TC33DA vs. L3130--must decide

[bayoublue]

I have a tc35d & like it, but I think the L3130 is a very nice machine...You said you have 80 acres of trees so manuverabilty is important therefore check the turning radius of each & let that be a substantial factor in your decision.

 

[kozak]

Nice reponses by all especially Jerry's sucinct assessment. When I first went looking that's what I wanted (Kubota)because I heard of their great reliability. Unfortunately, the dealer in my area tried to snow me on a Tractor I was considering. So I ended up looking else where. So I would have to agree with thcri. If you like both machines & the prices are very close I would then tend to find out which Dealer is the better. Ask around. Also, ask both Dealers if they will pick up Tractor free of charge for your 50 hr. tune up. There's no doubt the styling on the TC33D blows the Kubota away & you are getting a little more horsepower but I have only heard good things about the Kubota's. I'm happy with my TC35D. Have had very little trouble with it & have put it through its paces. WHAT a TRACTOR !!

Good Luck with whatever you decide !! I don't think you will be sorry either way, that's why the Dealership is the last critical link as I see it !!

 

[CAEMI]

RexT makes a good point about the weight to power ratio on the 3130. Kubota uses basically the same frame size from the 3130 to the 4630, a 15 HP range (you only gain 200 lbs from the 3130 to the 4630, most of it engine). NH and CIH use two frame sizes in the same horspower range, what they call Class II and Class III. The size of these two "classes" are very different, with the class III being 400-700 lbs heavier and a 9" longer wheelbase than the class II. Therefore, you could make the claim that the 3130, with the same frame size for "class II and III", is underpowered for it's frame size. If the Kubota dealer is steering you away from the 3130, I would be concerned, but who knows maybe it has plenty of power to get the job done.

Also, Deere is doing the same thing with their new 3020 and 4020 series as Kubota has done with their L30s. That is, they use the same frame size for a large horsepower range. For instance, a 3120 (29.5 hp) rides on the exact same frame as the 3720 (44 hp). It makes sense, utilizing economies of scale to cut costs. On the other hand, this may affect performance on the lower HP models. Keep in mind, this is all theoretical.... does anyone have any thoughts?

I've got an L3130 HST and think it is an outstanding machine. Contrary to a couple of opinions here, you WANT the extra weight of the Kubota. The gearing of the tractor - particularly with the HST - is such that you can apply the useable horsepower perfectly to the job at hand. Having MORE horsepower is like having more weight - it is a good thing - but in it's class (32 HP at the crank, 26 at the PTO for the HST), there is no better machine.

Consider pulling a loaded hay wagon...downhill. You want all the weight in the tow vehicle you can get. I'm belaboring the point here but there is just no substitute for weight in a tractor. The old Olivers and MF's and Deere's weighed 6500 pounds and had 29 horse engines and they were not underpowered. Weight is good in a tractor. It is also true that, in general, the more a tractor weighs, the more it costs. Steel costs money. Some makers build a light tractor and have a couple extra horsepower to make it appear competitive but make no mistake, you're better off with a 3300 pound tractor with 32 horse than a 2500 pound tractor with 32 horse. That seven hundred pounds is important.

Weight is so important - and horsepower so irrelevent - that many farmers load their tires with salt water or some other liquid. They add suitcase weights, tire weights, etc. I carry a 500 pound weight on the three point when I'm using the FEL. I can't tell it's even there...until I use the FEL with a good load in the bucket.

Finally, don't just drive the things around the parking lot - put them under load and see how they perform. The best test of power is the Nebraska test because it is performed under load. No Neb. test? Have the dealer hook up a fairly sized plow and stick it in the mud - you'll find out right now how much power you're making...no matter what the brochure says.

With tractors, weight is power. Power is only as good as the amount of traction you have. Weight rules.

 

[teg]

Only a four year old thread...