Tractor Sizing 2007 L3400 on the cheap for 67 acres?

[newbury]

Thanks for all the replies. I think trying to get by with this for the next few years probably makes the most financial sense at this point. We are spending a lot to just get everything going out there. I have a question about lifting hay. I think the 3 pt hitch can lift almost 2000 lbs, is that what people normally use in smaller tractors? I am guessing they sell a specific attachment for that?

Bale spear

And just remember, the L3400 is good for your first tractor. When you buy implements err on the upper range and they may be big enough for your second tractor.

I'm an advocate of the 3 chainsaw, two tractor, one wife plan.

 

[LD1]

Pretty much agree with others that if the price is right, its a good first tractor, just to learn the ropes and see what your needs are gonna be going forward.

But in general, the L3400 is a bit on the small side for 67 acres + cattle. Doing large round bales is gonna require a larger tractor. and mowing 40 acres is gonna be a 2 or 3-day job if the ground is smooth. If ground is smooth, and grass not to thick, I can mow ~5MPH with a 6' cutter. Which translates to about 3 acres an hour.

 

[rScotty]

I agree with everyone. The L3400 is a bit small for those jobs, but it will get you by until you know more. And when that day comes it will make the best back up tractor you could ever find. I'd get it and keep it.
rScotty

 

[varmint]

As a L3400 owner, and someone who had a bigger tractor for a while, I think you are getting good advice. If the tractor is clean, and you take care of it, you can use it, and when you get more experience, and more money, you most likely can sell it for what you paid, if you get it at a fair price to begin with. They hold their value, at least around here. So it ain't much of a gamble. Heck, you may even want to keep it, and get a larger ag tractor for your serious work. When you get more details, let us know- like what tires, SSQA? remotes, and, importantly, HST???

 

[Fallon]

Are you lifting bales on the FEL or the Three Point Hitch?

Loader with SSQA pallet forks. My friends bales were stacked 2 high, no way I could get em out with the 3pt. I do have a 3pt bale spear & tried using it once. The bales started folding & coming apart. Might have been able to get the job done if I speared em lower on the bale the first time, but they were starting to fall apart after the first time.

It could probably handle the bales on the 3pt, but you couldn't stack em. So at best the 3000 series machine is not up to wrangling those bales properly.

I'd recommend getting the L3400 now AND getting the right size big machine later. Small & maneuverable is priceless at times, as is a backup machine.

 

[vulcancowboy]

I have an L3400 and it is a great little tractor for my 15 acres. As others have said, itis probably too small for what you have, but use it so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

 

[big bubba]

sounds like you're on the right track. btw should you start maneuvering round bales with such a light tractor, keep safety in mind at all times! loading the rear tires might be a thought & always have a heavy implement attached. safety police are watching! all the best in your new place, that's always an exciting adventure. best regards

 

[vulcancowboy]

sounds like you're on the right track. btw should you start maneuvering round bales with such a light tractor, keep safety in mind at all times! loading the rear tires might be a thought & always have a heavy implement attached. safety police are watching! all the best in your new place, that's always an exciting adventure. best regards

Very true! I know a guy who was killed when a round bale that he was moving with his FEL rolled back on him. Very dangerous!

 

[varmint]

I would be surprised if you can safely move round bales with a L3400! I have the SSQA on our loader, so I loose a bit of lift, but the standard loader just doesn't have the grunt to do much more than maybe pick one up and move it back and forth a bit, if that, IMO. Really picking one up and going somewhere would be looking for trouble. But other than that, it could prove a useful tool in managing acreage.

 

[big bubba]

Very true! I know a guy who was killed when a round bale that he was moving with his FEL rolled back on him. Very dangerous!

a nephew of a neighbor is paralyzed after an incident that you describe above. although it was a big tractor, he lifted it too high & the bale rolled backwards on him. not to discourage the OP's new adventure, just to be aware at all times of machinery's limitations.