Kubota L3400 Reviews
Compared to JD Compact
Model Year: 2005
I went to a dealership that sold JD and Kubota compact tractors to test drive both. The Kubota L3400 looked and felt much more solid than the JD. I don't use my more than about 20 hrs/yr but it does everything I want and need. The only exception is that the 3PH movement is jerky which I knew ahead of time from reading reviews on TractorByNet. Otherwise, I'm happy with the performance and value.
Pros: Nearly everything.
Cons: The 3ph raise and lower movements are jerky.
Model Year: 2005
I went to a dealership that sold JD and Kubota compact tractors to test drive both. The Kubota L3400 looked and felt much more solid than the JD. I don't use my more than about 20 hrs/yr but it does everything I want and need. The only exception is that the 3PH movement is jerky which I knew ahead of time from reading reviews on TractorByNet. Otherwise, I'm happy with the performance and value.
Pros: Nearly everything.
Cons: The 3ph raise and lower movements are jerky.
Built Like the Brick "S" House
Model Year: 2010
My L3400 HST just keeps amazing me---very reliable. It's only 34 HP with 28.5 at the PTO but it has yet to disappoint me. I did have a Top and Tilt kit added and that is one thing I would recommend on ever tractor. The one feature I wish it did have...maybe a slightly wider and taller seat. I added canopy light bar and a power outlet for a radio or heated seat pad, which is nice when snow blowing! I would buy another Kubota. I looked at JD, very hard but the sheer strength of the components (axles, load points) just made me feel that the Kubota would last longer.
Pros: Orange.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2010
My L3400 HST just keeps amazing me---very reliable. It's only 34 HP with 28.5 at the PTO but it has yet to disappoint me. I did have a Top and Tilt kit added and that is one thing I would recommend on ever tractor. The one feature I wish it did have...maybe a slightly wider and taller seat. I added canopy light bar and a power outlet for a radio or heated seat pad, which is nice when snow blowing! I would buy another Kubota. I looked at JD, very hard but the sheer strength of the components (axles, load points) just made me feel that the Kubota would last longer.
Pros: Orange.
Cons: None.
Great Little Tractor
Model Year: 2006
I work the dog-poo out of this tractor, mostly making it move bales way out of its rating, and working it long, hot, and dusty. It is fairly easy and straightforward to maintain and repair. Sometimes the proprietary parts are a pain to get a hold of and can be expensive, but usually I can cross-reference things like the oil filter (NOT the transmission filter), so you can rock along fine. The latest and largest problem is that I think I need to replace the hydraulic pump, but I can't help but think I did that to myself. It just doesn't have the pick-em-up that it used to, so I have to rely on the 3-point in the back to do the really heavy lifting. For now, that's okay for now, until I get a bit of money scraped together to get the new pump. It doesn't owe me a thing.
Pros: A real work horse.
Cons: Getting parts.
Model Year: 2006
I work the dog-poo out of this tractor, mostly making it move bales way out of its rating, and working it long, hot, and dusty. It is fairly easy and straightforward to maintain and repair. Sometimes the proprietary parts are a pain to get a hold of and can be expensive, but usually I can cross-reference things like the oil filter (NOT the transmission filter), so you can rock along fine. The latest and largest problem is that I think I need to replace the hydraulic pump, but I can't help but think I did that to myself. It just doesn't have the pick-em-up that it used to, so I have to rely on the 3-point in the back to do the really heavy lifting. For now, that's okay for now, until I get a bit of money scraped together to get the new pump. It doesn't owe me a thing.
Pros: A real work horse.
Cons: Getting parts.
Good Basic Homeowner Tractor
Model Year: 2007
There are many excellent tractors of this size on the market. Determining which is the best is surely a subjective opinion. This is what I have done with this tractor: 1. Brush hogging. 2. Digging a 6ft. deep x 50ft x 75ft pond with the BH75 and bucket teeth (it would have been bigger but I hit a spring). Also, I have dug hundreds of feet of ditches. 3. Box blading on rough rocky terrain. This thing has pulled up some very big rocks. 4. Snowplowing a 1/2 mile driveway. 5. Wood hauling. With a good sized cart and using the FEL this thing is a wood hauling monster. Problems I have had: 1. The front AG tires I rolled off the rims under heavy loads in the FEL, after putting tubes in I have had no more problems. 2. The fuel return line come off once. What should be changed: 1. The light switch location. I have smacked my knee on it many times. 2. A light for the parking brake. I have forgotten on several occasions to take it off. I use a clothes pin now as a reminder. For my needs, I have no real complaints. There is no perfect machine and everything is a compromise.
