I can't comment on the Paleozoic manual transmissions because I have never and would never consider them. But I am confident that the one that is more "HST-like" would be preferable to me. Which sounds like the 3830.
Other things being equal, for your acreage and jobs, the more power the better. But there is no clean answer to the power question between your two choices. The 3830 has more hydraulic power (read loader and 3ph power) while the 4300 has more horsepower (read pto power). On balance, I would choose the 3830 for the gizmos, gadgets and all the reasons JM3 set forth.
However, I think BOTH tractors are underpowered for 55 acres and all the work you will be doing. Pardon my saying so--you are asking for our opinion before you commit to an important purchase--but your "confident tone" about the two choices you have settled on belies your admitted lack of tractor experience. That reminds me of myself. I read this forum for many months (almost memorizing it), researched tractors, made dozens of visits to dealerships, selected and bought the "perfect" tractor for my needs--all without asking for opinions here. I wisely bought a
BX2200. The problem is that I did not understand my needs. I traded it in two weeks later for a
B2910. Almost three years later, I am now trading up to an
L3430.
A 3430 is one notch below a 3830. I have 11 acres. You have 55, with much bigger projects in mind than me. I think you should be considering at least the 4330, because that will give you a big leap up from the 3830 in hydraulic power, beat the 4300 in torque, and come closer to the 4300 in hp.
Cost, you say. Well, I know. But not having the proper tool is a cost, too. Also keep in mind that this tractor will outlive you and maybe your kids, so the few thousand more of initial cost is in a sense amortized over decades. Plus, the sainted HST is less than $500 more than GST on the 4330.
Good luck. It ain't easy buying a tractor.
