Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330?

   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #1  

stevenwolfe

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I've spent several hours combing through many of these threads and I'm convinced that many of you have some excellent points of view. That being said, I'd love to hear some advice on which model tractor I should purchase.

I've decided on a Kubota tractor, but don't know which model to choose. I currently have 13 acres and exclusive hunting rights on a 200 acre farm (that is planted by a farmer). I will be using a brush hog for our pastures and food plots (all together less than 10 acres of mowing/planting). I think the hardest work my tractor will endure is a 2-bottom plow and a disc (I may try a 3-point roto tiller) for 2-5 acres of foodplot plantings annually. We also have horses and a riding arena that I'll need to keep groomed (a simple task for either tractor). I can get an L3400 (34 horsepower/hydrostat) for $15k and an L4400 (45 horsepower/gear drive transmission) for $18k. To me, the L4400 seems to is a lot more tractor than the L3400 for not much more money. Hydrostat would be nice; however, I'm not sure the L3400 would give me enough horsepower. In order to get a tractor with a hydrostat and comparable horsepower to the L4400 I'm going to have to spend over $20k (The L3830).

As far as horsepower goes, the L3400 has 34.7 engine horsepower and 27.5 PTO horsepower. The L4400 has 45.3 engine horsepower and 37.5 PTO horsepower. The L4400 starts out with 11 more horsepower, has a bigger frame, it's wider, heavier and has more torque. I really like the idea of the having a hydrostat transmission; however, if I buy the L3400 I think I will be buying the bare-minimum tractor (horsepower-wise). I'm more likely to need more tractor than I am to need hydrostat. The gear shift on the L4400 is synchronized (similar to a car transmission) so you can actually shift while moving. Also, when you push in the clutch, the PTO isn't affected. You can turn the PTO on/off w/o using the clutch. The other thing that makes this tractor relatively easy to drive is that it has a gas pedal. Once you select a gear, you can use the gas pedal to increase speed (or RPMs within that gear). You can also use the hand throttle.

I guess what I really need to know is how much horsepower do I need to pull a 6-foot disc and a 2-bottom plow. I also have a 5-foot brush hog (which I feel either tractor will handle). I will be using the FEL, but not as the primary implement, and even the L3400 loader will serve my needs.

I have operated the L3400, L4400, L3130, and L3830. Although the Grand L series seem to have some more sophisticated features (deluxe seat, intelligent dash, and a tilt steering wheel) I'm not sure these features warrant the extraordinary higher prices.

I'm afraid if I buy the L3400 I'll wish I had more Horsepower later on. Is the hydrostat worth thousands (as in upgrading to an L3830 or L4330)and still ending up with less horsepower? Personally, any of these tractors will be an improvement over my current Ford 8N.

Last question: Has anyone ordered the book advertised on this website? If so, what are your thoughts?

By the way, my dad works for a Kubota dealer, so I'm able to purchase a Kubota at 5% above dealer cost. I mention that so I don't lose credibility on the prices I quoted above. However, I did give John Deere and New Holland a fair shake before I decided to purchase Kubota. Kubota tractors seem to have stronger hydraulics and seem to be able to pick up heavier loads (with the 3 point hitch). Kubota also felt more stable; probably because they had a wider operator platform and appeared to have a lower center of gravity.

Thanks,

Steve
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #2  
The 3830HST is 200 lbs heavier than the L4400.

The L3400 is too light for plowing and disking in my opinion.

The 4400 or 3830 would be my choice with the deciding factor being HST or not. For plowing I'd prefer manual tranny.

I'd also get R1 ag tires for plowing and disking.
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #3  
Hi Steve,
I bought an L4300, predecessor to the L4400, to do many of the same things you're planning. An L4400 with R1 tires is exactly the right choice for plowing/discing/planting 2-5 acre food plots. It should be excellent pulling a 6' bushhog as well (you might want to trade in the 5 footer while you're at it). For your main jobs, it's the right choice at a very good price.

However, with loaded rears and R1s, my L4300 tears things up around the house....it's definitely not a lawn tractor. You might want to keep the 8N around, if it's a good 'un, for the grooming chores. A set of worn out bar tires would work almost as well as turfs, I'd imagine. Even if your 8N's a mite wonky, having a new tractor on hand to shoulder the work will give you a chance to fix it up. That's what I did with one of my old Fords once the L4300 was in the barn.

The L4400's gear tranny might not allow you to go as slow as you need to with a tiller. However, I can't imagine rototilling 2-5 acres...seems like that would eat up a huge amount of time and diesel fuel.

