L3130 vs 3430 or 3830

bluecarpenter · Mar 24, 2005

Just took another spin on the L3130 again. The more I look at them the more I like them. Kubota that is. The seem like very tight well built machines. I also like the turning radius somewhat beter that other brands. I also looked at the L3430 with the cab. NICE but not worth the extra 5 grand for it. I was wondering about the L3130 pulling a 14in. 2 bottom plow. will it do it?? I think it would run any thing else that I want.

I also plan on putting a loader and Back hoe on it. it appears to have 2 bh's avalable. not sure. I don't want 3 pt hook up on the bh. not sure if i should go a bit bigger on tractor or not. also looking at the HST. though not sold on it yet.

any input would be helpful. thanks Mark

Freds · Mar 24, 2005

I just spoke with my dealer yesterday and he recommended a 14", 2 bottom plow for my L3130.

_RaT_ · Mar 24, 2005

It's kind of a trade off. With the L3830 you get more power, but you do get a larger tractor via larger diameter tires, that may or may not be a benefit. After that, a little more 3 pt hitch lift, a little bigger battery, slightly different gear ratio and that's about it. If I could get by with the power of the L3130 or L3430 and save a few thousand for other things, I would consider it. I have been very happy with the power of the L3830. If you go HST and use a backhoe, I would consider the L3830. With all the extra weight on the rear, it makes more demands on the engine especially when doing loader work. I notice the weight difference when using my 1600lb Harley landscape rake vs my 1000lb boxscraper. I have more push power with the weight but I can almost stall the engine in low range with all the added traction I get.

OrangeGuy · Mar 24, 2005

My L3430 handles a 2-14" plow with ease. L3130 should as well unless you have really tough going.

I find the "$5000" cab the best investment I made on my tractor.

OrangeGuy

bugstruck · Mar 24, 2005

What Rat says. He's been loops on this block.

Jibber · Mar 25, 2005

If I were buying again I would have gone with the 3830. My original purchase did NOT include the BH90, I added that about 8 months later. I would appreciate the extra horsepower with that added weight on the back.

That being said. I am still VERY happy with the 3130HST.

JimMorrissey · Mar 26, 2005

Mark,

I'd say if you are going to be using a plow and thinking about a BH90, I'd definitely go 3830. Why take the chance...it's a big investment and you don't want to be balancing right on the cusp of enough or not enough tractor. Unless this is something you'd have no problem trading-in in six month, go 3830. As stated the hydraulics are similar but the extra hp will definitely be noticable. I've driven both and struggled with the question myself for many weeks. I'm glad I went 38, it's a real nice machine.

samaras · Apr 28, 2005

I just came back from the dealer, not sure between the 3130 at 19000 the 3430 at 21000 or the 3830 at 22000
I have a 2710 which is absolutely incredible. My friends, and even the dealer tells me it i am nuts for trading it in. Not sure which one to get either. 2710 is a 4cylinder all these are tree cylinders, I just don't know

teddydo · Apr 28, 2005

I don't know if this will help you or not but I also pull two fourteen inch breaking plows with my 4330. It doesn't struggle with them at all in this hard mississippi red clay. So the 3130 should handle it but I am not sure. Breaking plows easy to pull if set right, and a pain to pull if not set right. To be honest iwht what you are looking ot get I think you need a bigger tractor.......teddy

Bob_Young · Apr 29, 2005

How much do you have to plow, Blue? Heavier, more powerful tractors always have an easier time of it plowing. Teddy's right, a plow that's set right pulls easy most of the time; but you might do alot of plowing before you find the right setting. Either way, extra power on hand always makes the job seem easier, whether you use it or not.

Also gears work better for ground engagement work like plowing. Temperatures build in an HST when used for this type of work. If you were using a tiller, HST would be the way to go.

If I could afford it, I'd get at least a 3830 for what you're planning...its not like it's a huge tractor or anything. For most of us, a purchase like this is once-in-a-lifetime. You don't want to under buy.

You might get along OK with the 3130 if you go gear. If HST, the next size up (L3430) is the place to start.

FWIW
Bob