ford 3430

[deereron]

any comments, good tractor on no? Looking at one to buy will it lift a 1800 lbs bale on the front-end loader? Don't hold back, tell me all you know TIA
Ron

 

[RodinNS]

The 30 series were generally good tractors. The 3430 in particular will be heavy for it's power... so it's not the light utility that many are acustomed to.
I don't remember if it had the 8x8 transmission as an option or not, but if this one doesn't then it's not the first loader tractor I'd want with the 8x2 transmission. The 8x2 is bulletproof, but it's got 2 reverse ratios.... Too SLOW and TOO FAST.
Also, unless it's a FWD model you won't carry an 1800# bale on the loader. You could if you use another one on a spike on the back for counterweight but you're still asking a lot of the front end on the 2 wheel drive.
Even with FWD, you can get around but that kind of weight is tricky.
I do the same kind of thing with a 3930 which is basically the same tractor... and it gets around OK, but you've got to be carefull.

Rod