So many decisions! L3400/L2800/L3130/B3030

[JT's Bank]

This forum has been really helpful and I've learned quite a bit doing a search on which tractor I want.

Here are my uses: Mow 10ac of open, flat pasture with a shredder, grade/harrow riding arena, move 800# round bales with 3pt hitch, move dirt around to improve drainage, maintain 300ft of gravel road, and the like.

According to what I have read, the B3030 is better for mowing due to its lightness; however, will it have enough power/weight to do my other jobs? Unfortunately, the dealer in my area does not have an B3030s, so I was unable to drive it around. I did drive the B7800 and wasn't real impressed. It seemed to be more cheaply made than the 2800/3400. I hear that the B3030 is better than the B7800 though, what do you think?

I liked the amenities of the L3130, but is it worth $1400 over the 3400? Is the tad bit of extra HP in the 3400 vs the 2800 worth $800?

I am looking at the HST model in all of these. The B3030 is about $800 more than the L3400.

I've never owned much less driven a tractor before trying them out today, so any help you can give is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[ronjhall]

Here are my uses: Mow 10ac of open, flat pasture with a shredder

To do 10 acres. I would want the tractor with the most HP and a 6' or larger shredder.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

To do 10 acres. I would want the tractor with the most HP and a 6' or larger shredder.

I would totally agree with Ron. That said, an L3400 is going to give you greater 3pt capacity than the B3030 and more PTO HP than any of the other choices. Of the 4 choices you present, I would want the L3400 with HST.

 

[frank_f15]

I will just Reinforce what Ron and Bob stated. The 3400 would be my choice for your tasks.

 

[JT's Bank]

Thanks for the input!

I asked my sales rep about a 6' shredder and he (and the shop owner for that matter) both swore up and down that I can't pull a 6' shreddar with any of my chosen tractors (including the L3400). One saleman said that I could use a finishing mower, but that really isn't my aim since I prefer to leave the grass at around 5". What do you think?

Also, since the general consensus is go bigger, why did you pick the 3400HST over the "bells and whistles" of the 3130HST? Is it not worth the extra cost?

I found that the telescoping lower link on the 3pt hitch of the 3130 and easy adjustable arms was definitely helpful in attaching implements. However, since I had never done it before today, maybe that's just a beginner's point of view. Also, the 3130HST had easy fold down sides for better access to the engine. Are these niceties worth it?

Thanks again for all of your helpful advice!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Your sales rep is correct that those tractors are not really designed for a heavy duty 6' rotary cutter but the 3400 would handle a medium or light duty cutter. I generally figure 4-to-5 PTO HP per 12" of rotary cutter width. That would mean a minimum of 24pto HP for a rotary cutter 6' wide. The only tractor that I would want to use a 6' cutter on is the L3400, the L3130 has greater lift capacity and is much heavier duty, and much nicer but slightly less horsepower. The L3130 is better suited to heavier implements than any of the other choices. But all that said, I didn't get the impression you were doing heavy duty cutting. A field can be kept cut with a medium or light duty cutter and the L3400 should do that without much trouble.

 

[ccsial]

I keep one of my fields mowed around 5" using a Woods RD7200 finish mower. I just raise it 2" above where the wheels are set. I use the same mower for a 3" cut on the lawn. I don't let that field get over 12" though. If it got too long I'd use the 5' bush hog.

I'd recommend the L3400HST. I love mine.

 

[canoetrpr]

Thanks for the input!

I asked my sales rep about a 6' shredder and he (and the shop owner for that matter) both swore up and down that I can't pull a 6' shreddar with any of my chosen tractors (including the L3400). One saleman said that I could use a finishing mower, but that really isn't my aim since I prefer to leave the grass at around 5". What do you think?

I was similarly mislead. I should have gone with folks here suggested.

I have a L3400 HST with a Woods BB60 5 foot bush hog. My situation sounds similar to yours. I regret not getting the BB72 - 6 footer. Would have been much easier around fencelines. I have NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that my L3400 would handle a light/med duty 6 ft bush hog.

I think that the L3400 would be the best bet for your situation. If finish mowing is not one of your primary tasks then the B3030 is not the way to go IMHO.

 

[Theowegian]

My Kubota dealer told me that the L3400 is his best seller followed by the L3130. I have the L3130 and like the extendable 3 pt lift arms.
Either is a good choice.

 

[biker128pedal]

I am a step below this league. I have a B7610 and was afraid it would not have enough power to cut foot tall grass wiht a 5 ft rear discharge finish mower. I had the wants for a B7800 or B3030. After using the B7610 in wet grass over a foot I figure it was the purfect size and it is wider then the tractor. My expert friend tells me the key in the tall grass was the rear discharge mower. And if the grass is lower and dry I can cut as fast as my kidneys allow. It is rated to pull up to a 6 foot but tall wet grass would have to be cut slower.

Mike