Tough decisions- L3130GST or new L3700SU

[Tibbits]

I had asked a dealer about pricing on an L3700SU and attachments. He responed with what seems to be a nice used deal. Any thoughts on how nice this actually is? I do not need the trailer. Also, how does the pricing sound on the 3700? I'm located in central NC. Dealer qoute below:

One of my customers is in serious finacial difficulty. He brought us his
L3430GST + Woods 1012 loader, 100 hrs, R-4 tires // 72" Woods box blade
// PJ 25' gooseneck trailer 15K GVWR to sell for him.

Tractor + Ldr for $14,900 (new 21,000)
Box Blade for $550
Trailer for $4,600

Or ALL for $19,995 GREAT DEAL!!

New L3700SU + ldr would run on sale for $19,050 (this includes r-4 tires,
$500, and also includes the Kubota loader with quick attach bucket
option, $400. The $500 dollar discount for buying the tractor with
loader pkg is also in this figure). If you do not take the 0% finacing,
subtract another $1,000.

No "used" 5' rotary cutters at this time, but we have a nice 6' for $995.
It is a Bush Hog SQ172.

We have 2 brands of "new" rotary cutters available as follows:
Taylor Pittsburgh - $950
Bush Hog SQ160 - $1,495

 

[medicshawn]

Is the used one a 3130 or 3430?

Are you paying cash or financing?

Do you need a trailer?

What are you using the tractor for?

 

[Tibbits]

The used one is a 3430. I haven't seen it yet, but at 100 hrs should be in good shape. I can pay or finance, lean towards financing unless total cost to own is less with cash, or if it's used. Don't need a trailer and will be using the tractor for mowing about 10 acres and some clearing/maintaining of about 10 more acres of wooded. And some plans for about 3 horses within 2 years. Mildly sloped land with fair amount of clay.

I had been thinking about 25HP with HST and relatively small size to help with brush control in wooded areas, but I love a deal, more horsepower, used pricing on a well-kept machine and am warming up to an enclosed cab as I get older....

Lot to consider. How does the 3430 sound??? and how bad is GST???

 

[Tibbits]

Oh yeah, don't need the trailer....got a good friend for that rare need!

 

[medicshawn]

For what you're doing I would go with the bigger tractor. I think you'll appreciate those few extra hp when Bushogging. I'm not sure on the loader specs but I would assume you'd get better lift capacity. The skid steer quick attach is worth alot. If you're gonna have horses the ability to put on forks or a hay spear will be nice. You should be able to run a 6 foot bushhog instead of a 5. HST you will like. I don't think the used tractor is a bad deal, but it would have to be a little cheaper to make it a great deal.

 

[Grandad4]

I think you would be wise to go with one of the upsized models vs. the 25hp size you were originally considering. I did that 8 years ago and haven't looked back. For me, the work demands grew after purchase, and the bigger tractor I bought (L4610) has more than met the challenge. Your 20 acre property is probably comparable to what I look after... we're in central NC also (Greensboro).

As for which one, that's a tough call. Without trailer, the used one would give you a good financial break, but you couldn't get the financing deal. The new one gives you about 10% more power, and you'll probably find some situations where that would be helpful.

Your comment about a cab threw me a bit. Neither one of these is a cab unit, right? Or is that maybe a bit of rationalization to keep shopping?

 

[Tibbits]

Thanks for the insights. The 3130 is looking better to me all the time. I may go see it in the morning...with the checkbook in hand and offer 15K for the tractor and box blade. Sound like a fair deal assuming the condition matches the low hours??

I did some reading on GST and I think I will be fine with that tranny. And the cab unit was just a nice-to-have that I think about on hot days like today!

 

[TripleR]

Have to agree with Grandad4. In some cases bigger is not better, just bigger, but in this it sure seems to apply. Heck I went looking for a 35 HP machine and came home with a 50HP and am tickled to death.

Now, I am not saying something like a B2630 or something along those lines won't do what you need, just that something with a little more size, weight and power will just make it a little easier.

As for which one, I much prefer the HST, but some really like the GST so you really need to drive them both to make a good decision.

Just a side note, there is no such thing as a "good deal" if it's not what you really want; been there done that

 

[Grandad4]

And the cab unit was just a nice-to-have that I think about on hot days like today!

I hear ya! Being that my "farm" was more avocational than vocational in nature, I concluded that we'd just hold off doing anything when it was too hot or cold to operate the equipment, until it got nicer. That has mostly worked out, but there have been a few times when it was a cold 6 mile round trip to our church, whose drive and lot were snowed in (you probably know the storms I'm talking about last winter :thumbsup. Had I only known, a cab would have been the bee's knees!

Our NC climate is on the margin for this decision. If you absolutely must be working your equipment no matter the conditions, life is a whole lot better with the cab. Otherwise, you can get by without, just like they did years ago.

 

[montelatici]

With these size tractors a 72" brush hog can sometimes drive the tractor when maneuvering.