L4300 VS L3830

glennmac · Jul 12, 2003

As to price.

The State of Minnesota, which publishes the discounts on the web for all tractor stuff it buys, gets 20% off list on Kubota tractors and 15% off list on Kubota implements such as FELs. Absent unusual circumstances, none of us is going to get that kind of discount in the hot Kubota market. If you get 12% - 14% off list for all the Kubota stuff as a package, that is a good and fair price. On Woods implements, 20% off the bloated list price is routine here. Landpride 15%.

dos_perros · Jul 12, 2003

PTO implements, at this time, are open ended. Will be getting a chipper. Can't get burn permits here. The rest will have to wait, but want adequate PTO HP for flexibility down the road.
As for HST, I remain rationally flexible. I have test driven one and was not blown away. I will be test driving 4330 FST next week. "GM". don't give up on me yet.
As for the Gearmore 2G2 industrial box grader, it it well regarded out here in the wild west. Have heard no negative comments and it is not inexpensive.
Again, thank all of you for your help. As one has said, "tractor buying is not easy."

glennmac · Jul 13, 2003

I wasn't blown away by Pampers until I had spent a year dealing with urine-soaked cloth diapers.

rjsmit1 · Jul 13, 2003

I used a gear tractor for 3 years (JD 950) which worked well, but recently got a Kubota L4330 with HST. I am blown away. Whether I am doing loader work or mowing pastures or doing other things, the ability to easily change direction with a simple toe or heel movement is a godsend! I like the Kubota pedal layout and have found the HST to be a big time and headache saver because I can change speed and direction quickly. Good luck.

5030 · Jul 13, 2003

" DEPENDS "

JimME · Jul 13, 2003

I own an L4300DT and think it would work fine for the jobs you list. The lack of a flashy instrument panel or HST or shuttle shift has not hampered my work. It's been mentioned that the weight and torque curve of these CUT is different than similar HP farm tractors of years past and this is true. I have personal experience with an Allis Chalmers WD-45 which is technically about the same engine and PTO HP as the Kubota L4300 DT, but it would out pull my tractor and it is a 2 WD tractor. It would also out pull a L3830 L4330 L4610 etc.. It's heavy and has plenty of low end torque. But, the overall versatility of the CUTs makes up for it unless your doing heavy ground work. For boxblading, bush hogging, rototilling, etc. an L4300 DT would work beautifully. As far as loader cycle times, the loader cycles plenty fast enough for me, up to and including it's weight limit. However, with 55 acres, ground engaging implements may be in your future. If you want to stick with the Kubota brand, I'd personally be looking at the M series tractors. The M6800SD is a heck of a rig, but once again, on the "light" side for it's HP rating. If you want to see an interesting comparison, look at some AGCO tractors of similar HP to Kubotas, pick the M6800SD and find a comparable HP AGCO. You'll probably find more 3pt lift capacity and a considerably heavier tractor. Kubotas are not built like or to be farm tractors (in my opinion) until you get to the M110/M120 line. Stick with the M series line (4900-6800) and you'll have plenty of tractor for whatever the future brings.

glennmac · Jul 13, 2003

If on TBN you start to get confused by rich a variety of opinions, try to focus on the circumstances and experience of each poster who voices the opinions. As to the question of HST vs. gear, members fall into four categories:

1. People, like me, who bought HST from the get-go and who hence have no actual experience using gear tractors. You may want to discount our credibility for that reason. Fact is, the overwhelming majority of people who buy CUT size tractors these days opt for HST. So, this is a large group here.

2. People who have lots of experience, perhaps a lifetime's experience, using gear tractors but who have never owned and used an HST tractor for an extended period.

3. People who have many years experience using gear tractors who have switched to HST. This is perhaps the group with the best perspective. There are many, many such members here, but not a lot of them have responded in this thread. I have tried accurately (and without any axe to grind) to summarize the uniformly positive nature of their comments.

4. People who have many years experience using HST and who then switch to gear. I don't recall any such person--unless they were upgrading to utility size tractor where HST is not available.

5030 says "it depends". He has a gazillion tractors and I wouldn't presume to interpret what he meant by that. But others have stated, and it seems reasonable to me, that gear tractors work just fine for traditional dirt-engaging field work (farming long rows). Also, if you go up higher than CUT size, HST will not (yet) be available. Some have speculated that this is because HST transmissions may heat up too much with a heavy tractor dragging a very heavy load through the ground. Don't know myself.

