Kubota L3830 test drive

[willy1947]

I finally found a dealer who would let me play on a new tractor. It was a L3830 with the glide shift transmission. He priced it at $21,000.00 with the standard FEL, heavy duty bucket with bolt in teeth, pin on bucket, and R4 tires. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. It was $900 less for the standard gear transmission and $325 less for the ag. tires.

I was very impressed and felt comfortable on it. The frame size was also nice. It didn't seem like a compact tractor. It was quiet and smooth. The glide shift transmission (GST) was neat. I kept wanting to use the clutch, but didn't have too. It is a nice happy medium between a standard and a HST.

Its competition right now is a TC40 with a gear transmission. The local dealer is great and only 20 minutes away. The tractor is $100 more than the L3830 with gear drive. Both dealers offer similar financing options, the Kubota dealer is just over and hour away. The Kubota dealer moves some serious inventory too. They've been around for a long time and have a large facility. They are located in Huntingburg Indiana. I was also impressed by their knowledge.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Kubota. Seems like I get more for my money. I just don't like the styling of the NH. Tractors are meant to be made of metal and be square, not aerodynamic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif However, I do agree it gives you some good visibility. The Kubota also seems pretty straight forward and has nice simple controls. But, I think the NH may have a little more power. It did not have FEL on it at the time, but when it is equipped with one I'm not sure I will like the controls for it. The NH's was mounted by the fender. I like this. I think the Kubota will be up on the loader. What do you think about that? Preferences?

I'm still checking out some JD's, but they seem awfully expensive. Other brands are still in the market, but I haven't found any dealers. I think someone emailed me about a Branson dealer not too far from here. I plan on making a trip up there too.

Just looking for some opinions /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Theowegian]

Hello Dave.

I just bought a Kubota L3130 w/ a FEL, (a L3830's little sister). Im very pleased with it. The other tractor that I was serious about was a NH33DA. So I understand the dilema between Kubota and NH. In the end, Kubota won out for me. For me, the Kubota dealer was excellent and the local NH was high $$. I think you may find there is maybe a few more warranty issues with the brand new NH but I do believe they are excellent tractors. My buddy at work ust bought a NH33DA and he loves it. I think quality and workmanship are pretty close, so it probably comes down to what ever tractor you feel more comfortable operating and which dealer seems to work with you better.

You cant go wrong with either one! But Im spoiled on the hydrostat and a bit biased on hydros over glide shift, I admit. The glide shift is excellent tho, and I wouldnt hesitate buying one if it appeals to you. It is a proven workhorse and will perform well for you, Im sure.

Good luck and keep us informed. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jdcork]

Dave,
I was also considering a Kubota 7800 or the NH 33D. Ended up with NH35D and love it. I would have gone with either brand but I got a great deal on this one. The things that I liked about the NH are: tilt/telescoping steering wheel, swivel/adj seat, foldable ROPS, telescoping arms on 3 pt, a little better FEL capability, and last, but not least, better visibility of the bucket. Also, I am partial to the HST and am so glad that I got it. My wife loves to drive the tractor as does my son-in-law. Sure makes it easier for others to use the tractor.
Both are great tractors and you will enjoy either. Take your time and get the feel for both before you make a final decision. Gool Luck.

Jim

 

[Laminarman]

I love my NH40DA. I love hydro. The BEST move I made was getting HST. I let a friend drive it (has a Deere 4610). Said he could live with this machine easily and have saved 3K. Don't let the looks fool you. This is a piece of tough machinery. I'm very pleased. The loader and controls are simply awesome, and it's more comfortable than my car which is important into my fifth hour of brush hogging a large, 30 acre field.

 

[willy1947]

Thanks for the input! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I still can't make up my mind though /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Everyone loves the HST, which makes me think I'll be messing up not getting one. I've kind of test drove one, and didn't like the pedal setup. They all seem similar too. I hate the thought of losing power because of it, it adds $$$, and for instance I just rolled my ankle and couldn't have used it if I had it. The pedals are just not comfortable.

Am I making a mistake buying one without HST??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif The GST seemed like the perferct middle of the road. Plus my NH dealer can't get a gear model for 6 months. Last I looked he didn't even have one to test drive. Not to mention the geared or GST is considerable less $$$.

I just feel like I am making a mistake. Everyone loves their HST so much.

thanks,
Dave

 

[_RaT_]

As much of a fan I am of HST, the shuttle shift tractors or Kubotas GST are both excellent ways to go. Neither is going to disappoint you and my opinion is it will have little impact on resale regardless of which way you go. I only mention the resale aspect because it is often brought up. After driving the various tractor makes and models, I chose a L3830 HST. I found both the diesel and the HST to be arguably the smoothest I experienced. It also had what appeared to be the most durable of loaders. I'm fairly rough on them and it was a concern I had. Regardless of your choice, New Holland, John Deere, Kioti, Kubota etc., your going to pretty impressed with the abilities of these comapct tractors and the not so compact tasks they can do. Mark

 

[DAP]

WOW .. that's a lot of recommendations from others, all stated without you ever having mentioned just what you're going to be doing with this machine.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Yes, but he did mention what he was looking at and desired, we just went from there.

 

[willy1947]

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The primary use of the tractor will be using a bush hog. The secondary will be using the FEL to clear fence rows and move some dirt/mulch when I start building. The tractor will probably never be used for finish mowing and only occasionally for drilling post holes. Plus my bush hogging will be in pretty open fields with little turning around.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Laminarman]

My feelings: if you're doing any appreciable amount of loader work get HST. Can't tell you how easy and time saving it is. I wouldn't worry about "lost power" with HST. Seems like you're looking at machines with capable power either way.