tractor size ?

stovepipe · Jan 5, 2004

Thanks for this website ! I have 25 acres and need a tractor to mow 4-5 acres and to build and maintain a motocross/atv track and trails. I need a tractor with good loader/backhoe abilities, some of the jumps are 5-6' tall. I looked at the bx23, but it seemed too small. I am considering the b2910 or L3130. I know the L3130 is bigger with the same hp, but is seems to have better backhoe abilities. I haven't looked at the John Deere or New Holland yet. Any suggestions ?

art · Jan 5, 2004

You are right and justifiably so when you have weight difference between those two different size tractor chassis. I'd be telling you to go for the L-series.

JDgreen227 · Jan 5, 2004

I am not a Kubota owner, but can advise you that for backhoe use, get the strongest, heaviest tractor you can afford. You will never regret spending the extra money. Get the L3130 !!

Dave___in___CT · Jan 5, 2004

Hi...

The Kubota L3130 will handle the Kubota BH90 9-foot backhoe... I think it's "commercial" quality/capability...

Dave...

CTyler · Jan 5, 2004

I was looking at the 2910 and went with the L3130. The NH 33D and JD 4210 are comparable to the L3130. These get you into the larger frame. The NH29D is more along the lines of the b2910.

I didn't consider the the JD myself cause the price in my area was to high. NH and Kubota had more tractor for less money. I simply had a better warm fuzzy with the Kubota dealer than NH and I was leaning toward NH initially. I liked the NH joystick setup better for the loader vs Kubota as well.

I can hardly image a BH90 or a Woods 9000 on a smaller framed tractor than the L3130. There is plenty of power to move the heavier tractor as it is.

If you can check out the Kubota L series, JD 4210, 4310 and NH TC29D, 33D and 35D tractors.

bebster · Jan 5, 2004

If you are looking at the L3130, a comparable model from John Deere is the 4310. The BH90 backhoe on the L3130 is most comparable to the 48 backhoe on the JD. Can't go wrong with either, as long as you can get good service from the dealer.

txdon · Jan 5, 2004

L 3130HST and BH90 has my vote.

TxDon
 L 5030HST BH90

JDgreen227 · Jan 5, 2004

As a 4210 owner, I would discourage using that model for serious backhoe work, the 4310 has more hp and better hydraulic flow, plus it can handle a larger backhoe than the 4210. Had I thought I might buy a backhoe down the road, I would have bought the 4310.

AndyMA · Jan 5, 2004

For that kind of excavation and earth moving I would get a decent size tractor. Since I'm a New Holand fan, I'd go for a TC40 or 45.

Andy

Henro · Jan 6, 2004

I have a B2910...

Get the 3130 or a 3430. The BH90 backhoe is much better than the backhoe on my B2910.

I almost regret buying my B2910, but since I only have 3.7 acres to deal with it is excellent for my needs.

Buy the L3130...almost costs the same...much more bang for the buck...

snowbound · Jan 6, 2004

( For that kind of excavation and earth moving I would get a decent size tractor. Since I'm a New Holland fan, I'd go for a TC40 or 45.)

Nothing wrong with a little more power but the TC35 is almost the same capability (same loader, same hydraulics, essentially the same weight) and depending on availability, could be a better deal.

MossRoad · Jan 6, 2004

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

jinman · Jan 6, 2004

I don't know if you will be trailering your tractor, but if you go over 5,000 lb, you are talking about a whole lot more cost for the trailer since you will probably exceed 7,000 lb gross weight. With a loader+backhoe+tractor, it's really easy to exceed that 5,000 lb, especially if you load the tires. I would NOT make this a "deal breaker," but it's something to consider if hauling is part of your equation.

Currmudgeon · Jan 6, 2004

I'm going to suggest the opposite alternative.

I have a JD 855 with a 24HP diesel, 19 to the PTO. It's a small tractor with a small FEL. But to once-off build the MX track and therefter maintain it, it would be adequate. It won't be a quick machine, but depending on the soil, digging five foot pits and building five foot mounds with the FEL is well within its capability. It will power a big enough mower to handle 4 acres easily.

It's not really adequate for a backhoe, though. You'd need to decide how important that option is.

Do I wish I had more HP? Sometimes I'd like maybe 30 or 35 HP. What I really wish I had is a bit heavier hydraulics with power beyond, so I can build a few oddball accessories.

My point is not to underpowqer your tractor, but to evaluate your needs, determine what capabilities you really need, and consider sizing the machine to those needs.

Then buy the biggest machine you can afford. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Dave___in___CT · Jan 6, 2004

..."It's not really adequate for a backhoe, though. You'd need to decide how important that option is."...

I had a slightly smaller Deere 750 CUT with front loader & Deere #7 (7') backhoe from the factory...
Handled the frame mount hoe well...

My sons easily built a short dirt bike track including jumps with it...

Dave...

fishman · Jan 7, 2004

I have a 2910, and my advice parallels Henro's. Buy a bigger tractor. I use mine almost exclusively for moving dirt and it doesn't hold a candle to the New Holland TC40D my dad has. Way, way, way better than a wheelbarrow, but for the difference in cost between a smaller tractor vs. a Kubota 3xxx or a New Holland TC4xD, or a bigger JD, it doesn't make sense for you to buy the smaller tractor.

Bigger is definitely better when it comes to moving dirt or using ground-engaging equipment.

rdam · Jan 7, 2004

( I have a B2910...

Get the 3130 or a 3430. The BH90 backhoe is much better than the backhoe on my B2910.

I almost regret buying my B2910, but since I only have 3.7 acres to deal with it is excellent for my needs.

Buy the L3130...almost costs the same...much more bang for the buck... )

Listen to Henro and by a Kubota L series. I think he has the highest Tractor/Acres ratio of anybody at TBN. Plus, he apparently visits the factory in Japan often in the hope that they will GIVE him a tractor so he stops showing up for tours with that hat and two Kirin's. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

dougzdog · Jan 8, 2004

i was looking for a tractor recently and was going to buy the 3130, until i went to the century dealer and found a similar tractor for 3-4k less. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif