Is the L3130DT under powered?
- Thread starter sparkkky
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SkyPup
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2003
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- North Central, Florida
- Tractor
- Kubota L-39 GST TLB, Kubota L3130GST, Massey 1030 HST, Kubota ZD-21 ProDecK, Two Euro VW TDIs
Don't touch it, it's way too overpowered. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
CT_Tree_Guy
Platinum Member
Sparkkky -
OK, here we go again. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
As one of the "some people" who has commented on the power-to-weight ratios of Grand L's, I just thought (with great reservations) that I'd respond to your post.
I've never categorically said that the 3130 is "underpowered", and I've always made it a point to distance myself from the now-legendary complaints of one Ramon49, who might have had some issues having little to do with physics.
I have noted that the considerably heavier 3130 has about the same hp/torque as the B7800, which I've never heard anyone call "overpowered". I've also commented on the fact that Kubota arrived at the 31 gross HP rating for the 3130 by underboring the 3430 engine from 3.4" to 3.3", which I've always seen as a case of marketing trumping engineering. (Why not just start the Grand L 30 line at 34 gross HP for the same price as a 3130? Or maybe a little less, since Kubota could have saved a little money by having one single piston fit the entire line). Lastly, I've read many posts from 3130 owners who wished that they had gone for a little more power (3430/3830).
I've also read many posts from 3130 owners who are perfectly happy with their machines, and my observations in no way negate their experiences. Do 3130's have "enough" power? Reminds of one of the anecdotes attributed to Abraham Lincoln, where someone supposedly asked him if his legs were long enough, and he replied "well, do they reach the ground?. If so, they're long enough".
As far as "what about the gear model" as opposed to the HST - the gear model will obviously get a little more engine power to the ground; probably at roughly the same percentage as the PTO horsepowers would indicate, give or take. I know it's a lot more complicated than that, but without getting into drawbar pulling force and computations involving thermal losses throughout the drivetrains, the gear model will get a little more power to the ground.
So there it is. As always, politely expressed differences of opinion are always welcome; "attacks" are not, so please, let's keep it friendly. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
John
OK, here we go again. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
As one of the "some people" who has commented on the power-to-weight ratios of Grand L's, I just thought (with great reservations) that I'd respond to your post.
I've never categorically said that the 3130 is "underpowered", and I've always made it a point to distance myself from the now-legendary complaints of one Ramon49, who might have had some issues having little to do with physics.
I have noted that the considerably heavier 3130 has about the same hp/torque as the B7800, which I've never heard anyone call "overpowered". I've also commented on the fact that Kubota arrived at the 31 gross HP rating for the 3130 by underboring the 3430 engine from 3.4" to 3.3", which I've always seen as a case of marketing trumping engineering. (Why not just start the Grand L 30 line at 34 gross HP for the same price as a 3130? Or maybe a little less, since Kubota could have saved a little money by having one single piston fit the entire line). Lastly, I've read many posts from 3130 owners who wished that they had gone for a little more power (3430/3830).
I've also read many posts from 3130 owners who are perfectly happy with their machines, and my observations in no way negate their experiences. Do 3130's have "enough" power? Reminds of one of the anecdotes attributed to Abraham Lincoln, where someone supposedly asked him if his legs were long enough, and he replied "well, do they reach the ground?. If so, they're long enough".
As far as "what about the gear model" as opposed to the HST - the gear model will obviously get a little more engine power to the ground; probably at roughly the same percentage as the PTO horsepowers would indicate, give or take. I know it's a lot more complicated than that, but without getting into drawbar pulling force and computations involving thermal losses throughout the drivetrains, the gear model will get a little more power to the ground.
So there it is. As always, politely expressed differences of opinion are always welcome; "attacks" are not, so please, let's keep it friendly. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
John
I got one HSD. It's NOT underpowered. Power to weight is lower then a 5030 of course, But it does the job fine as I have had no power problems with mine. I will tell you this if money is no object just get the 5030 that way you can say I got the biggest and baddest tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Good luck and have fun!!!
