L3240 vs. L4400

[Bluegill2]

I dont belittle bells and whistles, and there is indeed no doubt that they do increase productivity in a given size tractor.

It is just differences in opinion and style. For me, I perfer a gear tractor. So the bells and whistles that go along with a HST are moot.

My point being that in my price range when shopping, I wanted the MOST tractor for the money, NOT the most bells and whistles. And in order for me to get the bells and whistles, I would have had to get a Something like a B2620 or B2920. And there is no doubt in my mind that for what I do, A "basic" L3400 is more productive and more capable than the "deluxe bell & whistle" B series.

So IMO, comparing similar sized machines, yes the bells and whistles tractor is going to be more productive.

BUT...when comparing similar COST tractors, the economy machine is going to be more productive IMO. Because you get a larger (heavier, bigger, more lift capacity) machine for the same dollar.

So when one is comparing similar sized machines and asking "is the extra $$$ worth it", that is something they are just going to have to decide for themselves by trying out the machines. Because to some, the fancies are worth the extra jack, for others, they are not.

When one is comparing on cost alone, It is a different story. Because the question becomes do you want to sacrifice machine size/capability to get them fancies.:confused2:

But I do agree, if you plan on sitting and operating this machine all-day, everyday, I would want the one monst comfortabally to operate and the most ergonomic.

But if just ocassional work (like myself) I want the biggest beast I can afford and am willing to give up the extras to get it.

GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA: The L4400 is quite a workhorse and I dont think you will be disappointed. In reality, a set of pallet forks on a SS QA (that removes the bucket), you are probabally looking at a pallet lifting ability of ~1800lbs in the real world. Because they are a little underrated (and rated to max lift where capacity drops a little). Plus with a SS QA, you are removing the bucket and bringing the work closer to the pins.

Great post man and exactly the way I feel and the reason I chose a L3800. It was the most tractor for the amount of $ I wanted to spend. :thumbsup:

 

[kuboman]

Referring to some of the items on the GL's as bells and whistles is somewhat misleading in my opinion. It is like calling power steering a bell and whistle. What I am referring to is the high/low on the HST plus stall guard. These items fit into the power steering category. Yes the digital dash could be a B&W but after you have hunted for the right PTO rpm you soon realize how nice it is.
I have run/owned both and I would not go back.:thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA, one other detail about the loaders and lifting material that may not be obvious to everyone. All these tractors have a pivoting front axle to allow them to operate over uneven terrain (compare that with a fork-lift, for example, with fixed axles front and rear). That makes lifting and moving heavy items using the FEL a bit of a tricky proposition. The heavier the load, the more crucial it is for it to be perfectly balanced, the terrain flat and smooth. Having a heavy backhoe on the rear helps considerably, but one still must exercise great caution.

Good post to bring up the saftey concern, but forklifts steering axle DOES pivot the same way a tractor does. Think of it like a tractor in reverse.:thumbsup:

 

[crazyal]

That's one of the great things about Kubota. If you have a budget but need a certain level of power you have great options like the base L model or the MX. If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks you can step up and get some features that are not needed but do really make life more enjoyable.

 

[TripleR]

That's one of the great things about Kubota. If you have a budget but need a certain level of power you have great options like the base L model or the MX. If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks you can step up and get some features that are not needed but do really make life more enjoyable.

The older I get the more that definition changes.:laughing:

 

[crazyal]

The older I get the more that definition changes.:laughing:

I resemble that remark. :laughing:

 

[TripleR]

I resemble that remark. :laughing:

I am older than dirt and remember my dad driving a semi without power steering or air conditioning.

The thought of a farm tractor with power steering was sure to get you hooted out of the general store away from the comfort of the old coal stove. I well remember getting our first tractor without a back up crank. When we got our old AC started, it tended to run until we HAD to shut it down.

Did I mention how far I walked to school...:laughing:

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Good Morning all,

Does anyone know if the L4400 wheels can be widened much or by how much?

 

[dex3361]

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Good Morning all,

Does anyone know if the L4400 wheels can be widened much or by how much?

The R1 ag tires can be set out to about 74 inches outside to outside. The front are not adjustable.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Does anyone have an opinion of how handy the back smart hitches are and to which equipment would one use the male part mainly?

And how about the the FEL Tooth Bar Teeth...how handy are they and are they a hinderance sometimes...