Buying Advice L3240 purchasing advice please (longish)

[TalonDancer]

I am about to purchase a new L3240 and would like some advice on a few details. The plan is to buy a...
* L3240 HST 4WD with R4 tires
* LA724 Loader w/ Quick Attach
* L2239 66" HD round back bucket w/ TL1756 cutting edge
* BH90 Back-hoe w/12" pin on bucket
* Rhino BX66 Box Blade

I'll probably add a Pallet Fork for the FEL to move materials around during construction of the garage/house.

The questions are...
* Is there a 12-18" bucket for the BH90 with bolt on teeth that can be completely removed?
* Is there a good quality mechanical thumb for the BH90?
* What is the best sun protection that will allow folding down the ROPS to fit in the 3rd bay of the garage?
* Does this sound like a good setup for the projects described below?

Projects--
* repair/maintain the 750+ ft constuction driveway -- 8% avg grade, but several sections @ 12-14% and one @ 30%.
* site prep for a 3 car garage (slab on grade)
** removing/leveling 2-3' avg of soil
* site prep for 2 15.5' dia rain water storage tanks
** removing/leveling 3-4' avg of soil
** clearing away rock debris from limestone ledge excavation with a jack hammer at the rear of the site
* site prep for a house (pier and beam)
** removing 1-2' avg of top soil with native grasses, and 20% brush cover (3-6')
* digging 200' of trench for underground electrical service (last pole <-> transformer)
* digging 150' of trench(s) for septic pipe, electrical conduit , water line and rain water collection pipes between the house site and garage/water-tank site
* preping the footings for a 10-12' bridge where the new driveway will span a wet weather creek.
* installing a culvert for the same wet weather creek where it now crosses over an old ranch road.
* general land maintenance chores (e.g. minor landscaping, towing our 5x9 utility trailer, etc.)

Note: I did not mention ANY mowing, tilling, sweeping, snow blowing, etc.

FWIW I spent the last week using a rented L39 (between rains) to dig soil profiles at the garage and house sites, build a french drain in the construction driveway below one of several leaky limestone ledges, and spread 70 yd of road base. This was my first use of any tractor, so the L39 spoiled me big time. I really appreciated the rigidity of the sub frame, etc. But the L39 was a little larger (e.g. 72" vs 66" implements etc.) and more powerful than I think I need. I seriously looked at the B26 but the 3 speed HST with hand throttle was a show stopper. In the end I settled on a compromise with less power, rigidity, etc. but more flexibility and lower overall cost.

Thanks in Advance,
Talon Dancer

 

[art]

The 3240 won't compete with the L-39 but the experince of renting it should tell you if you felt comfortable enough to try this with a little bit smaller unit.

 

[TalonDancer]

The 3240 won't compete with the L-39 but the experince of renting it should tell you if you felt comfortable enough to try this with a little bit smaller unit.

This was my first time using a tractor, FEL, back-hoe, or box blade. So I kept the L39 on a short leash

Basically I did all the back hoe work at idle. I was uncovering and cleaning off buried limestone ledges. So I was being careful while learning how to handle the controls.

I only stepped on the diesel pedal hard when dragging 20+yards of wet road base up a 12% grade with the Rhino BX72 box blade. The L39 would lose traction in the soup and I had to dump half the load in order to complete the section up near the gate. That was the only time all week I felt I was actually using the L39 anywhere near it's potential.

I'm simply not skilled enough to really use an L39 yet. I'm just hoping that once I build some skill I don't smack myself in the head for buying down.

Talon Dancer

 

[The Gardener]

I'm just hoping that once I build some skill I don't smack myself in the head for buying down.

I think you will regret buying down. Now that you have had a taste of a certain power capability, you will always want that power available. Given your success with the L39 rental and your list of projects, I really think you should look to purchase an L39. I am sure that there are some used models out there which could meet your budget.

