L3130 is out, may need to go with NH

FamilyFarm · Jun 20, 2005

Just a few thoughts . . . and I realize it's always easy to spend your money instead of mine! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
There are many examples of folks on here finish mowing with a 3130 and larger. I know one that uses a 3430 with cab. That cab has to add 500lbs or so, I would think. The key is what type of ground you have. I mow 4 acres and honestly believe I could mow with any weight tractor without much of an issue. It is hard packed most of the time. If your ground tends to be soft, and if you are planning on a well manicured lawn, a zero-turn mower would be much faster, more maneuverable, and always ready to mow (no implements to change). I saw a newer, low hours Z21 sell on ebay recently for 6K+. A really nice finish mower will run you 2-3K depending on size. So, you may only be out another 3k or so vs finish mowing with the tractor. On the other hand, if your yard is like mine and mostly open, you could use the tractor and finish mower to cover 80-90% very quickly and trim with a small rider or push mower.
I agree on the gap and hope Kubota will fill it. I believe it would sell a bunch of tractors for them. Imagine how many folks face the same dilemma as you, but aren't posting the issues on TBN!
It sure sounds like the 3130 would be perfect for your needs now, but of course, that is just my opinion from reading your posts.
Best to you,
Terry

familyman · Jun 21, 2005

Someone posted that their dealer swapped out the 3pt. valve in their L3400 with one from a 3130 and it was much better. Why don't you try to negotiate that valve swap as part of the purchase?

JT1972 · Jun 21, 2005

The TC33DA is certainly a nice tractor and I think that whichever tractor you go with, you will find they are all very reliable as far as the engines and overall tractor go. The japanese know how to make engines, New Hollands engine is made by a japanese company called shabura which they have had a joint venture with for the last 20 something years. Kubota is another japanese sourced engine, and john deere gets their engine from Yanmar, another japanese sourced engine.
All the units have basically the same warranty, 2 years on all components and 3 years or 2000 hours on the drivetrain and engine.
I would compare the specs for yourself, in my previous posts, I had talked about the PTO hp. That is the key number you should look at because that is what does the work.

Good luck

BillG_in_TX · Jun 21, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My primary concerns are:

Support and Service - The dealer is not really focused on tractors. His primary line of business is fork lifts and construction equipment. It is a smaller shop. )</font>

According to the New Holland site, Lanford in Austin is one of their dealers, and you seem to be impressed with their Marble Falls facility. Have you talked to Lanford about support if you buy a NH from them?

grwoolf · Jun 21, 2005

Landford is the dealer I am looking at the Kubotas at. Lanford only sells commercial NH equipment. They don't carry NH compact tractors. They say that the Kubota compact tractor is a far superior machine (in general).

JT1972 · Jul 6, 2005

GR
Out of curiosity, what did you end up buying?

JimMorrissey · Jul 7, 2005

woolf,

Maybe some kind of simple slow reducer would work with the 3pt hitch? Worth asking the dealer to install one and see if it helps to reduce the direct flow a bit.

grwoolf · Jul 7, 2005

The Kubota dealer did offer to upgrade the valve to address the 3pt problems, but I ended up going with the NH machine. Took delivery last Thursday. I really liked a lot of the features of the tractor, and my NH dealer got the price down very close to the L3400. So far, I am really impressed with the NH.