k0ua
Epic Contributor
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???
I cannot add a whole lot to this, other than to agree, I love my L3400, it is a real workhorse, and so far I have had 0 trouble with it. I now have 57 hours on it, and it has performed superbly. The 3pt is not a problem with me, just pull up on the position control lever, and it will jerk one time, when the implement stops. then feather the implement down to where you want it. There it stays, it is position control. If you go from the ground and try to move the position control up slowly, you will be in for a rapid series of jerks (like the you-tube video) to get to where you want to go. Almost all of them seem to do it, and my 2010 does it. But it is no big deal to me to just raise the hitch and then ease it down, smooth as silk. As others have said there are more powerful loaders in this size class, but mine would raise the rears with a 750 lb ballast box on the back, and before I loaded the tires. Has not done it since the tire loading, but I think the loader is pretty well matched to the size of the tractor. The tractor fits me very well, and seems ergonomic, I can do loader work all day with it, and still feel pretty good, the operator station is not cramped, and pretty well laid out I think. Now for some things I did not like. It does not have extendable links on the 3pt, and the sway chains/bars are turnbuckles. A grand L would have extendable links and a sliding bar with holes in if for fast changes on the 3pt. The floorboards are just painted, no nice rubber Mat like the grand L or B series has, and the paint will wear quick. I fixed that to my great satisfaction by using truck bed coating to coat the floorboards and step and center section giving them a nice appearance and better traction when mounting and dismounting the tractor. It has held up well, and would be easy to repair in a couple of minutes to touch it up. The 2WD/4WD control is a pull type T handle and it is not as handy as some, But it is not a big deal. The hydro operation is smooth and ergonomic to my way of thinking, but others have complained about the treadle pedal, and wish for the 2 pedal system. Not me. Also most have complained that the brakes are on the right side and should be on the left, but that apparently is a Kubota thing, and we cannot change that. All in all, I say lots of power, tough, reliable, ergonomic and a good value. If the money were of no concern, I would buy a Grand L, if the money was (and is for me) I would look hard at a L3400, or the L3700 or L3800 packages as a good value, likely to retain a good percentage of that value for years to come.. there my 3 cents.
James K0UA