L series gear drive
- Thread starter Wideglide
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LD1
Epic Contributor
I have an L3400. No issues at all with the gear.
I noticed on the newer Lxx01 series they add a second reverse range. So I dont know what that is all about. My only complaint is that the forward and reverse gears arent matched up real well speed wise. The 4 reverse gears I have are all faster than the 4 low range forward gears.
IE: R3 is about the same speed as L4. R2=L3, etc. Kinda a pain when mowing and shifting to reverse, you are going faster. So frequently I have to shift to reverse AND downshift the trans.
I would like to see corresponding forward and reverse gears be the same ground speed.
I noticed on the newer Lxx01 series they add a second reverse range. So I dont know what that is all about. My only complaint is that the forward and reverse gears arent matched up real well speed wise. The 4 reverse gears I have are all faster than the 4 low range forward gears.
IE: R3 is about the same speed as L4. R2=L3, etc. Kinda a pain when mowing and shifting to reverse, you are going faster. So frequently I have to shift to reverse AND downshift the trans.
I would like to see corresponding forward and reverse gears be the same ground speed.
bullbreaker
Elite Member
Depends on your needs espiecially if you use for business and have employees using it , hydro way to go IMO.
I also have a gear (DT DIRECT TRANSMISION) MODEL 2007 L3400 . It ain't no secret HYDRO'S good for loader work etc/continuous back and forth movement . I bought my L3400 gear for mostly bushhogging at the time continuous long runs of pasture(s). Just like for my uses I need a FEL. I'am old school not trying to start a hydro / gear war here but if not just physiological seems like gear models last longer over time with less trouble .
Just like if I bought a TLB it would be a HYDRO. (Been looking at a new Bota L45 )
BTW just sold my JD GT235 that was a hydro model (all they came in ) and was/is a great hydro garden tractor IMO.
I also have a gear (DT DIRECT TRANSMISION) MODEL 2007 L3400 . It ain't no secret HYDRO'S good for loader work etc/continuous back and forth movement . I bought my L3400 gear for mostly bushhogging at the time continuous long runs of pasture(s). Just like for my uses I need a FEL. I'am old school not trying to start a hydro / gear war here but if not just physiological seems like gear models last longer over time with less trouble .
Just like if I bought a TLB it would be a HYDRO. (Been looking at a new Bota L45 )
BTW just sold my JD GT235 that was a hydro model (all they came in ) and was/is a great hydro garden tractor IMO.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Not to say there is anything wrong with liking a gear transmission and shifting, but consider this.
How many hours did you spend operating the treadle peddle hydro machine?. If not at least 8 to 16 hours of use, you cannot give an accurate accounting of how you will feel about it after that time period.. Some people do not like the peddle, and always choose a machine with twin peddles if they want a hydro. My current tractor has twin peddles, my last tractor an Kubota L3400hst had the treddle peddle. I contend they are both just fine and the dandy. BUT, I also contend that either takes some small amount of time to get used to, and come to appreciate. Just driving one around in the lot is nothing like operating one for a while. I did not like the treadle pedal in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE it after a short time, about the second day. I did not like the twin peddles in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE them now.. I know, opinions are like xxxxxxx and everyone has one! Good luck in whatever you choose.:thumbsup:
How many hours did you spend operating the treadle peddle hydro machine?. If not at least 8 to 16 hours of use, you cannot give an accurate accounting of how you will feel about it after that time period.. Some people do not like the peddle, and always choose a machine with twin peddles if they want a hydro. My current tractor has twin peddles, my last tractor an Kubota L3400hst had the treddle peddle. I contend they are both just fine and the dandy. BUT, I also contend that either takes some small amount of time to get used to, and come to appreciate. Just driving one around in the lot is nothing like operating one for a while. I did not like the treadle pedal in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE it after a short time, about the second day. I did not like the twin peddles in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE them now.. I know, opinions are like xxxxxxx and everyone has one!
Good luck in whatever you choose.:thumbsup:TexasBoy
Gold Member
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- Central Texas
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- Kubota M7060HDC12, L4600DT, Ford 4000
I have gear drive and love my tractor. Good luck on whatever you decide to purchase.
TripleR
Super Star Member
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- Missouri
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- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
There was a somewhat similar thread on here recently and it was mentioned the 3301 has a transmission driven as opposed to live or independent PTO on the bigger models in this series. Gear vs HST; never ending debate.
s219
Super Member
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- Virginia USA
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- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
There are some very good reasons to get a gear tractor over HST (I can say that having owned/operated both). But getting a gear tractor because you don't like the HST treadle is not a good reason. After operating HSTs with treadle and HSTs with dual pedals, I think they are both easy to get used to and see no reason why anyone would have an issue one way or another (aside from a handicap of some type). That said, a lot of people have issues when they treat HST controls like a throttle, and that's not the right way to do it. As long as you realize it's an effective gear ratio, and you properly operate the throttle in conjunction with that, I can't see how it matters if it's a treadle or a pedals. After a short period operating either one, they become transparent to me. Same goes for gear. So pick the best type based on planned use, and plan to acclimate.
Fallon
Super Member
The gear trannys have a 2 stage live PTO I believe. The HSTs have a transmission PTO. They got rid of transmission PTOs because a flywheel on the PTO (like a rotary cutter) would keep driving the transmission & tractor forward even after pushing in the clutch. With a HST this is a non issue as you just let off the go pedal anyway & the HST stops the tractor. Saves money with a cheaper clutch assembly & you really don't get any of the negatives.
