Which Tractor?

[booxr]

First off hello to all. I am new here and looking for some input on a couple tractors. The first one is a 2003 L3130 with a LA513 FEL and 850 hrs on it listed @ $13,500. The second one is a L3400 with a LA463 FEL and 73 hrs on it listed @ $16,750. I have read where some people say the L3130 even with a few less HP is still more of a tractor than the L3400. So I was just looking for a little more input on the two or if there is another model I should be considering too. Another thing is the L3400 is just about at the top of my budget but I believe I should be able to get into a tractor that will suit my needs for under 17k to 18k.

 

[Burt]

First off hello to all. I am new here and looking for some input on a couple tractors. The first one is a 2003 L3130 with a LA513 FEL and 850 hrs on it listed @ $13,500. The second one is a L3400 with a LA463 FEL and 73 hrs on it listed @ $16,750. I have read where some people say the L3130 even with a few less HP is still more of a tractor than the L3400. So I was just looking for a little more input on the two or if there is another model I should be considering too. Another thing is the L3400 is just about at the top of my budget but I believe I should be able to get into a tractor that will suit my needs for under 17k to 18k.

Booxr
First off, tell us how much property you have, describe it and any hills. Then let us know what you need to do and then want to do with a tractor.

That will increase your answers and suggestions.

Burt

 

[booxr]

I have 33 acres that is mostly wooded which is fairly flat. I plan to use the tractor to maintain trails and the fence row around the property. I also plan to use it for food plots and snow removal in the winter.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

The L3400 is quite a capable tractor. Several members on here are pleased with them. Sounds like it should be sufficient to suit your needs.

 

[skeets]

I would have to go along with Eric on this, she should do everything you want just remember to work it with in its capabilities, it aint a CAT 988

 

[Wildan]

I owned a L3130 HST open station with the 524FEL,more capacity than the 513.Found it more than capable,traded for a cabbed tractor (L4240).A little larger and more features than the basic "L" series.
Pulled a two bottom plow,six ft.snow plow,brush hog ect. with no problem.

 

[booxr]

I have found another tractor that seems like a good deal and was wondering what you all think. This tractor is a 2003 L3430 HST with a LA513 FEL and has 690 hrs on it. Right now the tractor has turf tires on it but I told the sales man I wanted AG tires instead if I was to buy it. He run some numbers and come up with $15,800 for the tractor and new ag tires loaded. Good deal? My brother is telling me he would still pick the L3400 that has less hrs on it that I mentioned in my first post. What do you all consider low hrs? I like the idea of a little more tractor. By the way my brothers opinion does matter cause he may go in on half with me on the tractor.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I worry when anyone sells a tractor with such low hours, why are they getting rid of it???

Some dealers do it as they have used it as a demo and that's probably fine, but then again 100's of different users can do a lot of damage to a tractor in a quick hurry, kind of like buying a rental.

Yet sometimes you just get lucky and find one that has no issues at all and whoever bought it just went bigger, smaller or just different for what ever reason.

 

[TripleR]

I prefer the GL over L due t a lot of factors including roomier, flatter operator platform that is easier to get on and off, better cruise control, tilt steering, independent PTO, extendable lower lift links and much smoother 3PH. So my pick of those mentioned would be the L3430.

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/8/5/1857-kubota-l3400.html

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/001/8/5/1851-kubota-l3430.html

 

[booxr]

The L3400 is owned by an older guy 79 or 80 I think he said and wants to sell it cause he don't need it and his son already owns a slightly larger tractor and don't want it either. He already sold all the attachments he had for it. The pictures I saw of it look as if its sitting on the show room floor. There isn't even paint missing off the bucket. The L3430 was a dealer demo and used around the dealership plowing snow and stuff and a rental machine from the sounds of it. It too appears to be in very good shape.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Spec wise the L3430 is the winner
History wise the L3400 is the winner

Either is a great tractor!

 

[booxr]

Thanks guys. Now I just need to get home on days off to go look at them in person.

 

[Donystoy]

I agree that your decision has to be based on what you plan on using the tractor for and what future attachment's that you may purchase for it. When I purchased mine almost 30 years ago I only had my 3/4 acre property and it was intended for post hole drilling and backhoe work so 17 hp was satisfactory. I could have purchased the B8200 for the same price but I liked the wider profile turf tire better for not damaging the lawn. As it turned out I now have another 77 acre property so I now wish that the tractor was larger.
If you want to pull a two furrow plough or use a bush hog wider than 4' you need at least 30HP. Even my 49" snow blower would operate a lot better with more HP. The roto-tiller is another story. Not bad when I am in black loam that I have previously broken up but clay is another story.
At least I do not have to worry about breaking any shear pins.
Two things that my tractor has that I would never do without is hydrostat and power steering. My next tractor will also have a heated cab.