L3830 Ordered

[rdam]

After an extensive tractor search looking at many tractors in the 30 to 50 HP range, I finally ordered a Kubota L3830 FST 4WD.

Entirely too many TBN'rs said go with 4WD. I'm no lemming, but I trust that the senior members know what their talking about. I found a VERY reasonably priced, new, M4800SU ($13,500). At 50 HP, more than I would probably ever need. An MX5000 in 4WD (50HP)was quoted at $17,240. I don't know why, but the MX5000 3PH (50HP Utility) is rated at 2315 pounds, while the L3830 (39HP CUT) is rated at 2760 pounds ????? Go figure.

On the other hand, I was afraid to go too small. The most important requirement was to swing a 6 foot rotary cutter, easily and WITHIN SPECS. Ground engagement and loader work were secondary.

The Bush Hog Squealer (6 foot) requires 30 HP MINIMUM. A liitle more shopping revealed that the Kubota L3830, with 39 gross HP, and 32 HP at the PTO would be sufficient.

I ordered through my local dealer. I could probably have done a little better on price elsewhere but wanted the local service.

Kubota L3830, 4WD, R4's, fiberglass canopy, $14,950
Bush Hog Squealer SQ720 with slip clutch, $1,200

I'm a manly man and enjoy shifting gears. I test drove an L3130 with FST and and loader was thoroughly impressed. The transmission is smooth as silk. The front axle on these tractors is substantial to say the least. I'm sure that the L3830 will be more than adequate for my needs. If not, the CFO's gonna blow a gasket.

Delivery in about a month when the barn is finished. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Loader for Christamas maybe

 

[_RaT_]

If your experience is close to mine, I'm sure you will find the L3830 a dyanmite tractor. I have a HST but am very familiar with the FST and actually have more hours on a FST then any other tractor, it's a great way to go. The tractor should easily handle a 6' Bush Hog, especialy with FST. I use a 84" mower and have no issues.

1. Keep RPM below MAXIMUM for the first 50 hours or so. This should not only not be a problem and quite frankly, I have yet to ever use maximum RPM, theres no need for it. I have about 100 hours now.

I have 15 PSI in the front tires, yours will probably come with 20, you might consider dropping it down a little. The rears are now at 14 PSI. Realize on some issues, the manual is more of a guide, tire pressure seems to be one of them.

If you want to add some rear lights, realize that just to the back and right of the seat is a connector (green) that has a spot in the fuse block that allows you to easily use this dedicated circuit.


I don't use 4WD all the time, but without it, I would never do those things I do use it for. Try taking a loader full of mud out of a ditch with the nose pointed down, the front wheels half submerged in two wheel drive and see how far you get. I do this manuverer several times a year, a task that 2WD simply cannot do.

Enjoy this super machine, I found 2200 to 2400 RPM the ideal range for mowing. While it won't spin the mower at quite 540 RPM, I have found it cuts well and the tractor has plenty of power.

Rat...

 

[rdam]

Excellent. You appear to be the 3830 representative. How does the price sound? Negotiating comprised of a price comparison to a NH TC40. Almost too easy. But, it seems OK.

As long as I get my hat /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[5030]

rdam:

RaT know's me pretty well from the site. I don't know if I am a "manly" man, I know I am an "old" man, however.

My day job requires that I shift a 13 double over many times a day so when I get on my 5030, I don't want to shift at all. Same goes for my pickup truck and my work car.

Other than a little power loss at the pto. The hydro will give you much more control of the tractor especially in less than ideal traction conditions.

The choice is yours, I am just partial to the hydro.

 

[_RaT_]

"How does the price sound? Negotiating comprised of a price comparison to a NH TC40. Almost too easy. But, it seems OK."


Lets put it this way, I wish I could have bought at that price.

As much as I like HST, as 5030 knows, your going to be very impressed with the FST Kubota offers.

 

[Whiskey]

Rick:

My god man you've been at it for some time, sounds like you put your time in checking and rechecking. Glad you found something that will cover your needs, you got a big one!!!

Bet you'll love that sunshade god knows there are times when I'm out there some shade would be nice (the reasion I do most of my mowing at night) I'm not up on Kubota's pricing but compaired to what I paid for my tractor I'd have to say you got yourself a good deal.

Enjoy and post us some pic's when it comes home.
Whiskey

 

[FarmNut]

I think you received a very reasonable price. My L4330 FST with canopy, front weights and grill guard (same one that comes w/FEL) was about $1,500 more than that, so your price looks pretty good. I paid the same price for my Rhino SE6 rotary mower.

FarmNut

 

[rdam]

Well, I took delivery of my new L3830 on Friday. I decided to get the loader and be done with it.

Delivered with 0.5 hours, it now has 5.2. Quiet and comfortable, although the seat "safety" will take some getting used to. It certainly encourages you to wear the seatbelt to prevent accidental shutdown.

The FEL is a toy for now. I have a new found respect for FEL operators who can actually pick things up.

The 6 foot Bush Hog Squealer works as expected. It's a little quieter than the 4 foot "Agri Four" I had previously.

I'm going to attempt to post some pictures. Don't hold your breath.

Rick

 

[rdam]

Delivery

 

[art]

congrats!!! Hope you enjoy it!! you might want to check your tire pressures to ensure a good ride. You should have the air pressure adjusted so the bars are nearly on the ground all the way across with your full load.