L3240 or L3540

[dcabernel]

I'm planning on purchasing either a L3240/L3540 mostly for landscaping and snowblowing. I only have 2.5 acres but I believe I'll be buying a bigger place someday.

Landscaping will be mostly digging out tree stumps and spreading topsoil, gravel etc. The soil around here is called Manitoba Gumbo: Sticky, heavy clay. I've worked with a friends B series 26HP Kubota in the clay and it didn't fair well. I'm hoping the heavy Grand L series will be better.

I don't have a one to one price comparison yet, but was wondering if the extra HP for the 35 would be a good idea. Also, would I be better with the LA724 loader than the LA514?

Option wise, I think I'll get the Mid PTO athough I'll be getting a rear mount snowblower. I have a garden tractor, but I want to be prepared if it dies and I decide to use the Kubota for mowing.

Is the Skid Steer quick attach worth it? How about the third function value?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[art]

The best time to buy larger is now! The two tractors are nearly identical in all ways and the larger horsepower is nice although for you to be digging the horsepower is not as much of a concern as overall heft!
Many people have wished they got the larger loader for one reason or another.
As far as the q-tach bucket, that to me is a no-brainer! The price of the bucket doesn't change you only have to add the quick-tach. Do it once with the purchase and when you might need an option later you won't be buying the Q-tach and the bucket!
The third function would work for all the attachments you might want on the loader like a snow blade with power angle, or a grapple or a four in one bucket.

[groundcover]

Sounds like that soil could use all the hp you can throw at it. Also get the rear remote for the snowblower rotation and a tooth bar, the skidsteer bucket is a handy thing too. good luck !

[canoetrpr]

Go with more HP if you can afford it. Highest priority to me would be the 724 loader.

Personally I would get one of them brand new drive forward rear mowers so that I could keep the FEL attached in the winter, rather than a front mower.

You getting a backhoe right :-) Much easier to get this stuff upfront than add it later on.

[botayota]

My local dealer indicated to me that the 3540 isn't a very popular model.
Most people buy either 3240,3940,4740 since the price difference and increase hp with the middle of the road models is miniscule.

BY

[Charlesaf3]

I'd get the bigger loader and the QA for sure. Probably the diverter, but rear remotes are even more useful (best is both)

I'm not sure the mid pto will get that much use though, unless you are going the snowblower route there. I have an MMM, and honestly would be at least as happy with an RFM

[canoetrpr]

Have to agree with Charles. I think that the extra $1500 or so for the 3 PTO hp would be better spent on other things on a L3240. My order of priority.

- LA724 QA loader
- Rear remotes - TnT
- Canopy and 4 work lights
- 3rd function for loader valve and 4n1 bucket

[cschlaps]

Agreed about the 3540 - either stick with 3240 and get some extra goodies, or suck it up and go up to the 3940.

The skid steer style quick tach is a must have, as is the 724 loader. The HD round back bucket is handy too, especially in wet heavy soil. The round bucket is easier to get material out of when it's sticky.

If you do look at a backhoe, the BH90 handles wet sticky clay very well. I spent about 30 hours on it, carefully digging around an existing house foundation to repair the drain tile - in wet sticky clay. No problems, even with an 18" bucket.

A 3rd function valve and a rear remote are on my list of upgrades...I'm regretting not putting them into the original package when I bought it in February.

[dcabernel]

Originally Posted by Charlesaf3

I'm not sure the mid pto will get that much use though, unless you are going the snowblower route there. I have an MMM, and honestly would be at least as happy with an RFM

Good points about the Mid PTO. I'll be getting a rear mount Snow blower and the chances of mowing my lawn with a tractor this size is slim to none. My lawn is poluted with trees and shrubs. But does having/not having a Mid PTO affect resale value?

[amigauser]

The mid pto is a dealer installed option and can be added at any time. I would think most people would not care about a mid pto.

In regards to the 3240 vs 3540. If you are getting the open station (non-cab) version then I agree, save the extra $1500. If you are thinking about one with a cab, the 3540 would give you a little more HP for the air-conditioner etc.