Good luck !!!
The Gardener

 

[john_bud]

There was a pretty good thread recently about getting a small industrial machine like the L39 or L48 vs a used full sized machine like a Case 580L or M or similar. The used full sized machines can be had for a lot LESS than the new L39 or L3240 and has a lot more capability. You may want to look up that thread and give it a read. May be in the construction area? Maybe here ?

From looking around, you can get a killer good machine for 12k to 18k. Depending on year, hours condition etc. If possible, have a heavy equipment mechanic check out your purchase. If you are looking for a case, go to the local case dealer and talk to the shop people. Tell them you need a inspection and they should set you up.

 

[TalonDancer]

The Gardner and john_bud, I appreciate your taking time to provide your thoughts/advice. But it begs the questions...

Are you saying the GL3240 (as described in the OP) simply isn't up to the projects i've outlined?
or
Is it just that a bigger tractor would be "more capable"?

If it's the former, I need to call my Kubota dealer first thing in the morning
If it's the later, I think I can deal with the perception of inadequacy, as long as the L3240 can actually do the job

FWIW I'm not trying to be augmentative -- just trying to understand the context of your advice.

For my context -- we own two 4WD SUVs.
* a 2001 4.4L V8, power everything, CD changer, etc.
* a 1988 3.0L V6, manual everything, no radio and the A/C is broken.
The only thing I really miss in the 3.0L V6 is the A/C and only in the summer

When I put that 3.0L V6 in Low range 4WD it can haul 2 yards of crushed limestone in our HD 5x9 utility trailer anywhere on our property (30% grades, etc.). But it can't haul that same load safely the 20 miles from the dirt yard (e.g. inadequate brakes). So we fetch heavy material with the 4.4L V8 which has far superior brakes and a built in electric brake controller.

If the GL3240 will be as useful as the 3.0L V6, I'll be happy. I can always rent a full size TLB for the few things it can't do. But if the GL3240 is really not up the the bulk of my project list.... please post back ASAP. I've got my Kubota dealer on speed dial

Talon Dancer

 

[The Gardener]

Are you saying the GL3240 (as described in the OP) simply isn't up to the projects i've outlined?

or

Is it just that a bigger tractor would be "more capable"?

Both are superb tractors. I just think that your "to do list" and the amount of digging that you are facing calls for the most powerful TLB that you can afford. Renting is convenient for quick jobs, but your projects do not appear to be quick.

Trenching [and digging in general] can uncover issues that require re-thinking, more time, and/or secondary plans to be executed. That type of down time and/or re-directed planning is painful when you rent by the hour. The L39 should be able to conquer most everything your encounter other than the need for a full blown excavator.

I just think you should always purchase as much power as you can afford. Maximizing FEL lift capability, PTO lift capacity, and hydraulic pump flow are worth every penny in my view.

You may not presently see the need for the larger rear implements and larger front end attachments instead of the bucket. But, it's always best to have the ability to use larger add-ons if and when the need arises.

Again, either choice is fabulous. This is a win win!!!

Sincerely,
The Gardener

 

[kbiddle]

I have to agree with what the others here have said...
I went though basically the exact same situation last year when I was looking to purchase... at the end of it all I bought a 3830... with a BH90 BH and overall I am very pleased with it...
BUT....
I now sometimes do wish that I would have went bigger... so at the end of the day likes other have said there is no real substitue for power except time...
Good luck and either way I am sure you will be happy..

 

[dfkrug]

I seriously looked at the B26 but the 3 speed HST with hand throttle was a show stopper.

Don't the other HST tractors have 3 range trannies with hand throttles,
too?

I think the GL3240 can do the jobs you plan to do. Sure, an industrial
machine could do them faster, and used Case 580s often cost less. But
if you want a machine that serves you now, as well as in the future for
grounds maintenance tasks when you are done with construction, then
a Grand L is a good choice.

If your construction efforts included large excavation efforts, like a
basement, or major grading, I would suggest industrial equipment (owned
or rented).

My own house building project required major excavation and, in retrospect,
I prob should have bought a 4WD Case and sold it after completion, instead
of hiring out the hard stuff.

