Purchasing new tractor but which one?

BAND · May 9, 2005

Hi,

I'm a newbie to tractors and am looking at buying one this week.

I have 8 acres in Southern California. An acre is graded for our house (just been built. No landscaping has been done yet) and the remaining 7 acres is a citrus grove (mainly grapefruit). The property has some slopes but is not very hilly. In the future (a couple of years) I may pull out the grove and plant a vineyard.

I'll need the tractor for general weed/brush clearing, grading around the property, grading 2 gravel driveways (200ft each), fixing deep ruts around the property (rain was very heavy this year but always causes this type of problem any year), moving piles of brush and chippings. I'll also use it for chipping (I'll buy a 5" chipper and probably some sort of brush mower).

I'm looking at the L3130HST with FEL + box scrapper for $18500 + tax, the L3400HST with same for $17600 + tax and the B3030HST with same for $17770 + tax.

I'm leaning towards the L3130 (no real reason other than I like it and it seems the best value as the prices on all three are close - especiallly with 0% financing over 3 years).

I'd like to ask you experienced tractor owners for your opinions on which model would be best and if prices are in line (CA is expensive!).

Thanks. Your help is appreciated.

Brett

wushaw · May 9, 2005

All three would do what you want it just depends upon what tractor you feel comfortable with after driving all three.
I had the same decision recently between the B3030 and L2800 and I liked the roomier seating area of the L2800 and the higher lift of the loader on the L2800 that I needed for my loading my dump trailer.
Just take your time.

ronjhall · May 10, 2005

The L3130 is a good value for the money.
The price you have is probably with a LA513 loader. With the list of projects you have listed consider the LA723. You may also want to consider the QA option for the bucket. It will lift much more than the LA513. You can add the BH90 backhoe with this option.
Here is a site that has pricing for many Kubota tractors. Click Here.

Bob_Skurka · May 10, 2005

I'll agree with Ron about the L3130 and double dog dare you to upgrade to the 723 loader. It really is a beast of a loader and matches the abilities of the tractor, the 513 loader is less expensive and less capable than the excellent 723.

BAND · May 10, 2005

Thanks for the advice.
I think I'll go for the 3130HST and will check out the larger FEL.

Brett

smwelden · May 10, 2005

don't even think about NOT buying the 723 loader!!!! It would be like buying a new 3/4on plow truck and putting the wimpiest smaller plow on it! To be honest, I don't know why they even offer the smaller loader... I would think it would be cheaper for them to just offer the 723 with a smaller bucket. No tractor owner is going to think a loader is too strong! At least not in my world!

Enjoy!

Bird · May 10, 2005

( leaning towards the L3130 (no real reason other than I like it )

No "real" reason maybe, but in my opinion, that's the best reason. If you buy one that wasn't the one you liked best at the time, you're likely to always wish you'd bought the other one.

BAND · May 10, 2005

Thanks

Got a quote from the dealer. $600 to upgrade to the 723. Added it to the list! Hopefully the "trouble and strife" won't find out as she already thinks I'm spending too much money!

Brett

BillG_in_TX · May 10, 2005

Brett,

That price looks to be about 15% off of "list", which sounds like an excellent price - especially for California. The L3130HST with the LA723 sounds like a good match for your needs. You probably should consider R4 (industrial) tires, also.

What's your drop-dead price point? We can spend even more of your money if you give us a little time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif