Implements ?

[dexterc]

Hey All, I am probably fixing to buy my first new tractor. I am looking at the
L3400 4 wd with QA loader & bucket, 5'shredder and box blade. I am wondering what other attachments I may need. I have 45 acres with mixed timber and planted pines. Sandy east Texas soil, some muddy areas down near a small creek and some hilly areas also but not real steep.
I want to be able to plant small food plots, brushhog, keep my driveway'700') filled and smooth(er). Thought about buying a tiller but, I have a small disk. I will have to buy a new shredder. I am wondering about the size box blade and brand I need to get. I have never had a box blade before, does it need to be 6' to cover the tractor tire tracks if I am leveling ground? The dealer put a 5' box blade in the package price given to me. I am also weighing the difference between a HST and a gear tractor. I would appreciate any advice. I have only been around this site for a couple of days but have seen lots of experience sharing! Thanks, God Bless!

 

[teg]

Ax'em Jacks... went to SFA. I like East Tx. :thumbsup: I have a 6' box blade behind my L2800 and it is a good fit. I would not do a 5 footer. As for the brand, I buy all used stuff... so, what ever is low cost . There's tons of reading about HST vs. gear. HST is easy on the body and for me I can get much more work done, I didn't want it but the wife needed it :ashamed: Disk is a good fit for food plots.

 

[Grandad4]

Welcome, dexterc. You'll find hours, days, weeks of reading here about L3400's, implements, FEL's, transmissions, and whatever else your inquiring mind wants to know about "tractoring". I won't spoil your fun with the learning experience other than to suggest you combine online learning with some down to earth tire kicking and test driving at your dealer's establishment.

If you've never had a loader before, read up on it in particular. You'll find it's one of the handiest things about your tractor... as one guy put it, it's like having 10 strong buddies helping out with your chores, only it doesn't drink beer or get tired!

Hope you have a good dealer to work with, and fire away with any questions! Good luck!

 

[Chilly807]

The 3400 is a good tractor, at least I like mine..

There's a few things you should know before you buy one, ask the dealer to put the box blade on it and try moving it slowly up and down, small movements upward in particular. Then walk away to another dealer (JD, Case, New Holland etc) and try a similar size tractor with a box blade on the back. If you can live with the 3400 being a bit jerky raising the 3 ph then that's about the worst thing about them.

The HST is great for loader work, if you're going to be doing a lot of field work you may want to look at the gear drive.

Before you buy the gear tractor try pressing the clutch in and holding it for a minute or so, then repeat that. I find them to have a pretty stiff spring pack, add to that the fact that the clutch pedals aren't "hung" like some of Kubota's bigger machines.

I'd like to find a real remedy for the 3ph jumpiness, and a lighter clutch would be nice too. Other than that I'd buy another one.

Sean

 

[lucky llama]

After my bucket I use pallet forks more than anything else.

 

[bigbull338]

my kub is jerky moving the 3pt slow.but thats only because im moving it slow hooking something up.an i can live with that.an its as smooth as silk when your raising an lowering it completely.

 

[Milton Burro]

I bought a 3400 manual. Clutching it when working close with a lot of back and forth movement is more hassle than a HST, but other than that, I love it. I don't seem to have the same problem with the movement of my 3 pt. It's smooth a silk and the speed adjust is nice too. If you need attachments, get the best you can afford.

 

[rpeter]

If you want to know about box blades there was a thread a couple of years back (do a search for it) Long thread that went into the pros and cons of all the various types styles of blades. Like I said a long thread but good reading.

 

[dexterc]

Thanks All, I wound up deciding on an L3700, FEL, 5' shredder, 6' box blade and a 60" tiller. I am having the cruise control added and a canopy with QA bucket. I went by the dealers today, they are waiting on the parts to add the cruise, should be delivering it in about a week. (I am going to be out of town for a few days so I am delaying the delivery), unless they can get it here early tomorrow. I appreciate all the advice and look forward to learning more with experience and on this site. Have a blessed week. Christmas is coming

Dexter

 

[ironpig70]

Cruise control on a tractor is the way to go. I have a HST and absolutely love it. I also like the fact that I can let others move it and not worry about it. Wife has yet to drive it but I feel once she knows how it will alot easier than a manual transmission.