Ritterbeck
New member
CT Tree Guy said it very well!
I love my L3130 HST, I use my Front End Loader all the Time!
If you can spare the change ($) for the 34 or 38 series, then do it! If you don't, you'll still be happy!
I do wish Kubota would of just bored out that piston diameter a little more, but, what would we have to discuss then.
Currently have 220 worked (playful) hours on my 3130!
Git-R-Done
I love my L3130 HST, I use my Front End Loader all the Time!
If you can spare the change ($) for the 34 or 38 series, then do it! If you don't, you'll still be happy!
I do wish Kubota would of just bored out that piston diameter a little more, but, what would we have to discuss then.
Currently have 220 worked (playful) hours on my 3130!
Git-R-Done
Diesel_Boy
Silver Member
i have a L3130 HST, with 30 hours on it. i love it! it plows snow. drags trees. cuts wood. what a workhorse. and it gets the work done because its heavy. i have a heavy duty quick attach bucket, woods brand, and i can fill it with firewood and pick it up and move it where ever and dont even need a weight box on back to do it (it does have loaded tires). sure a L3430 would get the work done just a little faster, but i doubt you'd notice the difference. but the L3130 still does every thing i've asked of it. just my 2 cents.
have a good day.....
have a good day.....
SnoFalls
Silver Member
I've only got 31 hours on mine so far (an HST), but most of that has been digging/transporting sand/loam/gravel soil (with some roots mixed in) with the FEL. aka cut from here, fill in there ...
When transporting it (100yds away perhaps), I need to be in M range. The area has lotsa of steepish grades, and no problem moving around a bucket full (and the BH on the back). It chugs going upgrade, but never to the point of running outta power.
When digging in M range, I *can* stall it (e.g. hit a root or rock trying to get a bucket full). Normally tho it starts to run outta power just as the bucket gets full.
When digging in L range, it'll start diggin holes with the R4 tires (aka loses traction) very easily. This isn't in muck either ... very high traction circumstances.
The weight of the BH I believe helps get the power to the ground also! The way I look at it, if you loose traction, you got more HP than you can use, if you stall it, you could use some more. Experience operating can improve the ability of putting the HP you have to the job at hand (something I'm getting better at BTW /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
So, IMO, it has enuf power to break traction in L range, perhaps could use some more in M range ... this for the diggin I've been doing.
I'll be draggin a BB here in a few weeks on the road for our neighborhood. Will find out then if it has the power to drag a 6' box ...
When transporting it (100yds away perhaps), I need to be in M range. The area has lotsa of steepish grades, and no problem moving around a bucket full (and the BH on the back). It chugs going upgrade, but never to the point of running outta power.
When digging in M range, I *can* stall it (e.g. hit a root or rock trying to get a bucket full). Normally tho it starts to run outta power just as the bucket gets full.
When digging in L range, it'll start diggin holes with the R4 tires (aka loses traction) very easily. This isn't in muck either ... very high traction circumstances.
The weight of the BH I believe helps get the power to the ground also! The way I look at it, if you loose traction, you got more HP than you can use, if you stall it, you could use some more. Experience operating can improve the ability of putting the HP you have to the job at hand (something I'm getting better at BTW /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
So, IMO, it has enuf power to break traction in L range, perhaps could use some more in M range ... this for the diggin I've been doing.
I'll be draggin a BB here in a few weeks on the road for our neighborhood. Will find out then if it has the power to drag a 6' box ...
cheesehead
Silver Member
If you're just comparing DT to HST, you'll only see the difference in measured horsepower on the PTO shaft. I doubt you'll even notice the 2 horsepower difference (less than 10% change) in real life applications. My dealer wanted $2000 more for an L3430 than the L3130, it was a no-brainer for my applications (box blade, mower, loader carrying dirt and tree trunks). Some people will buy the most horsepower offered and never use the PTO or do ground engaging work. IMHO they spent way more than they needed to.