We had the same issue with hay last winter. Ended up getting 4x4.5 round bales which weighed roughly 600 lbs. I simply strapped them to the front of the bucket and had zero problems moving them around with the L3400. We used 5 or 6 of them in late winter, so it wasn't like we were moving them all the time either.
Having said that, the bucket itself probably weighs over 200 lbs, so you lose that much lift capacity right off the bat. A purpose built bale spear for the loader is a good solution, although removing the non-QA bucket every time is a pain.
The QA loader plate and bucket are still available from Kubota, although they're a special order item here, about 45 days lead time according to my dealer. My price would have been about $1000 for the two items, plus the cost of a QA bale spear, usually around $300. I wanted the flexibility of using the loader to move bales, so that would be the route I'd take.
If you don't mind removing the old bucket when you need to move hay, a pin-on bale spear is your best solution weight-wise. Making one fit will probably entail some cutting and welding to build a frame for the spear, if you don't have that capability you'd need to hire someone to build it for you. Probably under $1k, but slower than simply driving into the QA type spear and bucket, which will also have slightly reduced lift capacity because of the mounting geometry.
A three-point spear will definitely do the job, so the L3400 has the capability although it may be less than ideal. Stacking two high might be a problem with the 3-point, I've not tried it myself.
Anyway, you've got a few options to explore before you go buying a new tractor. Since it's someone else's idea, maybe they're willing to use their money too?? :laughing:
One thing it definitely needs either way is a rear
ballast box or at the very least loaded tires. The L3400 is light to begin with, which is the reason the loader is rated fairly low in lift capacity.
Sean
