Opinions on L3540

[Brahmus]

Well I'm working my way down the colors. I decided the JD of choice was the the 3520 w/cab 300cx loader with HST.

Now I've moved on to comparing the Kubota. I just got home from the dealership, after hours, and really like the L3540. Can anyone give me their opinons on this tractor? Anyone recently in the same situation and can tell me why they choose one over the other?

I will be looking at the NH's later but one at a time here...

 

[SCtractorguy]

Hi, my first post but I've been reading for a few months. I was in the same situation and ended up with an L3240. The price difference was worth it and for a whole 2 or 3 HP it didn't matter to me. (I upgraded from a Ford 1520)

So far it has been an awesome machine (a whole 8.5 hrs )
The NH are nice too its all my buddy runs, but I have a good relationship with my dealer.

 

[2YD]

I went JD 3520 open station. Unit was more comfortable to me over the orange, had a better regional financing program and most important to this newbie was dealer service and attention. There are 4 JD dealers within 30 minutes of me and 1 Orange dealer. Good luck with your shopping.

 

[Brahmus]

Well I made it to the Kubota dealer for lunch. I'm really impressed with the L3540! I had the JD 3520 open station last weekend and put 11 hours on it. I only sat in the Kubota for 30 minutes but I really like the added features and it feels just as comfortable. The JD physically is a little smaller than I'd like but the Kubota is a little larger than I'd like also, so it's a wash in that perspective. Now the price on the Cabed Kubota was $3000 less than the Cabed JD. And I feel the Kubota has a little more to offer. The JD has a little more pump capacity, but the kubota can lift more. I also really liked the new HST plus pedal and features.

Am I missing something? I feel as though the Kubota is a MUCH better deal than the JD currently.

 

[hammer1995]

I just sold my L3130 with the LA513 loader. I'm currently shopping John Deere and Kubota. I was seriously considering the Deere until I drove the new Kubota's. The Deere simply does not have a HST transmission as versatile as the Kubota.

If I were you I would seriously consider a 4240 because you can get the LA854 loader. Loader capacity was one of the main reasons I sold my L3130. Also, I could completely bog down my 3130 in the horse arena with a 6' bionic blade. I don't see the 3540 having any real advantage over the 3240. It really won't let run a larger bush hog.

There was a very old thread on here regarding the 3X30 series tractors. Basically what it boiled down to was that the 3830 (now 3940) was the best value in the 30 horsepower tractors. After 5 years of ownership, I would say that was true. Unfortunately, I didn't read it until after I had had bought my 3130.

I have a recent quote of $24000 for a 4240 HST with a LA 854 loader and $28900 for a 5740 with the same loader. Also, see if you can find some of the pre "-1" engine tractors. You can get one of those a good bit cheaper. Most of the ones I have found have been 4240 and up.

Even if you decide on a 3240, 3540, or 3940 make sure you step up to the 724 loader-you will never regret having the more powerful loader. I should have bought a larger tractor/loader combo the first time.

It looks like you are considering a cab. My quotes for a pre "-1" 5240 cab are cheaper than a post "-1" 4240 cab. I would be crazy to buy the 4240. I'm in Louisiana so you can email me if you want to compare quotes.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Am I missing something? I feel as though the Kubota is a MUCH better deal than the JD currently.

Kubota's slogan is...
"Quality, Innovation, Value"

Its kinda cheesey, but it is true.

 

[Brahmus]

I just sold my L3130 with the LA513 loader. I'm currently shopping John Deere and Kubota. I was seriously considering the Deere until I drove the new Kubota's. The Deere simply does not have a HST transmission as versatile as the Kubota.

And this is what I'm talking about. I love the Auto throttle response on the Kubota. Just something about a tractor idling at 2500rpms doesn't feel right...

If I were you I would seriously consider a 4240 because you can get the LA854 loader. Loader capacity was one of the main reasons I sold my L3130. Also, I could completely bog down my 3130 in the horse arena with a 6' bionic blade. I don't see the 3540 having any real advantage over the 3240. It really won't let run a larger bush hog.

Even if you decide on a 3240, 3540, or 3940 make sure you step up to the 724 loader-you will never regret having the more powerful loader. I should have bought a larger tractor/loader combo the first time.

It looks like you are considering a cab. My quotes for a pre "-1" 5240 cab are cheaper than a post "-1" 4240 cab. I would be crazy to buy the 4240. I'm in Louisiana so you can email me if you want to compare quotes.

The problem is I don't want a tractor to large. My father has a 54 horse Mahindra for the bigger jobs. This will be used mostly on my 5.5 acres along the lake. We have alot to clear out, dirt to move and concrete to haul for a bulkhead. So anything to heavy will just sink.

And once all this work is done, the primary use for this tractor will be mowing the 5.5 acres, probably with a RFM. I would plan to get the 724 loader.

What size bush hog would you consider to big? And yes, the cabed 3540 I found was the earlier pricing and significantly cheaper than prices of today.

You would bog it down in the lowest range? Do you think the new Hi/lo feature of each range would have helped?

Thanks for all the feedback, it gives me alot to think about!!

 

[gkh7890]

Hammer1995,

Can you (or anyone) elaborate on the pre"-1" models? Is this just a price point issue, engine model issue, etc? Thanks!

 

[Double Orange]

gkh, The non -1 engines are pre- new emissions standards usually 2007 and older mdls.
if the engine # includes -1 at the end it's the new standard.

 

[Brahmus]

I was told they had a price increase in Feb and again in July. So if you can find a tractor that was there before it'll be a few grand cheaper...