Kubota L3940HST vs L4240GST need some input please

[mikescruggs]

Sorry I made and error in the title. It was supposed to be a comparison between a L3940 HST and L4740 GST.

The L4740 GST has been sold and is not available. The dealer has located an early 08 L4240HST, which is the ideal model. I just cannot justify the increase in price to buy a current price list model L4240. I do use the front a lot with a bucket, forks, and a grapple.

The current tractor is supposed to lift approximately 1050 lbs. In looking at the use I usually only run out of capacity with the forks and a 4' X 4' X 4' pallet stacked with hardwood. I am thinking the L3940's increase (1415 lbs) would cover me. But just don't want to get caught where the L4240 (1878) would have been the right choice.

I appreciate the input regarding these models. I'll keep the post updated.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[canoetrpr]

Mike, you WANT the heft of the 854 loader. It is not worth the little money you will save to go with the L3940 with the LA724 over the L4240 with the LA854 loader.

Physically the L4240 and the L3940 are not much different in dimensions. Take the extra oomph while you can have it.

 

[canoetrpr]

I should point out that you will likely be at the limit of what an 854 can handle with a pallet full of firewood. But certainly, the 854 will do more than the 724 can.

 

[medicshawn]

I think the important lesson learned by many here is it's cheaper to buy the correct tractor the first time. Instead of buying the wrong tractor and then having to sell it for a loss and then buy the tractor you should have bought the first time.

If lifting the pallet is such an important part of the new tractors work why not demo one at your house and see if it will lift it. Or take the pallet loaded on a truck/trailer to the dealer and see which tractor lifts it with ease. You might want to also get them to check the pressure on the loader hydraulics to make sure it's set correctly.

 

[mikescruggs]

Update:

My dealer located a L4240HST with older pricing and is bringing it in. This is the model I think is a good balance between lift capacity and HP. I have to finalize the tire choice. I had been thinking R1 to help in the woods. The two challengers had R4 tires and were quick to spin and have problems in the woods. I recalled the Ford 9N did pretty good for 2wd loaded tires with R1s. I know the R1s tear up the lawns. I have set ares I drive on if I have to cross my lawn. Side by side does anybody have experience in how much more in a straight line the R1s will tear the lawn compared to the R4s? I do recognize several trips or turning will cause ruts/torn lawn, but I can handle that. I want improved traction in the woods over the R4s.

The price for the L4240HST with R1 tires is $26860. It's off to the dealer tomorrow. I wish it was warmer weather because I know the snow won't max out the bucket. I do have to move several pallets of wood. These pallets are a standard pallet on the ground with a pallet on either side and cross bracing on the top and back. The current tractor can haul them filled with softwood, but the ones with hardwood are too much. I move the forks to the rear and have no problems. The L4240's front loader is rated for about 300lbs less than the rear of the current tractor. If the front won't work now then I will have to stick with the forks on the rear for the heavy loads.

I post once more with the final options and pricing.

Mike

 

[aczlan]

I had been thinking R1 to help in the woods. The two challengers had R4 tires and were quick to spin and have problems in the woods. I recalled the Ford 9N did pretty good for 2wd loaded tires with R1s. I know the R1s tear up the lawns. I have set ares I drive on if I have to cross my lawn. Side by side does anybody have experience in how much more in a straight line the R1s will tear the lawn compared to the R4s?

my FIL has a L3830GST and a B7510HST, the 3830 has loaded R1s and the 7510 has R4s, if it is soft/muddy the R1s will leave marks, but unless you turn hard in 4wd I have never noticed any significant tearing.
the 7510 actually tears the lawn up worse than the 3830 because it slips easier
loading the R1s made the tractor twice as useful, I keep telling him that we need a FEL to go on the front of the 3830 (the 7510 has a FEL), but that hasn't happened yet.

Aaron Z