Comparison L3540 vs L3940 Cab tractor

[PaulP]

I just sold my L3130 DT 4WD to move into a tractor with the cab. Tired of freezing in the winter and let's face it, why not?

I think the power in my L3130 was been adequate for my snow pushing, dirt moving, etc. but that's only because I haven't owned anything more powerful and don't know any better.

I'm told that the extra few HP in the L3940 over the L3540 might make a little difference in the PTO performance but for the pushing, loader etc. use, I probably wouldn't notice a difference.

There was a time when I bushogged quite a bit, but not so much recently as we have downsized the property. My rear PTO generally only runs my Woods backhoe now. There isn't a lot of difference in price between the two tractors (maybe $1500) but $1500 here and $2000 there, it starts creeping up quickly. The biggest difference in my mind is that when you move up to the L3940, you are now in a 4 cyl model vice 3 cylinder. I assume that's a good thing but don't know the facts.
Don't want to be penny wise and dollar foolish and regret buying the L3540 and wishing I had purchased the slightly larger version in the future. Just looking for a sanity check.
Thanks.

 

[lawn_king]

Both are fine machines. Most folks here, myself included, are from the bigger is better school of thought. That being said, i do feel that the kubota 3 cylinder engines are smoother running and vibrate less. Yes, i have owned both and this is jmho.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

FWIW, my L5030 seems quieter than the L3130, don't know if it's because of the

# of cylinders or not.

 

[art]

You have several things that are happening here! What transmission are you buying? You originally had a gear and I believe you are going to a hydro as well as a heavier tractor!

I feel for many things you might not notice the difference like grading and you often are better off with a higher weight to horsepower ratio.

For PTO work it is different and if you are using your horsepower just to move the weight, then there won't be much left to power the PTO.

I'd say you could be happy with a 3540 but! To do the pto work faster the extra horsepower of the 3940 might be nice.

 

[Happyman]

If you are going with a cab you will need the extra hp. Cab A/C and weight steal horsepower. Go for the L3940.

 

[nybirdman]

My L3130 HST working at 2000rpms used about a gallon an hour,my L4240 HSTC uses about 1.25 gal per hour at 2000rpm,32hp vs 44 hp,not a whole lot of difference,the L4240 is a four cylinder,I never noticed a lot of difference as far as vibration,either tractor would be a fine choice...same frame size ,the L3540 and L3940.

 

[lawn_king]

Is there much difference in fuel usage between the 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder?

My b7500 was a 3 cylinder, my b3030 was a 4 and my l3540 is a 3. As far as fuel consumption between 3 & 4 cylinders, your question is too vauge?

 

[canoetrpr]

Personally if I was inclined to think about the L3940, I'd also be looking at the L4240. You get more loader on the L4240 and I don't think there is much difference in size between the L4240 and the L3940.

Do you need more tractor than the L3540 ? probably not - but what the heck - you don't do this too often.

I just think that if you are going to get the slightly larger frame / wheelbase of the L3940, you might as well go all the way and get the LA854 loader on the L4240.

It never stops does it ?

 

[PaulP]

Believe I'm leaning toward the L3950. I like the slightly larger and a little bit more powerful concept. The price break is only about $1500 difference and I don't want to regret not spending a relatively small amount more later. Thanks to all.

 

[lawn_king]

It all comes down to your specific needs and application. For me the 3540 hsdc was the 1 machine that was perfect for my needs, and they are diverse! I needed a cab machine that had the fel capicity to lift 1500 # easily, the lift height to load a triaxle if necessary. I needed a machine with a strong 3 point (position control) hitch, QA loader & bucket that had the power to break into and load heavy snow,mulch,sand,etc. I needed a machine with decent power at the pto that could work on pristine turf all day long with fel & rear implement, yet was light enough to do this without leaving a footprint! I needed a machine that would fit on a 16' trailer, fit between rows of monuments at the cemetery, provide the brute pull power for any number of tasks, yet not catch the eye of the DOT too much! In addition to these requirements, i wanted a quiet,comfortable,reliable, 3 speed hydro that was not a fuel hog! I did my research on this tractor. When all was said & done it came down to the kubota 3540, no regrets!