3200 vs 3800??

[Fallon]

I have a L3200 hst with R4s & like it. I rarely run out of power before traction now that i loaded the rears (which i would now say is a requirement for traction & stability). It happens, but not too often. I rarely have power problems with my 5' rotary cutter, cruising along pretty fast in medium & hitting a denser patch will bog the engine & force me to ease off the go pedal, but usually the ground rough (even not so rough) ground is the limiting factor for me. Whenever I hook up my tiller I wish I had a L3800, as I'm definitely power limited there, but it runs the 62" tiller just fine.

The HST eats up about 15% of the power compared to a gear transmission, but I consider it worth it by far for the convenience & usability.

I probably have $1k of regret for not getting a L3800 over my L3200, possibly $2k, but definitely not $3k. I am thinking about eventually trading mine in for a pimped out grand with a cab or something, but I'm pretty happy with what I have now baring the weather.

 

[Sammy3700]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. Tomtint which backhoe do you have and are you running of tractor hyd on a pto pump?

 

[Tomtint]

Thanks for the input gentlemen. Tomtint which backhoe do you have and are you running of tractor hyd on a pto pump?

I have a BH 77 and it runs off the PB port.

 

[Tomtint]

It's usually set on the low side from the factory, I just tighten my relief valve and got an extra 150# lift. Make sure you check the pressure before and after.

1/2 turn at a time ?

 

[C4Ranch]

Depends on your use. What are the other specs? Gpm flow, loader size and pto hp...

For me, if the bigger one has more hydraulic flow or can handle bigger loader that would be my choise.

Pto hp is what matters for lots of things and the bigger one should keep you >30hp and allow you to work bigger implements (roughly 1' bigger in many cases).

Just my opinion but I don't recall hearing anyone wish they bought fewer ponies.

 

[teg]

1/2 turn at a time ?

Again check the pressure, my nut was not that tight. I don't think I turned it 3/4 to set it at 2400 psi (some went up to 2600 psi... here's the thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/128908-bump-up-lift-capacity-l3400.html

 

[Chilly807]

The hydraulics use shims to adjust pressure. I think there is a threaded relief valve on the loader though.
I have an L3400 and also run out of traction with loaded R1s before I run out of power. No problems running a 5 foot bush hog, I don't have a tiller. I'd rather have an engine working near capacity than have a larger one running at low load all day.
Sean

 

[Sammy3700]

Thanks again for the info gentlemen and a update. My father bought a L3901 hst with R4s today I really didn't want a emission tractor but, with rebates and a free box blade it was 2100 cheaper than the cheapest 3800 and the 3800 was 400 miles away.

 

[s219]

Wow, sounds like it was a good deal! Let us know how it works out.

 

[Fallon]

The 01 I saw had a smoother 3pt than my L3200 & I haven't heard of anybody complaining about a rough 3pt on any of the 01s. It should be a nice tractor for your dad.