is it a DT or HST?

[txfishers]

I am looking to purchase a Kubota L3400 Tractor with a SN#55088. how can i tell if it is a DT or HST and what year it is? it has a 463 loader and 5' bushog mower for $10,000.00. Is this a good deal? it is a little banged up but just miner dings.

Thanks i s advance for any help.

Thanks
Kerry

 

[k0ua]

Are you asking how to tell what transmission is in it by the serial number or by looking at it?
By serial number, I have no Idea.
By looking at it if it is an HST: The tractor will have a large rubber covered L shaped pedal on the right floorboard, that rocks forward and backward, and has a forward arrow and a backward arrow embossed in the rubber. On you left as you sit in the seat there will be a range lever, that moves between ranges 1-N-2-N-3. and on the fenders there should be in large letters HST. There will be no foot throttle, like a DT will have, and on the HST on your right there will be a small yellow lever high on the fender to actuate the PTO. On the DT there will be larger lever near the center tunnel at your feet to actuate the PTO.
Hopes this helps.

James K0UA

 

[txfishers]

No, actually i did not know what those abbreviations stood for and was only trying to compare to other listings to find out if this was a good deal.

I get it now, so this unit is a DT because it is a manual Transmission.

I would like to know what year it is and the owner was not sure until he finds the title, he thought it might be a 2007.

The tractor has a couple of dings but runs great. the cost is $10K. Just want some advice since i dont know tractors at all.

Is it possible to find out the year by the s/n? 55088

Thanks

Kerry

 

[RobertN]

A dealer could run those numbers.

It varies by region, but I only got bills of sale for the two tractors I have bought; those were used from dealers.

 

[txfishers]

do you think this is a good deal at $10K, it has 171 hours and runs great.

Thanks
Kerry

 

[k0ua]

do you think this is a good deal at $10K, it has 171 hours and runs great.

Thanks
Kerry

Yes, Prices are regional, and vary quite a bit, but Yes that is a pretty good deal, if it is all that you say, and has not been hurt, only some cosmetic damage. I would check it out really good, before I laid my money down, but 10k is from 3 or 4 K less than others that might be comparable.

James K0UA

 

[txfishers]

This Tractor is located in South Texas.

Thanks for all your help.

Kerry

 

[TripleR]

This Tractor is located in South Texas.

Thanks for all your help.

Kerry

One caveat I feel compelled to bring up. Since you know little about tractors, go drive an HST to compare with the geared unit. Most new operators and even some experienced much prefer the HST.

In the end, no matter the cost, it ain't a good deal if it's not what you want or can be happy with.

 

[jonyyuma]

DT is for double traction, or 4 wheel drive... Hst is the automatic version...That is not many hours on the meter.You should have seen decals on the fenders designating the operation? DT follows the model number on mine.

 

[txfishers]

Thanks for all your help. This tractor will be used for a steep grade and heavy digging, scraping and tilling so i beleive i would be happy with the DT but i will take you up on this and try a new one at a dealer.

Thanks again
Kerry

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for all your help. This tractor will be used for a steep grade and heavy digging, scraping and tilling so i beleive i would be happy with the DT but i will take you up on this and try a new one at a dealer.

Thanks again
Kerry

For heavy, regular ground engagement, you are probably right to go geared.

 

[LD1]

WOW. Only 171 hrs, Tractor & FEL, and only $10,000. If there isnt anything else wrong with it, that is one heck of a deal IMO.

I bought mine new 5 years ago for about ~17k just to give you an Idea.

And as far as the year is concerned, I wouldnt worry too much about that. It is the hours that tell the story:thumbsup: Would you rather have a 2006 with 171hrs or a 2010 with 800hrs?

Just a few things to look at though, make SURE THE TACH WORKS. If it does not, the hours are not accurate and could have WAY more than 171.

Another thing to look at is the hydraulic suction line. It is a rubber line about 1.5-2" diaeter by your right foot when sitting on it. There is a good chance it will show some cracking and may need replaced. Not trying to scare you, just make you aware. If it is cracked, it can give some problems when operating the FEL. But it is an easy and cheap fix.:thumbsup:

 

[txfishers]

Great info, i am actually buying someproperty for this person and the Tractor is there so he made me an offer to throw it in for another 10k. I will check out the tractor as you have described, thanks again

Kerry

 

[ovrszd]

DT is for double traction, or 4 wheel drive... Hst is the automatic version...

Actually DT is for Dual Transmission. Meaning it has a four speed gear box and a separate gear box that determines Low Forward, High Forward, Neutral and Reverse. Some are synchronized and can change speeds without stopping. But I'm guessing the L3400 is non synchronized like my L4400DT. Gear changes can be made without stopping but it's a delicate task. Direction changes require clutching, stopping movement with the brake pedals, then shifting the appropriate selector from R to L/H or L/H to R.

HST is considered a type of automatic but is actually a Hydrostatic drive driven by a treddle and can change directions or ground speed fluidly. It has an additional lever that selects three speed ranges that requires the machine to be stopped to change speeds. The appropriate speed range is selected depending on the task at hand.

DT best utilizes the engine HP because it requires less power to run. HST best utilizes frequent speed changes or direction changes such as FEL work because it is fluid drive which also requires more HP to function.

 

[jonyyuma]

Excuse me Richard, I did not get a manual with my L3000DT, but i did get a hood and that is what is says, in big print....Dual Traction---power steering...Yes is does have 4 speed and a transfer case. You could be correct?

 

[Verticaltrx]

Excuse me Richard, I did not get a manual with my L3000DT, but i did get a hood and that is what is says, in big print....Dual Traction---power steering...Yes is does have 4 speed and a transfer case. You could be correct?

You are correct. In the L series DT = Dual Traction (4wd, gear), HST = Hydrostatic 4wd, and F = 2wd gear.

 

[Just Bill]

That price looks about right for a 2wd.
If it is 4wd (DT) it is a darn good price, if everything else is ok.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

With Kubota DT is the standard gear drive tractor, depending on model it either can be straight gear where you stop to change gears or it can be FST where it is a Fully Synchronized Transmission. Other transmission choices among models is the GST or Glide Shift transmission where a computer controls the hydraulic shifting of the gears and clutch packs. The more popular choice is the HST or Hydrostatic drive with several gear ranges that you must stop to select.
Hydros are good on hills but I got the GST because it is good for pulling logs and such without building up lots of heat and the loss of horsepower due to the drive system.

David Kb7uns

 

[k0ua]

With Kubota DT is the standard gear drive tractor, depending on model it either can be straight gear where you stop to change gears or it can be FST where it is a Fully Synchronized Transmission. Other transmission choices among models is the GST or Glide Shift transmission where a computer controls the hydraulic shifting of the gears and clutch packs. The more popular choice is the HST or Hydrostatic drive with several gear ranges that you must stop to select.
Hydros are good on hills but I got the GST because it is good for pulling logs and such without building up lots of heat and the loss of horsepower due to the drive system.

David Kb7uns

David On that L3400 his is looking at, there are only 3 varients. it is either a 2WD gear, a 4WD gear or a 4WD HST.. there are no syncro, no shuttle no GST models. and no HST + either. the price seems like it might be 2WD. but if it is a 4WD gear it is a good buy, unless there is something else wrong with it.

James K0UA

 

[jonyyuma]

I know that I bought a pretty good deal. If I could I would have bought a FST, so could shift on the fly. I do double clutch and but never know if it will grind, or not. I still believe it will outlast my uses...GST? That would be Real sweet..