L4300 L4400 are they the same frame as L3400

[smittyd3]

Does the L4300 or L4400 have basically the same frame or set up as the L3400? The dealership near me doesn't have the L4400 or L4300, but it sounds like one tough, powerful tractor. I hear the L4400 took the place of the L4300, but the running gear didn't change only the "body style", is that about right?

 

[Bob_Young]

Smitty, I think you'll find that the L4300 and L4400 are both larger and heavier than the L3400...but not alot. The L4300DT is about 400 lbs heavier than the L3400DT, while the L4400 is about 500 lbs heavier. In size the L3400 is comparable to the older, discontinued L3000.

Overall length of the L4300 is about 119" while that of the L3400 is about 106". The L4400 is around 121" as I recall. There could be some confusion on this point as one of the L4300 spec. listings on the web show it as having the same overall length as the L3400 (a typo?)...while the sales brochure gives the 119" figure.

Owning an L4300 and having looked over a L3400, I can vouch that the L4300 is a bigger tractor.

The 8fwd/4rev transmission configuration of the L3400/L4400 tractors is more advantageous than the 8fwd/2rev layout of the L4300. The L4300 has a High/Low range selector combined with a 4fwd/1rev main transmission. Shuttle shifting is this design's weak point....it's just not designed for it. No forward gear is 'lined up' with the reverse notch on the main tranmission; there's no synchro action between reverse and any forward gear.

The L3400/L4400 series has a High/Low/Reverse range selector coupled with a 4spd (fwd only) main transmission. Shuttle shifting (after a fashion) can be accomplished by moving the range selector in a straight line between Low range and Reverse. However, I doubt that the range selector is synchronized. If not:
1)you will have to stop moving before making a change between forward and reverse
2)it won't always just drop into gear when moving between forward and reverse; you may have to cycle the clutch and spin the gears a bit to get things lined up.

So the biggest difference between the three models you've mentioned is the upgraded transmission of the L3400/L4400 series. Those two extra reverse gears could come in handy if you decided to use a 3 pt. mounted snow blower. I wouldn't even consider such an attachment for the L4300, given the limited reverse gearing.

The L4300 is strong, I can vouch for that; but it's a bit light for its power as well. I'm happy with mine and got a good deal on it. The L4400 is an improvement, however, and not just in cosmetics.

FWIW
Bob

 

[smittyd3]

Thanks for the information, Bob. I have an L3130 GST Kubota. When I went tractor shopping I didn't look at all the options out there. I have learned that buying a tractor and selling it in a year or two is a not like an automobile, you don't lose as much money.

Thanks again,

Smitty