Why should I choose an L3940HST over an L4400HST?

[rebelback]

Right now I can get an L3940HST with FEL for $25,800. I can get an L4440HST with FEL for $23,800. I've never owned a tractor. I can count on one hand how many times I've actually used a tractor. I plan to bush hog, grade with a box blade, and clear brush. Am I really going to miss all the extra features of the L3940?

 

[dex3361]

I have a L4400HST and I can say it is a great machine and the fault that I will direct you to is the bucket rollback angle on the 703A FEL and the extendable 3PH lower arms. This is how far you can roll the bucket back from level. The L4400 is a strong no frills machine. I have 250+- hours on mine now with nary a problem. If I were to buy a new machine today I would step up to theMX4700 or MX5100 for the better FEL.

 

[IslandTractor]

I presume you meant the L4400 is the alternative. The L3940 has more deluxe features but the single biggest functional difference is the transmission. The Lxx40 series has the most advanced HST on the market. Most if us do fine without that transmission but it clearly does have some advantages so I'd suggest you familiarize yourself with that and decide if it is worth the difference. FEL capacity and PTO power are likely a but different but would favor the L4400.

 

[dex3361]

For me and my use the simplicity and lack of electronics was and still is appealing. The HST on the L4400 is smooth as silk and I am sure the GL3940 is even better.

 

[Samandothers]

having a L4240 I'd go for the L3940. I like the transmission and some of the other electronics.
You could look at the resale values to get an idea of which may be a better value. If you decide you need to sale and get smaller or different which would give you the most value?
Just another way to look at it.

 

[TripleR]

Not unless you drive a L3940 and in all honesty maybe not even then. There is a reason other than price that they continue to make the Lxx00 Series. It is a good, solid, no frills, dependable tractor that will do as much work as the L40. As dex3361 points out, it is a simple tractor that appeals to many.

I like the L40 Series because of the tilt steering wheel, flat more spacious operator platform, more comfortable to me seat and HST+ transmission. As nice as the HST+ transmission is, I bought a used L5030 HSTC that does not have one and have no regrets.

I am too old and beat up to run an open station tractor much anymore, so I have to have a cab which is only offered on the L40.

Short version I guess is if all you need/want is something to accomplish tasks with, no you won't miss all of the features of the L40 Series.

 

[Grandad4]

Right now I can get an L3940HST with FEL for $25,800. I can get an L4440HST with FEL for $23,800. I've never owned a tractor. I can count on one hand how many times I've actually used a tractor. I plan to bush hog, grade with a box blade, and clear brush. Am I really going to miss all the extra features of the L3940?

If you were shopping for cars and found two models priced like this, one less costly and nice but clearly not as nice as the other one, which one would you go for? Both get you from A to B, but one might treat you a little nicer on the way. Same with these tractors. Most owners say the 3940's HST+ alone is worth the difference in price, but it's kind of a personal choice you'll have to decide for yourself. In terms of doing work, they both get you from A to B in a tractor kind of way. If it were me, I'd figure the cost difference is small over a 10 or 20 year span of ownership, so I'd get the one I like best.

 

[LD1]

Let me start by saying I am the owner of a Lxx00 machine. I like the simplicity and no-frills most-for-my money workhorse.

But given the two you listed and only a 2000 price difference, I'd go with the L3940. Reasons to follow...

But you really need to go to the dealer and drive these tractors. Which one has the ergonomics that fits YOU best.

Now some of the reasons.
These two tractors will appear to be of similar size on the lot. They have the same sized tires and all.

But Given $2000 more for the L3940, you are getting a 3PH that is stronger by about 450lbs. The tractor itself weighs 650lbs more which is a big plus for ground engaging tasks like box blading and FEL work, or anything that requires maximum traction. The loader capacities are really too close to notice a difference. But the 3940 also has a main pump that is 2 gpm more flow.

Given all that, Plus the other added "luxuries" that come with a Lxx40 series, I think is well worth the 2k price difference.

At this point, the only thing the L4400 has going for it is the extra HP that will help with your bushhogging, and the $2000 less pricetag.

When I purchased my L3400 5 years ago, If I had the option of stepping up to the larger and stronger L3240 or L3540 for only 2k more, I would have jumped. But it was more like a 5k difference at the time.

Again, I strongly suggest getting some hands on time with both of these tractors on the dealers lot. Two totalld different animals with very similar specs. Its like comparing a honda civic with manual windows, manual locks, 5spd, etc to a lexus with power everything and leather seats. Only you can decide if it is worth the extra 2K to YOU. For some people it is, for others it isnt. That is why they sell a lot of both.

 

[ejkessler]

I owned a L2800 HST which has the same Transmission as the L4400. Functional and very strong. Miles above the old style tractors. I traded that for an L3540 HST-1 2 1/2 years ago and just took delivery on a L3940 HSTC-3 2 weeks ago. The price difference is nominal IMO but the performance is considerably smoother on the Grand series. Also putting on a BH on a L4400 will cost you more because the sub-frame mounting is considerably more than the Grand series. L4400 is a great reliable work horse of a tractor and will definitely get the job done. I just would not personally want to go back unless there was more of savings to do so. Go for the Grand L and you won't regret it IMO. Plus I believe they hold better resale than the standard L series.

 

[bigbull338]

for the prices you quated id bypass the 2 your looking at an step up to a MX5100HST 4x4 w/844 fel for close to those prices.but i think id go with the 4400 hst.