Regarding L3200 HST power and loader work....

[familyman]

At this point I believe I have decided on trading up to an L3200, HST.

My main uses will be clearing and digging work, ie., FEL digging and hauling, dragging my 6' boxblade and rake, pulling a middle buster, using my backhoe. I will also be mowing with a 5' finish mower, which doesn't worry me.

I found a thread here where an L3200 owner complained of a lack of power when using his HST below 1500 RPM. I realize that one of the trade-offs of HST vs gear is having to run the engine at a constant speed for the HST, vs modulating the foot throttle with a gear transmission.

My L2800 only seemed down on power when trying to run up an incline on the road in 4H, but the rest of the time it got along fine. In fact, when doing the above listed chores, I would run out of traction before I ran out of power. I'm guessing that the 4 added hp of the L3200 will be even better in that regard, but I'm wondering if the L3800 is the better choice for my applications?

I'll add that I don't have big PTO power needs. I may one day have a 5' brush hog, but for now, finish mowing is it.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

First off, howdy neighbor! I live in the same county as you.

Regarding the tractor purchase, are you aware of the "jerky hitch" problems on those models? You can spend hours reading all the threads on this subject.

Also, which one of the local dealers are you planning on buying from? Just curious...

 

[familyman]

Howdy to you, too!

I'm well versed in the "jerky hitch" issue. My L2800 has it and it's an '06, so it's as bad as they come. I've learned to live with it, which is not to say I like it.
I've also read enough threads to understand that the newer L's aren't as bad, if they have it at all. If I get a bad one, I'll be installing the flow control valve that someone here (Brian?) recommended: Surplus Center - SAE 8 HYD FLOW CONTROL VALVE RD108-8

As for which dealer, I won't say just now because I'm still negotiating.

However, I will tell you this; I bought my tractor from Erb and Henry, in Boyertown. They are an established and experienced dealer whose service has been exemplary. The reliability/honesty factor is significant. Price isn't everything, by any means.

As I said, I'm still exploring but nearly there. I'm just wondering if the L3200 HST can do what I want. I'm certain that the gear model would be more than able, but I'm new to HST.

 

[k0ua]

Howdy to you, too!

I'm well versed in the "jerky hitch" issue. My L2800 has it and it's an '06, so it's as bad as they come. I've learned to live with it, which is not to say I like it.
I've also read enough threads to understand that the newer L's aren't as bad, if they have it at all. If I get a bad one, I'll be installing the flow control valve that someone here (Brian?) recommended: Surplus Center - SAE 8 HYD FLOW CONTROL VALVE RD108-8

As for which dealer, I won't say just now because I'm still negotiating.

However, I will tell you this; I bought my tractor from Erb and Henry, in Boyertown. They are an established and experienced dealer whose service has been exemplary. The reliability/honesty factor is significant. Price isn't everything, by any means.

As I said, I'm still exploring but nearly there. I'm just wondering if the L3200 HST can do what I want. I'm certain that the gear model would be more than able, but I'm new to HST.

You will absolutely love the HST for loader work. And as for power you will run out of traction long before you run out of power. Even ballasted correctly, the tractor will still spin all the tires in LOW range when pushing up against a immovable object.. no worries.

James K0UA

 

[familyman]

James, thank you. That's what I suspected, but it pays to ask.
Asking also saves me the difference in $ between models... I want to get what I need, not pay for what I don't.

 

[k0ua]

James, thank you. That's what I suspected, but it pays to ask.
Asking also saves me the difference in $ between models... I want to get what I need, not pay for what I don't.

Cool.. I am not saying the L3800 extra power wouldn't come in handy like when pulling a rotary cutter in tall stuff. or maybe a PTO generator, but you aren't going to have any trouble with you L3200 for the Loader work. Of course the resale is slightly higher on a L3800 if that is of any concern.. also the resale of either tractor in HST vs. gear is higher, because it appeals to a wider audience as a second buyer. But getting just what you need is why they make so many models of these tractors.

