TBN helped with L3430 purchase

[Paul_K]

Well, I finally became a member so I can say a big THANKS to everyone whose postings helped me negotiate my way to the successful purchase of a new Kubota two weeks ago.

While I was overseas for an extended period recently, reading the TBN posts became my main way of getting information on which to base a purchasing decision. As a result, my new L3430 with loader, mower and box blade was delivered just one week after I got back to the U.S.!

I also want to thank Barlow Farm Equipment in KY. Mr. Brady Barlow was extremely helpful in responding to my many email queries. In addition, he delivered the tractor package for almost $2000 less than the best price at my local dealer.

So thank you to everyone who contributed to this terrific forum!

Paul_K

 

[OrangeGuy]

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Kubota L3430. You are going to love this tractor. I have had one for more than three years and it still continues to amaze me.

Also, welcome home!

OrangeGuy

 

[RFB]

Paul,

Would love to see pics of it. How good was the price?

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Congratulations!!!

I had mine out today moving downed trees. What a back saver of a tool.

steve

 

[GV40U]

Contratulations, My L3430 is part farmer and part logger. I've been very pleased with it as I'm sure you will be with yours. There were a lot of tractors and chain saws operating in the Oregon Coast Range and Willamette Valley the last couple of days as I know there were in your state. Hope you survived the storm without serious problems.

 

[AB4D]

Congrats on the new L3430, I've had mine for about a year. It's been a great tractor without any major problems so far. Enjoy!

Jim

 

[ggg777c]

I am debating between purchasing L3130 and L3430? Does the 2 or 3 extra horsepower in 3430 make any real difference. I am buying tractor for a reasonably small tractor to pull 5' mower and 5' tiller, mowing only small pastures, woods roads and plowing half acre garden and food plots. What do you think?

Also can't decide between Ag and R4 industrial tires. Factory engineer and salesmen are pushing R4 tires. What do you think?

 

[punxybill]

Being far removed from Somerset Ky (Punxsutawney Pa.). I have had several long distance communications and one purchase from Barlow Equipment and they are top shelf all the way. Communication and prices are great. Have fun with your tractor.

 

[Paul_K]

Price was $21K with HST, Ag tires, 723 FEL w/QA, a tooth bar & a cutting bar, KK 6' box blade, 6' Land Pride mower. Add delivery, sales tax (paid locally) and Kubota insurance; 3 yr 0% financing.

 

[Paul_K]

I am debating between purchasing L3130 and L3430? Does the 2 or 3 extra horsepower in 3430 make any real difference. I am buying tractor for a reasonably small tractor to pull 5' mower and 5' tiller, mowing only small pastures, woods roads and plowing half acre garden and food plots. What do you think?

Also can't decide between Ag and R4 industrial tires. Factory engineer and salesmen are pushing R4 tires. What do you think?

With my limited experience, I'd say the lower HP in the 3130 is not a deal-breaker. You'd just have to put it in a lower range and go a little slower. On the other hand moving up to the 3430 over the 3130 was not all that expensive--in my case the quote was just $937 more (much of that would be recouped in resale value).
I got the ag tires because according to what I've read they clean better in mud. On the lawn, take it out of 4-wheel drive or it will tend to tear up the sod.

 

[Glowplug]

R1 AG -->Best traction; Tears up turf
Turf ---> Great on lawn; Decreased traction
R4 Industrials --> Good compromise

That's the way I look at it to keep it simple. I am going to be getting R1s on my tractor only because I will be doing some ground-engaging work. If my tractor was available with R4s I'd get those because I will be doing a little bit of everything. But I'd have to change the rims to do so. No R4s fit the current rims. I'd get Turfs if the large majority of your work was mowing.

BTW, good luck with your new tractor. If I weren't already addicted to the Mxx40 series I'd most assuredly get an L4630. I am envious.