Trade offs on B3030 vs L3400...

[canoetrpr]

While I do have a L3400 HST and I'm quite happy with it, I can't say that I disagree that the L3240 is a better buy - even at another $3K with the LA724 loader.

I really liked the two extra ranges that you can select on the steering wheel selector. I could see this as being useful during loader work. I am in low range on the beside the seat selector and when I pick up a load, I would be using the "tortoise' i.e. lower range of the lo range and after I dump I could use the "hare" i.e. higher range of the lower range - without having to stop the tractor or move my hand far beyond the steering wheel.

 

[art]

Most any tractor could be set up with front and rear hydraulics. We do often configure them here in the shop if they aren't already factory made for the unit that we are working with. When building a front it normally means that we just work with hoses on the loader frame which probably won't be a problem for you.

On another note, you could get started depending on your type of work with a used TLB which would really help you with the digging and later change over to a more everyday tractor.

 

[beersngars]

I called the salesman today and told him I would be in this Wednesday. I think the L3400HST is the one. I need to get one in route as my pole building package is going to be here right after Labor day. Need the tractor for site work and to dig the post holes. I could probably buy the B7800 and be happy, but a few more bucks now will leave me feeling better that I upgraded. The L3400 has the advanatage of larger front tires and about 800 pounds. Hope I'm making the right choice.

 

[schmism]

when i was looking for my CUT last year, the bota dealer told me i couldnt get a 72" MMM and R4 tires on the L3130.

that and the all digital dash were a deal breaker for me.

 

[canoetrpr]

I could probably buy the B7800 and be happy, but a few more bucks now will leave me feeling better that I upgraded. The L3400 has the advanatage of larger front tires and about 800 pounds. Hope I'm making the right choice.

I most definately think that the L3400 is better over the B7800 for applications that do not require the smaller size of the B7800. It's a great tractor and you will definately be happy with it.

Some suggestions - get a toothbar for the FEL. Makes a world of a difference for digging. You can buy one aftermarket. I got mine from the dealer.

I would recommend getting the tires loaded up front. I waited a year to do this and the difference is spectacular.

I would also recommend some remotes.

 

[Bob_Young]

Yeah, what canoetrpr said, plus:
1) get some lifting hooks welded to the bucket
2) get the rear tires set out to at least the width of the bucket.
3) get a block heater if you live in a cold clime (you don't need it to start, but it'll shorten your warmups and the engine will sound a whole lot better if pre-heated on a really cold day)
4) make sure you get a folding ROPS if you plan to run it in and out of your garage

BTW, not sure, but I don't think either the B3030 or the B7800 allow you to set the rears out. The L3400 will, but it's a little awkward and what you end up with depends on which way the rims and the wheel centers are bolted together.
Bob

 

[beersngars]

Tooth bar is on the list.
ROPS is a folder.
No electric where it will be sitting, but will check into the block heater.
Not sure about the wheel offset, but do they make spacers? Or a bad idea?
The jury is still out on loading the tires. I like Slime for leaks, so I'll decide that later. Dealer has the tractor but has to get the loader. I'm also getting the heavier Woods 5' brush cutter. Also thinking a small ballast box. That should shoot my wad.

 

[canoetrpr]

I've got a Woods BB60. Very nice bush hog. I really like Woods. I regret not getting the BB72 instead though.

I'm confident that the L3400 would have handled the 6ft fine for my bush hogging - its not heavy duty stuff as I keep my pasture in good shape. Also you can go slow or take 4 - 5 ft bites out of thicker brush. The down side of the 60" is that it only barely covers the rears (that is without any spacers). The 72" would be perfect for mowing around a fence line - 6" over-hang on each side.

I kicked myself in the pants after I got my tires loaded. Couldn't believe that I drove this around for a year before deciding it was the thing to do. If you have hilly area at all... it is a must.

 

[canoetrpr]

Just re-read your post. If you are getting the heavy duty Woods rotary cutter (BB600 I think) that thing is a BEAST!. Very heavy if I remember correctly.

 

[bandit67]

I called the salesman today and told him I would be in this Wednesday. I think the L3400HST is the one. I need to get one in route as my pole building package is going to be here right after Labor day. Need the tractor for site work and to dig the post holes. I could probably buy the B7800 and be happy, but a few more bucks now will leave me feeling better that I upgraded. The L3400 has the advanatage of larger front tires and about 800 pounds. Hope I'm making the right choice.

You should seriously consider renting a skid steer to knock out the post holes. It'll be a lot faster than a 3pt PHD on your new machine, unless you've got some really soft soil. I knocked out the 18" diameter post holes for my pole barn in less than 4 hours including travel time, so I was able to pay for only the half day rental. I've used both types of PHD's, and I wouldn't spend the money on a 3pt one for myself - it'd be a QA type for the front loader, or maybe a backhoe mounted one, or none at all. JMO.