That about exhausts the info and viewpoints I have. To try to fairly summarize, if the type of tractoring you do will involve lots of start-stops, backing up and changes of direction, then HST will be the simpler and easier to use transmission, will be less tiring for the operator, and will increase the speed and efficiency with which you can complete tasks. Necessary?....no. Cost more? ... a little.

glennmac · Jul 13, 2003

Begging everyone's indulgence for one last addendum on cost.

Cost is a factor at some price point for all of us. If the only way one can afford a high hp tractor is to sacrifice HST and some of the fancier convenience doodads, then that is a rational choice. That's why good machines like the L4300 are available.

Some of my comments here have been slanted toward what I perceive to be the "ideal" or "high end" because I was sensing that the increased cost was not prohibitive.

rjsmit1 · Jul 13, 2003

I used a gear tractor for 3 years (JD 950) and liked it quite well. However, if you are doing things that involve changing frequently from forward to reverse, you will like Kubota's HST pedal. I fint it particularly helpful with the loader, but even when I am mowing the pastures, I find that I am backing into corners to clean them up and when I am in the yard hooking up implements I find myself going back and forward a lot as I try to correct my aim /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. It's a learning experience for me. (In fact, I am better at lining up the old JD 950 to an implement than I am with the Kubota because I am still learning the new tractor (21 hours, so far). Good luck with your quest. All I can say is that I love my HST and as long as it provides good reliability, I don't think I will ever switch back to a gear tractor.

Egon · Jul 13, 2003

Glen:
There is another categorie. Those who have sat on the big industrial equipmement.

Me thinks you have reached a stage where two tractors of different capabilities are required. One to work and one to beutiffy. [ can't spell and ain't ashemed of it ]

Egon

dos_perros · Jul 14, 2003

Thank all of you for your comments and suggestions. I will spend the next few days reevaluating my selection. Main objective will be to test drive kubotas with transmissions other than manual. Will certainly give both the HST and the syncro/shuttle a trial. HP will still be in the 40 plus range with emphasis on a quality FEL, box scraper with hydraulics, and an eye to what I plan on doing with it. If I am to err, I don't want it to be under sized.

uhmgawa · Jul 14, 2003

When I was looking at the L4300 it was difficult to find
the larger loader (LA682) on an in-stock model. The reason
I was told is the L4300 is marketed as a "value" machine
and dealers typically outfit them as such. The larger
loader was possible but at a huge price difference
between in-stock vs. a "custom" configuration which dwarfed
the actual cost of the loader upgrade itself.

This was an issue as Kubota does not recommend using a
backhoe on the L4300 with the standard loader.

dos_perros · Jul 14, 2003

Just returned from test driving L4330 HST and L4300. Dealer just let me drive and drive. Agree that HST is easier, quicker, and L grand series is spiffier. I will go with the L4330 HST. FEL is the LA853 with HD bucket, 72" industrial box scraper with 3 spool hydraulic kit [top, tilt, and hydro ripper arm]. Jump in price, but this set up should not lack for performance for planned jobs. Mass and weight of total package is impressive. Feel comfortable with decision. Thanks.

uhmgawa · Jul 14, 2003

( FEL is the LA853 with HD bucket.. )

You may want to consider the LA853's optional skid steer quick attach.

_RaT_ · Jul 14, 2003

The L4330 HST is a great setup. The LA 853 is perhaps the most capable loader and certainly one of the beefiest of those available on other tractors of similar size. If your unfamiliar with HST and liked it at the dealers, your going to really love it once you get accustom to its power. It's really a nice way to go for many folks. I have the L3830 which is somewhat similar to the L4330 with regards to dirve train but lacks the larger loader and beefier front axle. I have mentioned that the L3830 is kinda my L3130 with just a little more power. I can't say enough good things about it. It has performed better then I ever expected. Rat...

MarkV · Jul 15, 2003

Great choice in my opinion and exactly the set up I would get if I could at this time. I would really like that loader and its extra power. If you thought the choosing was hard the waiting for delivery is almost unbearable. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

MarkV

dos_perros · Jul 15, 2003

Ordered the L4330 HST this A.M. Only change is that I switched out to 72" Woods [Gannon] industrial box scraper. Fortunately the dealer has all components available. Now assembling and preping the package. Will receive delivery front part of next week. I am sure it will take me some time to learn and then maximize the capabilities of this machine. But, I am more than ready to crank it up. Thank everyone for your comments and support. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

glennmac · Jul 15, 2003

I suppose I am entitled to feel a bit of satisfaction for helping a new member select a new tractor. But what I feel is not satisfaction at all.

Nope, no satisfaction.

What I feel, the emotions that saturate every fiber of my nervous system, are pure and unadulterated ........

....... JEALOUSY and ENVY !!!!!

Congratulations. Show us some pictures after it is delivered if you can.