slim,
I drove both machines, my concern was size difference but the wheeltracks can be set the same....3830 r4/s are two inches taller and a little over 1" longer wheelbase..other than that they are about the same......the 3130 is a great machine as well...I dont think I could have gone wrong with either but I really wanted to make sure I had enough 'juice' to run a 6' cutter.....dealer says the 3130 would also run it but at a slower pace.....The machines are almost physically the same, so for a couple extra grand you get a big lift in power.......Pricing in my area seemed higher than some posts but pricing was consistent among local dealers......I think the difference they may need to pay in shipping and labor costs effects the final outcome...my dealer also equips all units standard w/ folding rops, worklight, bucket hook and block heater.....These dealers do work on skinny margins and shoot for about a 15% markup when they can, and sharpen their pencisl some when necessary....no regrets jumping into the 3830, best decision I ever made........it depends on your usage and implementt requirements....when your jumping into the deep end of the pool, it doesnt matter if the water is 12 or 15' deep, you still won't hit bottom.....but it is nice knowing the extra 3' is there....
I drove both machines, my concern was size difference but the wheeltracks can be set the same....3830 r4/s are two inches taller and a little over 1" longer wheelbase..other than that they are about the same......the 3130 is a great machine as well...I dont think I could have gone wrong with either but I really wanted to make sure I had enough 'juice' to run a 6' cutter.....dealer says the 3130 would also run it but at a slower pace.....The machines are almost physically the same, so for a couple extra grand you get a big lift in power.......Pricing in my area seemed higher than some posts but pricing was consistent among local dealers......I think the difference they may need to pay in shipping and labor costs effects the final outcome...my dealer also equips all units standard w/ folding rops, worklight, bucket hook and block heater.....These dealers do work on skinny margins and shoot for about a 15% markup when they can, and sharpen their pencisl some when necessary....no regrets jumping into the 3830, best decision I ever made........it depends on your usage and implementt requirements....when your jumping into the deep end of the pool, it doesnt matter if the water is 12 or 15' deep, you still won't hit bottom.....but it is nice knowing the extra 3' is there....
