Kubota L4300 2 or 4WD vs L31304WD?

gwoman30 · Apr 10, 2004

All with a front end loader and shredder. I am a South Texas girl...w/18 acres (13 coastal/5 residence), a small river on the edge of property (not so, if it floods) with some holes/leveling needed throughout property. I will ocassionally move a round bale or two around to different locations throughout property too. I have been to all the local tractor dealers and have narrowed it down to the Kubota. The L4300 2WD is less than the L43004WD by $2500 and the L31304WD is less than the L34004WD by $1100. Yes, I saw the post about getting a sign that says 'tractor parking only', felt marker to write 'diesel' on fuel cans...will do but I need your help in this purchase's final analysis.

I had a Ford 8N but it had it's last taste of fuel a few months ago, don't want to go with an old one again. Thanks for your help. Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated. -e-

frank_f15 · Apr 10, 2004

Welcome to the forum! which ever tractor u get i would strongly suggest that u get 4wd. if it were me i would drop down in size to get 4wd. (if cost is an issue). i had an old ford 2 n and it did ok, but the differece bet. that and my B2400 is unbeleivable. GET 4WD of course this is just MHO. please let us know what u decide.

BillG_in_TX · Apr 10, 2004

" L31304WD is less than the L34004WD by $1100"
Are you sure? I think the 3130 is $1000 (or more) higher than the 3400. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Maybe you meant the 4300 is $1k more than the 3130?

I really like the 3130, but the 4300 is a lot of tractor. If you're buying the DT and not the HST, and you don't want the bells and whistles (adjustable links, independent PTO, etc.), I think the 4300 is the one you should get.

edit: Oops! the 4300 has Hydraulic Live- Independent PTO. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

SteveH_CT · Apr 10, 2004

Welcome to the Forum - It's a coincidence that you ask this today. I have a Deere 4310 with 4wd. I always use it in 4wd - but today I decided to try it in rear only. I found it reduced my pushing ability dramatically. And this was on reasonably solid ground, on Mud... forget about, no comparison between 2 and 4 wheel drive. Get the 4wd - You'll never regret it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

KiotiJohn · Apr 10, 2004

Unless you're going to end up with a Utility tractor of high HP, instead of a compact utility, I'd def. suggest you go 4wd. Maybe someone here who moves around a bale or two of hay can tell you how well each of these mentioned tractors handle that task. All the 4wd ones mentioned will do most all you want to do and any would be good choices. Welcome to TBN and keep us "posted." Happy Easter, John

gwoman30 · Apr 10, 2004

Wow...thanks for all your quick replies...and I thought you'd all be out working or dancing! Yes, I meant 'the L4300 2WD is less than the L43004WD by $2500 and the L31304WD is less than the L43004WD by $1100', in the list price but I just looked at HIS price...duh...L43002wd w/FEL is $16423, the L43004wd w FEL is $18306 and the L3130HST w/FEL is $18283. Yes, I loved the bells and whistles of the HST, was I impressed...but do I really need them? Or does it matter if I need them?! Will these bells and whistles be my 'flowers for the little lady' type of thing?! We have sand on my parents' property, 18 acres, will one day be mine/sister...and yes, because of your recommendation I will get the 4WD. I really loved the L3130HST...liked the way it felt...does that make sense? The 4300 didn't feel like it 'belonged' to me....I know, I know...talking like a tractor owner already! Well, I was an 8N owner but that wasn't a tractor... My anxiety level has gone down considerably...know I have to buy this in a month or two, know it is a big purchase for me, wasn't sure of advice (Mahindra and no to 4WD) I was getting from men with limited tractor background...again, thanks so very much.... -e-

BillG_in_TX · Apr 10, 2004

OK - focus on the L3130HST. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

My research indicates that $16,500 is a good price for that tractor with the 513 (base) loader and R1 (ag tires). The 723 loader is probably a $800 upgrade, and R4 (industrial) tires would probably add $700. If your quote doesn't include those upgrades, you probably have some bargaining room.

gwoman30 · Apr 10, 2004

I forgot..the Kubota dealership owner waited on me since I walked onto the lot late evening after most had left. He called me the next day and said that his salesmen said that the dealership could spread out the back tires on the 3130 to give it more...something (can't remember the verbiage) to help carry the load of round bales, that it would be easy to do. Owner also said that once I was ready to purchase that he would hand me over to a salesman but that owner and I would work the #s. -e-

KiotiJohn · Apr 11, 2004

He can spread your tread width, measured from the center of each rear tire giving you more stability. Good luck with whatever you purchase. However, 8n was a great tractor and still is. I did a lot of work with an old 8n and wouldn't take anything for the memories. John

_RaT_ · Apr 11, 2004

Do plan on the LA 723 loader as well. It has things that the LA 513 does not have. Besides more beef, it also has greater lifting and higher dumping and rollback angles. The higher rollback can be particularly useful. For one, when the bucket is heaped with material, in order to avoid spilling the material as you travel, the greater angle allows you to carry the bucket lower where it should be when moving, especially on any slopes.