Kubota L3400

[ArmsOutWide]

I've had my L3400 HST for three weeks. I'm quite satisfied so far (bought it new, put 17 hours on the tractor to date).

I absolutely love the HST. My mowing involves more maneuvering than it does straight runs, and I've done a lot of box blade / FEL work over the last week and I don't know I'd have done as much as I have without the ease / simplicity of the HST. That, and the HST will make it much easier to teach the wife and kids how to run the tractor when they are ready/old enough to give it a try.

 

[Sweats62]

Guys, I'm not trying to weigh in here with a vote for green, but I saw so many post singing the praises for HST I thought I might chime in.

For FEL work, rough cutting in and out of those tight areas, maintaining constant PTO speed while changing tractor speed, HST holds a clear advantage. Sure, if you want raw power from the engine to the PTO, straight gears is the only way to do it but for everything else there's HST.

 

[canoetrpr]

I completely agree with others on the HST. It's most certainly a worthwhile feature and something you will get returned the intial investment on if you do ever trade in or resell. This is luxury that is worth every penny IMHO.

I have had 73 trouble free hours. My original valve was replaced under the warranty - original valve was not smooth.

The valve is the only real issue that I or most other owners have had. The original PTO engagement CAMs (which I and some others here still have) had an over-running clutch built on to them which rachets (as an ORC should) when the clutch is depressed (before the PTO lever is disengaged) or if the tractor is throttled down quickly while the PTO is engaged. I suspect that one of the primary complaints was the racket the racheting noise made. In addition there were one or two PTO failures. The hypothesis at the time was that perhaps it was related to this design of the PTO cams.

Kubota has since removed the built in ORC (even though the spec sheet still claims it is there).

I think there has also been the odd issue of the PTO not disengaging as a result of a kink in the cable linkage that controls the engagement.

All of this has to be put in perspective. In the grand scheme of things this tractor is a workhorse and any issues pale in comparison to what some other tractors / brands / models have faced as teething issues with their new models. From this board, it seems that Kubota sells a A LOT of these models - L2800/L3400 and the vast vast majority of owners have had no failures of anything.

I would most importantly check out the valve with an implement attached to it to make sure it operates smoothly so that you can feather the controls.

 

[canoetrpr]

A few more comments.

JD makes some nice machines but I don't think that the 3203 is the the strongest in their line up. Just a personal opinion. I think it has some limitations that are worth considering vs. the L3400. I don't think that you can run the PTO if you are not in the seat or can you have a backhoe. Even if these are not currently in your plan you will be amazed at how your uses of your tractor expand.

If you are fine with gear then I think that the JD 790 is a good comparison - it does not have a hydro equivalent however. It is a very good workhorse - simple design like the L2800/L3400.

Might also be worth looking at a GL 3240. The best feature about it is the optional LA723 loader IMHO. It is a bit more than the L3400 but I'd go for it if I was purchasing today given the stronger hydraulics. As in all things you have to figure out what your priorities are.

 

[ctpres]

Bought L3400 to mow and maintain drive. After two years, mowing and drive work result in the fewest hours. I call HST old man drive. Example, quick hitch is great addition but lining up while backing up is real neck breaker- with hst I can face rear with knee on seat and step on drive pedle with other foot . Mowing around a lot of trees with std tran would be very hard. I love it. PS the cup holder is way to small and to shallow. I can't keep a bottle of water in it-brush and low limbs will knock it out ervey time. Any other prob. i've had have been self inflicted.

 

[Branded]

I've been convinced the HST is the only way to go. Now I have to decide on orange or green.

 

[canoetrpr]

If you are sold on hydrostat then in the JD line the entry level machine of this size to look at is the 3120HST. Then when you look at that you will want to compare it to the Kubota GL 3240HST See... we here are very good at spending your money.

In the "no frills" machine with a HST category, my opinion is that Kubota has an advantage given the JD3203's limitations.

the 3120/3320 vs. the GLs is something I'm still trying to evaulate as I am going and driving a JD 3520 today.

 

[Branded]

Can you tell me the advantages of a 3400 over a 3203 other tan 2 hp?
The Deere loader seems to be alot simpler to remove.

 

[ChuckinNH]

If you talk to your JD dealer, you may find that the 3203 is not really made by John Deere, or Yanmar. If I remember correctly, the tph, and loader capacities are also less than the L3400. If I wanted a JD that size I would start at the 3120, or go with the 790.

 

[beersngars]

PS the cup holder is way to small and to shallow. I can't keep a bottle of water in it-brush and low limbs will knock it out ervey time. Any other prob. i've had have been self inflicted.

You put a water bottle in the cup holder? Mine is porportioned for an adult beverage.