Pros: HST. Size. Reliability. Color.
Cons: Light switch location. Needs parking brake reminder.
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Model Year: 2007
There are many excellent tractors of this size on the market. Determining which is the best is surely a subjective opinion. This is what I have done with this tractor: 1. Brush hogging. 2. Digging a 6ft. deep x 50ft x 75ft pond with the BH75 and bucket teeth (it would have been bigger but I hit a spring). Also, I have dug hundreds of feet of ditches. 3. Box blading on rough rocky terrain. This thing has pulled up some very big rocks. 4. Snowplowing a 1/2 mile driveway. 5. Wood hauling. With a good sized cart and using the FEL this thing is a wood hauling monster. Problems I have had: 1. The front AG tires I rolled off the rims under heavy loads in the FEL, after putting tubes in I have had no more problems. 2. The fuel return line come off once. What should be changed: 1. The light switch location. I have smacked my knee on it many times. 2. A light for the parking brake. I have forgotten on several occasions to take it off. I use a clothes pin now as a reminder. For my needs, I have no real complaints. There is no perfect machine and everything is a compromise.
Pros: HST. Size. Reliability. Color.
Cons: Light switch location. Needs parking brake reminder.
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Reliable.
Model Year: 2007
In 5.5 years almost nothing has gone wrong. The PTO wire is giving me fits but everything else is real solid.
Pros: Reliable. Almost no repairs.
Cons: The local Kubota dealer closed. It is hard to get service. However, I don't need much service.
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Model Year: 2007
In 5.5 years almost nothing has gone wrong. The PTO wire is giving me fits but everything else is real solid.
Pros: Reliable. Almost no repairs.
Cons: The local Kubota dealer closed. It is hard to get service. However, I don't need much service.
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Excellent Except for Steering Problem
Model Year: 2007
I purchased the tractor to use around a deer hunting lease. We only put around 20-30 hours per year bushogging and pulling a disc. Occasionally drag a few stumps or a box blade. The tractor has always started and run well. Within a couple years I had to add hydraulic fluid even though there were no apparent leaks. Then the steering became less powerful, and picked up jolts from each bump or stone. I put up with it since there were not too many hours of use each year, but now am in the process of trying to fix the problem. New filters and oil, and next trip will check for loose hoses or cracks in the suction lines. Otherwise I really appreciate the pulling power and reliability.
Pros: Reliable and powerful for the size and weight.
Cons: Steering not acting right.
Model Year: 2007
I purchased the tractor to use around a deer hunting lease. We only put around 20-30 hours per year bushogging and pulling a disc. Occasionally drag a few stumps or a box blade. The tractor has always started and run well. Within a couple years I had to add hydraulic fluid even though there were no apparent leaks. Then the steering became less powerful, and picked up jolts from each bump or stone. I put up with it since there were not too many hours of use each year, but now am in the process of trying to fix the problem. New filters and oil, and next trip will check for loose hoses or cracks in the suction lines. Otherwise I really appreciate the pulling power and reliability.
Pros: Reliable and powerful for the size and weight.
Cons: Steering not acting right.
5 Years of Performance
Model Year: 2007
My tractor is used only on my property. It was purchased with front loader, snow blower, field mower and backhoe. The tractor skids logs on my property with ease. Our winters have heavy snows and with the snow blower connected to the PTO makes work a breeze.
Pros: Great machine.
Cons: Lack of support from dealer.
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Model Year: 2007
My tractor is used only on my property. It was purchased with front loader, snow blower, field mower and backhoe. The tractor skids logs on my property with ease. Our winters have heavy snows and with the snow blower connected to the PTO makes work a breeze.
Pros: Great machine.
Cons: Lack of support from dealer.
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Kubota L-3400 DT
Model Year: 2004
I bought a G1900 Kubota Garden tractor which I still have & use. It's been the very best garden tractor I ever owned. So that's why I went an bought my other tractor the L-3400. Which also is number one to me .
Pros: Lots of power, easy to use.
Cons: Good have made a better seat.
Model Year: 2004
I bought a G1900 Kubota Garden tractor which I still have & use. It's been the very best garden tractor I ever owned. So that's why I went an bought my other tractor the L-3400. Which also is number one to me .
Pros: Lots of power, easy to use.
