Loader Choice for L3130

SteveCornell · May 5, 2007

Well it looks like I may have sold my Mahindra 2015HST and now I'm looking at other tractors, I've been wanting an L3400HST but am also considering the L3130HST as my dealer has a few left over, first off let me say that the little 2015 has been a fantastic machine and has done everything I have asked of it with plenty of power but I am a bit cramped on it as I'm a big boy and I just want another new "toy"

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I purchased the first tractor when we were building our new home and I still have plenty of work to do including landscaping, mowing around 1.5 acres of very hilly terrain, and maintaining a long gravel drive, I will also start clearing some woods in the near future.

The subject I would like some conversation on is the loader for the 3130 (LA513 vs. LA723) I know the overwhelming consensus here is the LA723 however deciding between the L3400 and the L3130 the LA513 has a bit more capacity than the LA463 on the L3400 and an L3400 would work fine for me but for a bit more I could have the L3130 with a few nice features.
I would rather have the 66" of the LA513 bucket vs the 72" bucket on the LA723 so that I can get around the house and woods better.
How much heavier is the LA723 than the LA513? and can a backhoe be used with either? and what is the cost difference?
I'm not all that concerned about the cost between the two I just want to be sure I won't regret my decision.
The dealer also told me that he sold a 3130 to a fellow with the 723 and that the tractor lacked power when going uphill mowing and that they switched to the LA513 and he had no problem, I can't see how this would make any difference?? I would not think that the weight of the loaders is that much to make any difference.

Thanks for any advice or comments.

Steve

texbaylea · May 5, 2007

Steve

I have an L3130 w/LA723 and love it. Since I ordered mine with the QA adapter I could specify the bucket so I got the 66" HD bucket for wear, clearance and mobility reasons. Having the LA723 is necessary to mount the Kubota BH90 backhoe, cannot be done with the LA513. I think that your dealer just wanted to move an LA513 he had in stock. I don't put much stock in his story.

My property is fairly level so I will let others comment on using their machines on hilly terrain but I dont think that the weight difference between loaders is enough to impact performance that much.

Vernon

IHUNT · May 5, 2007

Hi Steve

I just bought the L3400HST. I didn't like the LA463 loader so I had them put on the Woods LC108 loader with skid steer style quick attach bucket. On the back I have a Woods BH80XT backhoe with thumb. I am happy with both. This setup works well for me. You can go to WoodsEquipment.com to look at there loaders. My Kubota dealer showed me this setup and I liked it right away. I hope this helps you in your decision making.

SteveCornell · May 5, 2007

I plan to stay with the Kubota loader as I have heard that Kubota "could" make a fuss if a warranty issue arises, I have one dealer trying to sell me a Woods loader and another telling me that they could deny warranty work with an aftermarket loader (typical salesmen)
No matter which tractor or loader I go with it will have the QA bucket as Kubota now has the QA Bucket for the LA463 on the L3400.

Jibber · May 6, 2007

Yes the 723 is heavier, but also much more powerful. I don't find it that much harder to negotiate my way around things with the bigger bucket.. and if you are considering the BH-90 you WILL have to have the 723. Also, if weight is a concern to you.. the BH-90 adds considerably to the weight of the tractor, not just with the hoe attached either. The subframe that goes with the hoe adds quite a bit of weight.. but also strengthens the tractor. (it also rules out the use of a mmm).

My solution is to get TWO tractors.. one for the big stuff.. one for the small. I'm hoping to add a BX to my lineup soon.

wushaw · May 6, 2007

SteveCornell said:
I plan to stay with the Kubota loader as I have heard that Kubota "could" make a fuss if a warranty issue arises, I have one dealer trying to sell me a Woods loader and another telling me that they could deny warranty work with an aftermarket loader (typical salesmen)
No matter which tractor or loader I go with it will have the QA bucket as Kubota now has the QA Bucket for the LA463 on the L3400.

Did the dealer tell you that Kubota was advertising that they had the QA buckets for the LA463 or was it they could make one work...which they can...I have one on my L2800.

Anyway back to your origional question....The L3130 has many more nice items than the L3400 like a better seat...more comfortable, bigger seating area, better hydraulics, butter smooth 3pt position control, and if size of the tractor is not too much of a concern then L3130 would be my choice between the two choices.

SteveCornell · May 6, 2007

The QA for the LA463 would be the new Kubota setup, the wife and I just returned from looking at tractors and if I can get the right price it will more than likely be the L3130 or the L3240, I agree the Grand Ls are a substantial upgrade from the L3400.
I can buy the L3400 with LA463 QA Loader, Grill Guard, R4 tires, and 1 rear remote, delivered for $16,900.
another dealer quoted me an L3130, LA513 QA Loader, Grill Guard, R4s, loaded rear tires, 1 rear remote, and delivered for $18,800
I'll get a quote tomorrrow for the L3240.

wushaw · May 6, 2007

Get atleast three remotes if you can, you never know what attachment you will be buying in the future that you must have that will need three remotes....like using a BB with hydraulic scarfiers and TNT.... you just never know.