2009 L3400 VS Ford 3000

goochy · Mar 5, 2011

I have a 40 yr old Ford 3000 with power steering , very strong old tractor . 2x4 no loader . 42 hp ? with 6 ft equipment . With bald back tires . so it spins alittle under heavy load .

Looking to buy a used 2009 kubota L3400 , 4x4 , FEL , R4 tires , like new , with all new 5 ft equipment . Is the L3400 ( 35 HP ) going to feel weak compared to my 3000 ? I heard the 4x4 really makes a smaller tractor feel like it has more power ? Going to demo it soon . . Wanting to go to a more compact tractor . I have two 3 acre lots , so I have to trailer it alot . Also wanting to pick up small jobs with new 4x4 tractor with loader . Thanks for any info !

bigbull338 · Mar 5, 2011

i doubt that youll see much if any loss of power in the kubota compared to the 3000.they say working in 4wd drive gives you 20% more hp.so they will pretty well be equal in that respect.

TripleR · Mar 5, 2011

I really like those old Fords, but they are pretty limited in what they can do. If you are doing a lot of ground engagement work they are stout tractors and I seriously doubt the L3400 will match it. As an all around utility tractor however, my choice would be the L3400.

You will have to get use to running at considerably higher RPM's on the Kubota, but they are designed for that and won't hurt anything.

LD1 · Mar 5, 2011

The 3400 would probabally make an excellent replacement for your 3000.

I know mine will out work an 8n when it comes to pulling. And the comfort is much better.

Since your 3000 has bald tires, the 3400 should be able to pull at least as much as the 3000, if not a little more due to the 4wd. But make sure and get the rears loaded and keep some ballast on the back because these tractors are MUCH lighter than the older ones.

As far as the power goes, that depends. When it comes to pulling somthing, I doubt you will notice a difference. Tractors break traction LONG before they run out of power.

Where you may notice it is at the PTO. You may not be able to bushhog quite as fast, or mow quite as fast. If that is an issue. you mentioned 6' implements, for the most part, like blades, finish mowers, etc that is fine on the 3400. But a 6' bushhog is the absolute BIGGEST I'd go on a 3400. I actually perfer a 5' hong on mine.

goochy · Mar 6, 2011

Thanks for info , I just work around yard , I have about 8 driveways / parking lots that I grade . Do small dirt work/ gravel work . The Ford has been great , but wanting something smaller and newer 4x4 with FEL . I also like that the L3400 is coming with like new 5 foot equipment ( EVERYTHING that I would need ) . So I will be selling my Ford 3000 with a 6 ft box blade and a 6 ft bushog . I am going to KEEP my 6 ft Bushog BRAND grooming mower , its a 4 post with roller , so its easy to pull it .