grizzjeeper
Bronze Member
Just purchased a new Kubota L3400 HST, FEL and BH75 Backhoe. R4 loaded tires. $23000 in Maine. After months of research and several test drives its finally over!!
Here is a list of the models I tried and short comments
JD
4010,
Loved the HST peddle, Hydraulic lever for loader was too close to my leg, tractor just didn't have enough power for what I was looking for.
790
Nice size, too cramped though. I found it VERY hard getting on and off without my feet catching on something. Wouldn't want to get off in a hurry. Lift capacities were not even close to others. Helped me rule out the manual shift. I was real concerned about the loader design, the pistons are attached at such an angle that when the bucket is down all the force is on the pistons instead of the arms... Just looked like trouble....
All other JD were just out of my price range.
Cub Cadet
6284
Cat 28hp. I was excited about this from the specs and looks. Weighs in at almost 2k pounds, a lot for such a small package. Great operator layout BUT hydro filter under rear end just waiting to be smashed in the woods..
New Holland
TC30 HST
Felt unrefined and underpowered. Couldn't see the bucket at all for precision work. No cruise.
TC29 HST, Loved this but just too much money.
Mahindra
2615
Nice tractor but Mahindra is going back to their own engines next year so I felt that it may be hard down the road getting parts.. I know mits puts out a good product but I just couldn't do it. I also worried about depreciation. Hydraulics lever to short and stubby on the loader for my liking, harder to control. Nice looking tractor!!
Kubota
7610HST
Loved it, very maneuverable but just too small and light.
7800HST
Almost bought, More power than I expected but was a little too light.
l3400 Perfect, felt at home at the controls, I don't need a mid pto (I say that now) liked how the bucket is reinforced and just seems much more Heavy Duty than the 7800. I read about the 3pt arms shuddering and they definitely jerk when you stop in the upward travel position but not as bad as I was expecting. I wish it had telescoping arms, but I can always add that later if I start using 3pt more.
Anyway for the money I could not find a better deal out there.
Thanks to everyone on this board for helping me make my decision!!!
Here is a list of the models I tried and short comments
JD
4010,
Loved the HST peddle, Hydraulic lever for loader was too close to my leg, tractor just didn't have enough power for what I was looking for.
790
Nice size, too cramped though. I found it VERY hard getting on and off without my feet catching on something. Wouldn't want to get off in a hurry. Lift capacities were not even close to others. Helped me rule out the manual shift. I was real concerned about the loader design, the pistons are attached at such an angle that when the bucket is down all the force is on the pistons instead of the arms... Just looked like trouble....
All other JD were just out of my price range.
Cub Cadet
6284
Cat 28hp. I was excited about this from the specs and looks. Weighs in at almost 2k pounds, a lot for such a small package. Great operator layout BUT hydro filter under rear end just waiting to be smashed in the woods..
New Holland
TC30 HST
Felt unrefined and underpowered. Couldn't see the bucket at all for precision work. No cruise.
TC29 HST, Loved this but just too much money.
Mahindra
2615
Nice tractor but Mahindra is going back to their own engines next year so I felt that it may be hard down the road getting parts.. I know mits puts out a good product but I just couldn't do it. I also worried about depreciation. Hydraulics lever to short and stubby on the loader for my liking, harder to control. Nice looking tractor!!
Kubota
7610HST
Loved it, very maneuverable but just too small and light.
7800HST
Almost bought, More power than I expected but was a little too light.
l3400 Perfect, felt at home at the controls, I don't need a mid pto (I say that now) liked how the bucket is reinforced and just seems much more Heavy Duty than the 7800. I read about the 3pt arms shuddering and they definitely jerk when you stop in the upward travel position but not as bad as I was expecting. I wish it had telescoping arms, but I can always add that later if I start using 3pt more.
Anyway for the money I could not find a better deal out there.
Thanks to everyone on this board for helping me make my decision!!!