James K0UA

 

[Bluegill2]

The L3200 will do all you ask. Good luck!

 

[bigballer]

hello familyman, i am curious what your reason is to move from the 2800 to the 3200? other than HST it would seem the change is nominal (ie a few more HP and some body enhancements)..

 

[Bluegill2]

The L3200 will do all you ask. Good luck!

Actually, I think my L3800 has too much power, hahaha :laughing:. But I'm not complaining!

 

[General Lee]

hello familyman, i am curious what your reason is to move from the 2800 to the 3200? other than HST it would seem the change is nominal (ie a few more HP and some body enhancements)..

I was wondering the same thing myself.

Familyman- you'll be fine power wise w/ the L3200 but I think you will struggle to do any real work at 1500 rpm. Putting around lifting free standing objects but thats about it. I have a L4400 and I need to be at least 2 -2200 rpms to do anything decent, and near full throttle for serious work. Although my tractor is larger than a 3200 and needs the power to move it.

 

[familyman]

hello familyman, i am curious what your reason is to move from the 2800 to the 3200? other than HST it would seem the change is nominal (ie a few more HP and some body enhancements)..

It is a nominal and expensive, but necessary change.
My ride on mower is showing signs of crepitance. Another Simplicity will run me around $4,000; if I have to spend that kind of money, I'd rather put it into a real tractor that can do the mowing.
That aside, changing direction and speed using the un-synchronized shuttle is just too slow for me, for the uses I put it to. Dirt work, snow removal, grading and finish mowing are what I do most. I believe the HST will make all of this much easier and make me more productive.
Plus my wife could mow our couple of acres with it, in much less time.

 

[k0ua]

It is a nominal and expensive, but necessary change.
My ride on mower is showing signs of crepitance. Another Simplicity will run me around $4,000; if I have to spend that kind of money, I'd rather put it into a real tractor that can do the mowing.
That aside, changing direction and speed using the un-synchronized shuttle is just too slow for me, for the uses I put it to. Dirt work, snow removal, grading and finish mowing are what I do most. I believe the HST will make all of this much easier and make me more productive.
Plus my wife could mow our couple of acres with it, in much less time.

You are correct on all counts, I went from a gear B7500 to a Hydro L3400HST. and we used the tractor 10 times as much, and the wife would actually get on and help with the L3400HST.. she hated the gear B7500.. Not to say the B7500 wasn't a good tractor because it was, but the hydro is just so much easier to operate, especially us old decrepit senior citizens

James K0UA

 

[familyman]

You are correct on all counts, I went from a gear B7500 to a Hydro L3400HST. and we used the tractor 10 times as much, and the wife would actually get on and help with the L3400HST.. she hated the gear B7500.. Not to say the B7500 wasn't a good tractor because it was, but the hydro is just so much easier to operate, especially us old decrepit senior citizens

James K0UA

I should have gotten the L3400 HST to begin with, but live and learn. Spend once, cry once.

 

[k0ua]

I should have gotten the L3400 HST to begin with, but live and learn. Spend once, cry once.

You see it is guys like you with experience that keep me advising noobs to go HST if they do not know what they want.
and you have all the gear guys, saying heck NO get gear, get something you can work on.. get something that puts all the power to the ground. that does not make heat, no whine.. etc.. Like most noobs know how to split a tractor to replace a clutch anyway.. ha ha. I get some guys angry with me for always pushing Hydro.. well to tell the truth I could care less what an experienced tractor user wants for a transmission as his uses and needs might be way different than mine.. But when a Noob comes on here asking what tranny to get, there is only one right answer. that is HYDRO. because if you have to ask, you are not going to be doing the things that a gear tractor does better anyway.. 90% of them are suburbanites like me, not farmers. And even if you are a farmer, or horse rancher, and have stalls to clean out, and Hay to make. well the truth be told, Hydro is best for them too. I actually had a member call me an angel for prodding him to get the hydro, on his new tractor, he was very unsure, as he had run gear tractors for a long time.. and he LOVES his new Kubota Grand L with hydro, and is so pleased I pushed him in that direction. I have owned 2 gear tractors and 3 hydro tractors now..and just can't imagine going back. Sure I operated them and operated them well, and they did a lot of work for me, but I am older now, and life is just to short for a gear tractor. I am going to the closet now, and get the flame retardant suit..:stirthepot:

