Kubota L3400

[Harvest Moon]

I'm not sure what concerns are with newer 3ph being "jerky"...

Me neither. It's all just talk until someone posts a video of their newer 3 pt in action. I'd love to see that Kubota's made some progress on this.

The most resent valve documented in a video was posted nearly a year ago, by Toy Camry. And in was not encouraging.

Congrats on your new machine TheGoose, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

 

[emmy71]

I know we have talked about speed before, but I think the L3400 hitch moves too fast. I was looking at a 32 hp Cub Cadet with a tiller on the back the other day. The hitch moved slower and much smoother. If you try to stop something that weighs in the neighborhood of 500 pounds it is going to bounce some. The faster it moves, the more it will bounce when it stops. Just my observation but I believe if the hitch could be slowed down it would be much better.

Terry

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

My L3400 has done more then I ever expected for two years now with no problems. I think this issue is beating a dead horse unless you are going to use an implement that requires precision 3 point movement. For the average user like me this is a non issue!

 

[Harvest Moon]

For the average user like me this is a non issue!

True for most, still for many others, this is an important issue and worth updating from time to time so prospective buyers can be informed. It's probably not a deal breaker but should definitely be considered before buying one of these machines.

 

[teg]

I was going to say that for MOST users, it will be a non-issue... definitely for the newer models... but IF someone is buying a used older model, that needs to be checked out... see if it bothers you.

Just to let you know that this site, TBN, carries a whole lot of power and weight... with people who are buying tractors - some post but I bet many, many more, just read... and decide for themselves.

I have a friend that bought a tractor, backhoe, tiller and trailer (~$20k) sight unseen from a dealership talked about on this site. He never even test drove the tractor, only and solely based on comments that he read here at TBN. That was all it took for him to decide what to buy.

 

[firefighter jim]

My L3400 has done more then I ever expected for two years now with no problems. I think this issue is beating a dead horse unless you are going to use an implement that requires precision 3 point movement. For the average user like me this is a non issue!

Amen.

 

[veresjwv]

I was going to say that for MOST users, it will be a non-issue... definitely for the newer models... but IF someone is buying a used older model, that needs to be checked out... see if it bothers you.

Just to let you know that this site, TBN, carries a whole lot of power and weight... with people who are buying tractors - some post but I bet many just read... and decide for themselves.
I have a friend that bought a tractor, backhoe, tiller and trailer (~$20k) sight unseen from a dealership talked about on this site. He never even test drove the tractor, only and solely based on comments that he read here at TBN. That was all it took for him to decide what to buy.

GOOD POINT!!!! I must admit I read TBN for close to three months, helping me decide about my L3400. I then Joined after I purchased. I also fall under "Most User's"

 

[billybobtwice]

I agree with veresjwv- I read for quite some time and finally bought an l3400 two weeks ago. But I am glad I went to a dealer who was closed and sat on about 30 different tractors- I found out the l2800 seat area was too small!

Love my L3400!

 

[teg]

Just a question, the L2800 and L3400, I thought, were the same exact tractor. Could it be that the seat was moved forward?

 

[billybobtwice]

TEG- that is a good point. The seat location when I sat on them. But I will tell you- I sat better on the L3400 with the gear drive than on any of the 2800's regardless of drive. JMHO.

Bill

 

[TheGoose]

After using the 3-pt hitch a bunch this weekend I would now have to say that the "jerky" issue is mostly a non-factor. In fact, I almost kind of like it, especially when using the box blade. When using the box blade I can adjust the lever and feel the bump without having to look back. If you know how to use the lever to adjust you can give it one little bump without having to slow down or stop and not turn your head back.

 

[TheGoose]

BTW: One thing I was concered about was the ability to push down fence posts with the FEL. I successfully pushed down about 10 posts in about 30 minutes. Nice size 3" posts at that. That is going to make my life much easier as I have a bunch of fence I need to re-work. No tamping or backfilling. I beleive that it would push 4 inch posts with a little extra weight in the FEL. As it stands it pushed the 3 inch posts without any extra weight.

And I am still very glad I got the R-1's.

