Comparison L3400 vs L3200

Imapipefitter · Jul 20, 2011

I'm in the market for one of these tractors, but can't decide. I like the PTO in the 3400, but I see the 3800 replaced it. So I guess the 3400 is obsolete now. I can get either one from my dealer. The prices are within 1200.00 of each. Any suggestions?

LD1 · Jul 20, 2011

Imapipefitter said:
I'm in the market for one of these tractors, but can't decide. I like the PTO in the 3400, but I see the 3800 replaced it. So I guess the 3400 is obsolete now. I can get either one from my dealer. The prices are within 1200.00 of each. Any suggestions?

For only $1200 more, I'd probabally opt for the more power and newer styling of the 3800.

But dont be afraid of the 3400. I dont like the term "obsolete". The 3800 is still the 3400, just a bit of updated styling and more power.

Kinda like cars and trucks get updated and re-styled every few years. Only they dont change their name. In the tractor world, they always change the model #.

Good Luck and I dont think you will go wrong with either.

teg · Jul 20, 2011

I read the OP is deciding between the L3200 and the L3400, which is within $1,200 (not the L3800). If my thinking is correct: the L3200 is newer and $1,200 cheaper... the L3400 has more power but is an older model. How much of a horsepower junkie are you?

Imapipefitter · Jul 20, 2011

Yes I have been looking at the L3200' but it doesn't have live PTO. The L3400 does have live PTO, and it is cheaper. It's just not as stylish as the new L3200. The L3800 is about 1200.00 higher than the other two.

teg · Jul 20, 2011

Imapipefitter said:
...The L3400 does have live PTO, and it is cheaper...

I would get this one... hands down. But you are the one buying.

teg · Jul 20, 2011

Imapipefitter said:
Yes I have been looking at the L3200' but it doesn't have live PTO. The L3400 does have live PTO, and it is cheaper. It's just not as stylish as the new L3200. The L3800 is about 1200.00 higher than the other two.

So you are talking about the Gear driven tractors because the two HST are the same "Live-continuous"???

Imapipefitter · Jul 20, 2011

Yes, I am looking at gear drivin. I'm not interested in HST.

teg · Jul 20, 2011

It seems that the only hold up is that "It's just not as stylish as the new L3200"... that's a personal choice you have to make. I personally like the look of the older boxy tractors (the extra HP don't hurt, either)

LD1 · Jul 20, 2011

So if I follow corrrectly, the 3200 and 3400 are the same price and the 3800 adds $1200????

If that is the case, for me the 3200 would NOT even be a consideration due to the gear drive and PTO combo.

So basically you have to answer to yourself, is the older styling and less HP worth the savings of $1200???

If money is tight, I wouldnt hesitate to buy the 3400. But if the $1200 doesnt make much difference in the long run to you, that is a fairy inexpensive upgrade to the 3400. But everyones personal finacnes are different and only you can decide. But I have to assume that since you are even considering it, that you can comfortabally afford the $1200 diff. If that is the case, I vote L3800:thumbsup:

General Lee · Jul 20, 2011

If it were me, I'd get the L3400

k0ua · Jul 20, 2011

Imapipefitter said:
Yes, I am looking at gear drivin. I'm not interested in HST.

May I ask why?..In my opinion, the Hydro is the best feature of my L3400, and a real blessing. I was just wondering if you had heard something bad about hydrostats's ? Thanks

James K0UA

Wolfy · Jul 20, 2011

You know kOua, you seem to like starting wars. Some like gears. Some do not. Accept it.

k0ua · Jul 20, 2011

Wolfy said:
You know kOua, you seem to like starting wars. Some like gears. Some do not. Accept it.

I was actually curious why he was not interested in a hydro, and I though I asked very respectfully, did I step on you or something? Wolfy, if so I am sorry.
As for the Original Poster, if he is not interested in answering, he may ignore my question. And starting a war is not in my nature. Thanks.

James K0UA

Wolfy · Jul 20, 2011

I think most TBN members are well aware of your love for HST. I would need 10 hands to count your posts raving about them.

k0ua · Jul 20, 2011

Wolfy said:
I think most TBN members are well aware of your love for HST. I would need 10 hands to count your posts raving about them.

Yes, I am very passionate about my love of HST, and have expressed my opinion more than once, about this subject. And the reason I do that is because a lot of new members, are often asking about the differences in the available transmission choices, and do not understand the benefits or shortcomings of the various types. My aim is purely to help answer questions about a subject I do know something about. My question for you is how is respectfully asking the question about why the OP was not interested in Hydro, starting a war? As I stated before he like you are free to ignore me or anyone else they so choose. This is an open forum, and I like you are entitled to our respective opinions. Apparently you do not like Hydro-stat transmissions. May I ask why?

James K0UA

Wolfy · Jul 20, 2011

There are 2 members I avoid. You are not one of them. That should say something about your responses......I grew up on gear shifts, and enjoy them. Yes it takes skill, but more than that, a certain mindset. That many people may not have. I don't mind my Kubota G6200 HST mower. Or my JD 750B HST dozer. But I have also driven a few loader tractors with HST. In low gear, I could not get a full bucket, that my gear shifts can. I just don't see equal pushing power. And using a loader is 70% of my tractor's work.

k0ua · Jul 20, 2011

Wolfy said:
There are 2 members I avoid. You are not one of them. That should say something about your responses......I grew up on gear shifts, and enjoy them. Yes it takes skill, but more than that, a certain mindset. That many people may not have. I don't mind my Kubota G6200 HST mower. Or my JD 750B HST dozer. But I have also driven a few loader tractors with HST. In low gear, I could not get a full bucket, that my gear shifts can. I just don't see equal pushing power. And using a loader is 70% of my tractor's work.

Ok, Thanks, My loader use is 95% of my hours, (only about 100 hours per year now).. on this property there is just a little brush mowing. My experiences with hydro I guess is different than yours. I have never run out of push power with my hydro. it will spin the tires, in either LOW or MED range. (of course you should never use HI for loader work) with my L3400 with loaded R4's and 750+ lbs on the 3pt if I stay on the pedal. I guess we should just agree that our respective experiences are different and let it go at that Ok? Thanks for answering.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

Wolfy · Jul 20, 2011

Other than the tranny debate, you seem like a good guy. No hard feelings.

k0ua · Jul 20, 2011

Wolfy said:
Other than the tranny debate, you seem like a good guy. No hard feelings.

None here either, have a good evening.

James K0UA

teg · Jul 21, 2011

My HST tractor will run out of traction before power... Maybe it about Tire choice? (R1 Ag's instead of R4 Industrial

) :tractor:

Bit of back ground, I loved gear tractors... didn't want HST... Hated it when we got it... but now I would not go back to Gear. Don't mind driving them, they just wear me out too fast.