looking at a L3240 Grand

[PHILIP8N]

I purchased a L3940 this summer to retire my Ford 8N. First job was to bush hog 18 acres that had grown to 6' in some spots. I borrowed a 6' cutter and the tractor performed well. I chose the 3940 because that is the largest tractor you can still mount a 6' mid mount mower on, which I thought I may do in the future sometime. I also chose it because I wanted a 4 cylinder enigne. Philip.

 

[srs]

Philip, just curious as to why you wanted a 4 cylinder engine? Also nice looking tractor!

 

[PHILIP8N]

Have had vibration issues in the past with 3 cylinder diesel engines, mainly industrial John Deere 3029. 4 cylinder engines appear to run with less vibration, and Kubota puts twin balance shafts in the V2003M. Not sure if Kubota puts balance shafts in their 03M series 3 cylinder engines or not. Philip.

 

[Baby Grand]

"you'll never regret getting more HP than you need".

As a young lad, I worked as a "Petroleum Transfer Engineer" at our local Getty station during the Arab oil embargo. I will never forget the base animal behaviour of men in suits in big iron when I brought out the "Sorry, no more gas" plywood signs. These were guys I went to church with and whose kids I played ball with.

More HP than you need is more HP than you need. My concern isn't so much about paying thru the nose for fuel i don't need, it's about not being able to get enough fuel, at what ever price, to the job that needs to be done.

Man, I can't believe I just said that - I'm becomming my dear ol' dad, may he RIP.

-Jim

(Old Phart)

 

[pa32mays]

Local Kubota dealer is asking $25,500 for new L3240 HST w/ r4 tires, LA724 FEL minus $16000 trade-in for my 2005 L3830 GST - 480 hours - w/ Woods FEL. Is this a good price? I'm selling my L3830 because I really prefer the HST for my hilly property and am looking to downsize a bit, maybe add a backhoe to the new tractor. thanks, y'all.

I got a quote from Barlow equipment in KY for the 3540 HST w/LA724 a month ago for $21400.

 

[pa32mays]

Well, now I'm considering going with more horsepower - after reading lots of opinions to that effect on other email strings: "you'll never regret getting more HP than you need". My local Kubota dealer visited my property and recommended I go w/ Ag tires and not the R4s. Rationale is that the Ag tires provide better grip on hills, at least as wide a stance and they won't really mess up my turf all that much - especially since I don't have a lawn I'm trying to protect. Rationale for more HP is that the L3240 has 25 PTO HP which is the minimum needed for my Rhino 160 cutter.

So... do I go with the L3540 or bump up to the L3940, which is what my local dealer recommends? I will mostly use the tractor for bush hogging, occasional FEL work, (maybe add a grapple), and maintain about 1/4 mile of gravel driveways. Someday, maybe, I'll add a BH. I have 50 acres of mostly wooded, steep hills - about 5 - 10 acres of that is mowable. If I stayed with the L3240 could I still maintain the minimum 25 HP needed for the PTO while I'm mowing the hills? Your opinions are appreciated!

Dickson Farm Equipment in middle TN has a L3940GST w/LA724 on the lot...or did last week. I got a quote from him of $24100 for a L3940HST w/LA724. The GST I think is a little cheaper. Ask for Craig Fuson if you're interested. He is a good guy. I live close to there. I was going to buy it and I found a used one for less. The Grand L's seem to be harder to find on the lot than the standard L's.

 

[warvalley]

Well, I just bought me a brand spankin' new tractor! Although the expense is a bit hard to swallow, I opted to move up to a L3940HST Grand/ LA724 FEL and splurged by getting a BH90 and a WR Long RBG2 60" grapple. It came down to purchasing either from Barlow's or from my local Kubota dealer. After considering the trade-in value on my L3830GST, they were both pretty close on my out-of-pocket cost. Barlow's was a bit cheaper but my preference was to stick w/ the locals. Both of them seem to be straight shooters and were pleasant to deal with. I'd recommend both of them.
Many thanks to everyone's opinions and advice both from this and from other discussions! I'll continue to participate if/when I have something useful to say. Merry Christmas!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

congrats on the new kubota

 

[ovrszd]

Hey Warvalley, ain't ya gonna "pimp" your local dealer??? He might appreciate a little free advertising!!!

 

[warvalley]

Hey Warvalley, ain't ya gonna "pimp" your local dealer??? He might appreciate a little free advertising!!!

Naturally! I live in Johnson City, TN. Johnson City Kubota is my dealer.