Kubota l3830 vs. MF 1540

[PapaPerk]

Kubota! I have a 3830 4wd with shuttle shift trans. The thing is bullet proof! I have over 200 hours on it and its a 2004 model. I have the 723 Loader. Its very powerful and big for the size of the tractor. Honestly this machine is the best thing I have ever bought. It never misses a beat. Like someone said the ergonomics are a little funky on it but that is my only complaint. I haven't looked at a MF 1540 but I honestly can say I don't have too. That is how much I like the 'bota. I looked at John Deeres when researching my tractor. They pale in comparison. The Kubota is made like a heavy piece of equipment (earthmovers, dozers, etc). All the controls, gauges, and materials are made to last. Many of the newer compact tractors are constructed like overgrown Murray lawn tractors that you see at Wal-Mart for $800.00.

Just my 2 cents...but look hard at the Kubota. Oh and check out the quaility of the 3-point hitch and all its adjustment features. Blow the competion out of the water!

 

[Mark_K9]

I'll second the motion to get a Kubota. I took delivery of a L3430DT-FST earlier this year and have over 150 defect free hours on it. My previous machine, a NH TC33D, which replaced a Kubota L245DT, was a nightmare...in less than 50 hours of use, I was on a first name basis with the NH service manager because of a excessive quantity of quality problems. Though 900 hours of use I had wiring problems (cold solder joints on the ignition switch and connectors, 7308 loader problems, welds which never formed an intermetallic joint and failed, etc, etc). I guess that I was spoiled by 2000 hours of use on the original Kubota before unscheduled maintenance was required.

IMO, the arm-rests on the 3430 work better than the swivelling seat when watching a three point implement, and the sloped hood/loader arms are more of a perception of better visability than an improvement in visability. Before everyone jumps all overme for the last statement, I would suggest that they get on each machine and measure the actual difference in what is seen. For my 6'1" frame, the difference for me is negligable.

MJK