L-series loader questions

medicshawn · Aug 30, 2009

I also vote for the HST tranny like the SSQA you don't lose anything but gain alot.

He might also look at the Grand L tractors some of those added features are pretty nice.

texasjohn · Aug 30, 2009

yep, HST is a feature that simply has to be experienced for a while under full operating conditions to truly appreciate... a simple drive in the parking lot does not do it justice. An HST, IMHO, provides the following features:

significantly less tired at the end of a long day..takes energy to shift a lot.
safer... extreme creep under full power can be accomplished.

turkish · Aug 31, 2009

I appreciate the responses.

Not sure that we are really considering the HST, as we just don't anticipate lots of change-of-direction type work -- mostly deer camp maintenance. The gear-trannied L3400 is likely a Cadillac compared to the minimum tractor requirement.

Mike Costello · Aug 31, 2009

texasjohn said:
yep, HST is a feature that simply has to be experienced for a while under full operating conditions to truly appreciate... a simple drive in the parking lot does not do it justice. An HST, IMHO, provides the following features:

significantly less tired at the end of a long day..takes energy to shift a lot.
safer... extreme creep under full power can be accomplished.

I second Texasjohn's statement about HST. That and QA are probably two of the finest features you can add to your tractor. I got both options on my L4400 and it makes all the difference in the world to me. Mike.

lawn_king · Sep 20, 2009

Hst is the way to go if you can find the extra dollars. Hst plus (grand L's) has been a dream come true.

westbrooklawn · Sep 20, 2009

Go with the HST... I have the L3400 with gear drive, and I wish I had spent the extra for the HST. It is much quicker for loader work, and if you have multiple operators, you may find yourself replacing a clutch sooner than you think (very expensive). I grew up around gear tractors and thought they were fine... it's all I knew! Since I have operated a friend's with HST, I now understand the benefits... wish I had it all to do over again as far as the purchase of my L3400.

crazyal · Sep 20, 2009

You may also want to think about resale value when it comes to HST and the QA, someday you'll be selling (maybe upgrading?). I would suggest you go to Kubota's web site. They have a tractor configurer that'll tell you retail price but you can find out roughly how much extra it'll cost for each option.

mike69440 · Sep 23, 2009

I have an L39, My neighbor has a L3400 With LA463 Loader.

I don't think my tweaked up loader on my L39 is quite strong enough, so you can imagine my opioion of the LA463.

If I can offer any advice get as much loader as you can and ballast the heck out back

veresjwv · Sep 27, 2009

One more thing to add for your Dad, I am 56years old and somedays feel like I am closing in on 80. I own a L3400HST and I can't imagine a whole days work of clutching and shifting with a loader. The older you get usually the worse your knees get. HST the only way to go. I absolutly love mine.