Purchasing new tractor but which one?

[Boone]

I don't want to sound insulting of your new home, but 8 acres isn't really that big. I'm wondering why you think you need such a big tractor for the place.

 

[BAND]

True, 8 acres is not huge but big enough to need some sort of tractor to keep it decent (weeds, brush, deep ruts etc. plus take care of grove) and fire safe (big issue here).

Reason I am leaning towards the 3130 is because cost wise it's not a great deal more than the smaller 30 hp Kubotas (this was the hp recommended by both Kubota dealers I visited) and seems the best value (based on features, size + re-sale?). Is there any other model I should consider that would make the savings high enough to go down in size?

 

[Boone]

I have 30 acres and I use a B7500 at 21 hp. These are smaller but very impressive in the amount of work they can do.

I do these chores with it:

Brush hog trails through my woods, made many new trails
Plow snow
rototill
boompole to pick items up
receiver hitch to move and tow trailers including moving a trailer with a full cord of wood (soft ground tires were sunk in about 6 inches.)
Skid logs
Moved rocks
FEL to move dirt
landscape rake and box blade

I'll give you some picture.

 

[Boone]

Here I'm moving forty feet of oak logs at one time. With some home built bucket forks.

 

[Boone]

Tried to drive the plow truck on the old lane, forgetting that the new house construction had took it out last fall. Getting stuck is the worse. I used the bucket forks and a chain to lift and pull a trailer with 3/4 ton of hay off from behind the truck, then snatched the truck out with a snatch strap with the Kubota.

 

[bugstruck]

Band, I'll chime in on the L3130 w/ 723 FEL. I have one and recommend it. It's a little big in tight places but when you need the power, it's there. For the price spread I also think it's the best investment of those your looking at. I run mine on 3 acres and find occasion to work it hard so IMO it's not too much tractor for your descriptions. I do understand why others think it might be though. When I'm doing a tough job I'm occupying about 150 SF. The job doesn't care how much land surrounds it. But generally I'm dealing with big pines, stumps, and dirt. You need some weight to be real efficient at that. Although, the B series is awful impressive too. I've seen guys do incredible work with them. Actually I just like bigger equipment and I hate renting equipment for the odd big job while a $20+K investment sits idle, but there's nothing I've done yet that a B wouldn't do given a little more time. And even the L can be useless on some big jobs. Go with what you like.

Good Luck

 

[willywildes]

You Know what opinions are like. I have two and a half acres and my parents have four and a half acres right next door. I bought the 3130 gst. and have never wished for something smaller. i came to the same conclusions you have. most bang for the buck. choice of available implements. user platform size. and more. after reading the posts on this site I still believe Kubota has the best, most reliable tractor out there. I still second guess the 513 loader. not because it can't do what i ask of it. it always has and more.but for$900$[the dollar sign before and after the number is to offend no one]depending on what kind of loader work you plan on. and some day you sell it or hire out. it is small dollars in the big pitcher. i have the heavy duty bucket, and top and tilt. i would still get the 513 and spend the $1000$ on T'nT if i couldn't have both. TnT is a must have if your doing any amount of 3pt work. . go for it!

 

[travelingman]

I've have the L3130HST, cutter and finish mower, box blade, spray rig. Had it for about 1 and a holf years. Love it. You can't go wrong with this one.

 

[TroyR57]

Hey, I was just looking into the price of a L3130 here in Louisiana, just for the recored, here is the 411, L3130 shuttle shift, R4's, 513 FEL, and 3ph BH 4690. all for $23,800. its at my dearler in Winnfield, LA. It had been ordered for a water district, and they did not like the 3ph BH, so the guy is trying to move it.

If any one is interested, PM me and I will give more details. I was considering it as every one here is thinking about, or getting larger tractors, but still holding out for my BX 23,??? it has arrive, but alas I haven't, Company sending me to Illinois, for a few more weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[BAND]

Still leaning towards the 3130 although I have had some doubts as to if it is too big for my 8 acre grove. I'm not worried about the extra cash as there is only $800 difference between the B3030 and the L3130HST ($1400 if I go for the bigger FEL).

Anybody have any ideas if there is a difference in re-sale?

I'll be back in the dealer later this week to re-check both models and place my order.
Thanks

Brett