 

[bigballer]

i love my 3400 it's been fantastic and has done ALOT of work for me. it has 200 hrs on it now and i have no regrets, only thing is i waited 3 years too long to fill the rear tires, i feel like it's 2x the tractor now esp on the slopes. paid $16.2 for tractor/loader/hst/4x4/r4's. the next year i bought the bh75 and haven't looked back since.

 

[TheGoose]

I tried to install a trailer hitch ball into the drawbar the other day but it wouldn't fit. Do you know how to accomplish this? I really want to be able to pull a trailer with the tractor without adding anything to the 3pt hitch?

 

[Harvest Moon]

You can purchase hitch balls with different size shanks.

Mine has a 3/4" inch shank that I install into a 7/8" hole in the drawbar, with a bushing for a tight fit.

 

[TheGoose]

After getting more seat time I can't tell you how pleased I am with this tractor. It handles the mud with Ag tires well, drives solid 4" x 6.5 posts down 2-3 feet, and overall has been a joy to use and saved me a lot of work (but also created lots of work!). I highly recommend this tractor to anyone looking for a 35-HP economy tractor.

 

[firefighter jim]

Ditto. Our's was a real workhorse this Winter.

 

[HiTechTed]

I own an L3400, and I agree with most of what everybody says here. I have both comments and questions for those in the know (please redirect me if any of my questions have been answered in the past)...

As far as my comments, I do like the tractor and I'm thankful that I have it. Even so, I can't see how $20,000 is considered "economy." My dealer never once stated that this was an economy tractor when we were hashing out the details. Well, not until after I made the purchase and I complained about the jerking hitch. According to him, Kubota says it's an economy tractor and the valve that controls the hitch is of lesser quality than the "higher model" tractors. I disputed this because there are other brands in the same price range that don't have this issue. I was basically told to "get used to it" and it ended there. I'm on the fence as to whether or not I'll be a repeat buyer. Yeah, the tractor is great, but it shouldn't have this issue, period. In a sense I feel that I was shanked but I'm not going to freak out over it...I'll just remember it the next time I'm in the market for a tractor.

My questions are: is there any way to replace the stabilizer chains with telescoping bars? Is there a "higher model" tractor who's lower link arms and stabilizer bars would fit the L3400? Is there a better top link out there? These things aren't 100% necessary but it sure would be nice to get rid of those chains and having to adjust that top link all the time.

Thanks for your help!

P.S. My tractor is an '09, I bought it 4 months ago...so maybe the problem was fixed in the newer models but not on this one...

 

[teg]

"...The part #is L8430 3 point hitch stabilization kit. It sells for $169.00. This is standard equipment on the L4400 but optional on 2800 & 3400...."

The quote above is from another thread. If you think your 3ph was jerky... You should have seen the ones from '04 till first of '06...

As for the valves FOR THE L2800 HST!!!! (don't know about L3400)

before SN-53276 it used 31391-39002 (jerky valve)

after SN-53277 it used YR909-00100 (decent valve)

Then it might have changed again @ SN-57744 (back to somewhat jerky??? I don't know for sure about this part)

 

[HiTechTed]

"...The part #is L8430 3 point hitch stabilization kit. It sells for $169.00. This is standard equipment on the L4400 but optional on 2800 & 3400...."

The quote above is from another thread. If you think your 3ph was jerky... You should have seen the ones from '04 till first of '06...

As for the valves FOR THE L2800 HST!!!! (don't know about L3400)

before SN-53276 it used 31391-39002 (jerky valve)

after SN-53277 it used YR909-00100 (decent valve)

Then it might have changed again @ SN-57744 (back to somewhat jerky??? I don't know for sure about this part)

So, with the L8430 kit, is that just stabilizer bars that somehow fit the existing lower link arms on the L3400, or is it the stabilizers AND the lower link arms? That seems like a low price for everything so that's why I'm asking...I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see what he says.

And are you saying that the L2800 also had jerking hitch problems? Or are you saying that the L2800's valve fits the L3400 and fixes the problem?

Thanks for the heads-up!