L3830 GST vs, HST

[JimMorrissey]

Mike,

I've had both....GST is nice, HST is nice.

The question I have for you is....Are you sure a 3830 is what you need? I would look at the 5030 for that many acres. If you went with the GST you could put the extra $1200 toward a larger machine. -Just don't want you to be looking for more tractor in six months. Physically, the 5030 is just a tad larger than the 3830....good bit more power to run what you'll need long haul.

5030 costs about $25,500....Not too much more than 3830 considering the difference in HP. Just wanted you to consider the option with such a large lot. 3830 is a fantastic machine though, with great fuel economy.

 

[_RaT_]

Mike, for mowing, I use my L3830 HST with a 84" finish mower. I mow about 10 acres with it. No problems, I definitely don't need any larger tractor, but much will depend on the grass you mow. The taller, the wetter it is, the harder it gets. As Jim says, the L5030 has more HP, but it costs a heck of a lot more to. You could get TnT, a mower, posthole digger and still have money to play with. Your needs will be decided probably on whether you can run a 72" brush mower. My neighbor has a L3830 HST just like me and in very tall grass, the L3830 HST does require slow going. Once he got it to a manageable height, it's a breeze.

 

[txdon]

Mike, I find that the HST and the loader are a match made in heaven. If you are a new operator (like I was) it will take about 10 minutes to get into the grove of steering with one hand joy sticking with the other and controlling your speed and direction with one foot. HST will make you smile. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[muscat]

Go HST all the way you will never regret it. If you are concerned about the PTO HP move up to the 4330. I have a 4330HST and love it.

 

[tractor_time]

Mike - I purchased the l3830 as my first tractor and have about 75 hours on it thus far. I have spent most of the time clearing my property, maintaining am 800ft drive, moving dirt and cutting about 2 acres of pasture. I went the simple route with the FST transmission and have no complaints. I drove the GST on the dealers lot and did not feel it was worth the extra cash, and have no experience with the HST.

 

[Runk]

My 2 cents has to do with the loader.
The FEL used on the 3830 is different than the one used on the 4330 and the 5030.
When loading a 40 yard bin or a dump truck you will be happy you bought at least the L4330 with the larger loader.
I have a L4330 GST. Great tractor.
If I were doing it over I would spring for the L5030 or the L48.
Take care,
Runk