L3240 Purchased

[rdam]

Signed for a new L3240 today. Looked at a few JD's, including a 3320, Kioti, Massey-Ferguson (1533), NH (TC30), and a Branson. The Kubota wasn't the least expensive, but it appears to be the most tractor for the money. A few years ago, I came to the same conclusion and purchased a Kubota L3830, which I sold last year.

It's a DT, 8x8 shuttle for $14,500, LA734 loader with QA 72" materials bucket for $3,700, BushHog Squealer 60" with slip clutch for $1,100 for a total of $19,300.

Looking forward to being back in the saddle again. Will be delivered Monday.

[Grizz]

[sciguy2902]

Did you get the goods and how's it working out? This sounds like the exact set up I'm looking for although this will be my first tractor. I'm wondering if the DT will become an aggravation after a while and if I should buy the GST for about $1400 more. I've also had conflicting advice on getting the 514 or 724 loader. Some folks say they're basically the same but others say the 724 is worth the extra 600 bucks or so. Any thoughts there?

[johnk]

I own a gst and love it. I definitely would go with the 724 loader. A lot more power and also needed to attach a backhoe to. I know it was needed on my 3130 for the backhoe. Don't know about the newer model tractor with the lighter loader. Go to the Kubota website and check out the specs.

[kbota]

Originally Posted by johnk

I own a gst and love it. I definitely would go with the 724 loader. A lot more power and also needed to attach a backhoe to. I know it was needed on my 3130 for the backhoe. Don't know about the newer model tractor with the lighter loader. Go to the Kubota website and check out the specs.

I agree 100%. I also have a gst, (L3010) and love it, and would also recommend the heavier loader for a ton of reasons.

k

[rdam]

Sorry for the delayed response. The tractor is running great as expected. I was having some vibration issues with my 60" rotary cutter but I think I've got that under control.

The 724 is likely worth the extra $. Mine is only a glorified wheel-barrow, but I like the idea of having the extra capacity if I ever need it. One thing I have on this that I didn't on the L3830 is a QA bucket. I highly recommend this option.

I like simple and reliable and the DT (8x8 Shuttle Shift) is just that. I enjoy shifting and like the "feel" of the tractor with gears. If I was doing LOTS of loader work, HST might be the way to go, but it's really just an overgrown lawnmower for now. I ran a GST for the first time about a month ago and liked it. It has many of the same advantages that an HST has, with much of the "Proven reliability" of gears. Plus I'm cheap...and didn't want to spend the extra money.

Don't hesitate on the 40 series DT or GST. I think they are virtually the same as the 30 series except for some cosmetics. The big change if I'm not mistaken was in the HST models. That has been totally redesigned. I have not read or heard anything negative about the "new" HST's.

[BotaFreak]

[quote=rdam]Sorry for the delayed response. The tractor is running great as expected. I was having some vibration issues with my 60" rotary cutter but I think I've got that under control.


I have the same cutter and see you have some vibration issues as well.How did you cure yours?I have even changed the blades in an attempt to cure this.Sometimes it is so smooth you have to look back and see if it is there...other times it will shake your teeth out.

[john_bud]

Originally Posted by BotaFreak

I have the same cutter and see you have some vibration issues as well.How did you cure yours?I have even changed the blades in an attempt to cure this.Sometimes it is so smooth you have to look back and see if it is there...other times it will shake your teeth out.

The blades will collect trash like tall grass, twigs, weeds and leaves if you travel to and fro with the blades still. The blades can pretty easily get spun to the inside of the stump jumper and the trash will keep them from spinning back. Just shut down, spin down then raise the deck and look. On mine, it's usually a stuck blade with weeds or sticks holding it. I can usually find a stump to set the deck on and then clean out the problem. However, about 80% of the time just shutting off the PTO and restarting will fling the blades back out.

good luck,
jb

[rdam]

[quote=BotaFreak]

Originally Posted by rdam

Sorry for the delayed response. The tractor is running great as expected. I was having some vibration issues with my 60" rotary cutter but I think I've got that under control.


I have the same cutter and see you have some vibration issues as well.How did you cure yours?I have even changed the blades in an attempt to cure this.Sometimes it is so smooth you have to look back and see if it is there...other times it will shake your teeth out.

I greased the blades where they contact the pan, and where they pivot. If I couldn't get grease in, I sprayed it with WD-40. If it moved, I greased it. The vibration problem is all but gone.