Finally did it! L3240

[husky123]

Well after lurking, reading, digesting, hemming, hawing, sleepless nights, etc., I finally took the plunge and got a Grand L3240! I'm upgrading from a 1984 Kubota L185 that has been in our family since day 1....with 0 problems mind you.

I'm super excited to take delivery. I'm getting it with the loader, rotary tiller and cutter. Man I can't wait. I looked at JD, MF, Kioti but just couldn't shake the allure of the Kubota!

I'll get some more pics when I take delivery. Thanks everyone for your informative posts. This site is great!

Lee
Leesburg, VA

 

[DK35vince]

Very nice.
Congratulations. The Grand L Kubota's are super nice machines.

 

[LD1]

Congrats on the new purchase.

Just one question though.....

If I may ask, why did you opt for the 514 loader instead of the 724. I don't own either and I don't know the price difference, but on paper, there is a significant performance difference. Just asking before you use it incase you may want to upgrade before it is too late, if it isn't already. Maybe others will chime in on the real world differences.

 

[husky123]

Congrats on the new purchase.

Just one question though.....

If I may ask, why did you opt for the 514 loader instead of the 724. I don't own either and I don't know the price difference, but on paper, there is a significant performance difference. Just asking before you use it incase you may want to upgrade before it is too late, if it isn't already. Maybe others will chime in on the real world differences.

Oh no offense taken at all. I appreciate all the help. That loader was on the tractor at the dealership. Never really thought to question it. I haven't taken delivery or even done the paperwork for that matter....just a small deposit.

Question: should I upgrade? What is the price difference?

I will be doing light to medium loader work I'd say. I'd love to hear from the salty dogs. This is my first tractor with a loader on it. I'm all ears...

 

[lawn_king]

Very nice machine. I would go for the 724 loader, its a big step up from the 514. I cant imagine the price increase would be too much?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

The L3240HST+ is a fine riding and driving machine. The position control is great and the sliding/extending 3ph arms make hook up of implements so much easier. The Plus HST transmission has many features that are there when and if you need/or want to use them. Congratulations it's called a Grand for a reason..

 

[LD1]

As mentioned, I have no real world experience, but you can compair the loader specs here http://www.kubota.com/f/products/GL40/pdf/gl40_spec.pdf

It looks like the 724 gives you ~450lbs more lift, ~430lbs more rollback, about 5 in higher lift, more dump and rollback angle, and a 72" bucket instead of a 66". The only downside is the cycle times are a little slower, probabally due to the larger cylinders used to increase the lift capacity.

 

[Trigger]

I would defintely check with the dealer about the price difference for the 724 loader. Even if you dont "need" the extra capacity it may also help significantly with resale down the road.

Either way its a real nice machine.

 

[DK35vince]

One other thing.
I think I read somewhere that the 724 loader is compatable with a BH90 backhoe where the 514 is not.
Worth at least looking into if your ever considering adding a backhoe.

 

[amigauser]

Great choice

I would also highly recommend the LA724 loader and make sure you get the skid steer type Q/A with it so you can easily swap implements such as the bucket and pallet forks.

 

[First one]

Congrats on the tractor!
If you haven't received it yet, loaded rear tires are nice too, the extra weight will help, if you don't already have them. You'll want that extra lift with the 724 loader if you can swing it. I've got the same tractor, and would not have been satisfied with what I'd be able to lift with the 514 loader. (just me)
What do you have for tires on it ?
I found out does make a diff. in what your going to do with it.
Do you have the Mid-pto?
You'll need it if you were thinking about a MMM or front snow blower ,sweeper broom. Something I didn't think about because it was my first tractor.
Not trying to sound like a know it all ,hope i'm not coming across like one. I think I might have had a couple of things changed or added if I'd known about it. Good luck !

 

[husky123]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the advice.....very cool of you guys.

I have loaded R4 tires on it. I did end up going with the 514 loader. I may end up regretting it but I can tell you today I was very happy with it. I got to move around 5 foot snow drifts that my little L185 (bless its heart) turned and ran from!

That tractor with it's HST, Auto Throttle, etc. made me feel like a hero from minute 1! Man, I'm so excited. I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight! Soooo much more tractor than I've ever had.

 

[kybadcat36]

If I may ask what did you have to pay for it? I'm looking at Kubota's L4400 Hydro 4wd with R4 filled tires, Fel LA703, 962GDT-72 tiller and RCR2684 7' Landpride cutter.
Tractor $18,900
FEL $4900
tiller $1900
cutter $3700
--------------
$ 27,400 total

 

[husky123]

I'm out of town right now but will look at my price sheet when I get back and I'll let you know exactly how the prices broke down.

 

[slan]

Congrats on your new unit.
I to looked for a long time before jumping on the 3240. It is a beast for sure in terms of weight and being built rugged. Once you get onto the HST+ and pick the right options for the job you will be looking for things to do with it. You will need some lights on your rops if you want to use it with the loader at night.
Over 400hrs of real work and not an issue yet, knock on wood.
Enjoy

 

[SWIMMER]

Run, don't walk, back to the dealer and get the LA 724 loader. I have it on my 3240 HST. While I would not want for anything bigger, smaller would be a problem. The QA is a must also, because pretty soon you will want to plumb it for a 3rd function and put a grapple on. Trust me on this, I just did it and wonder how I got along with just a bucket for so long.

Whatever you do, get a toothbar for the bucket, it's great for popping stuff out of the ground like small trees, rocks, etc.

 

[husky123]

Man I'm beginning to think I made a mistake taking delivery with the smaller loader. No paperworks been signed yet though.

Does anyone have the specs differences and price differences on the loaders? 514 vs 724?

 

[Samandothers]

Kubota's Grand L40 Series, Front Loader

Try this site for specs.

 

[Oliver Wendell Douglas]

Yea, get the stronger loader... it'll make it easier to build a track more worthy of an exotic blue bike...

 

[medicshawn]

If you go to the Kubota site and build your Kubota there is 700 dollars difference in MSRP. I would translate that to 300-400 dollars max. You MUST get the skid steer quick attach. It's cheap now but almost cost prohibitive to add later.