Go BottomKubota B3030 vs L3400
 | charlesaf3
Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Boston 
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2006-08-17 133419
I really appreciate the good advice I've gotten here so far, and thought I'd ask another question.
So I went to my local kubota dealer yesterday (southeast Mass), and had a look at some tractors - the B3030, and per Art's useful advice, the L3400. The B3030 was really nice - they want want $18,350 for the HSD - F with folding ROPS, mid pto, and loader. The L3400 HST - F was $18,000 for the same setup - cheaper, oddly.
So the question is, which of those would be better for me? THe B would be better for mowing than an L3400 with a towed finish deck, but the L3400 is noticeably cheaper. Oddly enough, on the stats the B3030 looks like basically as strong a machine except for PTO horsepower. The LA463 for the L3400 lifts 1142 pounds at the pivot pin, and the LA403 on the B3030 lifts 1091. The L clearly weighs more, which I assume means a stronger frame, and might be a little worse for mowing.
So the question is, how do I decide between the B3030 and the L3400? What are the decision making factors? They don't seem that different, honestly, but I'm sure I'm missing something.
Oh, and as per my last post, I have 7.5 acres, pretty hilly, mostly woods which I want to clear a lot of, and 1.5 acres in grass currently.
Thanks again,
Charles
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 | beagle
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1333 Michigan 
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2006-08-17 133429
Charles, have had a 7800 for about 3 years, and haven't found much it won't do. You should compare the features between the 2 machines. The 3030 is a "premium" tractor, which would be comparable to the Grand 30 series in a L-Series frame. There are certain creature features between the "30" series premium tractors and the straight 00 series tractors like the B-7800 and L-3400. Adding $'s for creature features is something you need to decide based on your likes/dislikes, as much as needs. To compare between two comparably equiped machines would be to compare the B7800 to the L3400, and the B3030 to the L3130 or L3430.
There are differences in the engines between the 2 models. The B3030 has a four cylinder diesel, while the L-Series will have a three cylinder. The four cylinder will run a little smoother, while the 3 cylinder will generally offer more torque. You can compare the peformance specs at the Kubotaengine website. But...the L's are heavier, meaning the power to weight ratio will be a little better with the B-Series.
Other than that, it's size, weight, and a little bit of muscle. If you are going to be doing primarily heavy work, loader/clearing/hauling, and don't need to trailer the machine around, I would go for the L-Series. If you are going to be primarily mowing, and need to do heavier work intermitantly, the B-Series offers a more nimble, but very capable machine. Also easier to trailer than the L.
If you did look at the Grand-L Series, you could go to a Mid-Mount mower. We got rid of our mid-mount for a RFM for the 7800. It is more convenient to change out for muli-tasking, and is easy to get used to.
A few thing to think about. Drive them both, you'll know which one is right. We use the heck out of our B. They are great little tractors. ....
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| charlesaf3
Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Boston
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2006-08-17 133433
Thanks. The creature comforts aren't a big deal, but the weight and nimbleness might be. That's why I'm comparing L3400 to b3030. But maybe I should be looking at the grand Ls if they have a mid pto... are they reasonably nimble?
I have the feeling that a 7800 would suit me fine, but I've read enough complaints here about the 1/4 control for the pto that it seems worthwhile to pay more for better pto control. ....
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| beagle
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1333 Michigan
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2006-08-17 133435
The difference between the L Series and the Grand L is similar to the difference between the B7800 and the B3030. The Grand-L offers more of the "premium" features than the L, and has some of the newer technology.
The 1/4" valve for the 3-pt is a pain in the *$$ to get used to. That is, ...as I have posted several times..., the drawback of the 7800. But like everything else, you get used to it. We also have a Position Indicator that tells the operator the exact setting of the 3-point arms. It won't put it there, but it tells you when you have it where you want it. Still not a replacement for position control. ....
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| charlesaf3
Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Boston
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2006-08-17 133436
yeah, I'm willing to pay a bit extra, especially spread over 36 months, to get position control. It seems even the cheap Ls have it, right?
....
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 | Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York 
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2006-08-17 133438
The economy L's do have position control hitch like the 3030. Depending on the amount of three point hitch work you expect to do would make a difference as to the value of the hitch differences. ....
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| charlesaf3
Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Boston
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2006-08-19 133503
I think (based primarily on the complaints on this forum) that position control would be worthwhile.
I've now realized the grand Ls can be equipped with a midmount mower, and am contemplating them - haven't checked price yet. Anyone have an opinion on how they compare for mowing to the B3030? I love the idea of the towed finish deck, but thinking about my property I know the midmount will be a heck of a lot easier to deal with = otherwise I'll be crashing into stone walls and trees every time I turn my head..
Thanks,
Charles ....
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| Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2006-08-20 133528
Both of those tractor models use ground engaging decks and are both equal in ability. ....
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| charlesaf3
Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 17 Boston
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2006-08-20 133534
so in that case its probably a matter of price between the b3030 and the L... ....
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