Buying Advice New Guy - Looking to Buy

[CPM]

Hi All

I've read quite a few posts but would still like some input/advice.

We've just bought a 25 acre block, with about 15 cleared acres, mostly gently rolling or level, which I've had slashed a couple of times by a 115hp machine. We want to get it to a point where we can seed it with grass for cattle or horses. We'll also be moving rocks and fallen trees around.

This will be our first tractor purchase and we're also new to living on land, as it were.

We want to take on the slashing and I reckon we need a 4in1 bucket. I had toyed with the idea of a backhoe but I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost, especially as the work we need done would best suit a much bigger excavator.

Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Dutch61]

I too look to the L3800 and the "G"L3240 and debate the same issue. My land is flat and only 6 acres. I have to imaging going from 115HP to 34-35 would be a shock, much slower working. I read a lot of similar post with advice to "get an excavator/dozer to do the initial heavy lifting", good you're considering for the 1st cut at transformation. Or take your time and get it done over time, which is what I'm doing. (with a backhoe). Look into the Quick Attach (skid steer type) FEL option, well worth the extra $500.

As for the HST+, my dealer explained it to me like this: "HST+ excels at loader work, moving material from place to place or most applications with FEL, and for transportation of the unit from area to area." As you probably understand for ground engaging/PTO work the HST+ would not be used, and the manual throttle used to keep the RPM high. With 25 acres might be nice to "drive it like a car", For example: get the mail (rpm to idle) back to the barn (rpm just right) get chain from barn, (rpm at idle) trek to the back "40" or 25 to drag that log (not sure if manual or HST+ would be used). In the end I want the convenience of HST+ as this is my 1st and last tractor..(too funny right? even looks silly written down)

I think for your application with the FEL controller (joy stick?) integrated into the GL3240 (it's part of the FEL on the L3800) could be an additional benefit. If you add another "function" to the bucket (to use 4-1), you will have that same control on the stick when FEL is removed for additional articulating "front" implements (frame mounted 4 way dozer? but it's $4000, OUCH). A little more versatile.

For me the extra $3000-4000 for the GL3240 over the L3800 with greater lift at FEL, slightly larger bucket, HD 3Pt_Hitch, along with the other premium features like electronic/real cruise control and mid PTO etc make the GL3240 more attractive.

Good Luck, and keep us informed, someone might be in the same boat in a few months and use your information for their decision.

Hi All

I've read quite a few posts but would still like some input/advice.

We've just bought a 25 acre block, with about 15 cleared acres, mostly gently rolling or level, which I've had slashed a couple of times by a 115hp machine. We want to get it to a point where we can seed it with grass for cattle or horses. We'll also be moving rocks and fallen trees around.

This will be our first tractor purchase and we're also new to living on land, as it were.

We want to take on the slashing and I reckon we need a 4in1 bucket. I had toyed with the idea of a backhoe but I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost, especially as the work we need done would best suit a much bigger excavator.

Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[moored4]

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor:ing!

 

[wcampbell47]

For loader work with lots of back and forth I prefer the HST to my gear tractor. Same for mowing. With the HST the PTO remains at a constant speed when you reverse directions. Not so with my gear tractor. Prefer the HST when using my tiller. For pulling a plow or disc I think I prefer the gear drive.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've bought 13 Kubotas. 12 of them were HST (One was a L3240HST+). Last year I added number 13 which is a B2320 gear drive. It is my first gear drive and will be my last gear drive. I use it for plowing and tilling gardens, pulling boxblade and overseeder and it has no FEL.
Can't imagine buying a gear tractor with a FEL. Maybe gear OK for plowing or mowing big open fields but I can't imagine ever preferring a gear over an HST and can't ever see where a HST would not perform as well as a geared.
Iknow geared is cheaper, that's why I bought one and I've read the deal that the HST robs some of the power from the PTO but I'd get a bigger HP tractor if that was going to be a problem before I'd buy another geared tractor.
Just one mans opinion based on my home landscaping use of several sized Kubotas. I don't have farming fields.

 

[psdx]

Hi All
Currently, I'm considering a Kubota L3800HD 4WD Rops Tractor; or a Kubota L3540 with the HST+ options (but no cab). The power is about the same but the HST+ looks appealing.

What I'd like to know is, would HST+ really be a benefit? Is the horsepower enough for what I need to do? Could I go smaller?

Any input/cautions/warnings etc much appreciated.

Thanks

Do not go smaller, and do not get a gear-drive tractor with a loader.

 

[KYDan]

I purchased my first HST equipped tractor, Kubota MX5100, HST, 4WD, Loader and I will not purchase another geared tractor. HST is not as fuel efficient, but the ease of use and other benefits far outweigh the minimal increase in fuel consumption.

 

[TripleR]

Good points by dutch 61 and I would go for the L3540 and would not want to go smaller and would really prefer a 3940, but then consider the 4240 for stronger loader and then why not a 4740 or even a...gotta stop somewhere.

We bought a Case back hoe years ago and ran out of uses for it and can't justify the cost of keeping it going or buying anything newer. When we have a job needing something else, we just rent a back hoe or excavator and have had a dozer come in.

I have no experience with a 4 in 1 bucket, so I can't comment, but I don't really miss not having one; may be one of those you don't know you need it if you haven't tried it.

 

[CPM]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the input.

I'm planning on buying new because of the warranty and not knowing anything much about tractors. I figure it'll be the "safer" option - albeit a bit more expensive.

Is the warranty worth it in reality? Or is that another post?

 

[LD1]

Is the warranty worth it in reality? Or is that another post?

If you cant perform your own work IF something breaks, I think the warranty is worth it.

That said, its a gamble. If you get the warranty, odds are, you will never need it. If you buy used, you will probabally have issues. I think thats murphys law or something??

I bought new and the ONLY thing I used the warranty for was a tach cable that quit at 0.3 hrs. So the warranty on my machine (long out of warranty now) has only saved me a $20 tach cable