L3130 or TC35 ?

[BobinCols]

Maybe you know this but a NH TC33 is more comparable to a 3130. A TC35 is a larger class compact. The TC35 is the smallest in it's series, a 3130 is the smallest in it's series, and the TC33 is the largest in it's series. Get what fits you the best and what dealer treats you the best. There is not really a bad choice. It's funny, but when you talk to a dealer (Art) and others that have dual or three brands of tractors to sell, most will tell you the Kubota is the LEAST troublesome. Also, look in the service department and see what kinds of problems you find in their with each brand. Good luck!

 

[txdon]

I can advise you only on the Kubota. If you go with the frame mount BH90 (the best) you can easily take the back hoe on and off and it uses the tractor's hydraulics not the tractor’s PTO to power the back hoe hydraulics. You can have the 3 point hitch on with the back hoe frame mounted. Therefore you can attach a landscape rake and rear mower without taking off the back hoe frame. When you put the back hoe on the only part of the 3 point hitch you have to take off is the top link and the sway bars I’m not 100% sure, but I think you cannot have a mid mount mower with the back hoe frame attached (I just have the rear mower). With the back hoe frame on all the time you do get that extra low weight for stabilization. You might want to operate each tractor’s back hoe before you decide. Also if the 3130’s total comes to less than the 30K you might consider a 3830 or even a 4330. A front fork on the bucket would really make moving those logs easy if they are wider than the bucket. HST – everyone in the family will love it, especially you.
TXDon

 

[txdon]

Attachment shows the 3 point hitch attached to the box blade and the BH90 back hoe frame on the Kubota. No problem!
TXDon

 

[Henro]

Don't forget to figure the dealer into the equation.

I have a New Holland dealer a mile up the road, but ended up buying orange because each time I visited the NH dealer I left with a bad taste in my mouth. REALLY! I don't know why exactly, but after three times I threw in the towel and never went back.

It could have been just the other way around...but the Kubota dealer I choose [I did not like the other Kubota dealer I stopped at either, perhaps it is just me... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif] just treated me better and looked like he would be there for me, so he got the sale.

Service and support from the dealer is probably more important than color, if the price is comparable.

Happy future tractoring, whatever the color you end up with!!!

 

[Libertine]

stovepipe:

Like rdam's post, a year ago I had narrowed it down to the KUB 3830 vs NH TC40. I ended up with the NH. A couple of observations:

1) The KUB BH is easier on/off but the subframe stays with the tractor. The NH BH is more of a hassle on/off but the underside of the tractor is much "cleaner". The NH BH does not even require removing the 3pt when the BH is mounted.

2) Your price seems a bit high. I pd $29k cash for the NH TC 40 (a bit bigger than the one you are looking at) which included Sales tax and many options ranging from the QT loader, guages including oil pressure, extra BH bucket, block heater, etc. etc. etc. The price for a similarly equipted KUB was about the same. I would think you should be able to get a 3130 or TC 35 for a good deal less than $30k.

3) I did not like the "lawn mower" styling on the NH nor the "plastic". However, after actually using it for a year and 165 hours the plastic is actually much sturdier than it looks (although I still don't like "plastic" on principle), and, big one, the FEL visibility is excellent-much, much better than the KUB would have been and almost as good as a skid steer. There's an actual design reason for the sloping hood.

4) Access on the NH is very good. The one piece hood pops open real easy, much more so than the 3 piece on the KUB and everything is more open and easy to get to. Not a big deal but of some importance when you're actually out there using it.

5) The KUB has more good, built it, design features. By reputation the KUB is extremely reliable. The NH is a little more "tractor like" and has a slightly higher resale (not by much though).

6) Which ever brand, consider the quick loader hitch (skid steer compatible). You may not use it at first but will eventually be very glad you have it as you can use skid steer implements on the loader arms. Also, be sure you have extendable lower links for the 3pt.

7) Which ever brand, remember a tractor is not an automobile. Please read another thread doing on right now in this forum on the HST transmission. In spite of the religious fanaticism of some people, the HST has some real safety issues, costs power, uses more fuel, etc. On the other hand, if you plan on spending 8 hour shifts doing short distance loader work get the HST. For some certain things it is clearly better.

Which ever brand you should be really happy. Be sure to let everyone know what you get (and then update in 100-200 hours).

JEH

 

[CTyler]

From what I can see in the pic the subframe looks like the same thing I have for the Woods 9000 BH.

I only have to unbolt the stabilizer arms and hold them out of the way with a rubber strap before using the hoe. The same thing could be done with the top link but I just take it off since its' just as easy.

 

[CTyler]

I would strongly suggest that you go with a subframe for the backhoe vs a 3pt version.

The loader subframe and the BH subframe on my L3130 tie together and create another full length frame.

My Kubota dealer also sold NH but dropped the line. Both are good tractors but they thought the Kubota was better and more reliable. With that said he told me to go over and drive the NH tractors. Bottom line was the dealer. Don't have anything bad to say about NH or the NH dealer either.

The quick attach on the Woods loader is compatable with the Bobcat series stuff. Just turn two handles to lock/unlock the bucket.

You'll probably want a rear remote or two as well. That was the main reason I went with tractor hydraulics for the BH. That way I could use the remote for the hydraulic top link and dump trailer. Something that is invaluble IMO specialy for you. I'll be adding another remote so I can rotate the rear blade as well and/or use it for tilt.

Drive them both and see what you like better and/or which dealer you feel more comfortable with.

 

[valkman]

I was in exactly the same spot as you about a year ago. I was leaning towards the NH (love the looks and my kid drives one for work). We went to a dealer that has both and put them thru the test drives - my kid jumped off the Kubota and said "Dad - thats the one" -
Needless to say I bought the L3130 - and been very happy.

Test drive them both, and park them side by side and do a comparison. Good luck.

 

[BigBob]

I don't feel you can go wrong with either tractor. I have owned 2 Kubotas and now havw a new Case Dx33.(red New Holland). The reason I switched brands is I have a pinched nerve and a bulged disc in my back. The New Holland seat is the only one I could ride in comfortably. Also I feel the field of vision is better on a NH when you have a loader on it. Don't know how the Case/New Holland will hold up, but the 2 Kubotas I had were darn near indestructable. Don't know if this helps you much, but if I can get you further confused, I feel I have done my job. It took me 4 months to decide what to buy.