STEVE A: I have been a Kubota owner for 30 years and still have four of them. My most recent purchase was a 04'
L2800 gear drive, which is a semi-shuttle shift; i.e., you select fwd./ rev. with the side select lever, and in fwd. mode, either low/high range. You have four fwd in low range, and the same in high range, by selecting the amount of speed or power required with the gear shift handle. In reverse, you have four speeds in low range only. For my work, it's Kubota at it's best again, for getting all the power to the wheels!
This is my opinion only; for your six acres, from your post, I don't think h.p, is an issue? You will run out of traction before you ever run out of power with the
L2800, by using the correct gear. However, with the HST, go with the
L3400. Unless mowing a lawn is a requirement also, go with the R-1 tires for the added traction, and at least $400 savings in your purchase. I use my
L2800 for both and selected R-4's, and spend most of the time in 4wd, mostly for traction on any hills.
In closing, if you take reasonable care of a Kubota, the problems will be few and far between in it's life. I have not had an issue for 30 years! Good luck to you on your purchase.
