I am looking into buying a Bigger Machine

[jdonovan]

Yes I did and I really like that machine, but the price would be too high for me. i would like to stick below the $30,000 range.

Does it have to be new?

I've found quite a few L39's used in the 20-25k range.

 

[radioman]

really- this needs to be done in person at the dealers lot. Only then you can tell if it suit your needs as the salesperson is on hand to answer your questions.
Let me tell you this though- the L is a huge jump from BX. Are you planning to keep the BX or tradein? You need to sitdown and write pro/conms with tradein as you will lose the nimble use of the tractor. Do you BX as the mowing machine as well ?

 

[TripleR]

Excellent advice so far with which I agree. I honestly don't think they make the ideal tractor for your needs and you are going to have to figure out where the best compromises lie. I owned a BX2200 and now own a BX2660 and the smallest L Series is a LOT bigger.

As others have said, I learned long ago it is better to rent a big machine or hire someone to do specific tasks than to be burdened with something that is only needed once or occasionally.

When I was building a house, actually having it built and my brothers were also moving and putting in septic systems and all manner of digging, we bought a well used Case back hoe that my brother got in running order. We used the heck out of it for about a year and then occasionally after that. It has paid for itself, but it now sits in one of our barns unused for years. It is just easier to rent an excavator than spend the time it would take to get that old thing running. Thankfully we don't have much tied up in it.

 

[Dirt Farmer]

All I can add to this thread is that I own the L3700 and I am exceptionally happy with it. I frequently dig out stumps with my BH as well as maintain my driveway with many loads of hard pack per year. This machine just plows through all of it with no issues.

 

[Fxfymn]

I own both the BX2660 and a Grand L3430. Basically, you are talking VW versus a full size pick-up. They are both tractors, but that's about all they have in common.

You really need to try the L before you buy. If the small size of the BX is important than you will not be happy with the L. I bought the BX for lawn work as the L was just too big and heavy for my use. Having said that if I had to keep just one tractor it would be the L because of it's greater power, larger loader, and more versatile three point attachments.

 

[ultrarunner]

I went through similar thoughts and was just about to go with a B26 I had found.

My BX23 does just about everything and it's paid for... I decided to rent a machine for the big task I had and I'm sure it was the right decision.

I would have also had a problem getting a bigger machine in the "Tractor Shed"

 

[k0ua]

I have an L3400, (same as L3700, just shy a horsepower or 2) and really like it, I dont think it is too big at all. It is a lot bigger than a BX, I traded up from a B7500. If I were you I would look hard at the new L3800, instead of the L3700, the new loader is a little stronger, and you get the new model line, as the L3700 will be discontinued pretty quick I believe. I think the price is about the same,. Several of the guys on here have them already. Check them out.
James K0UA

 

[LBrown59]

I currently have a BX22 that I really like, but I need something with more power, larger in size with better force with the BH and the FEL.
The dealer sent me out some brochures and a price list for different configurations. I think I narrowed my choice down to this.

2010 Model L3700SUHST
FEL is LA463 with a 60" Bucket lift capacity 1014 lbs.
BH is a BH77 lift capacity 3421 lbs. 16" bucket, 7' 7" digging depth
34 HP Diesel 4WD
Industrial Tires
Free Delivery
Price quoted is $26,460 Plus Tax.

I want to get an idea how much bigger it is compared to my BX22. I don't want to go to much bigger, but I need something that will have a lot more power at the BH for digging ditches and for digging out stumps. The BX did ok digging up stumps, but it took some time. It also didn't have the power to tear the larger roots.

1*I want to be able to dig with the FEL. I am going to be building a garage and will have to dig down some for a foundation, maybe 2 feet down in some areas. The BX digs ok, but that is allot of work for that machine and time consuming for me.
I haven't seen the L3700 in person yet to get a visual on the size, but it looks like the weight of the machine will be allot better. The BX22 isn't heavy enough for the work I want to do.

2*I honestly don't think they make the ideal tractor for your needs and you are going to have to figure out where the best compromises lie. I owned a BX2200 and now own a BX2660 and the smallest L Series is a LOT bigger.
3*As others have said, I learned long ago it is better to rent a big machine or hire someone to do specific tasks than to be burdened with something that is only needed once or occasionally.
When I was building a house, actually having it built and my brothers were also moving and putting in septic systems and all manner of digging, we bought a well used Case back hoe that my brother got in running order. We used the heck out of it for about a year and then occasionally after that.
4*It has paid for itself, but it now sits in one of our barns unused for years. It is just easier to rent an excavator than spend the time it would take to get that old thing running. Thankfully we don't have much tied up in it.

1*I think your best bet is to keep the BX2200 and hire a track loader for Digging the basement.
It can also uproot big tree roots in very short order.
2*Right there is no such thing as one size fits all .
3*My thinking also.
4*This could happen to the op .
I feel he would be much better off hiring out the work and leeping his BX so he will have the right tractor for what it now does for him now .

 

[Grandad4]

lzicc, I'd pretty much support the recommendations you've already received and just wanted to add a couple of points. Your BX22 is a 2,000 lb tractor, give or take. A large L with FEL and backhoe will be pushing 8,000 lbs. So, even though the horsepower is double, the weight will be four times the little BX. It will do things you wouldn't dream of trying with the BX. But the flip side is true as well. The BX can get into tight places and up close to things where the L is just too big and heavy. So, consider keeping the BX, if you can afford to. It will continue to be very handy.

You've had some recommendations about buying an industrial TLB like the L39/L45. The industrial models are unquestionably excellent, but they are costly, and there are plenty of guys here on TBN, including me, who can represent that the conventional L tractor with FEL and backhoe ain't no slouch either. We decided our work schedule was not going to allow us to rent or hire equipment for digging and stumping, so we bought the tractor/FEL/backhoe package, and it has done everything we needed and more over the past 8 years. Hundreds of trees and stumps (including some whoppers), hundreds of yards of digging and moving, not a single hitch or problem. Don't know if that's anything like your circumstances, but I didn't want you to think your only options were bringing in the big iron or buying your own industrial TLB.

And you absolutely need to do some "tire kicking" with your friendly nearby dealers, just to get a perspective on this equipment. Best of luck with your shopping.

 

[Ken45101]

You can't really "get a lot more power" without getting significantly larger. More power needs more size and weight to stabilize it or the backhoe will just be dragging it around Likewise, with the FEL, more power will just spin the tires if you don't have enough size and weight to get traction....or stability. Well designed equipment is a balance of power and size.

It is, of course, more economical to rent or contract for just an occasional job. But I understand the fun of doing it yourself. Again, renting is cheaper.

If you want to dig with the front end loader, make sure you get a tooth bar for the bucket, and a bucket that is heavy enough for a toothbar.

As for digging out stumps, so much depends on the tree species. Some trees do not have tap roots and are easy to dig out with smaller equipment. OTOH, some species have big tap roots and will take big equipment to break them loose. I've seen hickories with tap roots almost the same size as the trunk!

I have a KX-121 mini excavator and I've easily dug out 24" stumps (no tap root) but have had more challenges getting out an 8" stump with a tap root.

Ken