 

[TalonDancer]

Don't the other HST tractors have 3 range trannies with hand throttles, too?...

Yes and no.

The Grand L 40 series HST has a hand throttle on the steering colum BUT it also has a switch that allows the foot pedal to act as a 'gas pedal' more like the GST in the L39. AND it has another switch that effectively makes it's 3 range HST into a 6 range HST (e.g. Low (hi-lo), Med (hi-lo) & High (hi-lo)).

In the limited test driving I did on the dealers lot, the GL40 series' HST worked a lot like the L39's GST without the need to use the hand lever to shuttle between forward and reverse. You just press on the front or back of the foot pedal. OTOH the toggle switch that makes it a 6 range tranny is nowhere near as simple as the single lever for the 1-12 GST ranges.

FWIW the only things I really didn't like about the L39's GST was the shuttle shifter on the steering column and the difficulty I had holding the tractor montionless while simultaneously lowering the box blade to a specific level and shifting from reverse to forward, while perched at the edge of 20 yards of road base at the top of a 30% grade. Several times when I pressed the 'gas pedal' I was still in reverse and about to head down that 30+% grade backwards

Talon Dancer

 

[TalonDancer]

...Both are superb tractors. I just think that your "to do list" and the amount of digging that you are facing calls for the most powerful TLB that you can afford. Renting is convenient for quick jobs, but your projects do not appear to be quick.

Trenching [and digging in general] can uncover issues that require re-thinking, more time, and/or secondary plans to be executed. That type of down time and/or re-directed planning is painful when you rent by the hour. ...

Thanks again for your advice and clarification.

I guess the TLB rental issue cuts both ways. Lots of places around here have full size TLB's for rent but NONE have CUTs with back-hoes (except for my dealer who uses that L39 as a 'demo' model for prospective purchasers) .

So my thinking is that the L3240 will handle most stuff I want/need to do in the foreseeable future. And offers more flexibility for future, probably less demanding, use (e.g. removable FEL, smaller footprint / attachments -- more maneuverable for landscaping, post construction maintenance etc.). And it will allow me to build up the skill to fully utilize a full size rental TLB if needed during the construction phase.

Of course there's always PLAN B - Take advantage of the Kubota's high resale value and trade up to an L39, etc. when I finally realize you guys were right all along

Talon Dancer

 

[TalonDancer]

...at the end of it all I bought a 3830... with a BH90 BH and overall I am very pleased with it...
BUT....
I now sometimes do wish that I would have went bigger... ...

Thanks for posting your experience.

When you say you wish you had gone bigger --
Is it the Back-hoe, Loader or just the Whole Package that feels undersized?

TIA - Talon Dancer

 

[dfkrug]

Oh yes, the new Kubota enhanced HST. Heard about that, but never
tried it yet. Most HSTs are like the B26's with throttle controlled only
by the hand lever. You might also try JD's "eHydro".

Your experience with the GST gear tranny on a slope is one reason why
I prefer the HSTs: safety on slopes. I do like the GST as essentially
the ultimate gear tranny.

 

[john_bud]

Talon,

Sure the smaller kubota can do the jobs outlined, but will have a harder time and the equipment will suffer for it. There is also the possibility that you will run into larger rocks or other obstacles when trenching. The industrial machines would have less problem with that stuff. A Used Case 580 would have about zero depreciation if you used it for a year, then sold it. Heck, if you are the careful type and clean it good it may sell for more than you paid.

It sounds like a mute point in that you have ordered the Kubota. That's ok, it's a great machine. With time you will triumph! I have not yet driven a 40 series HST. It sounds nice.

jb

 

[TalonDancer]

...There is also the possibility that you will run into larger rocks or other obstacles when trenching. The industrial machines would have less problem with that stuff. A Used Case 580 would have about zero depreciation if you used it for a year, then sold it. Heck, if you are the careful type and clean it good it may sell for more than you paid....

