Kubota L3400 Reviews

[MadReferee]

Yep, the control valve prevents it. Not sure why. Probably a pump capacity issue I would guess.

The lift/curl position (7 o'clock on the joystick) has problems with most every CUT on the market today. It has nothing to do with the valve as it's a capacity/flow issue only. If you look closely this is the only joystick position where gravity does not come into play for at least one of the functions. The pumps on the CUTs just don't have the capacity to both lift and curl at the same time.

 

[KubotaTerry]

The lift/curl position (7 o'clock on the joystick) has problems with most every CUT on the market today. It has nothing to do with the valve as it's a capacity/flow issue only. If you look closely this is the only joystick position where gravity does not come into play for at least one of the functions. The pumps on the CUTs just don't have the capacity to both lift and curl at the same time.

On my LA463 loader on the L3400, the 7:00 position (lift and curl) is "blacked out". The other positions all show graphics on the label telling you what each position does. The 7:00 position is blank. If I remember right, putting the lever in that position does nothing, even with an empty bucket, so I'm pretty sure the valve does not allow this combination. The manual for the loader (yep, I'm one of those 'manual readers'), even points it out.

Terry

 

[MadReferee]

... so I'm pretty sure the valve does not allow this combination.

There is nothing mechanical with the valve or linkage that prohibits the lift/curl configuration from working. The 2 spools in the loader valve are independent of each other. It is strictly an issue of lack of lift force when both functions are activated simultaneously. There is simply not enough flow to operate the cylinders efficiently. You would get the same result if the joystick was 2 seperate levers and you pulled both at the same time to lift and curl.

 

[KubotaTerry]

There is nothing mechanical with the valve or linkage that prohibits the lift/curl configuration from working. The 2 spools in the loader valve are independent of each other. It is strictly an issue of lack of lift force when both functions are activated simultaneously. There is simply not enough flow to operate the cylinders efficiently. You would get the same result if the joystick was 2 seperate levers and you pulled both at the same time to lift and curl.

I guess I really don't know the innards of the control valve, so you are probably correct. It seems like nothing at all happens when I try to go to that position, even with ann empty bucket, so I assumed that no fluid was flowing at all. I would have thought it would have moved some, or just showed a lack of power when lifting a load, but nothing?

Terry

 

[schole]

I think you'd be pleased with the L3400DT. I have enjoyed the first 100hrs or so without any difficulty. It has performed extremely well mowing around 3 acres with a 6' RFM. A 5' rotary mower/'bush-hog' will tackle up to a 2 1/2" stem with a little crashing and banging -- a slip clutch on the mower is really handy.

With 17 very hilly acres, I probably would have found the L4400 to be a little more suited to the tasks I've been tackling. Loading the tires and adding rear ballast on the L3400, using chains in the winter, and going a hair more slowly while skidding large trees or pulling heavy loads of gravel have made all my jobs fun. I've been spending a fair amount of time handling saw logs and lumber/timbers with some forks I cobbled together -- the loader handles it all, but I would appreciate the stability of the extra mass in the L4400.

I went with the smaller L3400DT thinking that mowing around trees and marks on the lawn would be an issue. In hindsight, I think I could manouver the larger L4400 on MY lawn. I only mow when it's dry, so marks haven't ever been an issue.

This is a basic machine which is extremely strong and well built. There are plenty of other equally great machines out there with some really attractive features -- I found that the L3400DT was the most respected CUT with the most hp for the money in my area.

Good luck!

Shawn

 

[Doc_Bob]

With 17 very hilly acres, I probably would have found the L4400 to be a little more suited to the tasks I've been tackling.
Shawn

I find few folks who ever regret getting to big of a tractor. Most wish they had more tractor. I know I wish I had more tractor.
Bob

 

[horseslave]

So what did you get and how did it work out? I have a B7200HST that i am considering replacing. I use it for snowplowing, lots of brushmowing and harrowing. Our 16 acres is very hilly, so extra power would be nice. Some bucket work, etc. Seems like stepping up to the 3400 size would be a good move.