Is bigger usually better?

[1stumper]

Looking at a L3830HST for clearing and maintaining property. Have lots of very dense small trees (keeping big ones) and very dense brush - briars, vines, etc. Maybe I could go smaller and save $ Need expert advice. Thanks.

 

[escavader]

With my bx-23 i can simply pull up small trees and brush with the hoe,cut off the bottom and chip the rest.I think they are easy to get out when they are still standing,and it dont take alot even for my bx. 3 inch and smaller is a breeze
ALAN

 

[Kintyre]

I have the L3130 FST and am clearing land that sounds just like yours. I scrape at ground level with FEL to push briars into a pile. Bring the bucket down on the briars to pull them out of the trees or use a 6" root rake to yank them out. FEL will push down the smaller trees and some big ones, too, and then pop em out by the roots. It's a lot of machine.

 

[1stumper]

Appreciate the input. Originally looking at an L3430 but several people have said going up a size if you can afford it usually pays off if you plan on keeping your tractor for a long time. I have run some heavy equipment so I guess I lean toward that direction.

 

[The_Other_Mike]

I briefly considered a 3830 instead of my 3430, but the extra $ did not produce much benefit (compare specs). If you think you need more than the 3430, I'd look at the 4X30s - namely the 4630.

The 3430 with the 723 FEL has surprising ability. You'll probably have to pay more attention to minimizing damage than to whether it can perform the task at hand.

 

[dwenham]

All of us BX owners are convinced that size doesn't matter. After all, our wives keep telling us that...
Dave

 

[CTyler]

Some additional details would helpfull. How much property do you have to clear? Will you mow with it? How many acres? Lawn grass, bush hogging, both? What else will you use the tractor for?

 

[1stumper]

I have 6 acres - no mowing - riding mower for that. I will be bush hogging, land scaping, clearing, grading drive, pushing up piles to burn. Seems like the 3430 & the 3830 are very similar in physical size but the 3830 may have a little more meat on it's bones. Maneuverability looks like they would be similar. Would like to cover my bases in case I want to do something heavier later, but don't want to overdo. Appreciate everyone's valuable experience.

 

[1stumper]

I currently have a 2WD Massey Ferguson TO35 gas burner with a 6' heavy brush hog on it ( I know, I know - it's way too big for it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif) some of the stuff I cut stops the cutter or the tractor or me, sometimes all three. I'm almost embarassed with what I do to my poor old tractor so I want something that will meet my abusive tendencies. I really do maintain my equipment, I just need more meat.

 

[SWB]

The L3430 and L3830 are the same tractor except for a bigger engine and more HP. If you can affrod the extra HP you will never regret it. Everything will be easier.