Comparison Kubota L3400 OR NH T1520 Can't Decide Help

haddixster · Jul 18, 2010

I'm getting real close to making a purchase but I can't decide between two tractors. I have it narrowed down to either a Kubota L3400 or a New Holland T1520, both brands have excellent dealer suport in my area and I have drove both machines on the dealer lot. (I like them both). The NH is a little cheaper and the Kubota seems to have a little larger operator platform but I just can't find the one thing to push me one way or the other. I would be using the tractor for mowing 27 acres(sickle Bar Mower), 5 ft Brush Hog,5ft Snow blower, 5 ft Tiller,FEL work(Firewood,Dirt and Bark), maybe a flail mower for the lawn. Dose anyone have any advice between the two or is this a situation where I just can't go wrong with either machine.

Thanks

Grandad4 · Jul 18, 2010

Looks to me like you have done your homework well... you have two very comparable machines that are head-to-head competitive, at least regarding their specs. The Kubota has about 10% more loader capacity, if the specs are right, but that probably does not mean a whole lot regarding day-to-day usefulness. So it gets down to your preference, your comfort with the dealers during and after the sale, and where you can get the best deal. Best thing is, you can't go wrong with either one... they are both good machines. Have fun deciding, and please share your decision with everyone when the time comes.

kuboman · Jul 19, 2010

Well just a thought here. How about parts availability in 5, 10, 20 years. They are both good machines and I can't answer my own question. One thing that pushed me to Kubota was the fact that it is all Kubota stem to stern. NH outsources its components and most their small tractors are a mixture of different manufacturers.

bullbreaker · Jul 19, 2010

kuboman said:
Well just a thought here. How about parts availability in 5, 10, 20 years. They are both good machines and I can't answer my own question. One thing that pushed me to Kubota was the fact that it is all Kubota stem to stern. NH outsources its components and most their small tractors are a mixture of different manufacturers.

Kuboman I was thinking same thing.
Not saying ones better than the other,but sure are lots of post here(TBN) on L2800/L3400 s. Remember theres strenght in numbers( also misery loves company).:laughing:
Boone

Grandad4 · Jul 19, 2010

Sounds like you're grabbing at straws :laughing:, which makes sense because those two machines are just that close. Both CNH and Kubota are multi-billion global ag companies that trace their roots back over 100 years. Parts are available today for equipment sold 30+ years ago from either company, so I don't think parts availability can legitimately be the tie-breaker.

The commitment to in-house manufacturing for key components (engines, trannys, axles, etc.) was a factor in my decision to buy Kubota, but, to be fair, all manufacturers use a bunch of OEM components and Kubota is no exception.

Have you had some seat time on both machines, hopefully doing something more than just driving around the dealer lot? Usually, you get a sense of which one "feels better" in actual operation.

TripleR · Jul 19, 2010

haddixster said:
I'm getting real close to making a purchase but I can't decide between two tractors. I have it narrowed down to either a Kubota L3400 or a New Holland T1520, both brands have excellent dealer suport in my area and I have drove both machines on the dealer lot. (I like them both). The NH is a little cheaper and the Kubota seems to have a little larger operator platform but I just can't find the one thing to push me one way or the other. I would be using the tractor for mowing 27 acres(sickle Bar Mower), 5 ft Brush Hog,5ft Snow blower, 5 ft Tiller,FEL work(Firewood,Dirt and Bark), maybe a flail mower for the lawn. Dose anyone have any advice between the two or is this a situation where I just can't go wrong with either machine.

Thanks

That pretty much says it all. My Kubota dealer handles NH, actually picked Kubota up much later and they are both good tractors. I looked at the 3400, but the operator's station was too small entrance/egress was awkward for me, so I kept looking. The best advice I can give is crawl around on them and see which fits you best.

art · Jul 19, 2010

I don't know all your uses or purposes of the machines potential uses but you have gone smaller then I'd buy on them.

You didn't say what tires or transmission you are specing for the tractor.

I say this as if you have industrial tires you will be wider then the five foot bush hog! We regularly put the bush hog sq84T behind the L-3400's for pasture mowing.