HST or DT L3400? Ordering today.

rickmacheske · May 5, 2005

Well, I'm finally doing it. I just need to decide on the L3400HST or L3400DT (started with the B7800). I told the dealer that I would decide today. Is it worth the extra $1200 for the HST? My land has about 5 degree slope (15 in the worst area). Quick response would be appreciated /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Thanks,
Rick

_RaT_ · May 5, 2005

As much as I enjoy using HST, I also understand that there are going to be folks that may not benefit from it as much. Your desicion may also be shaped by what you will do or plan to do. HST will be superb in areas like tilling, mowing and loader work. The shuttle tractors are huge improvement from the manual F/R gear shift and really are not a bad way to go especially if you plan on opening up the soil with a plow or rippers on a backscraper. Loader work while not quite as fast with a shuttle is certainly good. My 2 cents says that either way, your not going to be making a mistake.

gregL · May 5, 2005

Though my 3400HST is the first tractor I have personally owned, I have used numerous gear tractors. Admittedly my experience is limited. However, with my principle uses being mowing, loader work, and landscaping the HST seems to be the way to go at this point IMO.

ByronBob · May 5, 2005

My vote is a HST

KubotaSteve · May 5, 2005

Put another vote in for HST. My first tractor was a DT (gear) and the one I have now is HST. I haven't found one thing that the HST isn't better for me as a homeowner/ weekend warrior. I especially like the idea that if you take your foot off, the machine pretty much stops in its tracks. I especially like it when using the brush hog because I can speed up on the short lighter stuff and slow up on the thick tall stuff just my easing up on the pedal or mashing down on it. It's great for tilling and also for using the post hole digger as it makes it very easy to maneuver into place to drill the holes. Besides you're all ready dropping a good chunk of change on this new machine, don't skimp now! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Good luck

rickmacheske · May 5, 2005

Thanks Guys! Looks like I'll spend the 1200 for the HST. Just don't tell my wife, k?

Soon to be owner of:
Kubota L3400HST, R4 tires
Kubota LA63 FEL
Bush Hog SQ600 5' Rotary cutter
Bush Hog SBX600 5' Box blade
Land Pride FDR1672 6' finish mower

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

_RaT_ · May 5, 2005

If that is what you like, that amount of money will seem quite small over the many years of use you will get out of it. As many will tell you, HST does not always present some of the nice things it adds to your tractor use.

edski · May 5, 2005

I'm confident you'll be happy w/ the HST.
I have a geared tractor I've used for past 10 yrs.
Today I've been clearing brush (new B7610) and wondered 1) why I hadn't bought a FEL years ago and 2) decided I'd always own an HST. Makes my tractor life EZ.

ps...just tell the CFO that due to steel prices the tractor cost additional $. Better yet, tell her an additional 10% and buy yourself another implement /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rickmacheske · May 13, 2005

Well...I picked it up today. Of course I had to try it out. The bush hog barely makes it though the field....wondering if I should have gotten a bigger tractor.... The FEL works great. I moved some rocks...filled in some holes.... Anyway...the new toy is great.

Thanks for all the advice.

wushaw · May 14, 2005

Depending on how tall and thick the stuff your trying to mow will affect the preformance of the tractor.
I was using a 60" Bush Hog finish mower a couple of weeks ago in stuff up to two feet but not real thick and in med spd. my L2800 never hesitated.