First time tractor owner questions

kdouthit · May 22, 2004

I have been lurking for sometime, but I pretty sure that I'm ready to purchase, but I wanted to throw my situation out there for comments.

We own 4 acres, 1/2 wooded 1/2 grass. I have 370 feet of driveway, and 3/4 mile of gravel road to maintain. All hills! Not real concerned about mowing at this time, the rider does fine, but may be a different story when the land is cleared.

Would have loved to get a BH, but budget won't allow it this year.

We also own 40 acres of mountain property about an hour southwest of town which we would like to start cleaning and clearing.

Oh, one more thing. I'm 6'6 290 #'s

My wife and I will both be using the tractor and here's what I'm looking at and the quotes I have received. I have driven both tractors and like both. Each has features I wish the other one had.

1st - JD 4310 ehydro w/420 FEL, loaded r4 tires, box blade, and scrape blade. $18,823.00 The dealer was awesome, but is located about 1 hour from the house.

2nd - Kubota L3130 HST w/LA513 loader, R1 Tires, box blade, and scrape blade. $17,685.00 Still need to negotiate r4 tires and loading. The dealer was awesome as well, and is located about 15 minutes from the house. I could actually drive the tractor there for service if I chose.

I'm leaning towards the JD for some of the creature comforts, but would welcome any input you guys might have.

JayC · May 22, 2004

( JD 4310 ehydro w/720 FEL )

Do you mean the 420 FEL? I'd say your 4310 quote is ok. The dealer here wants about that much for a similar equipped 4310 minus the box blade and loaded tires. A note on the 420 FEL, if you have the funds, I'd say go for the 430 FEL. It has greater lift capacities, lift heights, etc. But, if you won't need the increased capabilities of the 430, then there is nothing to worry about. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif If you liked the dealer and the machine, I'd say go for the 4310.

Now, you may hate me for this, but if you like the dealer and the L3130, I'd say go for the L3130. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

thcri · May 22, 2004

I too am a big person, or was, Atkins dropped me down some but when I bought I was 6"1" and running 280. Now this is just my own personal feeling but after trying the Kubota and the Deere I found I liked New Holland best for room on the seat. Again that is just my personal likeness. What I am saying is sit on a New Holland once and see if you like it. Try the Century/Branson also. Heavier tractors but if I remember right the deck has a lot of room.

Murph

Hebbster · May 22, 2004

I just went through the same process. Like you, it came down to the 4310 and L3130. I ended up with the L3130 because I liked the dealer the best and there are two dealers within 15 minutes. Other factors that moved me to the L3130 was the extra weight and 3ph capacity. The LA513 loader is also a heavier loader than the 420. It's comparable to the 430.

texbaylea · May 22, 2004

I have settled on the Kubota L3130HST. I am not a first time user but it will be my first HST. I am waiting on two dealers to finish appraising my trade-ins and pricing. I plan to get L3130HST with R4s, LA723 loader with quick hitch option, 66" HD bucket and 1 remote valve. Will be right at $19000 before trade-ins. I am 6"6", 250 lbs and was comfortable on the Kubota, biggest problem I have is my size 15 feet but that applies to all the tractors. I have 30 acres in two pieces with lots of juniper and yaupon to remove. Will add a tooth bar and grapple to the bucket.

mathteacher · May 23, 2004

Another thing to think about is when it comes to service. Does the JD dealer offer pick up and deliver. One of the dealers that I was looking at buying from did. But I went with the one that is on my way to work. And I went to school with the Head of service department. Hauling around a tractor is an important concept. Especially for any tractor buyer. You first have to have a truck to pull it with a trailer that it will fit on. That is one of the reasons I went with a lighter tractor. I have the trailer to haul a big tractor but right now it is upside down and I am "fixing" it.

Donald B.

CVHoss · May 23, 2004

Keith,
Three years ago, I was going through much the same comparison as you. I was comparing the Deere 4400 to the Kubota Grand L series (can't remember exactly which model, but it matched the JD for HP). I had actually decided on the Kubota for price reasons until I took a test drive. I was firm that I wanted HST and the first thing I noticed on the Kubota was that the turning brakes were on the same side as the HST pedal. While this may have been my first CUT purchase, it wasn't my first time on a tractor. I had spent three years with a city municipality as a backhoe operator and much of my youth working farms where there were tractors with loaders. One of my uses for the CUT was going to be clearing some land of dense brush and, from previous experience, I knew that if I wanted to be able to steer the tractor while maintaining enough down pressure on the front bucket to rip out brush, small trees, etc., that meant being able to use the turning brakes. Since I'm 6'6" / 385 lbs with size 14 feet, I couldn't manage the contortionist moves necessary to use the brakes and the HST pedal at the same time on the Kubota. That took me back to the Deere dealer and I've never been sorry.

For a few specific recommendations:

1. No matter how tight the budget, I'd go for the 430 loader instead of the 420. Can't find my spec sheet right now, but my old memory tells me that there is a significant increase in capacities for the 430 and the MSRP price difference is only about $600.00.

2. Get the heavy duty bucket up front. On a 73" bucket, the price difference up front is only about $100.00 but if you decide later that you should have bought the heavy duty bucket, it's about $700.00.

