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 | MichaelSnyder
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0 
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2001-03-12 25400
Hello all,Its been quite some time since I last posted a new message.My neighbor is looking to replace his JD 950 with something a little more powerful, newer, and more operator friendly. (HST/GST)Two of the tractors he's looking at is the L3710 (4x4) & L4310 (4x4). Possibly the Cab version!!80% of the tractors use is pulling a 3pt 6' Landpride finish mower over 5-9 hilly acres.The other 20% is divided among misc loader tasks and a 3pt snowblower on his 400'-500' driveway,(up hill). Since he doesn't want to go smaller, the L3710 seems like a nice fit.My question to all of you is, which tranny would you get for mowing, snowblowing, loader work.Also, what do you think of the cab option?Other than price, why wouldn't he want that option?My thoughts are: non of us are getting any younger. I was reminded of this as I was plowing snow in sub freezing condition this past month. Having enough clothing on to walk to the north pole. And this summer will remind me of how nice air-conditioning can be on a hot humid dusty Pennsylvania day. Especially for anyone who has allergies. The other issue is that you cannot get a cab'd GST in the 3710. You need to move up to the 4310... but then you lose the mid PTO. He doesn't need it at the moment, but would like to have it in case he decides to get a front mount snowblower.Without me turning this into a book, What are your thoughts...good, bad, different??Whats a good price?Feel free to compare against JD and NH...
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| Bird Senter
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 962 
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2001-03-12 25402
Michael, in my opinion nothing beats the HST for work that requires frequent changes of speed and/or direction. That includes most front end loader work, and for me, even using the finish mower (slow down for any thick spots, speed up for thinner ones - I don't have a manicured lawn like I did in town, but I do have a big yard). I've also read a number of messages saying the same is true for snow plowing and/or snow blowing (although in Central Texas we don't even see, much less use, such equipment. And as far as I know, there are only three reasons to NOT get a cab model: (1) it costs more, (2) for some applications, it may be too tall to get under trees, through garage doors, etc., and (3) if you have any really hot weather and the air-conditioner quits, you're in trouble until it's fixed (I have neighbors who farm with air-conditioned tractors and they tell me that you can't stay in those tractors, even with both doors and the rear window open, without air-conditioning in the summer with the sun shining through that glass). That's the long way of saying I'll vote for the L3710 w/cab and HST. ....
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| JeffM
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-03-12 25405
Good to hear from you again, Michael! Boy, room for a lot of opinions with your post. First of all, tractor size. I think a L3710 (37 hp, 2990lbs no cab) is plenty of tractor for a 6' finish mower, some loader work and a snowblower. That would roughly equate to a NH TC35D (35hp, 3252 lbs) or a JD4400 (35hp, 2900lbs). If he wants more power and/or size, then L4310 (43 hp, 3060 lbs), TC40D (40hp, 3328 lbs), or JD4600 (43hp, 3450lbs) might make sense. My vote on the tranny is hydrostatic, but glideshift is nice for loader work also. He probably should try each one out and see what he is more comfortable with, same thing with the different brands. If he is mowing 5-9 acres, it would be worth it to be comfortable with the tractor's ride and controls. Also, it seems to me that the rotating seat on the NH Boomers would be great for rear mowing or rear snowblowing - it would probably make the difference for me. I think a cab is great, especially for winter work. But I keep my tractor in a garage, so I have to worry about height clearance, and my other concern is to be sure that a cab would be compatible with a backhoe in my case. Sounds like he might be a good candidate for turf tires between the mowing and snowblowing, something to keep in mind. ....
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| MichaelSnyder
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
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2001-03-12 25408
Hello Jeff,
Unfortunately the Cab option is not compatible with Kubota's back-hoe. In his case, I don't see that being an issue. He and I are of the same thinking in that area. I recently rented a Kubota mini-excavator for $125 from saturday afternoon till monday morning. Better still, I can't think of a tractor/back-hoe that would have fit into a few of the spots (trees) that the little excavator crawled its way into with ease. Simply due to physical length of the machine and 360 degree turning ability. In his or my case, I don't think we would use the BH enough to warrant the purchase.
