L3400 HST is it enough tractor?

billynphilly · Apr 10, 2005

Hello,I am looking at buying the L3400 HST to skid some pine logs 20" by 20'long and some 18" by 17' hardwood logs on 50 acres of resonably level bush.I am not in a huge hurry and want to do as little damage as possible to my lot.Thanks for your input. <font color="red"> </font>

grandad · Apr 10, 2005

You should be able to move logs like that with an L3400, but it would help if you gave the experts here a bit more information. Just how many logs are we talking about here? Is this a one-time project, or are you going to be doing it commercially, for example? If it's a one-time thing, what would you use the tractor for when the logs are gone?

yamaben · Apr 10, 2005

I bought an L3400 for my 40 acre farm. I really like it, but it is a little smaller and lighter weight than other mid-30HP tractors I've used. It never seems to run out of power, but there have been times when I wished it was heavier. I think I may have the tires filled.
I just used a 1969 Massey 135 to skid a similar sized Walnut trunk out of a small ditch, and I had to wonder if that old $3000 tractor wouldn't out pull my new $12000 L3400 because of it's weight and size (it is also 35 HP).
If money was no object for me, I would trade up to the L4400, but I have to admit that 3400 has not let me down yet.
If you do go with the 3400, I would suggest AG tires to help maintain traction while pulling.