About to bite the bullet - L2800?

[solo169]

Like I stated above, do yourself a favor and try out the L3400 also. Here is what happened:
The dealer told me that the L2800HST would pull the Woods RD72 no problem but after taking delivery of the tractor (HST, FEL and filled rear tires) I attached the mower to test the power. With the mower in the RAISED position I engaged the PTO and put the tractor in medium range and pressed the HST pedal. The RPM's dropped to about 1800 and was really having a hard time! This was without even cutting any grass. Even in Low range the tractor would bog. The dealer took the tractor back and did their own test and was baffled. He said he would never recommend the L2800 with a 6ft mower again. I paid the difference and took delivery of an L3400. I have the same mower and FEL, I can mow now even in high gear with NO PROBLEMS. It's amazing the difference in 6HP.

 

[canoetrpr]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's amazing the difference in 6HP. )</font>

Those last 6 horses are the strongest ones

 

[solo169]

Agree!

 

[simie]

Everything I've read on TBN convinces me that 24hp PTO will be plenty to run a 5ft brush hog. I'm pretty confident I bought enough tractor. HOWEVER, I'm also getting my first one, so I'll keep everyone posted. With what I'm doing, I will be testing the limits, which I'd do with any tractor, I guess. I'm also confident I got the right brand and transmission - again, this site has been an immense help, and I do understand that everyone has their preferences - I'm on my 6th GM truck. And I know we'll always suggest more power - considering that I started the process looking in the 16-21 hp range, I did go bigger. But I had to stop somewhere.

One question - I'm mowing some steep stuff (maybe). The dealers around here have shown me some of the stuff they mow regularly - up and down - and I was pretty freaked out at how steep they were using these things - much steeper than I'd need. So - how steep can I go?

 

[JustGary]

I've got an L2800HST and 5 ft brush mower, and the power is fine. I mow a hill on a lake with it, and don't have any problems with power or stability. The steepest part of the grade is about 17% (3.5 rise in 20 run), and you can't drive a 2WD truck up the hill; only 4WD will make it without some other help.

I also have the FEL and water-filled tires, but I did mow once with it before I had the loader and filled tires and didn't notice any difference. You could fill your tires for a little extra stability margin.

In short, keep the L2800 and buy a few implements with the extra $1000.

- Just Gary