Go with the hydro. If you plan on bigger PTO driven implements, go with the 3400, if not, the 2800 will do everything as easily as the 3400. If you are set on the geared version, get the 3400 as you will have live pto, the 2800 geared has tranny driven pto - not good.
L2800 versus L3400
- Thread starter dweyant
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"...I need to do a lot of dirt work..." Get the HST, if you can afford it. At first, I wished I got the extra HP of the L3400... since (so far) I have not needed any extra HP; I'm not sure what I'm missing. Just don't ever drive a HST and you'll never be sorry getting a gear. 
I'm used to driving a gear tractor and early on, I did hit the "go" pedal... instead of the brake. Luckly, I did this while backing up to attach an implement, so no problem. Now that I've gotten the hang of HST, I don't have that problem anymore.
I don't know about "today's" prices but I got mine with HST for $15k (before tax). If you can not afford it, I would wait till you could...
(Edit) After reading your next post... Yes, IMHO, you'll be better off getting the L2800HST over the L3400DT
I'm used to driving a gear tractor and early on, I did hit the "go" pedal... instead of the brake. Luckly, I did this while backing up to attach an implement, so no problem. Now that I've gotten the hang of HST, I don't have that problem anymore.
I don't know about "today's" prices but I got mine with HST for $15k (before tax). If you can not afford it, I would wait till you could...
(Edit) After reading your next post... Yes, IMHO, you'll be better off getting the L2800HST over the L3400DT
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Thanks so much for all the suggestions!
It helps quite a bit.
So, just to make sure I'm clear, the general consensus seems to be:
1) Go with HST
2) No real evidence of less reliability with the HST over the DT
3) The 3400 would be nice, but the 2800 will likely be just fine for what I need to do (mostly FEL work) not a lot of really tall/wet grass.
If I have to choose (based on finances) I'd be better off getting the L2800HST over the L3400DT.
Correct?
-Dan
It helps quite a bit.
So, just to make sure I'm clear, the general consensus seems to be:
1) Go with HST
2) No real evidence of less reliability with the HST over the DT
3) The 3400 would be nice, but the 2800 will likely be just fine for what I need to do (mostly FEL work) not a lot of really tall/wet grass.
If I have to choose (based on finances) I'd be better off getting the L2800HST over the L3400DT.
Correct?
-Dan
bjess8
Bronze Member
I have a a Grand L 3130 gear driven,I am not sure why people think hydro is better than gears for loading.I can run my tractor as good or even better than my brother who has a hydro when we are loading dirt.
I think hydro is nice if you are a girl .
I think hydro is nice if you are a girl
.
bjess8
Bronze Member
I like both hydro and gear but prefer gear and thats just my opinion.
Crash101
Silver Member
bjess8 said:I think hydro is nice if you are a girl
Now I know what to say when my wife tells me I spent too much money on tractor equipment. I'll say "But Hon! I bought it for you. See? It even has the Hydro".
Bjess8, not sure if that will work, but it's worth a try, thanks for the idea.....
canoetrpr
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2005
- Messages
- 2,396
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- Kubota M7040 cab/hyd shuttle - current, Kubota L3400 - traded
I'd bite the bullet and get the L3400HST. The extra $1000 that you spend on each (L2800 to L3400, and DT to HST) - you will get most of it back when you sell many years from how. Used tractors sell by hp.
With a L3400, in 10 years, your tractor will be sold as a 34hp tractor vs a 28hp tractor. Used HST tractors get snapped up quickly in the used market.
The extra HP will never hurt.
With a L3400, in 10 years, your tractor will be sold as a 34hp tractor vs a 28hp tractor. Used HST tractors get snapped up quickly in the used market.
The extra HP will never hurt.
Bob_Young
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,244
- Location
- North of the Fingerlakes - NY
- Tractor
- Ford 4000; Ford 2000(both 3cyl.);JD40; 2004 Kubota L4300; 2006 Kubota B7610; new 2007 Kubota MX5000
If you're planning to do any tiller or snowblower work, definitely get the HST. You can wind the engine up to whatever RPM gives you 540 at the PTO and then go as slow or as fast as you want by simply changing pedal pressure. For the heavy going, a light touch on the pedal lets you run at a small fraction of a mile-per-hour or even pause while the implement clears, all without slipping a clutch. When the going gets easy, press on the pedal more and speed up instantly. You can perfectly match groundspeed to whatever your implement will handle. For those jobs, the best gear transmission made could do no better.
Only drawback is you lose a little PTO HP with the HST. Another reason to get the L3400 over the 2800.
Bob
Only drawback is you lose a little PTO HP with the HST. Another reason to get the L3400 over the 2800.
Bob
Racer71
Silver Member
First get the HST. It is so much easier than shifting gears for bucket work or blades for that mater. I just mowed 20 acres and found the HST useful there too. Parts of the land was rough. It is easy to slow down for these or making the turns. There is a lever to set the speed when the ground is smooth.
Second get the bigger engine. It will make up for any "Power loss" in the HST.
Third you will need ballast for the dirt work. I have filled tires and 1,300 pounds to hang on the back. This plants the rear wheels solid.
It is a great tractor.
If you have money left there is a L4400.
Second get the bigger engine. It will make up for any "Power loss" in the HST.
Third you will need ballast for the dirt work. I have filled tires and 1,300 pounds to hang on the back. This plants the rear wheels solid.
It is a great tractor.
If you have money left there is a L4400.
