Down to 2 choices.....

[swampvol]

I cant remember who, but someone on here has the Ansung loader on their 3400. I think it has more lift capacity, ~200lbs, than the 'bota fel which means more stress on the front axle. That might be the reason for voiding the warranty.

[canoetrpr]

Coastdog, I have an L3400 and am quite happy with it. I like most of the Deere products. I like the 790 and the 3x20 series and the 4x20 series. I'm not a huge fan of the 3203.

Seems like Deere went out of their way to make things like a PTO that can run with the operator off the seat, remote valves, backhoe not possible with that machine.

The other thing to bear in mind is that IMHO you are best of buying the more popular models even within well established brands like Deere and Kubota. It's your best bet to:
- Ensure the best parts supply over the very long term
- Get a machine that has had the most real world tests (by actual users) and has thus had the most bugs worked out.

If you were comparing the 3x20 over the L3400 I think that they would be equivalent wrt the above two points with an advantage to the 3x20 for creature comforts and the 300cx loader. Against the 3203, IMHO the L3400 wins out on many fronts:

- No crippling of PTO, future remotes or bh possiblity (and trust me no matter whether or not you *think* you will need this stuff, you don't want to limit yourself. You WILL do more your tractor than you plan on).

- MUCH larger sales numbers. I'll bet it is one of the most popular CUT models Kubota sells and that the 3203 is likely one of the lesser popular JD CUT models.

- Believe lift capacities on the L3400 are higher as well.

60 miles, I would not worry about it. Parts are easily available online if you don't need it the day of. If shipping from Messicks or tractorsmart did not have the exhorbatant border brokerage charges and shipping fees to get stuff into Canada from the USA, I'd pretty much buy everything on line.

As Teg pointed out, it is worth trying to ensure that you do have a dealer that will stand by the product in case something does not work or needs fixing under warranty support. Chances are you will not. The L3400 has wide distribution and is a simple tractor and has been on the 'road' for several years.

Good luck in your decision.

[canoetrpr]

TexasDoge has the Ansung loader. I wouldn't be concerned at all about the extra 200lb of lift capacity... I'd welcome it! Unless you are lifting right AT THE capacity ALL the time.

Based on how I use my loader, for the most part I am lifting WELL UNDER capacity.

An extra couple hundred pounds would be nice to offset the weight of a QA bracket.

[Coastdog1]

CanoeTrPr,
Well so far no one has stood up for the 3203 and you're statistical argument for the L3400 is very hard to refute. I have gained some confidence through your post that the Ansung loader is at least not underdesigned. It will be up to me to make sure the dealer stands behind the tractor warranty if he provides an aftermarket loader and I think I can accomplish that by having tractor,loader and warranty stipulated on the same contract.

When I started spec'ing my tractor I said to heck with the frills but started to backslide with the R4's (to keep from chewing up the area to be finish mowed and then the HST (I like the instant change in direction without shifting on some other tractors I've used).

I'd appreciate further comment on Kubota HST reliability and ease of use. I happen to like Deere's 2 pedal approach for ergonomic reasons but believe the Kubota is safer.

Again thanks for the commentary.

[ChuckinNH]

I like Deere's two pedal approach when I am facing forward on the tractor too. The situation changes when I am trying to watch behind me as I would be when using a rear snowblower, or, to a lesser degree using a box blade. It is easier to position myself comfortably with the Kubota setup then.

[swampvol]

Originally Posted by canoetrpr

TexasDoge has the Ansung loader. I wouldn't be concerned at all about the extra 200lb of lift capacity... I'd welcome it! Unless you are lifting right AT THE capacity ALL the time.

I agree. It would help with the weight of a grapple as well.

[canoetrpr]

Coastdog1, I have to agree that I too prefer the ergonomics of the JD 2 pedal setup.

That said, I've got about 100hrs on my bota and have more than gotten used to the treadle and never really felt the need for anything different. The manual cruise control is also easy to use.

The HST on the L3400 is a simple mechanical hydrostat the best I can tell and I expect it to be very reliable. Pretty much everything on the L3400 seems to have been borrowed from older designs.

I'd be amiss if I didn't suggest that you also consider them more luxurious L3240 and JD3320 with the LA723 and CX loaders. I love my L3400 and I expect that the simple non electronic design will give it longevity. That said, I think that I would appreciate the creature comforts and some of the gizmos on the Grand L and JD3320 and increased capacities. I have never gotten into a situation where my L3400 could not do what I asked it to - so this is not about needs.

Of course the next models up also have a larger price tag - so you have to stop somewhere. The L3400 with a HST IS a fair amount of luxury when you compare it to a DT.

[Racer71]

I am all smiles with my 3400HST. I thought I would be re-designing the pedal when I bought it. I decided to use it a while first. It is a strange fit to my size 13 shoes but it does work well and I am getting the feel for it.

The strongest advantage for the single pedal design over the two pedal or gear tractor is that you don't have to change anything to change directions. You either point your toe or rock on your heel. This lets you concentrate on the FEL or blade. It is a small point but it is a point.

[Sweats62]

I love my 3203 although I got mine with a 300X loader (in Dec 06). I'm at 180 hrs and believe I got every bit what I paid for. I can't say a thing about Kubota as I've never owned one. If you have specific questions about performance, please drop a line. Good luck with your decision.

[Superduper]

Originally Posted by swampvol

I guess the JD is $500.00 more because of the box blade?

As for which one you should get, you answered your own question..1st choice...60mi. is nothing.

I was charged $850 for my frontier box blade, my first purchase.