Buying a tractor ain't easy...

[gregfender]

So I had a chat with Brady at Barlowe's...awesome folks there. He was telling me all about the good with the L3400. Any other 3400 owners out there that can tell me how bullet-proof it is? I'm not gonna kill it, just clear some scrub pine, do a bit of trail clearing, box blading, maybe plow a couple acres with a single bottom plow. What can you tell me?

 

[jdjdjd]

I had a L3600 for 10 years. Four wheel drive, FEL, 6' shredder.
Very tough, well-built, hard working.
They are almost bullet-proof. With much effort on my part, I was able to snag a hydraulic line at the lower part of the tractor while pushing limbs.

The experience with the L3600 was a major influence on the decision to purchase my M9540 Grand Cab.

 

[bp fick]

The L series comes in a few flavors. The Grand L has features that many here appreciate. Some folks consider the L to be a more budget conscience tractor, which shouldn't be taken as a negative, but simply for what it is.

There have been some issues reported with the 3 pt hitch on the L series that you should know about and ask Brady about as well. Be an informed shopper and make an informed decision. Best wishes in your shopping.

 

[TripleR]

My only suggestion is to drive one before you buy. We looked at one and quickly decided we preferred to Grand L Series. As mentioned, the 3-point hitch on these can be jerky. YouTube - Kubota L3400 lifting with the 3 point hitch (3PH)

 

[JDGreenGrass]

My only suggestion is to drive one before you buy. We looked at one and quickly decided we preferred to Grand L Series. As mentioned, the 3-point hitch on these can be jerky. YouTube - Kubota L3400 lifting with the 3 point hitch (3PH)

TripleR.....That is a great video for anyone who has heard all the talk about this being a negative in the L series. It shows the effect on the tractor and all. Great post.

Is that what they call a Quarter Inching Valve.??

Thanks for posting.

 

[Samandothers]

Do a search for info on the L3400. You will get a bunch of hits. I have heard good things about it being a good tractor and people love it. I have also heard people not being happy with the 3pt hydraulic valve. Drive some and put some implement on the back.
I went to a dealer initially looking for for a 30 something horsepower. Came away ulitmately with a L4240 and have not regrets at all. I think I was looking initially for too small of a unit. So some of what you select can depend not only on what you plan to do with it but also how much of what you plan to do do you plan to do. The L3400 may be great to plow with a one bottom plow a small garden. If you plan a large tilled area you may need two bottom plan an maybe a larger unit. If you plan to bush hog a small area the 3400 and a small rotary cutter may be great. If you have a larger area to cut you may need a larger tractor that can power a larger rotary cutter faster.
Look around and sit on a bunch and enjoy the hunt.

 

[LD1]

The L3400 is a great all around tractor. I love mine. But there are a few things to consider.

1st is the jerky 3PH. It is NOT the same as the quarter inching valve. I actually believe it is called an inching valve. And it is indeed jerky. But the L3400 is a budget minded workhorse.

Second thing to consider is that the L3400 is a high HP to weight ratio tractor. That means for a mid 30HP tractor, it is light. It is great for bushhogging and other PTO driven implements and doesnt tear up the yard as bad as others. But weight = traction. So for ground engaging activities like you mention, their ARE heavier tractors in this HP and price range. But you can always add weight, either in the tires or a 3PH ballast. And light may be a good thing to if you consider trailering the tractor at all. The FEL is also not the stongest in the class either. But it is pleanty strong for what I need. I can lift the rears into the air with a 5' bushhog on the back and loaded tires. So I honestly dont see what a larger # on paper is going to gain me. So take the loader specs with a grain of salt. Same for the 3PH. It can lift 1500lbs @ 24" back. Who Honestly needs more than that???

But as others have mentioned, test one out. Get some seat time. Only you can decide if issues like the jerky 3PH are acceptable to you. For some though, it is a deal-breaker. For me, it was worth the sacrifice to get the most machine for my money.

 

[whistlepig]

I think all Kubota's, regardless of size, are going to be lighter than any other tractor in the same HP range. From what I have read this is part of Kubota's design. My B7800 weighs 1700# soaking wet. By the time it is rigged up for winter it has an additional 1800# of weight added to it. My B7800 can handle this additional weight easily. I want it to be heavy to move dirt and move snow. I don't want it to be heavy when I mow my yard. I prefer this type of set up in a tractor. Some don't.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Buying a tractor ain't easy...
When I saw the topic of this thread I thought I've got to read this.
One of us is confused. It is really, really, really easy. Maybe to easy and Barlows don't make it any harder. Call, email or go in, sign some papers and the next day or in a couple/few days one of them arrives at you home or where ever you choose and they unload a Fully loaded or base Kubota. They've done that twelve times for me and two others I picked up myself (model BX22's in a box, still have one I found recently hiding in my closet) so I don't want to be disagreeable but no, it's pretty easy.
Good luck on your persuit. Your going to get alot of advise from a BX1860 to a M999999 if Kubota makes one.
I guess you and Brady came up with the L3400 after some conversation of your needs and finances. Don't get side tracked by what other people need or how they use their tractors. Stay on point of your needs and finances.:thumbsup:
I've had a L3240HST but not a L3400. From my reading here the L3400 seems to be a great less expensive L sized tractor with a 3ph that doesn't seem to be an industry leader. Look at videos, try one to see if it's to jerky for how your going to use it.
I've had position control (yes, it's the best) and two different 1/4 inching 3ph's and others of undescribed types. They have all worked OK for my uses and I wouldn't pay much difference for one over the other. I've done some tilling, boxblading (drop and go not precision boxblading), landscape raking, Ferguson (roller type) overseeder, Funnel type fertilizer broadcaster and post hole digger.

 

[whistlepig]

When I buy parts for my B7800 I always go out to the lot and check out the L3400's. Every time I go. This is the tractor that always catches my eye. I think the L3400 is just the neatest package made in Kubota compact tractors. I don't really need something as big as a L3400 but I sure would like to have one.