Cons: Good have made a better seat.
A Mule, Not a Thoroughbred
Model Year: 2009
That's how the dealer salesman described the L3400 when I asked him to compare it to the equivalent Deere model, which was $3000 more money. He was right. Few frills but a lot of tractor. I've put it through it's paces with lot clearing, mowing, road grading and it has delivered. The literature claimed a fuel tank of 9 gallons and it's only 5 or so, but that's really my only gripe. It required a PTO repair at 325 hours but that was probably my fault for engaging it on the go. There's no synchronization in the PTO, I found out after the fact. 4WD is a must. HST is very nice. Could I have used a little more HP and loader lift capacity? Sure, but that will always be the case in some conditions. Overall, I'm a big fan and would buy again in a heartbeat.
Pros: Works, works, works.
Cons: Very few quibbles or complaints, as I run it hard.
Model Year: 2009
That's how the dealer salesman described the L3400 when I asked him to compare it to the equivalent Deere model, which was $3000 more money. He was right. Few frills but a lot of tractor. I've put it through it's paces with lot clearing, mowing, road grading and it has delivered. The literature claimed a fuel tank of 9 gallons and it's only 5 or so, but that's really my only gripe. It required a PTO repair at 325 hours but that was probably my fault for engaging it on the go. There's no synchronization in the PTO, I found out after the fact. 4WD is a must. HST is very nice. Could I have used a little more HP and loader lift capacity? Sure, but that will always be the case in some conditions. Overall, I'm a big fan and would buy again in a heartbeat.
Pros: Works, works, works.
Cons: Very few quibbles or complaints, as I run it hard.
A Little Bigger Will Pay Off in the Long Run
Model Year: 2008
I bought this used this spring, and it came with a 5ft. Bush hog. The first place I took it into a few acres of poplar three to four inches thick and tight, well with the brush cutter on the back it was like a banshee. This is one powerful little tractor. I need to make her some belly armor as the brake linkage is a bit delicate. This transmission is an HST and my wife and daughter love it. I hauled fifty bales of oat straw ten miles up and down some very steep hills at dusk; no problemo. I have a quick attach grapple and a post pounder that will click right on and hook up but it is just a tad to small to handle them properly. So in closing I would recommend buying an L4400 or an L4600. All the best, and happy farming ;-). PS. it has agricultural tires on it.
Pros: Great little machine go anywhere do almost everything.
Cons: Just a little small for quick attach tools.
Model Year: 2008
I bought this used this spring, and it came with a 5ft. Bush hog. The first place I took it into a few acres of poplar three to four inches thick and tight, well with the brush cutter on the back it was like a banshee. This is one powerful little tractor. I need to make her some belly armor as the brake linkage is a bit delicate. This transmission is an HST and my wife and daughter love it. I hauled fifty bales of oat straw ten miles up and down some very steep hills at dusk; no problemo. I have a quick attach grapple and a post pounder that will click right on and hook up but it is just a tad to small to handle them properly. So in closing I would recommend buying an L4400 or an L4600. All the best, and happy farming ;-). PS. it has agricultural tires on it.
Pros: Great little machine go anywhere do almost everything.
Cons: Just a little small for quick attach tools.
L3400
Model Year: 2008
Purchased the tractor in Jan '09 with an LA463 loader attachment. The 4WD capability has made the tractor exceptionally versatile when it comes to snow removal and the hydraulic drive makes it very easy to control and maneuver.
Pros: Hydraulic 4WD.
Cons: Price of attachments.
Model Year: 2008
Purchased the tractor in Jan '09 with an LA463 loader attachment. The 4WD capability has made the tractor exceptionally versatile when it comes to snow removal and the hydraulic drive makes it very easy to control and maneuver.
Pros: Hydraulic 4WD.
Cons: Price of attachments.
Fuel Cap L3400
Model Year: 2006
Not just second, but THIRD fuel cap replacement within 100 hours. Thin plastic cracks at threads. Poorly made cap, and dealer insists on $28 per cap. What a rip off!
Pros: No pros, cheaply made, overpriced fuel cap.
Cons: Cheaply made, overpriced fuel cap.
Model Year: 2006
Not just second, but THIRD fuel cap replacement within 100 hours. Thin plastic cracks at threads. Poorly made cap, and dealer insists on $28 per cap. What a rip off!
Pros: No pros, cheaply made, overpriced fuel cap.
Cons: Cheaply made, overpriced fuel cap.
