any more than a B series. And I don't know whether the same backhoe they have for the B2710/B2910 also is used on the L3010, but most likely. They're a high priced tool that I don't have, but can sure be handy at times.

Bird

 

[M. Sullivan]

Bigger = less time doing the job. If you're going to get the bh, would suggest the 3010 (believe it has the monster frame supports). I have the 2710, and love it, but if were buying again would go bigger--just for the extra capability. Wonder if you could chain your stumps out off the drawbar?? With the bh and a chain should make quick work of them. Good luck.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

DRK,
I HAVE 5 ACRES OF WOODS IN CT. I BOUGHT A 2710 WITH A WOODS BH.FEL & BACK BLADE. WITH A 750' GRAVEL DRIVEWAY ITS GREAT IN THE SNOW. I COULD GO ON & ON ABOUT THE PROJECTS WE HAVE DONE WITH THIS MACHINE.
MANY TIMES I HAVE THOUGHT OF GETTING SOMETHING BIGGER. IE. ( L3010) BUT HAVE ALWAYS CALMED DOWN AND REALIZED IT IS JUST TOO BIG. THE 2710 TAKES A LITTLE LONGER BUT WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE IT'S THE RIGHT SIZE FOR ME. NOW THE 2910 - WOULD BE GOOD BECAUSE IT'S NOT PHYSICALY LARGER. AND I'M NOT SURE IT COULD REALLY OUT POWER THE 2710 WITH FEWER HP.

 

[Harv]

Heck, if you can afford the 3010, go for it!

You can always get more land later. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Boondox]

DRK - I have an L3010 and love it, but if I was in your situation I'd opt for something smaller, like the B2910. The 3010 is a heavier machine, easily 1000# more, and doesn't have the maneuverability and limb clearance of the smaller tractors. Having recently traded up from a B1750, I find myself having to get used to all my clearances again. The limbs I used to drive under now catch the ROPS. The turn I used to make between the butternut tree and stone wall now takes a three-point turn with the bucket raised above wall level. It's a beautiful tractor and I in no way regret my decision, but I have 150 acres to maintain.

I'd really check into renting a brute for the heavy stuff, then buying a smaller tractor. In fact, since you seem to have hit it off with your local dealer, why not check into rental options with the cost of the rental deducted from whichever you eventually purchase?

Pete
www.gatewaytovermont.com

 

[GlueGuy]

drk,

Do any of us really NEED any of these machines? Heck no, all we really NEED is a shovel and axe. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Actually, based on the description you provided, I think for long term, something in the B series is what you'll need. The tree/stump clearing might need something bigger, but that looks like a short-term need. After that, you'll want something that's smaller and more manueverable.

Maybe you can rent, or hire the tree/stump stuff?

The GlueGuy