L3130 vs. L3800

[kuboman]

Ok, thanks for the advice -- even giving up ~7 hp?

Thanks

I looked real close at the L3800 and just was not impressed enough with it. It just did not seem to be much more tractor than my B3200. I did have a L3130 for a while and really liked it. Nice tough tractor in a compact size and the loader is a dandy strong one. The reason I did trade is because I have a lot of steep hills and found the 3130 just too short of power on the hills. With the loader and extra ballast I carried around it was just painful going up hills. Other than that I loved it.
All that being said I don't think 7 hp would have made it enough better for me so I got the 5740.
Hope I did not confuse you:confused2:

 

[teg]

...independent PTO, tilt steering, extendable 3pt arms, and joystick location, and HD front axle...

:drool::drool::drool:

more 3ph lift, more robust FEL... not much else...

 

[schaibaa]

Well, I took a look at the L3130 today.

Has a few issues - nothing major. Was stored outside. He put the main part under a tarp but not the wheels so the rims are pretty faded and have developed some rust around the valve stem. Aside from that, the ROPS is faded and has a few small sections of surface rust. It has 2 electrical problems I'm aware of. The dead man switch on the seat works intermittently, and second, the parking brake switch thinks the parking brake is on at all times. Looks like someones foot slipped up and broke the sensor.

One of the hydraulic lines has a rub in it from the loader. There's a ring on the loader in front of the joystick that pinched the hydraulic line and rubbed some of the rubber shielding off of it. It didn't go into the braided area and the line looks ok - just not sure how to prevent that from happening again?

Tires are filled with calcium, would prefer rim guard - but not a big deal I suppose.

It does have the SSQD bucket.

And one other minor thing - the screen below the grille has come detached at the bottom. Looks like a very minor thing that can be fixed easily.

Bucket is in decent shape. Has some paint worn off of it but it does have 2 hooks welded on and it is straight. It also has AG tires and I was hoping for R4's =/

So ... anyone have objections with these issues?

Thanks again guys

 

[Mpking]

We'd also be remiss to not mention the issues with the L3800's 3pt hitch. Here's a thread that discusses it:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/200338-l3800-3pt-hitch-operation.html

You can also find youtube videos that show the problem. It's was also present in the L2800/L3400. In a nutshell, the 3pt hitch bounces up and down rapidly when the the lever is raised slowly. Some people don't find this to be an issue at all, others do. Buyer beware I guess.

 

[Redbug]

Is that all with the 3130? Those are all just minor things. Something that can be fixed in an afternoon. I would not let that have an impact on getting it. You may use them as a bargaining factor, though...

 

[Grandad4]

Just one thought about the L3130 vs. L3800. For all your heavy work, it's a no-brainer to go with the L3130. L3130 is a really nice tractor. But the 11 acres of mowing... well, that might be a bit tougher call, and it depends on what kind of mowing you're doing. 11 acres of heavy brush cutting... the 3130 could have horsepower issues... it would definitely be happier with a 5ft cutter vs. 6ft. 11 acres of finish mowing or light brush probably would not be a problem. Flat ground or hilly? That could also make a difference. I can't judge what you should do, but urge you to consider the mowing issues as you move ahead.

 

[teg]

Hope this never happens but (another thought that everyone can chime in on) IF you have to sell, which tractor would hold more of it's value???

IF this is a consideration... I *think* the L3800 would be better based on year model... :2cents:

My guess is either tractor should work for you just fine. What tires are on the L3800?

 

[schaibaa]

Again, thanks for your advice guys. I talked to the owner of the 3800 today and it actually has 5 hours, not 50... basically a brand new machine.



Mpking: Yeah, I'm aware of that and since it's so far from me if I drive up there it would be a bad situation if I didn't want to buy it. That said, it's not a HUGE issue for me - at least right now I'll just be brush cutting. But point taken, thanks.

Redbug: Yeah, that's all. I agree it's not much. Probably more than you'd expect for a 100 hour tractor though - but then again it is 6 yrs old.

Grandad4: Agreed. It is flat, but the vegetation is thick right now. I do plan to reclaim the land and keep it under control - but initially it will be slow. I plan to do half the first year, half the second year.

teg: It is a minor consideration. I think the conclusion I've came to is that the 3130 is a better tractor but the 3800 is a better deal - so it's a tough decision.

 

[Chilly807]

If you're planning on keeping it long-term (depreciation) and the 3130 has enough horsepower to do the jobs you need done, the choice is fairly clear at least initially.

Is Kubota's warranty on the L3800 transferable to the new owner? If it is, then that's a plus. The 3130 is definitely out of warranty, but you'd have 2 years on the whole machine and 3 on powertrain with the 3800.

I've had some fairly extensive warranty work done on my L3400 in the past 2 years, once involving splitting the tractor in two. It's something to think about.

Sean