Kubota L3400hst VS Deere 4310 - First Tractor

RMMICHAELS · Feb 5, 2005

Am I missing something? The L3400hst seems more
powerful and is $3000 less in My area. I have 20 acres, 15 are fields,
and need mostly for bushhog and 2 or 3 acres of tiller
work. This is the new L3400 with Hst transmission.
Tried both, not that much difference as I can tell, as
I am new to tractors, maybe I am missing some Deere
qualities. Any input appreciated
Thanks

Farmall47 · Feb 5, 2005

I found the exact same pricing structure re:Kubota vs. Deere in my area of NY. Kubota quote was $2840 less than JD. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I know they(Deere) are going more to "drive-by-wire" and supposedly more ergonomic controls, but, IMO, those $$ are gonna be a deal killer for me for JD.

I'm not bashing the machine, just the price structure.

F47

ronjhall · Feb 6, 2005

I don't believe JD has a comparable tractor to the L3400HST. The 4310 is more in line with Kubota's L3130 model.
The L3400 is in Kubota's economy tractor line.

Volnavy · Feb 7, 2005

I am considering the same purchase and am opting for the 3400. I agree that JD does not have a competitive tractor in that price range. I guess they would need to make their 990 with HST. (they should) I personally don't want the electronics!!

However, I would like to have a bucket that I can remove so that I can put forks on the FEL. I've see a picture of a bolt on fork but it would be nice to get it stock. I guess I could go with a different manufacturer on the FEL. Right?? I wonder why Kubota does not make them more flexible??

You also loose the Mid PTO with the 3400, so no MMM.

Kyle_in_Tex · Feb 7, 2005

Can't say anything bad about the Kubota.

But I can say I love my 4310. And I compared it to 3130 when I purchased. Dealer and price made my decision.

My machine has been outdoors (uncovered) now for 28 months and all the electronic "stuff" still works fine.

I don't baby it. If you saw how dirty and muddy it is now, you would yell at me to give it a bath...Kyle

rockyridgefarm · Feb 7, 2005

Yup the Kubota is a "value line" and is stripped some. It might be just what the doctor ordered.

But I love the extras on my tractor.

And, often times I see price compares that aren't even, ther might not be as much difference, once equally equipped, and both as competitve quotes. I saved about $3K getting my tractor at the dealer I did, compared to another quote.

But then too, it seems in some regions, different players seem to be more competitve...

johan3400 · Feb 7, 2005

I just purchased an L3400 last fall. A month later, my brother purchased a 4310. Each of us think we got the best deal. I see them both able to do the work we have. We have both mowed with a 6 foot brush cutter and used a 6 foot box blade. These tractors do the job. I do not think the extra $3000 is worth it, but my brother did. Have fun with which ever one you buy!

Luremaker · Feb 8, 2005

I would recommend that you shop around. I was shopping for the L3400 but I purchased my L3130 last October for same price that I was quoted for the L3400. I shopped around for almost a year and the price droped by over $4000 at the same dealer over that period. I think what happened was the dealer was getting sick of quoting me prices and began to think that I was just wasting his time. Then at the International Plowing Match he quoted me the lowest price I'd seen on a L3130. Signed deal two weeks later. Real happy with my L3130.

Wesdor · Feb 9, 2005

My brother (see post above) purchased the Kubota and I purchaed the Deere. As he says, we are both pleased with our tractors. However, I paid a little less than $1,000 difference than his price. Sounds to me like you aren't getting many good offers from the Deere dealer.

In my case the dealer sold both Kubota and Deere. I don't think you can go wrong with either option. I have the 300CX loader on my tractor and the specs claim it has more lifting capacity than the Kubota on my brother's. When working with it, I feel like they are both about the same - but that is just a "seat feeling".

I would recommend you tell the Deere dealer straight out that he is way too high. If he comes down so it is really close, then be ready to buy the Deere. Otherwise, be happy with the Kubota. That is what I was ready to do and ended up with the Deere.

Ledgemere Farm · Feb 9, 2005

The 3400 is Kubotas value machine. There is nothing wrong with it, it is just not as "full featured as the Deere. You might also consider the New HOlland TC30. It is a tad smaller than the 3400, but similar in features.

I believe if Deere surveyed their customers, they would find some interest in a hydro 790 and 990.

I am sure it varies from dealer to dealer, but Deere has been very good to me, so I am biased in their favor.