Decisions.... L3400, L3130, L3240

[SteveCornell]

Decisions, Decisions, here is what I've been quoted........

L3400 with LA463 QA Loader, R4 tires, and 1 rear remote, delivered for $16,900.

L3130, LA513 QA Loader, R4s, loaded rear tires, 1 rear remote, and delivered for $18,800
The same tractor except for an LA723 Loader, standard 72" bucket $19,900

L3240 with LA724 loader with 72" Heavy Duty QA Bucket with bolt on cutting edge, R4 tires, and 1 rear remote with detent, delivered for $20,750

Something tells me that the L3240 is the best deal but its $4000 more than the L3400 which would suit my needs just fine.... but my wife likes the L3240 the best
you guys are good at spending other peoples money, help me justify the extra cost.. lol

The L3400 and L3240 are at the same dealer and the L3130 is at another, I could probably get a better deal on the 3130 if the other dealer had one but he does not.

 

[jbrumberg]

What are your intended uses? It appears that you are buying a lot of tractor for your property. If the wifey likes it you should purchase it quickly before she changes her mind. Jay

 

[SteveCornell]

It is a lot of tractor for my property....... I purchased a Mahindra 2015HST with loader and backhoe 2 years ago when we started building our new home
(pictures here New Page 1 ) and it has done everything I have asked of it but I am a big boy and I'm not comfortable on it, I just want something bigger, I still have a lot of landscaping to do, will be maintaining about a mile of gravel road, mowing around 2 acres of very steep ground with both a finish mower and bush hog, and plan to start clearing woods left a mess by the timber company.
It's probably down to either the L3400 or the L3240 which is a VERY nice tractor, I'm sure the L3400 will do anything I'll need but I want this to be my "last" tractor purchase and I hate buying something and then thinking "if I'd just spent a few more $ I could have had" lol
It's all the extra "bells and whistles" and the nice seat on the L3240 that's drawing me in but $4000 is a lot of money........ talk some sense into me!!!

 

[hazmat]

.... but my wife likes the L3240 the best
....

Then the decision is made.

Seriously - you're looking to upgrade for more power & comfort - you're already taking a hit on your first tractor (assuming you are selling or trading it), get it "right" the second time, not the third or fourth...

I have a 5 year old TC18 w/ 640 hours. Now that I have some experience under my belt, and having used Dad's new 40HP machine & a rented fullsize hoe, I know what I am missing. So I'm shopping for the most HP for a 2,000# machine which turns out to be the B3030. I'm sparing no expense - upgrading to skid steer quick attach bucket, rear remotes, front blower, backhoe etc. etc. etc.. This new setup is $20K more than my original tractor (the front blower & backhoe account for $12K of that)

 

[hazmat]

PS - Any relation to Ezra Cornell (of Cornell University fame?) go big red.

 

[SteveCornell]

PS - Any relation to Ezra Cornell (of Cornell University fame?) go big red.

No relation that I'm aware of

Thanks for the reply!

Steve

 

[Ben3130]

If your going to be working on steep ground, I would consider the 3130 or 3240 for the wider wheelbase than the 3400. Every inch helps, and they are noticable wider.

Also, if you can afford it I would go for the biggest loader you can get for whatever tractor you choose. Unless you're SURE you'll NEVER need the extra capacity, I know you won't regret it.

 

[8226hamer]

I would go with the 3130 or the 3240. They have an independent PTO and telescoping 3 point lift arms, much nicer seat and unless Kubota has changed the L3400 and L2800 they don't have a position contol 3 point lift system which is much smoother than the L3400 and L2800's did have.

 

[SteveCornell]

You guys are supposed to tell me I don't need that much tractor lol, seriously I went and looked at them all today (at a dealer that won't deal) and I felt the L3400 fit me better, I had more room than on the L3130 \ L3240 even with the tilt steering, I'm sure I'll change my mind 20 times between now and when I purchase, but for now I'm sure leaning toward the L3400 and I would have $4000 left over for implements.

 

[srs]

It's probably down to either the L3400 or the L3240 but I want this to be my "last" tractor purchase

The couple of thousands of dollars over your life time (my "last" tractor) won't amount to very much. Go with the 3240 and you won't regret it. Good luck!

 

[kaferhaus]

We recently bought a 3240 and tried a 3130 before the purchase.

The 3130 was "used".... had 114hrs on it and the dealer let me "demo" it..

I'm glad we went with the 3240... it's a much nicer machine and more comfortable to operate.

Same decision..... it was a good bit more money, but I'm glad we went with it.

Bought it with the quick disconnect 724 loader, box blade and bush hog... oh and a canopy.... the southern sun is brutal.... nothing like getting off the tractor for 15 minutes and then having the seat scorch your shorts!! Not to mention the constant sun burn...

 

[Kendall69]

I'm for more tractor, more tractor, more tractor!!!

I'm in the same boat, I don't "need" a huge tractor, but two things I want are more lift and a cab, and man am I having a hard time finding what fits with size, budget, lift etc.

To get more lift you have to go bigger, bigger means more money, and size.

Can't they just make a small utility tractor with HEMI, that can lify 6K, for under 25k? Cmon tractor builders, help a guy out here....

So far looks like the skid steers meet the lift requirements, but the price is nuts, and no 3ph.

 

[SteveCornell]

Well I believe I have made my decision........

L3240HST
LA724 Loader
HD Round Back Quick Attach Bucket
Bolt-on Cutting Edge
R4 Tires
Tires Loaded with Methanol \ Water
1 Rear Remote (I can add more later)
Delivered to my house (100 miles away)
Price is $20,800

I am "thinking" about going with the 66" HD bucket instead of the 72" for getting around easier but with this big a tractor I may just go with the 72"

Thanks for all your comments and advise!

Steve

 

[artf]

Having just sold an L3710 in the Winter and having a L3130 Hydro FEL with only 178 hrs FOR Sale in the garage, not to mention a B7510 FEL MMM and my little joy a BX22 TLB. I'd get the biggest darn tractor I could afford!

My 3130 is listed in the classifieds. I can do better than your Dealer and offer delivery! Powertrain warranty expires this month.

Let me know if somebody's interested or call me to talk tractors!


Thanks