L3130 vs. TC33DA--Is this right?

[topshop]

Thanks to good advice from here, I have ruled out the L3030 as too light for my needs and have narrowed my final choice between the L3130 and NH TC33DA. My challenge is that I want to mow lawn and do some brush hogging, trail building, and occasional logging on my 80 acres.

The TC33DA is a great size for my needs. If Kubota made a similar sized tractor with comparable features, I'd buy it in a minute. I never hear of problems with Kubotas, but I have with NH. So I lean toward the L3130 even though it's a bit large for my lawn and trails. The L3400 isn't in the running because I like the features of the other two. I would appreciate thoughts on this choice between the L3130 and the TC33DA, and also reaction to the pricing of the two tractors and equipment below:

L3130 HST with LA723 FEL $19,300
Loaded commercial R4 tires and block heater included
Land Pride FDR16 72" rear discharge finish mower $1,700
Land Pride RCR18 72" rotary cutter $1,500

NH TC33DA (no SS) with 14LA FEL $19,300 (identical price)
Loaded R4 commercial tires and block heater included
Woods RD7200 rear discharge finish mower $1,950
R260 Bush Hog 60' rotary cutter $795 (light duty)

Tractor and FEL same price, so choice is about quality and usability. I plan to pull the trigger soon, so would appreciate the thoughts of those with experience with one or both of these tractors or brands. Thanks, as always.

 

[grwoolf]

I am also trying to decide between the exact same 2 machines. I went to the JD dealership after work today and pretty much ruled out the 3320. It was nice, but over $1k more than the Kubota and NH with less of the features I care about.

On the prices you were quoted, did this include HD buckets for the FEL's?

What are the problems you have heard about with the NH? I saw something with poor wiring in a search, but not much else. When I looked over the wiring on the NH at the dealer, it looked pretty good to me.

I also like the size of the TC33DA and concerned that the L3130 is a bit heavy for finish mowing.

I really liked the design of the TC33 FEL and sloped hood for visbility. It really looks well engineered. However, the Kubota has more lift capacity and a bucket 1 ft wider (it's just a bigger, beefier machine all around).

The Kubota FEL comes with a Grill guard. This is an option on the NH and the grill doesn't look too tough.

I like the analog hour meter and guages on the NH. I'm sure the electronic stuff is fine, but it seems like another thing that could break. I also don't want to have to turn the tractor on to check the hours.

I thought the 3pt on the Kubota looked like a better design and this shows with an additional 1000 pounds of capacity. I would never use the extra capacity, but it just looks like a better design.

I liked the location of the FEL control on the NH (right by the seat) better than the Kubota(up by the steering wheel).

My biggest concern with the NH was the engine. My dealer did not have a 33 Hydro, all there was to test was a 29 gear drive, so maybe the 33 is smoother. The 29 engine didn't seem very smooth and made me want to put ear plugs in. The 3130 was very smooth and quite. Maybe the Kubota just has a lot better muffler, but it seemed like a night and day difference between the 2. Maybe the NH was just loud and not rough, it's hard to say. The JD 3320 was also very smooth and quiet compared to the NH.

I assume you have driven the NH with a hydro. I don't really care for the rocker pedal on the Kubota, but it is OK. I know NH has a rocker also, but didn't get to drive one. How did this compare to the Kubota? How was the pedal effort?

The final thing I am looking at is general value. I think the Kubota is more tractor for the $ and would have better resale value down the road for that reason. However, it is probably more tractor than I need and may require me to trade down as I get past the heavy FEL work and grading that I need to do over the next few years (I have a small property and a B series would be great for mowing and smaller jobs). If the NH is almost as good for FEL and grading and can also do the mowing in the future, maybe that is the direction to go. I really don't want to bring mowing ability too much into the decision because that is not what is driving the purchase. It is a tough decision. I hope some people out there can provide some additional info and insight on the good and bad of each of these machines.

 

[topshop]

I think quite a few people face the same decision we are. If Kubota only made a Grand L machine with the frame size of the L3400, the decision would be easier for me. Like you, I am becoming convinced that the Kubota has greater quality and endurance. I also like some of the L3130's features better.

The HST pedal on the 3130 is very light and smooth--no change in pressure needed when you have to get on it. My personal preference is for the Kubota's FEL control position. You are right about the TC33DA's sloped hood and visibility--it does seem to make work easier. However, NH really made the front look funny with the headlights and strange decals in my opinion.

I know three people with NH's--all TC45's I think, all about 3-4 years old. They use them commercially and probably work them hard. Each has had some problems--blown hydraulic lines in each case; another with a smashed front end--the plastic does break. In at least one case, I know the fellow said he would not buy another NH because they "are built cheaply." On the other hand, there sure a lot of them around so they must do something right. I wonder if it depends on the location of the various dealers. Here near my place in NE Michigan, there is a big NH dealer, so you see a lot of Blue. In western PA, I see Orange all over, and sure enough, there is a large and popular Kubota dealer nearby.