3. This one will take more thinking. I opted for the 4400 over the 4300. Current prices make this about a $1800.00 price increase in MSRP. If you can do without the extra 3 hp, then save yourself the money. In my circumstances, I felt the extra 3 horse was worth it given the implements I wanted to use.

Good luck with your decision.

Hoss

kdouthit · May 23, 2004

Thanks for all the input, it really has been invaluable.

I took my better half with me to the Kubota dealer and she ended up driving the tractors about 1/2 the afternoon. Really liked the GST & HST models.

Saturday I took her down to the JD dealer, and she was in love. She was ready to write a check on the spot. She loved the ehydro, and she'll have 30-40% of the seat time I'm sure.

There are a couple other JD dealers in the area that are closer than an hour, I'll see if we can work something out.

Thanks for the heads up on the 420 vs 430 loader, I'll definately get it on the quote.

As far as going from the 4310 to the 4410, can't happen. I've already jumped from the 4210 to the 4310 and I'm still trying to justify buying the BH now vs later.

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Ole_Hickory · May 24, 2004

Get the 4 in 1 bucket....you will be glad you did.

Woodbeef · May 24, 2004

I'd say go for the biggest tractor you can get,and worry about the back hoe later. The $$$ you pay for that back hoe up front can pay for lots of rental,or hire hours over the years.

I'm on the side of looking at all the brands out there too. You never know another one might just have more things you like.

rockyridgefarm · May 24, 2004

I went with the backhe. I would suggest at least pricing it both ways (now and done later) It costs less to get it up front.

kdouthit · May 24, 2004

Stopped by the local "big dealer" today, pricing was average, parts department seemed busy (@ 3:30 on a Monday), service department was hopping. Sales staff attitude was take it or leave it.

Went back to have another look at the L3130. Minutes from the house, got a second drive.......................

Tractors are relatively (note I said relatively) similiar. I just get a better feeling dealing with the Kubota dealer.

Like I told my wife, in my heart I want the JD, but my brain is telling me the Kubota a better tractor for MY NEEDS when all is said & done.

I have looked at the Kioti, Branson, and New Holland as well, but the dealers turned me off real quick.

Wish it was as easy as buying a truck 3/4 ton, 4x4, and FORD. Probably get blasted for that one, but such is life.

The search continues.........

BotaGuy · May 24, 2004

(
Like I told my wife, in my heart I want the JD, but my brain is telling me the Kubota a better tractor for MY NEEDS when all is said & done.

) 

Your desire is common, since John Deere is such an American Icon. I like John Deere too, BUT, the Kubota is the the iconic brand for the compact tractors. Most Deere dealers I have been to treat the compacts as a secondary business to the large Ag tractors. In some cases it makes sense, considering the high prices the big tractors command.

As soon as the "Orange" is in the driveway....your heart will change.

Good Luck on your decision.

Rick Jay · May 24, 2004

kdouthit,

I think they're both fine tractors, although personally I'm partial to orange, but that's mostly 'cause our local JD dealers have an attitude.

My only recommendation if you opt for the Kubota L3130 is to go with the LA723 loader. I believe, and others please correct me if I'm wrong, that the BH90 backhoe requires this loader. The smaller L4690 backhoe can go on either, but I would think you'd want the option to go with the largest hoe possible. And I'd also recommend getting the skid-steer quick-hitch option.

I also suggest getting it priced in with the deal...heck...interest rates are low, if you can possibly swing it now...go for it. Also, I believe others have sometimes persuaded their dealer to "lock in" a price on an implement for up to a year after purchase to make a pseudo-package deal.

Good Luck,

~Rick

Dave___in___CT · May 25, 2004

Hi...

kdouthit...

I checked out several tractors... it came down to the same 2 you are considering... both are fine machines...

I got the Kubota L3130 w/ loader & backhoe & Curtis cab...
...even though I coulda' got the Deere at near dealer cost + $1,000 Deere rebate... ...and caused kinda' hard feelings w/ 2 realtives who own Deere dealerships... ...this made is real tough to stay w/ my Kubota choice...

Also... I've owned 3 Deere's before... fine machines... never a Kubota...

Short version...
Kubota... better specs in most areas... beefier overall... liked it better for operating... seems like a better value... Industry standard ("Bobcat") quick attach for loader bucket/attachments vs. Deere's proprietary quick attach for 3-PT implements... standard telescoping 3-PT links...

Rick Jay says...
"My only recommendation if you opt for the Kubota L3130 is to go with the LA723 loader. I believe, and others please correct me if I'm wrong, that the BH90 backhoe requires this loader. The smaller L4690 backhoe can go on either, but I would think you'd want the option to go with the largest hoe possible. And I'd also recommend getting the skid-steer quick-hitch option."

I agree w/ Rick...
...check the specs & operation on the loaders... the LA723 is a better/heavier-duty choice... especially with the industry standard quick attach for it... works great !
The BH90 backhoe is ~commercial grade...
That's the setup I got...

"Deliberate often... decide once..."

Dave...

kdouthit · May 27, 2004

First of all, thanks to everybody for the input & suggestions. They have been benefical in our decision making process.

Drum roll please........

Tuesday morning the will deliver

JD 4310 EHydro with 430 Loader, box blade, scape blade, ballast box, quick hitch, and loaded tires,

BAsically it came down to the one the MBH felt more comfortable with (although I did convince her to go from the 4210 to the 4310)

Sleepless nights until Tuesday......................