Considering L3400 / Quotes

[swmpbgy1]

I would like to store the tractor in a garage that has a door height of approximately 79? I would purchase the Woods BH80-X for the tractor. Based on the Transport Height listed in the Woods brochure (82.25?, it looks like I would have to both adjust the backhoe and lower the ROPS each time going in and out of the garage. I am curious if anyone stores a tractor this way? I know if I went with the B7800 or B3030 and put a BH70-X on it, it would store easier as the Transport height listed is 74.75?

As I do not have a trailer and would prefer to hold off on buying one right away, I really want to purchase a tractor that would be considered the least likely to have any maintenance issues. With this in my mind, I question myself and think based on all the reading I have done on this forum its seems like I have heard the least complaints with regard to the B7800 and B3030.


Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions!

Mr. Wave:

FWIW......I have a 3030 and love it, but I have to fold the ROPS every time I enter/exit the garage. Almost forgot once!

Swmpbgy1

 

[Elliott Wave]

I definately think that you should go with the skid steer coupler regardless which dealer you go with. Much much more work to switch to one after you get the tractor without one.

Unlike dealer A, my dealer had no clue that you could even get one. If I was a dealer, I doubt I'd order loaders without one either. I'd consider it doing a dis-service to my customers who didn't know any better

If dealer A and dealer B are otherwise equal, I would go with B and get the skid steer QA with a compatible bucket - will cost you about what A was quoting you for the tractor/loader/bucket. I like the idea of the dealer being willing to pick up without charge for warranty work. Plus the BH price is cheaper too.

I have known of Dealer A for a while, they put back together a transmission on an old Case 210 garden tractor many years ago after it had problems and I took it apart and was not able to fix it. I bought a leaf blower years ago as well from them. Other than that my experience has been limited. I went to Dealer B after browsing at tractors at the closest dealers lot (dealer was closed) and another gentleman browsing recommended them.

These are the two dealers I think I will ultimately choose from. My gut feeling is that they are probably the best for service, of course it is really impossible to know until you experience it. I really like the idea of a dealer taking care of pick-up and delivery for warranty work for the first year in that it would really iritate me to have to pay $200 - $225 for something to be fixed after spending $26,000 because it was not assembled or adjusted correctly when it should have been. Nice to hear you give them kudos for just ordering the loaders with QA! I would say if Dealer A offered to cover the cost for pick-up and delivery of warranty service for the first year I would go with him.

(swampvol) As far as renting a trailer, my current truck is not sufficient (F150 v6, I did not mention this).

 

[Elliott Wave]

Absolutely try both. I was all set on a geared tractor because that is all I have ever known. But after operating the hydro I could see for my application it would be better. Also, my wife sometimes uses the tractor and she has no prior experience. I feel it is safer for her because if she gets in a panic situation she lifts her foot and the tractor stops. I would not feel comfortable with her on a geared tractor. The same for my dad who is getting on in years. I feel a lot better with him using a hydro. Either one will be a great piece of equipment. Choose the one that will best fit your application.

Terry

If I was not exposed to this forum for information I would go in with the intention to buy the gear as well. So I will definitely try both. With regard to the hydostatic transmission whinning, does it do that always are just when it is under a load such as using the FEL? The way some folks have described the whinning, it sounds like new people like myself might think their is a problem with the tractor?

 

[swampvol]

The whining is just people who own geared tractors....whining.




jk

 

[emmy71]

If I was not exposed to this forum for information I would go in with the intention to buy the gear as well. So I will definitely try both. With regard to the hydostatic transmission whinning, does it do that always are just when it is under a load such as using the FEL? The way some folks have described the whinning, it sounds like new people like myself might think their is a problem with the tractor?

The whine is most noticeable in high range at road speed. However, I rarely use the tractor in high. As far as low and mid-range where most work is done I don't really notice the whine. That may be just because I am used to it now, but I really don't think it is that big an issue. One thing about high range (or any other range under load) to remember is to press the hydro pedal slower. Like on a geared tractor that is in a higher gear or under load, you let the clutch out a little easier. If you stomp the hydro pedal rather quickly you will get a big whine.

Terry

 

[crashz]

Elliot,

I'm curious about which dealers you have been in contact with. I live on the eastern end of the state, but my land is just over the NY border, so I have visited the local dealers in Western MA and in Ayer MA.

The two dealers I spoke with had similar pricing and seem very good to work with. I didn't check on pick-up/ drop off because I will move the machine myself.

BTW- I'm also looking into a L2800 or L3400 HST, 4x4 with FEL and QA. I plan on buying later this year depending on finances.

Good luck and let us know how it works out for you!

 

[Elliott Wave]

Crashz, I tried sending you a PM...I think it worked.

 

[Elliott Wave]

Last week I test drove an L2800 HST and a L3400 DT. I thought they both drove very nice around the dealer's lot. I was hoping after trying both transmissions out I would be won over by the HST (never had used one before). After driving both, I thought that they were both very nice. My test drive of course was not realistic of operating the tractor with the loader in tight quarters, so my test drive did not really show why the HST may stand out in circumstances that have been discussed in this forum.

I did prefer the gears sound to the HST. However, as long as I know the the little whine is normal I don't see a problem with it. It seems that most dealers around here carry more HST models. I noticed that the 4wd lever on both machines was difficult to operate. Is this a sympton from being outside all winter? The 3pt hitch valve operated smoothly without a load on it. I assume that to really see how the valve works one would need a load on it? I noticed while operating the HST I had to double clutch it a couple of times to get it into low gear from being in medium.

I am not in a rush to buy. I asked the salseman how long the two tractors had been outside and he tried to downplay it and said that they were just set up this winter. I suspect longer than that. I noticed a hose that was slightly faded and while not cracking had alligator type lines of discoloration on the surface that I have not seen at other dealers that sell more machines. He said they were taking an additional $500 off. I would just assume pay $500 more and have a tractor that has not been sitting outside for months.

These tractors had the quick attachment for the front loader. I measured the width of the loader on my way out and the loader measured 65". I thought this was strange in that all other loaders on these machines I have measured were 60" (without quick attach). When I was talking to the salseman earlier I had asked if it was a 60" loader and he indicated yes. I know 5" is not much but I would prefer the 60" as I want to store it in a garage and keep it as compact as possible. I am still not sold on the quick attach because it seems this feature is more of a benefit for loaders on tractors that have much more capacity than the L3400 loader. Additionally, I just do not see a use for it for myself.

Regardless, as the wind blows today I think I am leaning toward the L3400 HST. I have appreciated all your comments.

 

[Racer71]

After driving both, I thought that they were both very nice. My test drive of course was not realistic of operating the tractor with the loader in tight quarters, so my test drive did not really show why the HST may stand out in circumstances that have been discussed in this forum.

I noticed while operating the HST I had to double clutch it a couple of times to get it into low gear from being in medium.

I have the L3400HST and here are my inputs after 100 hours.

Changing direction only requires the right foot. I have one hand on the wheel and the other on a lever. This comes into play with the loader and rear blade.

The resistance in change from low to medium is not the clutch. It is the HST pedal and backlash. Push the clutch in and slightly change direction with the HST pedal. The backlash will clear and the gear shift is easy. You will get the feel for it.

There are not many times you need low. I use it when digging into solid earth. Medium works most of the time.

 

[bigballer]

imo, i would only go with gear if i was doing mainly field work (ie, long straight shots), i'm not, so i went with the hst. i think hst would have better resale too but maybe not..