I am trying to imagine mowing my lawn with the L3130 with a rear-mounted 72" or 84" mower. As long as it is open space, no problem, but manuevering around things may be a different story. At first, my wife was overwhelmed when she saw the 3130--bigger than she expected me to be looking at. But the dealer got her up on it, and she had fun running it around the parking lot--good move on his part.

You are right--the engine on the 3130 is smooth and quiet. The deck is completely flat, but not on the TC33DA. The NH seat is neat in that it swivels, but the 3130 has a reclining back I like, so a tossup there. Kubota has exposed rubber seals on the front end that looks like they could be punctured with brush whereas NH is more protected. However, dealer (who sells both) doesn't see that problem all that often.

Heavier weight of 3130 will smooth out the ride and allows 3ph and FEL capacity--and heavier rear implements. But as you say, it makes finish mowing a bit trickier--although with my firm, more scrub-like lawn that shouldn't be affected. I wonder if there are those out there who finish mow with the 3130 or similar who could comment on that.

Kubota will hold value well. I see a lot more used NH's for sale whereas I seldom see used Kubotas around here. I don't know if that means anything. But the NH's often show the wear. I see fewer Kubotas, but they seem to be built like tanks. I also like the fact that Kubota builds them themselves--and maybe in the future, even the bigger ones will be made in USA like some or all the smaller ones are. We can hope--for the sake of jobs here.

Enough late-night rambling. Let's keep looking for the veterans out there to help us with our thinking. If they weigh in on quality and convenience, that would be helpful to us.

Good luck and keep us posted on your thinking and on what you learn.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Topshop & grwoolf . . . for whatever you think it might be worth, I use both a Kubota and a New Holland. Neither are the model you are considering. But I have found them to be different machines with strengths in different areas.

Here is an interesting comparison for you to look at. While this is a TC24 versus a B2910, the reality is the scale of difference between my 2 tractors would be about the same scale of difference as would exist between the TC33 and the L3130. PHOTO COMPARISON curved arm loaders on TC versus straight arm loader on Kubota

As for the 2 tractors you are comparing, I've played on both and have seriously considered upsizing and getting a TC33. My main reason why I would personally choose the TC is because I have a lot of tight spaces to work in due to trees, the TC's a bit more nimble, a bit lighter and a bit smaller. However, for brute force work, where space is no object, then the L3130 would be a better choice. So I guess my point is that you each need to figure out your own land conditions and working conditions, then look at the tasks over the long term of the machine, let those things decided which brand is going to be better for you. If lifting capacity is critical, the L3130 wins on both the FEL and the 3pt. If fitting between trees or mowing is critical over the long run, then your probably going to lean to the TC. When homeowners like us buy tractors we often buy them with the first year or two's projects in mind, but once those projects are done, we might very well be stuck with too large of a machine for the long term. Consider the long term, buy the tractor that will fit that.

Here is also another photo comparison thread I did a short while ago, it compares loaders and operator stations, both the L3130 and the TC33 are pictured in the thead: Photo Comparision of JD, New Holland, Kubota, Branson, etc

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Just an FYI, if you line these models up NH will compare the TC29/33 to the B3030 and the TC35-45 to the L-series.

Sounds to me like the L3400 might be a consideration.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

<font color="blue">
Just an FYI, if you line these models up NH will compare the TC29/33 to the B3030 and the TC35-45 to the L-series.
</font>

Neil, I'm sure NH would do that. By doing that the NH is clearly the superior machine. However in the real world, I think a lot of people match up the L3130 to the TC33 due to their similar HP. While there are many dissimilarities, the closeness in HP is what many folks look at. NH doing that is not much different than the JD comparison or Kubota comparison web page where they do their best to mismatch machines to show the advantages of their own brand! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I think the reality is that NH's TC33 falls between the B3030 and the L3130.

 

[grwoolf]

The TC33 compares with the L3400 in terms of size and HP, but closer to the L3130 in terms of features and FEL capacity. On the L3400, I could live without some of the features, but I am really concerned I won't be happy with the FEL capabilities.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Topshop,

I can't say much for the NH tractor, except that I had a NH tractor (different model) before I purchased my Kubota Grand L3430 (bigger brother to the 3130). It was an OK tractor but not in the league of the Kubota. The Kubota runs quieter and smoother, takes less fuel, better hydraulics, a hydrostatic transmission second to none, great ergonomics, a 723 loader with the skidsteer quick attach that is worth its weight in gold, and a fantastic cab.

Don't worry about the 3130 being too heavy for finish mowing. My 3430 handles a 90" RFM and treads so lightly on the lawn that its almost impossible to see where it has gone. See the attached picture. As you can see, I have the large turf tires on my tractor. I love them. I have had absolutely no traction problems in snow, dirt, fields (2 bottom plow and 7 1/2 ft field cultivator) and wet grass on slopes.

Both are good tractors but the Grand L Series Kubota's are tough to beat. If you can get the 3130 for the same price, that's the one I would go for.

OrangeGuy