Newbie With Kubota Questions

[LaneG]

Hi! I've been reading this forum for a while preparing to buy a tractor. I've decided it will be a Kubota, either a L2800 or a L3400. The L3400 is $900 more than the L2800 and has the same FEL lift capacity.

Wondering if anyone can tell me if and why I should go with the 3400 over the 2800. I own 3 acres, mostly wooded. I'll be using it to clear some land, move some debris piles left over from the previous owner, and maintaining a gravel private road with a box blade. I also have a hydraulic log splitter that will be powered by this tractor. I know the tractor doesn't come with rear hydraulic ports. Is this something I can install myself? The dealer wants $900 to do it.

Also will want to add a grapple to the FEL someday. What about hydraulic for that?

Thanks for your help, and glad I found you.
Lane

 

[ChuckinNH]

Lane, you don't say if you are looking at gear, or hydro models. If they both are hydro, the added pto hp of the L3400 is the main difference, and would matter for running a rotary cutter aka brush hog, or chipper, etc. There is a difference in the pto arrangement in the gear models between the L2800, and L3400 though, and the live-continuious running one on the L3400 is preferred. (both for use, and resale if that matters) As tractor / loader/ backhoe setups, there isn't much difference between the two.

 

[LaneG]

Thanks, I'm looking at the hydro models and the brochure says that the hydro model of each one is live continuous running.

 

[Crash101]

LaneG
I have the 2800 HST and can only speak for it. The difference in rear wheel power will not be noticeable other than pulling a heavy load in high range. Either one will spin the wheels before the engine bogs. I have a 30 hp Chinese bulldozer and even with its steel tracks, it does the same. The rear PTO hp of the 3400 is around 20% more than the 2800. This might become noticeable with a rotary cutter in some rough brush although either tractor's weight or 3 point lift capacity will certainly favor a 5 foot medium duty cutter (which in turn will work fine with either tractor).
Not an easy question to answer. I imagine a 2800 will do everything you would want to do with a 3400, except one thing. A 3400 will never cause you to say later on, "I think I should have bought the 3400".
But then again, fuel at 4 bucks a gallon, that 2800 will save you a dollar or two at the end of the day.
In the end, either will be fine. I don't know of another tractor out there that will give you the power, capability, reliability, value retention and user friendliness at an equal or better price. Flip a coin, sign the papers, hide the receipts, plan for those additional implements you may need someday and enjoy it for years.
Not sure about the hydraulics. I have the BH75 backhoe which extends the hydraulic pressure and return lines to the rear, but I don't know yet what I can or want to do with them. I'm also interested in some hydraulic extras, but like you ,havn't determined exactly what or how yet.

 

[RadarTech]

Hi! I've been reading this forum for a while preparing to buy a tractor. I've decided it will be a Kubota, either a L2800 or a L3400. The L3400 is $900 more than the L2800 and has the same FEL lift capacity.

Wondering if anyone can tell me if and why I should go with the 3400 over the 2800. I own 3 acres, mostly wooded. I'll be using it to clear some land, move some debris piles left over from the previous owner, and maintaining a gravel private road with a box blade. I also have a hydraulic log splitter that will be powered by this tractor. I know the tractor doesn't come with rear hydraulic ports. Is this something I can install myself? The dealer wants $900 to do it.

Lane,
I had the same issue- I chose the 3400.
Living in the mountain area of the SW NC, the extra HP has proven beneficial.
LOAD THE REAR TIRES--- That has been helpful!

I got mine about 3 weeks ago, and working only on weekends- baring this one due to storms, I have 23 hours on it...

Concerns- If you read the forum, the hydralic pressure on the tractors will be low compared to what most log splitters claim to need.. Most I saw want 13 PSI.

As for extended the hydralics- doable if you are handy.. I had a hydro leak quickly due to an assembly issue.
I also work on a gravel road-- 5 ft BB, and soon to add an articulated rear blade (offset, tilt and angle) Think ditches for water control..

For the FEL grapple, you will need to split the hydro output (if you use the rear extension) and use the Power Beyond port- this can be a little tricky--
Again read the forum, lots of hints/tips and ideas..

All in all, the 3400 HST is a really good tractor.
I have spread about 70 tons of gravel and worked a 1/3 mile gravel drive with an S curve, and some pretty steep grades..(Keep meaning to take pictures!)


I have a L3400 HST with a 5ft BB, and an LA463.

let us know how you get along!

J

 

[LaneG]

I put in my order today. Got approved for the 0%-42 month financing. Getting a L3400 with loaded industrial tires, FEL, BB and rear hydraulic ports. Supposed to be delivered this Friday.
Thanks again to everyone, I appreciate all the information so freely given on this forum.

 

[RadarTech]

good deal...
look forward to hearing the seat time stories...

Jim

 

[teg]

I would like to drive a L3400 to see if I'm really missing anything I've yet to see anything stop my L2800. Built roads, leveled land, even shreaded 11 or so acres with a 4 foot cutter (and was sad when it was done... wanted MORE seat time ). I used the extra $900 for more attachments.

 

[RadarTech]

yeah.. That thought crossed my mind.. But the gotcha I had was a relative 1/2 mile down the road had some "fun" on his L2800 coming up my drive..
But ya know, he had a full 5 ft box blade pulling it and digging and a heaping load of gravel of the bucket... His choice not mine.....
and the driveway is about 5% grade on the first hill....

I am comparing it the ole Saluda Grade coming up from SC on I-26.......
I can say that I have done that hill with gravel and digging and did not break over 2500 RPM.. He was up near 3...

The only difference between them is about 5 years and about 1000 hours..

later,
Jim

 

[LaneG]

My new toy (um, tractor) arrived! I feel like a kid at Christmas time.
Used it a little yesterday. It's a lot of tractor for my 3 acres, but I have no regrets.