TalonDancer, is it really 20' end to end? I don't have the backhoe on anymore since I'm moving snow right now, but I did pull it up on my trailer last weekend when it was delivered, just to see how it would fit. My trailer is a 16' deck, and it fit nicely with the bucket placed just in front of the deck on the tongue. It was a tight fit, but the ramps went up and the hoe was NOT hanging off the back of the trailer.
Redbug, thanks for the tip. I have gotten a few whiffs of hot hydro fluid, and figured it was oil burning off from assembly. I'll check out connections and tighten things up.
I did not get a block heater or any extra remotes. I thought about it, but figured I can add remotes later if necessary. As for the block heater, I don't think it's necessary here in our climate. The coldest we usually get in the winter is about -10. We had some 0 degree days/nights last week, and I had no trouble starting it up. I just let it warm up for bit and started using it gently until I got some engine temperature. I rarely plug in my Dodge block heater, and have never had an issue with it starting.
Because I won't always have the backhoe on, especially when using a box blade or grader blade in the future, I did get the rears loaded. I have been quite impressed by the stability of this beast after using an
L2900 for a month without loaded tires. That tractor was almost comical on hard packed snow and ice. The
L3240 is much more solid and stable with the additional weight and width.
After using it for a week now, I am SO glad that I got the HST instead of the gear. I knew all along that I would be fine with a gear tractor, but now that I've used the hydro for a bit, I'm sold on it. There is no comparison to the ease and accuracy that you can maneuver it with.
The only thing I'm disappointed with is the location of the front headlights. With them being so low, they are useless with the FEL on. I'm really glad I got a pair of worklights mounted to the ROPS.
