L3400 vs L4240 purchase

[ewhyte]

Hi All, this is my first time participating in this forum... but I've noticed some pretty informative discussions so hopefully this will help me with a decision I need to make soon.

The L3400DT has some very good reviews out there. There's not too much negative except for the fact it doesn't have a tool box. Some recommend strongly the HST and some seem pleased they went with the DT gear setup.

Likewise the L4240 gets high marks from reviewers.

Here is my situation:

15 acres hay field that is getting overgrown. I need to cut it and then maintain.
3 acres of orchard - mow between the tree rows
12 cords hardwood - need to haul a mile from the back 40
1200 foot driveway - need to maintain the gravel track and snow blow in the winter
General FEL work...

What are your recommendations? L3400DT (price is right) or the L4240 (stretching the budget but do I need the better features and power)?

Thanks,
Eric

[davitk]

The L4240 is a much larger, heavier tractor. Figuring out whether you have size and/or weight limitations will make your decision easier.

[bialecki]

I was reading the specs about the Grand L4240 at kubota.com, what a nice tractor! Go for the L4240

[Bob_Young]

If you're planning to snowblow, ewhyte, definitely get the HST, whichever tractor you get. You'll need to run up engine RPM to get PTO speed close to 540 RPM for good snowblowing. With HST you can go as slowly (over the ground) as you want regardless of how fast the engine is turning. With gear, you're restricted to the speeds provided by the reverse gears you have available. Usually they're too fast for the heaviest snowblowing and you'll have to slip the clutch or stop-n-start to get through the tough spots.

As to big (L4240) or small (L3400), consider that the L3400 will comfortably handle a 5' standard duty 3PH mower while the L4240 will handle a 6 footer. You'll probably want the 6 footer for all the mowing you've outlined, plus it'll extend a little further under the orchard trees. Yes, an L3400 could 'run' a 6 footer if your land is flat and the grass isn't too heavy, but with hills or hard going, the 'tail will wag the dog' ...you'll need the weight of the heavier tractor.

Might want to enquire about the L4400 HST. It's heavier and larger than the L3400...about the same size as the L4240 and with the same engine but a basic tractor with fewer amenities. Some here say the cost savings over an L4240 aren't worthwhile, but if you need the size and are stretching the budget, the L4400 HST just might be the answer.
FWIW
Bob

[ewhyte]

Hi Bob - thanks for the input - I think I can get a deal on the L4240 as well. Btw... my grandmother used to sign everything she wrote with Rom 8:28. It was her rule for life. Very much appreciated.
Eric

[KitC]

Eric,
My last tractor was an L3230 with GST. Traded it in for a GL4240HSTC. Just turned 100 hours on it and have been pulling a 6' Bush Hog Squealer over some fairly steep ground and have found it to work great. The L3230 with a 5' cutter was a lot more difficult to get around my hills.
The FEL on the 4240 is quite a bit stronger than the one on the 3230.
The cab is the nicest feature. Quiet, cool/warm, good music, no dust, no bees, and has great visibility.
Best decision I've made in awhile was getting it.

[Samandothers]

I was where you were back in November. Information on this forum helped me as well as visiting dealers and driving the different tractors. I decided on the L4240 HST in December. I have 69 hours on my L4240 HST and have had nothing but positive experience with the unit. I had not used a HST tractor before, but am glad I went with it for some of the tight areas I work in and use with the loader. The Auto Throttle and stall guard sure make the tractor easy to operate. If you can move to the L4240 over the 3400 I would. Nothing against the 3400 but the extra horse power plus the upgrades sure can be handy! Good luck.