Mowing What size Bush Hog, 5' or 6'?!

[Chilly807]

In the case of the L3800, there aren't many differences other than more HP... the gear drive version of the L3800 has a dual stage clutch where the L3200 is single stage in either gear drive or HST.

My L3400 normally runs out of traction before it runs out of HP, the exception is an implement that uses a lot of PTO HP, like a bush hog or small baler.

To me, the next logical jump in an economy model would be the L4600. You get more HP and more size and weight, higher lift capacity, etc. If it were me, and it might be in years to come, that's where I'd be looking for more capability.

The economy L series (L3200 and L3800) still has the iffy 3-point hitch as far as I'm concerned and are fairly light weight tractors. Having said that, I'm happy with mine for everything I use it for. Most users of L2800 and L3400 tractors aren't wishful for more HP in the newer L3800 models, they want higher lift capacity, a smooth 3-point hitch and a bigger machine in general.

Sean

 

[TripleR]

Listening and taking everyone's input into consideration, I wonder now if I should switch last minute from the L3200 to L3800. The deal/contract have yet to be finalized this coming week. Would it be worth upgrading to the bigger tractor? Besides $, why would I not want to upgrade? It appears to be 5.5hp more, worth the $2k jump?! I'm starting to question myself now, and 5 years from now, would I wish I went bigger now?! Pros and Cons?!

The only "con" I can see from looking at the spec sheet is cost as they have the same dimensions with only about a little over forty pound weight difference. The L3800 also has a live continuous running PTO as opposed to the transmission driven over running in the L3200.

My preference between the two mentioned would be the L3800.

 

[stoyan79]

Tractor is long term investment. Get the L3800 and don't look back.

Listening and taking everyone's input into consideration, I wonder now if I should switch last minute from the L3200 to L3800. The deal/contract have yet to be finalized this coming week. Would it be worth upgrading to the bigger tractor? Besides $, why would I not want to upgrade? It appears to be 5.5hp more, worth the $2k jump?! I'm starting to question myself now, and 5 years from now, would I wish I went bigger now?! Pros and Cons?!

 

[ZAR2USA]

If I'm only mowing grass, how would a 7' JD mower do on the back of a L3200 HST 4WD R4 with 275lbs of weight in the front? Overkill, or could I just go a little slower and still be ok?

 

[Chilly807]

If I'm only mowing grass, how would a 7' JD mower do on the back of a L3200 HST 4WD R4 with 275lbs of weight in the front? Overkill, or could I just go a little slower and still be ok?

Grass can be some of the most demanding stuff to cut actually. My L3400 has it's hands full mowing heavy meadow grass with a 5 foot cutter, unless you slow down. In lighter going, you can run in high range with no problems at all.

Sean

 

[Bluegill2]

If I'm only mowing grass, how would a 7' JD mower do on the back of a L3200 HST 4WD R4 with 275lbs of weight in the front? Overkill, or could I just go a little slower and still be ok?

If the grass isn't too thick and the blades are sharp...

I really like my L3800 and it pulls a 5' like it's not there and a 6' just fine.

 

[ZAR2USA]

Thanks Sean. You got a valid point.


BlueGill2, I believe your tractor has 5-6 HP more than mine. For me to go to 7' got me wondering and scratching my head ...

 

[94BULLITT]

Thanks Sean. You got a valid point.

BlueGill2, I believe your tractor has 5-6 HP more than mine. For me to go to 7' got me wondering and scratching my head ...

Do you know anyone that has a 6ft you could try out? You may evevn be able to rent one.

 

[ZAR2USA]

No I don't but a very good point. Neighbors all got ZTR mowers or livestock doing the mowing for them.

 

[RobertN]

It would work. The question is, how slow do you want to go? My old tractor had 16 ptohp and 4' rotary mower; did not meet that "5hp/foot". Lighter grass it did ok. Heavy field stuff, it was low range and hardly touching the forward HST pedal, I had to go miserably slow.

If I'm only mowing grass, how would a 7' JD mower do on the back of a L3200 HST 4WD R4 with 275lbs of weight in the front? Overkill, or could I just go a little slower and still be ok?