Will 3430HST BE ENOUGH?

[icat]

I have the Bush Hog SQ600 5 foot rotary cutter that I use with my L3130. I have yet to have an issue with it cutting anything that I've thrown at it. And that includes some nasty Texas thorn trees (Huisache) that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The L3130 pulls it as fast as I feel comfortable going. As such, I pretty sure it would have pulled the SQ720 just as well. I do NOT have very many hours on the unit so this is NOT a long term report. But, as I said, it seems to eat the thorn trees without any problems at all.

 

[JATO_RaT]

Then I should think a 72" or 6 footer should make little difference. Depending on what your cutting, you just adjust your speed a little.

 

[s22]

Spent Friday shopping....only got to two of the three I wanted,
I think from what I have seen w/ most posts per dealer comments the choice really is between the 3130 and 3830....
I considered dropping back to a 5' cutter and buying a 3130
but..........I did drove both models..with the 3130 in medium
range and ;hst full pedeal going from long flat at top speed and starting up gentle incline the motor felt like it kicked down
and was straining a little bit......I played around feathering the pedal etc.....i know this is the difference between 'gear pedal'
and 'gas pedal' but it did surprise me....I was also surprised how 'slow' mid range was..I did expect a little more speed in mid...didnt try low but ill bet it is very low......The first dealer didnt seem interested in selling tractors(not because of his high price but just not engaged in the process) The second dealer was wonderful.....I was with the owner of the business for a couple hours going over the machines etc.....he is the furthest away but I went down to see them duto my good experience buying my last tractor there.....dealer #3 is yet
to be visited but is the closest and has a good reputation...I like them as well. Owner has sold me parts when I needed them on a closed Sunday and he was in doing books...when I needed a part the message was /come on in/...also worth something....so the deal will get down to the last 2....I am getting nothing but high prices so far though......both tractors
HST/loaded R$/block heater/bucket hood/723 w/ /QA bucket?
3130's quoted 20k+ and 3830 quoted 22k+.......dealer #2 states could probobly due better at 'commitment time' duto he would know what he has invested into a particular unit rather than speculating on availability......I will make the Jump
this month while current financing offers are in place...
I think I am leaning towards the 3830 for 2 reasons..
1)it didnt 'grunt' as much while going up the little hill
2)the marginally longer wheelbase should add stability for loade work....
dealer #1 told a story of a recent customer(not sure if 3130 or 3830) who had the 723 loader w/ the roundback bucket/loaded tires/ and a rototiller on back whose rear wheels came off the ground w/ a bucket load of materiel....
dealer went to see for himself duto disbelief.....the customer is switching to the 5xx loader for 'safety'.............
Now if I can just get someone to come down in price.....
dealer #3's quote on the 3430 is about the same the other 2 gave on the 3130 so maybe he will be the one....
The diff in size between the two even w/ larger tires really is minimal and driving them you would never know the diff...


Thanks all...will be in touch

 

[s22]

Ordered the 3830 from dealer #2 today......he and dealer #3 were about dead even...even though dealer #2 is twice the distanct (20 min vs 45 min) he made it up in his level of service. First class operation and glad to give them the bzns....packaged w/ bb720 citter... gb72 box blade.......
The tractor sizes are very reasonably close (3830/3130) so for a couple grand difference there is some comfort w/ the
extra zip and ability to go the full width...........