As far as tires, He's been pleased with the Ag tires on the JD 950... So I think he will opt for them again. Turfs are definitely out of the question...in his mind. The grass is more like field grass than golf course quality grass.
As far as the A/C.. What is the failure rate? Might seem like a dumb question. But what about the A/C in a car. How does this system differ?
Is it 100% electric powered? Or does it have a compressor like a car?
He was also looking at a JD4500. And will be looking at a TC?? in the near future. I think the Kubota will get the nod, but its always good to do your homework. ....
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| JeffM
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-03-12 25413
Michael, I agree that renting a mini-excavator is the perfect solution for occasional backhoe needs as opposed to spending $5-6K for a tractor-mounted backhoe. I rented a tiny Taguchi a couple of years ago and was able to fit it between two trees that were 3' apart - seriously, the excavator was only 32" wide with the tracks in the narrow position. It still was amazing the work it could do. And your rental rates sound a lot lower than I can get. Don't know anything about tractor A/C units - sorry. ....
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| Bird Senter
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 962
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2001-03-12 25414
Michael, unfortunately, I've had very little experience with tractor air-conditioning (but sure did enjoy what experience I have had), and the ones I've been in had basically the same system a car has, and I understand they're just about as reliable if you don't let the condensor coils get clogged with debris. A fellow in my area bought a new M6800 last summer and was baling hay on Sunday when the air-conditioning quit. Since the dealer was closed, he called on a local independent mechanic who works on Sundays and I happened to be over there. The mechanic checked the head pressure (400 psi), took a garden hose and washed out the condensor coils, pressure dropped to normal, and it started cooling normally again. I don't know whether there are any other kinds or not. ....
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| Frank R Taylor
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-03-12 25416
This is a subject that is close to my heart. The Kubota L3710 with a cab would probably be my ideal tractor if I could just afford it. Ofcourse, I would still need to keep the B2400 for mowing the lawn because it is so light. I think the L3710 is the smallest Kubota tractor with HST that you can get a cab on. Like Bird, I live in Texas and that air conditioner gets more of a necessity every year. I don't have anything to add to the drawbacks of having a cab but I think I could live with them just to feel that cold air blowing. Last year I did mow approx 30 acres on the farm tractor without the air conditioner or even the fan and as the the other poster said it was absolutely miserable. Opening the windows in that 100 degree heat didn't make any difference and with the sun beating through the glass I was lucky to get out of there without getting heat stroke. I was saturated through and through and dehydrated. Not one of my more fun experiences but it had to be done.
It would seem to me that the L3710 would be an ideal choice for what your friend wants to do and I'm jelous. ....
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| MichaelSnyder
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
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2001-03-13 25442
I've noticed a few of you have had experiences with A/C less cabs. I haven't seen the Kubota enclosure yet, but many of them seem to have doors/windows that could be removed in an hour or two...if need be. I spoke to my father last night about the tractor my neighbor is looking at... Especially since he has logged quite a bit of tractor time when he was a kid, taking care of three dairy barns plus the field work that goes with any farm(s). Anyway, my father also felt it would be a mistake not to get the cab. He brought up a few good points. First he said, "When I was your age (meaning me) that wouldn't bother me either. Now that I'm older, its not even a question anymore." Secondly he said " Like your mother always says, buy it right the first time. Its too expensive to be upgrading all the time or say "I wish I would have...."
Especially when its something you plan to have for years and years...
Well, we'll see what he decides. As long as he's happy with his choice, thats all that matters. ....
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| Jeff Croft
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-03-13 25476
I just purchased a Kubota 3010 with HST, loader,and 5 foot woods rear discharge mower. I am so glad I bought the HST. You don't have to shift and it makes mowing, loading, and plowing snow very easy. I just hope it holds up as good as a regular trany. Paid about $17,800 for the tractor and loader. $19,500 with the Woods mower included in the deal. ....
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