Thanks again for your insights. Depending on how the trenching goes, I may end up with two tractors during the construction phase. But don't tell the wife just yet

FWIW here in the Texas hill country almost all trenching is done with a rock saw even when the shallow layer appears to be soil, for the very reasons you describe. Rental places have them lined up like skid steers. They go though rock slowly but cut through soil & gravel like butter.

I included the trenching in my to do list was because the limestone ledge where the construction will be, is covered with an alluvial deposit over 6 ft thick, of soft soil and smallish gravel (peas - grapefruit size). I've seen this in 4 widely spaced test profiles, the hole dug for the septic tank and the footings for our pier and beam cabin. BTW I watched the guy who put in our septic use a rock saw at full speed to dig 100+ ft of sewer line & 120ft of electrical conduit trench (in different directions). He slowed down considerably digging the 250' of septic spay field line into the next ledge up which has less than 6 in. of soil cover. Still he did all that trenching in just less than a day.

Thanks again -- Talon Dancer

 

[crazyal]

I went the case 580 way and now find myself deciding whether or not to keep it. Of course my first plan was use it to build my house then sell it for a Kubota. Now I'm asking myself if selling it makes sense. After all if I sold it for the $10K I paid for it that would cover the cost of a backhoe attachment and a FEL and wouldn't have any where near the lifting/ digging capacity. So now I'm trying to decide how much I really need a backhoe, so far I've found lots of uses for it. So now I'm thinking of getting a Grand L (want the center PTO for a Front mount snow blower) without a FEL. I'm still undecided which way to go, lol.

My driveway has some pretty steep grades as well. I had one that was pushing 30% but I have cut it down to below 20%. I can say if you need to do anything more than grading the road that kind of grade it can get tricky. If you have to make a ditch on the side for water runoff with the backhoe you need to be careful. I've found it's much easier to dig with the tractor facing down hill and use the FEL to level the tractor. Otherwise you can easily pull yourself down into what you're trying to dig instead of digging. It also makes getting rid of the dirt a little difficult as you can't always position yourself to use the swing of the backhoe effectively.

I think the3240 should be fine for what you want to do. Sure more HP might be nice but I don't think it's required unless time is an issue. You might want to rent some equipment here and there, say a dozer for a day here and there to do the bulk of the leveling work. A dozer blade is nice to push against with a fel. Now that it looks like the 3130 will be replaced with the 3240 that's what I'm looking towards. Let us know what you choose and how well it works out.

 

[TalonDancer]

When you don't have one its easy to just say "What I need is a tractor with a loader and back hoe. How hard can that be?" Then you go to that first dealer and find out just how tough it is to match your task list with ONE tractor.

In the end, I decided to go with the kit in the original post: GL3240, LA724 FEL with a 66" HD bucket, BH90 w/ 12 in bucket, and Rhino 66"HD box blade. My biggest concern is wether the BH90 will do enough, without straining the frame of the L3240, to be worth nearly 7 grand. It should be delivered early next week.

FWIW money was not the key factor in this decision. It was trying to find the best, long term (10-20yrs) fit of tasks to ONE tractor. I am terrible at buying and/or selling used stuff. So we usually buy new, maintain well and keep stuff for 20+yrs or until it is "plumb wore out". We still own 4 of the 7 vehicles we've driven over the last 37 years. We call the 2001 the "new truck".

Thanks for the advice on handling the steep grades with a back hoe. I'd much rather be pulling the rig up hill, than down Luckily the 30% grade in our construction driveway is a big pile of road base fill, below a 5' high vertical limestone ledge. So I don't need to dig significant ditches on this slope. I only have to keep the driveway crowned enough to allow water to drop over the edge of the ledge. But eventually the main driveway will need to cross this ledge too. The current plan is to have that driveway installed by professionals with much heavier equipment needed to cut down though the hard limestone ledge at a angle (both vertical and horizontal) as part of a more elegant, winding driveway.

Hopefully I won't need the dozer. I have solid rock ledges to push against with the FEL

Talon Dancer