Kubota L3130 verses the L3010

[Rolando]

Hello, everyone. I've just discovered this site and its got a wealth of information! I'm buying a five acre parcel that is heavily wooded, but with mostly small trees (4" to 8") that I want to selectively clear myself. I will also be building a house and want to do a lot of the grading. So I was thinking I needed a front loader and box scraper, and a bigger tractor than I would get if I were just mowing the five acres as will be the case after I build.

My research on tractors has lead me to the Kubota Grand L30 series. I am only minimally mechanically inclined, and I liked what I read about these tractors: the digital display that tells you about problems and required maintenance, the ease of attaching implements, the joystick control for the front-end loader. It sounds like something a "weekend warrior" like me could handle.

I was thinking that I would get the L3130 with the HST transmission, the LA-723 front loader, the box scraper, post hole digger, and the 72" Bush Hog RDTH72 rear discharge finish mower. I also like the idea of getting the BL 4690B Backhoe, but I don't know if my budget can stand it. The quote I'm getting from my local dealer is $22,500 (without the Backhoe).

Anyway, my dilemma is that I just got a line on a used L3010 HST with 271 hours. It has the front loader and Bush Hog and I can get it for $13,500. I know from reading the postings that a lot of you have the L3010, which is a previous model of the Grand L30's. My question is do I loose the diagnostics and maintenance reminders with the L3010? And what about the ease of detaching implements and the joystick control for the front loader? It's an awfully big cost difference for just 271 hours of use. This is a reputable dealer that buys trade-ins from other dealers and auctions, but he is in another town about 45 miles away and wouldn't be a good service situation. My local dealer had already told me it was unlikely that he would come across any used units in this category.

Any comments or suggestions on the cost difference verses any loss of ease of use and the dealer not being local? I hope you guys read these posts over the weekend, because these used models with such low hours don't last very long. I would probably need to buy it Monday morning if I wanted it.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I'm not familiar enough with that model, but on the Kubota website under previous models or similar listing, you may be able to find out if the diagnostics/maintenance reminders on on that machine. However, for the price difference, don't you think you could remember to do the maintenance just by writing a chart with the information as most people end up doing? It's really very simple as most maintenance is done on 50, 100, 200, etc. hour marks, and as long as your tach/hour meter is working, you'll know when it hits those marks.
As far as the diagnostics, I wonder how much you really need that, and I don't know what all information is actually provided, but that price sounds too good to worry about those "tools." 241 hours is nothing if all the maintenance appears to have been done, i.e. grease on the knuckles is apparent, no major leaks, pins not worn out etc. In other words, does the tractor LOOK like it only has 241 hours? It should be pretty much like new with only minor scratches if it's true. Are the pedals worn? Things like that could let you know there may be more hours than the meter reads. If all that checks out, I see no reason not to go with the older, cheaper model. Of course, you need to go try it out, and I MEAN try it out with as much real working it you can get in, because you may not like it so much after you've seen how it works. Good luck and keep us posted. John

 

[grandad]

These units are designed to last for many thousands of hours of operation, so if the 3010 is in good shape, it could be perfectly suitable for your needs. Kubota sold thousands of 3010's, one of the most popular models around (same thing for 3130).

A 3130 is pretty much the same as a 3010, with some minor upgrades, like improved operator's seat, tilt-open hood, etc. The engine and drivetrain are mostly the same, but the newer one has stronger hydraulics and a redesigned 3pt hitch setup.

One main difference is the electronic dashboard on the newer model. It has some convenient bells and whistles, but none that would be a deal breaker for me. If you are like me, you will be using your tractor for 100-200 or so hours a year, so service can be something you just plan to do twice a year, not something you are constantly worrying about.

The loader joysticks operate the same, but 3130 has a stronger loader capability, which could be important if you would be doing extensive heavy loader work.

You are probably seeing some advantage in price on that 3010 since it's the previous generation model.

 

[beagdog]

I have a 3010 and am very pleased with it. Has about 275 hours and never been back to the dealer. No problems what so ever.

When the 30 series came out I almost pulled the trigger and traded for a 3130. I realized what I would be getting would be marginally different from what I already had and talked myself out of it. Now if I could just do the same with the 5030 HSTC I'm seriously considering.

Bottom line, for the price difference, I'd scrutinize the 3010 carefully, then if its what it should be with those hours, thats the way I'd go. Think of what you can do with the $9,000 difference.

 

[fishman]

I think the previous posters summed it all up pretty well. I would definitely go look at the used 3010 and try it out. The dealer will also probably have a 3130 to compare with as well.

I would find out how old the 3010 was, as well.

Depending on the brand of box scraper and post hole digger, they could be worth between 1 and 2 k, making the difference between the packages a little closer.

It seems likely that the differences between those tractors are limited to a few cosmetics and some gizmos that, while kind of nice to have, don't really affect the utility of the tractor at all. They probably function very similarly.

With the savings, you could buy a backhoe for the 3010.