L3400 or 790 or TC30 decision

[Shimon]

Ok. Just bought 2.5 acres of mostly pasture. Looking for a small tractor to mow (rotary 5') and till with a front loader (maybe also getting a blade and maybe an auger eventually). Also, pulling stumps and other fun projects.

I'm new to tractors but am familiar with diesels and such (am a marine diesel mech). I've been reading up, asking questions and annoying the dealers. We have some good dealers up here in NW Washington (Brim for NH, Barnett for Deere and Scholtens for Kubota) and I'm looking at models from each dealer...the TC30 the 790 and the L3400...all are priced about the same with loaders ~$15k (gear driven...no HST).

They all look capable. The dealers are reputable. I like the TC30 for its simplicity and the ISM engine (I work on a lot of the little ISMs and think they are great and can easily get parts from work). NH also has 0% for 5 years financing. As for the 790...I like the Deere reputation but I think the TC30 is a better unit. The Kubota seems to be a good machine too and they have 0% for 3 years.

So...a couple of questions. Any of these stand out over the others? Any advice? I know it's basically down to a "brand war" since these are all good machines. Or maybe which dealer is the "Best" in service.

Also...two other questions...is that book that is offered through this site ("Compact Tractor Buying & Basics") a good place for a beginner to get more info on tractors? It may be worth $25 if you all recommend it.

And, are R4 tires the way to go? I was going to go with the R1s but it seems many on here have the R4s.

Thanks!

 

[Ryno1]

Welcome on board. I have the TC30 and really like it. The decision for me came down to a couple of things 1 - I felt I could trust the NH dealer but not the Deere/Kubota dealer 2- just seemed to me the TC30 felt better. Not sure you really need a 30hp unit on 2.5 acres but that's a decision you have to make. I have the industrial tires on my and they work fine.

 

[Shimon]

Thanks for the response.

30hp is probably a lot for my needs but who ever complained about having too much power? I looked at the sub-compact models but wasn't too impressed.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Kubota now...seems like the most capable of the three but want to talk to some locals and find out the scoop on the dealers.

Sure would be nice if there was a forum where people could talk about dealers (good and bad experiences) but I'm not sure if there would be libel issues.

Anyway, I'm learning a lot from these forums...lots of excellent posts and information.

 

[thcri]

Well,

I am pro New Holland, but I am not going to tell you it is the best tractor for you. I think from what you say you are open to any of the three and I don't think one is any better than the other two. All three are great rigs and will give you good servcie for a long time.

Me, I would try and determine which dealer you think is going to give you the best service. Now, the fact you are familiar with the New Holland engine and the interest could sway you some. You won't make a wrong decision.

murph

 

[OrangeAlex]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Ok. Just bought 2.5 acres of mostly pasture. Looking for a small tractor to mow (rotary 5') and till with a front loader (maybe also getting a blade and maybe an auger eventually). Also, pulling stumps and other fun projects.


And, are R4 tires the way to go? I was going to go with the R1s but it seems many on here have the R4s.

Thanks! )</font>
With 2.5 acres, you might want to consider renting a backhoe for a weekend and getting rid of all your stumps instead of buying a long term machine with this short term stump puling/piling capabilty. Also, have you considered a smaller B series tractor? My gut tells me the an L series might be overkill for 2.5 acres.

In terms of tires. That is a tough one. Here are reasons to get the various tire types. The one you want to consider should follow these recommendations.

Turf - you want to do finish mower primarily and don't want to damage the lawn when you drive over it with your tractor. Least amount of traction.

R4/Industrial - you need tough tires and are worried about getting punctures or are going to do a lot of front loader work where you need tough side walls (probably unlikely with the type of tractors you are looking at). R4 over lawn might be acceptable.. it will damage it a little but not too bad if you get a relatively light tractor. Traction is a bit better then Turf.

R1/AG - you need maximum traction. You will be going up and down steep slopes and/or will be working in muddy or damp clay soil type environments (Common in the Pacific NW). Not sure what the soil is like up there in Sedro Woolley. These are unacceptable for using on lawn as they will dig into the lawn and create ruts. But if you need max traction in wet soil, R4 generally won't cut it.

 

[OrangeAlex]

You might also want to read this thread if you have not done so already. He got a "B" size tractor after reviewing the models you are considering. He has 8 acres of pasture. Might be worth a read.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/genbuy/Number/681132/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1

 

[schole]

I compared the JD 790 and L3400 as well as a couple of other machines quite closely.

For me, it came down to getting the most hp for the $$. The L3400 is a really tough, no nonsense work-horse. The dealer and brand are very recognizable and respected in my area and the price was the best for the models I was comparing. 0% financing really helped, too. It could handle the implements I needed/wanted without compromising speed or straining the engine.

I mow 2-3 acres and if that was all I did, I would be very pleased with something 2/3 the size of the L3400.

I was a little disappointed with my R4s in the melting snow/ice when I took possession of my machine in the spring. Since I have been mowing all summer, I am glad for not leaving any more marks than I do with the R4s. Also, I have added removable ballast, which greatly increases traction for loader work. The R4s are a tough, all-round tire, with slightly increased stability and which happen to look great, too.

Can't go too far wrong with any of these. Buy the one you like to drive most for the best price.

Shawn

 

[Todd_C]

I have a TC-30 with a 7308 FEL and love it. The other tractors are also nice, so it comes down to your own preference. I have done some amazing jobs with my little tractor. I can't comment on the other tractors but I can tell you that the TC 30 will run all day on less than a tank of diesel. I have R4's on my tractor and have found these tires to be o.k. for my lawn. If the lawn is wet and I have to engage FWD then I end up with a damaged yard. Also, R4's aren't the best tire for a lot of mud. I found that out rather quickly the other day. My only other suggestion would be to think long and hard before you pass over the HST. I have the 9x3 and sometimes I wish I had a HST.

 

[Knute]

I don't know anything about your Kubota dealer, but the one in Issaquah is terrific, if you decide on Kubota and don't like the dealer up north head down to Issaquah.

GSR Rentals in Duvall has a gear drive TC30 with R4's for rent, it's a ways for you to go but it might be worth renting it for a day to use on your property to see if you really want something that large. I doubt many people ever wish for less power, but depending on your unique property you may wish for something narrower or that can turn a tighter corner.

John

 

[TonyV]

For me, the decision came down to the 3400 and the 790 and I went for the 3400 for 2 reasons. First and foremost was the reputation of the dealer, and secondly was the fact that the 3400 had over 15% higher HP (34.7 vs. 30) for essentially the same price...more bang for the buck. But from reading your post, another important variable arises...your already quite familier with the TC30's engine. For years I only bought vehicles (boats and cars) with 350 chevy engines because I was familiar with them, did my own work, they are dependable, and had plenty of interchangable easily aquired parts. I still own 2 vehicles with 350's...my trusty 93 chevy pickup, and a 79 vette (engine rebuilt last year putting out about 375HP /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). I also have a '49 buick roadmaster with a chevy 454 to continue the theme. Point is, I think if I were in your shoes I could be easily swayed to the TC30 for similar reasons, especially if you plan on doing your own work on the tractor.

...Tony