Like you, I think the L3400 would be overwhelmed, while the 3830 would be a mite 'too nice' for my needs.
FWIW
Bob
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #4  
I have the L4400 2wd have had it about one month, really like it. you will have to come to a complete stop before shifting gears. I do 75% brushhoging and the rest moving dead trees and what have you, i have not regreated going with 2wd but most people want 4wd. I am new at owning a tractor so others could give much better advice, i just know my L4400 is great.
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #5  
Quote: Originally posted by stevenwolfe
<font color="red"> The gear shift on the L4400 is synchronized (similar to a car transmission) so you can actually shift while moving. </font>

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I don't think that is correct. My understanding with the L4400 is that you have to come to a complete stop when shifting through all the gears except maybe 3rd and 4th in each range. I might be wrong though.
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
I just drove the L4400 the other day and shifted the machine as flawlessly as a car (on the move). The dealer didn't say I shouldn't do that /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. In any event, I figure if I have to shift; I have to shift. I'm not opposed to that. I appreciate the comments on shifting and if I go with the L4400 I will definitely ask (and read the manual) to make sure I operate it properly. I think what I really need to know is can the L3400 handle the tasks that I have outlined. It's a darn good little tractor that would be easier to maneuver in tighter spaces, less work on my truck and trailer while hauling, and I'd have the benefit of the hydrostat. My wife would be more comfortable on the Hydrostat. However, as stated in my original post, I don't think it's a good investment to spend the extra money on a more powerful hydrostat tractor (as in the L3830 or L4330). Again, even the two Grand L series tractors mentioned have less horsepower than the L4400. I guess I'm 85+% sold on the L4400; it seems to be one heck of a tractor for the money and I'm confident I won't be disappointed with the horsepower. Can anyone convince me that the L3400 HST is plenty of tractor for me? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #7  
The manual for the L4400, and a sticker on the dash say not to shift while moving. That being said, it can easily be done without ill effect, you just have to time things right.

As for going slow, first gear low is a crawl. It is so slow I almost never use it. Even for heavy FEL use and pulling a 6' box blade second gear low is sufficient.

I wrote a review of the L4400 here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/reviews/reviews.pl/reviews/255

After 50+ hours and 9 months I'm more enthused about this machine than ever. It was nothing but luck since this is my first tractor, but this was a perfect purchase. I did a little research, met a good Kubota dealer and bought the most powerful tractor I could afford.

I've pulled 6 and 7 foot rotary cutters with ease. I've cleared about 3 acres of small pines using the FEL and now I've levelled those acres with my new 6' box blade. I have also used the teeth on the BB to 'plow' 5 small food plots. This worked better than I thought it would and the tractor handled it well...in very thick clay/rocky soil.

I'm am sure an HST would be a joy and my left knee would be very happy about not having to clutch, but the power and price of this machine outweigh those conveniences for _me_.
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #8  
I think the issue with shifting an L4400/L4300 on the fly is primarily shifting between ranges, i.e. from low range to high range while moving. Another poster with an L4300 reported damaging his transmission after repeatedly making the Lo to Hi jump on the move.

Shifting within a range on the 4-speed transmission is kind of a non-event. The transmission's not sychromesh, but the gear change is almost that easy.

BTW, these things aren't cars and shifting on the move is rarely required. Normally the tractor will start itself and its load moving in any gear without undue clutch abuse and is meant to do so. Where the need to shift normally arises is after getting moving on the highway and then realizing you could safely travel in the next higher gear. You don't have to go through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd everytime you want to use 4th....but I'm sure you know that.

As to the L3400 HST, I'd love to have one...as long as I've still got the L4300. It'd be great for tilling and snowblowing. For plowing and discing, well you're taking a big hit on HP and torque right off the top when you move from a 134 cu.in. engine to 100 cu.in. and then you're taking another hit on what gets to the rear wheels, thanks to the hydrostatic; plus you're taking a third hit thanks to a significant decrease in tractor weight. You'd be going from a machine that's easily capable of doing what you want to one that's barely capable....and to a situation that might impact the machine's longevity.
FWIW
Bob
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Point well taken on shifting the tractor. I merely mentioned it because I was successful at shifting on the move in the dealer's lot. I now realize over the life of the machine that is not good for it. Again, I sincerely appreciate everyone's input and how-to-shift and regardless of the tractor I decide to purchase, I will follow the manufacturer's operating procedures. It appears everyone agrees that both the L3400 and L4400 are great tractors. It also seems as though everyone thinks the L3400 is a bit under-powered for my needs. That being said, is there any reason I should purchase the L3830/L4330 instead of the L4400? Or to ask it another way: are the L3830 HST or the L4330 HST that much better a tractor than the L4400?

respectfully,

Steve
 
   / Which Kubota model: L3400; L4400; L38330? #10  
I would go with the L4400, it is a great tractor for the price and it will do every thing you are needing to be done with it. Mine just seems to impress me more everyday that I use it. And that is saying alot when I am used to running 100 to 150 hp tractors everyday.
 
 
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