L3130 vs. L3430?

[SWB]

If you can afford it, I would definitely get the L3830 for the increased PTO horsepower. Also get the HST. It should only be a few huncred dollars more. When you release the pedal, the tractor will stop on the flat and on hills that aren't too steep. With the GST you will need the brakes no matter what.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Short version of the post I don't have time to write:

HST, HST, HST!!!!!

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

I just came across two threads that are full of good info and real-life experiences.

Hers are some quotes from the first one:

"It just felt a little underpowered. Anyone with a L4330 have this problem?

"I have had similar issues with my L4330. I have the LA853 loader, filled R1's, 300lb wheel weights, and a 6' Woods Box Blade. I absolutely love the tractor but if I had to do it all over again I would get the L5030 for the added HP."

"I'm begining to agree.... I like the tractor don't get me wrong, but I am begining to wonder if I should have gotten the L50 for the type of construction grading I do."

New L4330 Power Question

And here's another thread that talks about the relative power of the Grand L's:

Torque, HP, Speed, and 4wd on Grand L's vs. others

PLEASE do not take this a blanket recommendation on my part that everyone run out and buy a 5030. The people who are talking in these threads have one particular set of needs, as we all do. I'm not saying that their needs are your needs. I present this solely to provide information that can be used in a tractor-buying decision. I just think it might be useful to see which, if any, of the Grand L's might suit your needs based on the experiences of others.

Thanks in advance for not flaming me, John D.

 

[Bob_Young]

You're spending alot of money, rk, no need to rush it. Get some time on the HST 3430 and also on the GST 3830. Sleep on it a few times, go over the particulars a few more times, revisit the dealer and the tractors once or twice. After letting the information settle, the right answer will often jump out at you. Better to take an extra week or two now than to regret your choice for years.

If the majority of your tractor work going to be plowing, discing, and other ground engagement work, GST should NOT be dismissed out of hand. Gears are more efficient at getting the power to the rear wheels and will stay much cooler than an HST while doing it. If the precision and infinite speed control of HST is needed for some of your work (rototillers, snow blowers), I can understand your reluctance to 'go gear'.

Were it my choice, the L3830 GST would already be sitting in the barn....but then gears are the devil I know.
Bob

 

[Jibber]

I have the 3130. I was looking at the 3430 but the dealer told me the only place I would realize any improvement was if I was using the mid PTO. He recommended the 3830 if I wanted a significant power improvement. I wish I had taken his advice.. There are times when I could appreciate the power improvement, especially with the BH90 and loaded tires. But, that said.. I still love my tractor.

 

[rk246]

To all: thank you for all of your help and information, I have decided, my normal salesman came back from vacation, He is very patient and good to deal with, He felt the 3830 would be the significant improvement in power for what I want, He also felt for my needs the HST would be the way to go, He did not have on on the lot but was willing to find me one, He called me back about 10 min later, found one nearby that had just been invoiced to the dealer, said he could have it to me by thurs, 2000.00 more than I was going to pay for the 3130, Sounded great to me so I went with it.

Now I am just waiting till tommorow evening to get my new tractor and brush hog, He is coming to take the 3130 out of my barn and deliver me the 3830, unfortanately I will have to wait until Sunday to try it out, as I have to work on Fri and Sat, oh well. Probably more tractor than I need, but I go to a lot of barns and have never heard one of my clients say they wished they had bought a smaller tractor, all of them had stories of wishing they had more for this or that.

Thanks again for all of the wisdom, information and help making my decision, I am sure I will have many more questions to come.

 

[Jarrett]

OK, now I'm jealous. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Thank you very much /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

rk:

Congratulations, I think you just hit one right out of the ballpark. As one poster here said:

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Always get the extra horsepower in the same size tractor if you can afford it. )</font>

I look at the Grand L's as being two sizes - 3130/3430/3830, and 4330/4630/5030. You nailed it with the 3830. IF it's more tractor than you need, it'll pay for itself anyway in increased productivity, I have no doubts about that. $2,000 more? You'll get that back many times over. Besides, sometimes it nice to have more than you need - money, time, friends, room, HP.

I think the best bang for the buck Grand L's are the 3830, 4330 and 5030. You made a great choice. The more threads that you read, the better I think you're going to feel about your decision. Nice job.

Have a ball, John D.