I would greatly appreciate any advice concerning which tractor to buy...I'm considering a JD 790 or Kubota L3400. They seem so similar, but I'm fairly new to the tractor world and was looking for advice from anyone that may have experience/preference to either. Thanks in advance.
Buying a new Kubota
- Thread starter Cliffo
- Start date
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MarkV
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 5,636
- Location
- Cedartown, Ga and N. Ga mountains
- Tractor
- 1998 Kubota B21, 2005 Kubota L39
CliffO,
I am afraid you are asking the “what is better, Ford or Chevy” question. There is a lot of brand loyalty in the tractor world also. Both tractors you mentioned are well established models with a good system of dealers so it would be hard to go wrong with either.
If you outline the type of uses you expect, the amount of land to be worked and the soil conditions you will get better more specific information. Tractor size, weight, power, transmission type, tire type, lift capacity all effect its performance for given tasks. As an example, one that is set up for plowing doesn’t make the best finish mowing machine setup.
Welcome to the forum and good luck shopping. Spend a few hours with the search function here and you will find enough information to keep your head spinning for weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
MarkV
I am afraid you are asking the “what is better, Ford or Chevy” question. There is a lot of brand loyalty in the tractor world also. Both tractors you mentioned are well established models with a good system of dealers so it would be hard to go wrong with either.
If you outline the type of uses you expect, the amount of land to be worked and the soil conditions you will get better more specific information. Tractor size, weight, power, transmission type, tire type, lift capacity all effect its performance for given tasks. As an example, one that is set up for plowing doesn’t make the best finish mowing machine setup.
Welcome to the forum and good luck shopping. Spend a few hours with the search function here and you will find enough information to keep your head spinning for weeks. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
MarkV
familyman
Platinum Member
As my tagline says, I own a Kubota L2800, which is identical to the L3400 except for the engine.
When I began my tractor search in early spring, I first looked at sub-compacts, and eventually discovered the JD 790, which was not much more money, but offered a full cat.1 hitch and greater work potential. The entire tractor is made by Yanmar in Japan, and is a solid high quality machine. I especially liked the engine.
The ergonomics are another story. There was not enough room for my feet, the gear shift was short and required reaching down. During my test drives at two different dealers, I realized that to get on and off I had to practice a kind of ballet where I stepped up and down, placing my feet just so. Other than that, I really liked the 790 and tried to buy one -- twice, actually, from two different dealers who were not on the ball (won't go into it here). Further research led me to the Kubota L2800, which is very similar in price, purpose and function. However, the Kubota is a new model, fit me much better and the dealer seemed a little more with it, so I bought it and haven't looked back. The loader has more lift capacity than the 790, which is good, but others have speculated that this has more to do with weight distribution than with hydraulic ability.
Anyway, I am completely satisfied, but I don't think I'd be so with the 790 for the reasons just given. There are several poster on TBN who love theirs, and could tell you more about the 790's strengths, so stay tuned -- they'll probably respond here soon. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to reply. Also, take a look at the New Holland TC30, another similar mahine. Take your time, and have fun comparing! Remember that a good dealer is important, too.
Charley
When I began my tractor search in early spring, I first looked at sub-compacts, and eventually discovered the JD 790, which was not much more money, but offered a full cat.1 hitch and greater work potential. The entire tractor is made by Yanmar in Japan, and is a solid high quality machine. I especially liked the engine.
The ergonomics are another story. There was not enough room for my feet, the gear shift was short and required reaching down. During my test drives at two different dealers, I realized that to get on and off I had to practice a kind of ballet where I stepped up and down, placing my feet just so. Other than that, I really liked the 790 and tried to buy one -- twice, actually, from two different dealers who were not on the ball (won't go into it here). Further research led me to the Kubota L2800, which is very similar in price, purpose and function. However, the Kubota is a new model, fit me much better and the dealer seemed a little more with it, so I bought it and haven't looked back. The loader has more lift capacity than the 790, which is good, but others have speculated that this has more to do with weight distribution than with hydraulic ability.
Anyway, I am completely satisfied, but I don't think I'd be so with the 790 for the reasons just given. There are several poster on TBN who love theirs, and could tell you more about the 790's strengths, so stay tuned -- they'll probably respond here soon. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to reply. Also, take a look at the New Holland TC30, another similar mahine. Take your time, and have fun comparing! Remember that a good dealer is important, too.
Charley
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
have you test drove both of those models? which one feels best to u? in there lies your answer to your question.
familyman
Platinum Member
Sorry Cliffo, but when I opened my eyes this morning I realized I told a lie. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif There is one other difference between the L2800 and the L3400, which is the L3400 has a live PTO and a 2-stage clutch. Ask your dealer for the pros and cons, you may or may not want that feature depending on your intended uses.
Sorry for the slip! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Charley
Sorry for the slip! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Charley
Both are very good and capable machines. The 3400 is a bit larger that the 790. I have used my neighbors L3000 (3400 is updated 3000) and it’s very nice. I played with a 790 at a dealer demo day and liked that machine too. Ultimately both were a little large for me and I bought a Kubota 7500 which has been great.
You may want to check into the dealer as a factor in choosing your tractor. I much preferred my Kubota dealer over the JD dealer and that played a role in where I bought my tractor.
You may want to check into the dealer as a factor in choosing your tractor. I much preferred my Kubota dealer over the JD dealer and that played a role in where I bought my tractor.