L3400
Model Year: 2007
Very happy with this tractor. It has a BH75 backhoe and standard loader (a463 I think) and they are perfectly matched. I will be purchasing a box blade of land plane in the future and am concerned about the somewhat jerky 3ph that these tractors are notorious for but have not used the 3ph as of yet. Tractor is solid. Quiet and comfortable as well.
Pros: Power and veratility.
Cons: Jerky 3ph.
Model Year: 2007
Very happy with this tractor. It has a BH75 backhoe and standard loader (a463 I think) and they are perfectly matched. I will be purchasing a box blade of land plane in the future and am concerned about the somewhat jerky 3ph that these tractors are notorious for but have not used the 3ph as of yet. Tractor is solid. Quiet and comfortable as well.
Pros: Power and veratility.
Cons: Jerky 3ph.
L3400 Gear with LA463 FEL
Model Year: 2005
I have been an active member here for several years and never did a review. The forum seems to be down this morning so I figured this would give me something to do. Overall the L3400 is a great tractor for the money. It is quite capable even though it is small and light. However as with anything, nothing is perfect. And the L3400 has a few quarks. Most notable the jerky 3PH. Some can live with it, some can't. But still to this day, Kubota and dealers have never heard anything about it
The newer ones are supposed to be fixed/better. Keep in mind that my tractor I am reviewing is 6 years old. So don't let me scare you away, best advise is to try one for yourself. That is really about the only bad thing I can say. The tractor doesn't have a ton of lavish features. Which is what I wanted. I needed a tractor, and not something with Cadillac features to drive the price up. As far as uses, when I bought this, it was mainly to pull a 3PH finish mower. Now I have a ZTR mower so it don't do that anymore. Mostly what I use it for now is maintaining the driveway, and cutting and hauling firewood. This tractor is light enough to get out and work when conditions are less than desirable and not make to big of a mess out of things. But it is still capable of skidding some heavy logs and pulling a heavy trailer with close to a cord of wood back home. This is a perfect small tractor at a good price if you don't need a bunch of expensive extras. It is simple, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Pros: Great value, simple, rugged.
Cons: Jerky 3PH, no toolbox.
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Model Year: 2005
I have been an active member here for several years and never did a review. The forum seems to be down this morning so I figured this would give me something to do. Overall the L3400 is a great tractor for the money. It is quite capable even though it is small and light. However as with anything, nothing is perfect. And the L3400 has a few quarks. Most notable the jerky 3PH. Some can live with it, some can't. But still to this day, Kubota and dealers have never heard anything about it
The newer ones are supposed to be fixed/better. Keep in mind that my tractor I am reviewing is 6 years old. So don't let me scare you away, best advise is to try one for yourself. That is really about the only bad thing I can say. The tractor doesn't have a ton of lavish features. Which is what I wanted. I needed a tractor, and not something with Cadillac features to drive the price up. As far as uses, when I bought this, it was mainly to pull a 3PH finish mower. Now I have a ZTR mower so it don't do that anymore. Mostly what I use it for now is maintaining the driveway, and cutting and hauling firewood. This tractor is light enough to get out and work when conditions are less than desirable and not make to big of a mess out of things. But it is still capable of skidding some heavy logs and pulling a heavy trailer with close to a cord of wood back home. This is a perfect small tractor at a good price if you don't need a bunch of expensive extras. It is simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. Pros: Great value, simple, rugged.
Cons: Jerky 3PH, no toolbox.
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L3400 Perfect for Me
Model Year: 2010
I spent lots of time reading reviews and traveling to dealers before pulling the trigger on this tractor. I really love it. It is my sixth tractor and it is very different from the 8n I had all those years ago. I was dead set against the hydrostatic transmission, but now that I have it I wouldn't go back. It makes loader work a new experience! At times I would like a bigger tractor, but for all-around, every day work at my place, this is perfect and I wouldn't trade it for anything else out there.
Pros: Price, reliability, options.
Cons: Distance to dealer.
Model Year: 2010
I spent lots of time reading reviews and traveling to dealers before pulling the trigger on this tractor. I really love it. It is my sixth tractor and it is very different from the 8n I had all those years ago. I was dead set against the hydrostatic transmission, but now that I have it I wouldn't go back. It makes loader work a new experience! At times I would like a bigger tractor, but for all-around, every day work at my place, this is perfect and I wouldn't trade it for anything else out there.
Pros: Price, reliability, options.
Cons: Distance to dealer.