L3430 general advice

[Tibbits]

I'm having a used L3430 delivered today and would love to know of any reccomendations or hints on owning this model. GST, 118 hours, 6' Woods loader and box. Looks good mechanically but has some cosmetic issues - dirty, head light assembly cracked and major dings on the hood (got a replacement hood on the way - but with L3800 letters!). And an owners manual is ordered.
I don't think the hydrolic fluid has been changed, so it will be first on the list. I'm thinking super udt. Oil as well and filters for both. A careful powerwashing and degreasing. If I can figure out how to post a pic, I'll upoald one soon.
If you know of any advice on the L series or any good maintenance/tip threads I would appreciated it. This site has been exstremely valuable with my BX.

 

[TripleR]

I really don't know any tips other than to follow the Owners Manual. Maintenance is pretty easy once you know the drain plug locations.

At only 118 hours, very little "needs" to be done, but I probably would too just to be sure and have a reference point.

I know absolutely nothing about GST though.

 

[Baby Grand]

Congratulations on getting a very nice tractor. A few dents and dings are part of working and playing hard - and sounds like you're going to get everything ship shape soon enough. I really like the GST box. I just use the clutch to start from a stop if in a high (road) gear or for accurate positioning when hooking up attachments or douing loader work. Otherwise, up and down shifting can be done smoothly, and without using the clutch, if you "blip" the throttle between shifts - you'll figure it out.
-Jim

 

[Tibbits]

Thanks. Yeah, the GST will take some getting used to. I drove it quite a bit before I bought it and I was already starting to find a comfortable stride.
I have a suspicion the hydrolic fluid has not been changed. I'm hoping no metal shavings from the break in have been churning around in there. My most immediate problem will be making a space for it in the shop!

 

[DiezNutz]

I don't think the hydrolic fluid has been changed, so it will be first on the list. I'm thinking super udt. Oil as well and filters for both.

I think you're wise to do that. I habitually do a full service on any used equipment/vehicles I buy, unless I have its complete service history beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Since you seem like the hands on type, order the WSM for your model (or ask for it as a gift). Money well spent.

Congrats on your previously-slightly-loved L. Moar pix! :thumbsup:

 

[CosmoAU]

Thanks. Yeah, the GST will take some getting used to. I drove it quite a bit before I bought it and I was already starting to find a comfortable stride.
I have a suspicion the hydrolic fluid has not been changed. I'm hoping no metal shavings from the break in have been churning around in there. My most immediate problem will be making a space for it in the shop!

You will be used to it quicker than expected. I know I'm in the minority here, but I just don't like the HST, so for me the GST is perfect on my 3830. I wouldn't want anything else. I usually clutch forward-reverse out of habit but you don't have to. The only real time you have to is to crank and stop and you can actually stop without clutching if you want to.

 

[dex3361]

1) I would get the parts manual and it can be had for free in PDF format by filling out the form on TRACTORSMART Then click the manuals tab, then the L Series Tractors and Implements Line. Make sure and fill out the FEL and any other implements that may be specific to your machine. Then in a couple of days they (Tractor Smart) will send you a link to down load the PDF. That is a great service from Tractor Smart.

2)I would get the owners manual and read it.

3)Check all the fluid levels. Change the fluid and filters would be even better(If there up on hour).

 

[Tibbits]

Thanks. I just got the parts list from Tractorsmart. It will help when I replace the hood. As soon as the manual gets here I'll change the fluids and filters. In the meantime, I have a lot of small paint/metal corosions to clean and paint.