Buying Advice B3200/b3030 or L3800?

[zmjc]

ZMJC have you noticed any jerkyness of the 3pt that I heard was a problem with the L3400?

OK, I have now tested the 3PH on the L3800HST.

Yes, it is incredibly JERKY. Astonishingly jerky! If they wanted to deliberately design a jerky 3PH, they probably couldn't make it any jerkier ("the Jerk-O-Matic feature shakes your mowers clean!").

However, I can't say that it really affects me in any serious way... it does have position control, so I shouldn't be fiddling with the 3PH raising that often. It's a minor annoyance. Overall, I'm very pleased with the L3800HST.

- Mike

 

[KabotaTim]

I have a L3700SU, which is similar in size and features to the L3400 and L3800, it also exhibits the same jerky 3 point issues. If when raising the rear mounted implement I just pull the lift level all the way back (up) in one motion then there is no problem and the lift is nice and smooth. The jerky/ bouncing action is only exhibited if I try to do small adjustments when lifting upward. Never any problems when lowering. For my purposes none of this presents any real problems.

Of the tractors you are looking at, I definitely recommend the larger L series for the jobs you have described. The frame is a little heavier and should handle the heavier work loads you are looking at with greater ease and minimize downtime from wear and breakage. Also, the L3800 provides a little extra HP and larger FEL to keep you moving and get your jobs done faster as the FEL on the L3800 will lift higher/handle more weight/dig deeper. The extra weight and cost of the L3800 is minimal for the extra benefits it would provide for your jobs. I think you would end up kicking yourself if you buy a B series. Just my opinion based upon previously owning a L3710 GST to maintain 47 acres in Northern Wisconsin for 5 years, and now owning a L3700SU HST to maintain 8 acres in North Carolina.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[tetrakis]

I just got a B3200 for my 17 acres. Did a lot of brush hogging as job number 1, and there is not really an issue with the power - I was in grass/weeds up to the tops of the tires - no problem. The land pride 5 foot rotary cutter was great, but you do have to go a little slow (low gear - 3 mph) when the brush gets thick.

The loader is pretty big, but I haven't really gotten the hang of exactly what it can or can't do yet. I have moved some compost, some gravel and hauled some stone back to my house for a project and no problems to report.

I also got an auger, which is a life saver - highly recommend if you have any posts to sink - works like a charm!

I thought about an L series, but I think I made the right choice for size and power.

good luck!