James K0UA

 

[familyman]

You see it is guys like you with experience that keep me advising noobs to go HST if they do not know what they want.
and you have all the gear guys, saying heck NO get gear, get something you can work on.. get something that puts all the power to the ground. that does not make heat, no whine.. etc.. Like most noobs know how to split a tractor to replace a clutch anyway.. ha ha. I get some guys angry with me for always pushing Hydro.. well to tell the truth I could care less what an experienced tractor user wants for a transmission as his uses and needs might be way different than mine.. But when a Noob comes on here asking what tranny to get, there is only one right answer. that is HYDRO. because if you have to ask, you are not going to be doing the things that a gear tractor does better anyway.. 90% of them are suburbanites like me, not farmers. And even if you are a farmer, or horse rancher, and have stalls to clean out, and Hay to make. well the truth be told, Hydro is best for them too. I actually had a member call me an angel for prodding him to get the hydro, on his new tractor, he was very unsure, as he had run gear tractors for a long time.. and he LOVES his new Kubota Grand L with hydro, and is so pleased I pushed him in that direction. I have owned 2 gear tractors and 3 hydro tractors now..and just can't imagine going back. Sure I operated them and operated them well, and they did a lot of work for me, but I am older now, and life is just to short for a gear tractor. I am going to the closet now, and get the flame retardant suit..:stirthepot:

James K0UA

I spent a lot of time in commercial construction and have never seen a gear skidsteer.
Most of my applications, mowing aside, are skidsteer (track loader) territory. I wish I could afford to buy one or had the truck heavy enough to tow one, but I don't. Most of us are looking for a "jack of all trades" machine, to do more than straight line plowing, mowing, tedding or bedding, for which a gear tractor is ideal.
I'm off to the dealer... wish me luck.

 

[bigballer]

It is a nominal and expensive, but necessary change.
My ride on mower is showing signs of crepitance. Another Simplicity will run me around $4,000; if I have to spend that kind of money, I'd rather put it into a real tractor that can do the mowing.
That aside, changing direction and speed using the un-synchronized shuttle is just too slow for me, for the uses I put it to. Dirt work, snow removal, grading and finish mowing are what I do most. I believe the HST will make all of this much easier and make me more productive.
Plus my wife could mow our couple of acres with it, in much less time.

your rationale makes sense, i know i am very happy with my hst and my wife even likes to mow her pastures with it, it's just dead simple (and EASY!) good luck with your purchase.

 

[k0ua]

I spent a lot of time in commercial construction and have never seen a gear skidsteer.
Most of my applications, mowing aside, are skidsteer (track loader) territory. I wish I could afford to buy one or had the truck heavy enough to tow one, but I don't. Most of us are looking for a "jack of all trades" machine, to do more than straight line plowing, mowing, tedding or bedding, for which a gear tractor is ideal.
I'm off to the dealer... wish me luck.

Good Luck, :thumbsup: Pictures when you get her.

James K0UA

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I spent a lot of time in commercial construction and have never seen a gear skidsteer.
Most of my applications, mowing aside, are skidsteer (track loader) territory. I wish I could afford to buy one or had the truck heavy enough to tow one, but I don't. Most of us are looking for a "jack of all trades" machine, to do more than straight line plowing, mowing, tedding or bedding, for which a gear tractor is ideal.
I'm off to the dealer... wish me luck.

Good Luck, :thumbsup: Pictures when you get her.

James K0UA

Yup. Best of luck, and make sure you put up pics!!! :thumbsup:

 

[familyman]

The decision is made... I'm going with the L3800.

Pictures to come!

 

[Bluegill2]

The decision is made... I'm going with the L3800.

Pictures to come!

Congratulations, man !!!