L2800, 3400, 4400. Questions.

Artful Dodger · May 18, 2009

I've been looking at the B Series for a couple of weeks. I really want a tractor with universal SSQA for more than a few reasons. Since the B Series seems to be more trouble than it's worth; I've now turned my attention to the L Series.
I own 57 acres, in the hills of East Tenn., and I need a tractor that can hang on steep ground. I also need a tractor that can dig, and I mean dig, with the FEL! Not to mention a very good BH. I would also like to put a Hydraulic PHD, and a grapple, on the front of this tractor. A bush hog and a box scraper, for the back. Maybe a Flail mower?
Does the L3400 seem about right? Should I go up to the L4400? Should I save money with the L2800? Would the differance in the PTO's be your deciding factor (Live vs. Independant)?
Is the BH90 much better than a BH75A? Is the LA703A much better than the LA463? What about Shuttle Shift compared to HST?
And finally! Does $17500, for a L3400 with Shuttle Shift and a FEL, seem like a fair price? What about another $7000 for a BH75A? Would it be worth another $4000 for the L4400, with the LA703A and BH90? Thanks for your help!!! Art

LD1 · May 18, 2009

I'd say for 57 acres you'd want the 4400. I cant comment on how well it will dig, but it will lift a good bit more than the 3400. I assume you have been to kubota's website and looked over their specs.

I have a 3400, With ag tires, it does decient at digging, although it's not as good as an industrial TLB. 17,500 sounds fair to me. I bough mine just as you are describing, shuttle shift, with loader, for just a tick over 17,000 three years ago.

Comparing the 2800 to 3400, I'd take the 3400 anyday, the extra pto HP for bushhogging and tiling is nice as well as the pto difference is worth the difference.

But I'd still steer you toward a larger machine. Have you looked at other brands? Kioti, Deere, Mahindra, etc. All make good machines. I'm not trying to steer you away from kubota, but it may make financial sense to shop around and see what is out there.

Crash101 · May 18, 2009

It appears you need something for 57 acres, something that is wide and stable and something that will dig well. The L4400 will do this in my opinion much better than the 2800/3400. It's wider and heavier. It accepts the BH90 which will reach longer and dig deeper than the BH75A. The LA703A will lift much more and will be stronger for digging, if that what you wish to do, than the LA463. That 7 (LA703A) number means it should lift around 700 Kilos, the 4 means around 400K (LA463). Rounded off perhaps, but pretty close. You put a heavy grapple on a LA463 and you've used up a good bit of it's lifting capacity. What you wish to do, you will spend a lot of money, I wouldn't wish to spend it on something that is on the edge of being capable. I believe the L400 is your best starting point for considerations. As a matter of fact, I think it's about the best bang for the buck out there.

Harvest Moon · May 18, 2009

Artful Dodger

When it comes to durability and reliability my L3400 hasn't let me down, but from the tone of your post I think you might be expecting too much from a small agricultural tractor. I know as far as digging with the loader, it's not going to happen with the LA463. When it comes to power, the loader is been a bit weak. It's not going to impress with a heavy duty grapple. You'll do better with the L4400 but I still doubt you'll be digging with it. As far as steep hills, well, mine is a bit tippy with loaded tires, I wouldn't want it for steep hills. Some may disagree about the hills but most will agree, use on hills will require low loads and extreme caution.

It sounds like you're reaching for affordable but looking for something like this: T140 Compact Track Loader Specifications - Bobcat Company

I'm thinking the closest you'll get between the two is the L39.

dex3361 · May 18, 2009

I have a L4400 HST with a703A FEL and my property sounds a lot like yours. I have the rear Ag tires loaded and set out as far as they will go(72" outside of the tire to outside of the other tire). I have a tooth bar on the FEL and I have been satisfied with the performance of the tractor so far. I do not have a BH.I have attached a few pics of some hill work.

PSDStu · May 18, 2009

If your not hung up on HST then I would suggest you look at the MX5100 tractor.

Stu

Artful Dodger · May 20, 2009

Hey, thanks guys!
I'm not hung up on the HST, but I seem to keep looking bigger and bigger; until I think I'm losing my mind. I'm actually considering the L4400 with shuttle shift.
My brother has a John Deere, and we bought a used backhoe to put on it a few years ago. I could have caged a herd of chickens over the ground, and let them scrach it up. I think I would have gotten the same results.
I don't know if the Kubota Bachoe will do any better, or if I should just buy an old Backhoe - and a smaller tractor? About half my property is woods, and I'm not a rich man.

medicshawn · May 20, 2009

It's easy to spend your money for you. I think generally you should buy the biggest HP tractor you can afford. It's cheaper than buying a tractor and then upgrading later. The down side of a big tractor is agility in between trees in the woods and hauling your tractor. I went from a B7800 to an L3940 the little 16ft 7K trailer I have isn't working. I'm looking for a much bigger trailer and I don't have a BH. Once you get into the Grand L's and I assume the 3400/4400 is the same there isn't much difference in size and weight between tractors if you upgrade Hp. I like and have manual shift vehicles and like my HST. I think for doing loader work it makes it quicker and more efficent. For backhoes you could also look at the Woods brand. I believe they make a BH90X.

Wheatland KB · May 20, 2009

I will chime in here and go with the general sentiment. I have the L3400 and LA463 with no BH.

Last weekend I dug a trench about 4 feet deep in silty clay type of ground. The L4400 would likely have done it in half of the time as I was using all of the power and traction available.

For me tractors are like air compressors. Figure out what you need then get the biggest one that will fit in the shop (around the acreage).

I wish I would have gone with the L4400!!!

Gem99ultra · May 22, 2009

I just bought a L3400 HST w/FEL, 3P stab., R4's, and drawbar, today for $18,100 otd. But I don't think that the L3400 will come close to handling the work you need done. The L4400 should come close but will cost you a little more for sure.
Best bet is to talk to the dealer, lay out honestly how much you can spend and the job you want to get done, and get his opinion. THEN get at least 3 bids on the same tractor. Prices are good right now and their hungry.