L series gear drive
- Thread starter Wideglide
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LD1
Epic Contributor
I have an L3400. No issues at all with the gear.
I noticed on the newer Lxx01 series they add a second reverse range. So I dont know what that is all about. My only complaint is that the forward and reverse gears arent matched up real well speed wise. The 4 reverse gears I have are all faster than the 4 low range forward gears.
IE: R3 is about the same speed as L4. R2=L3, etc. Kinda a pain when mowing and shifting to reverse, you are going faster. So frequently I have to shift to reverse AND downshift the trans.
I would like to see corresponding forward and reverse gears be the same ground speed.
I noticed on the newer Lxx01 series they add a second reverse range. So I dont know what that is all about. My only complaint is that the forward and reverse gears arent matched up real well speed wise. The 4 reverse gears I have are all faster than the 4 low range forward gears.
IE: R3 is about the same speed as L4. R2=L3, etc. Kinda a pain when mowing and shifting to reverse, you are going faster. So frequently I have to shift to reverse AND downshift the trans.
I would like to see corresponding forward and reverse gears be the same ground speed.
bullbreaker
Elite Member
Depends on your needs espiecially if you use for business and have employees using it , hydro way to go IMO.
I also have a gear (DT DIRECT TRANSMISION) MODEL 2007 L3400 . It ain't no secret HYDRO'S good for loader work etc/continuous back and forth movement . I bought my L3400 gear for mostly bushhogging at the time continuous long runs of pasture(s). Just like for my uses I need a FEL. I'am old school not trying to start a hydro / gear war here but if not just physiological seems like gear models last longer over time with less trouble .
Just like if I bought a TLB it would be a HYDRO. (Been looking at a new Bota L45 )
BTW just sold my JD GT235 that was a hydro model (all they came in ) and was/is a great hydro garden tractor IMO.
I also have a gear (DT DIRECT TRANSMISION) MODEL 2007 L3400 . It ain't no secret HYDRO'S good for loader work etc/continuous back and forth movement . I bought my L3400 gear for mostly bushhogging at the time continuous long runs of pasture(s). Just like for my uses I need a FEL. I'am old school not trying to start a hydro / gear war here but if not just physiological seems like gear models last longer over time with less trouble .
Just like if I bought a TLB it would be a HYDRO. (Been looking at a new Bota L45 )
BTW just sold my JD GT235 that was a hydro model (all they came in ) and was/is a great hydro garden tractor IMO.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Not to say there is anything wrong with liking a gear transmission and shifting, but consider this.
How many hours did you spend operating the treadle peddle hydro machine?. If not at least 8 to 16 hours of use, you cannot give an accurate accounting of how you will feel about it after that time period.. Some people do not like the peddle, and always choose a machine with twin peddles if they want a hydro. My current tractor has twin peddles, my last tractor an Kubota L3400hst had the treddle peddle. I contend they are both just fine and the dandy. BUT, I also contend that either takes some small amount of time to get used to, and come to appreciate. Just driving one around in the lot is nothing like operating one for a while. I did not like the treadle pedal in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE it after a short time, about the second day. I did not like the twin peddles in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE them now.. I know, opinions are like xxxxxxx and everyone has one! Good luck in whatever you choose.:thumbsup:
How many hours did you spend operating the treadle peddle hydro machine?. If not at least 8 to 16 hours of use, you cannot give an accurate accounting of how you will feel about it after that time period.. Some people do not like the peddle, and always choose a machine with twin peddles if they want a hydro. My current tractor has twin peddles, my last tractor an Kubota L3400hst had the treddle peddle. I contend they are both just fine and the dandy. BUT, I also contend that either takes some small amount of time to get used to, and come to appreciate. Just driving one around in the lot is nothing like operating one for a while. I did not like the treadle pedal in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE it after a short time, about the second day. I did not like the twin peddles in the first few hours, and came to absolutely LOVE them now.. I know, opinions are like xxxxxxx and everyone has one!
Good luck in whatever you choose.:thumbsup:TexasBoy
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I have gear drive and love my tractor. Good luck on whatever you decide to purchase.
TripleR
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There was a somewhat similar thread on here recently and it was mentioned the 3301 has a transmission driven as opposed to live or independent PTO on the bigger models in this series. Gear vs HST; never ending debate.
s219
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There are some very good reasons to get a gear tractor over HST (I can say that having owned/operated both). But getting a gear tractor because you don't like the HST treadle is not a good reason. After operating HSTs with treadle and HSTs with dual pedals, I think they are both easy to get used to and see no reason why anyone would have an issue one way or another (aside from a handicap of some type). That said, a lot of people have issues when they treat HST controls like a throttle, and that's not the right way to do it. As long as you realize it's an effective gear ratio, and you properly operate the throttle in conjunction with that, I can't see how it matters if it's a treadle or a pedals. After a short period operating either one, they become transparent to me. Same goes for gear. So pick the best type based on planned use, and plan to acclimate.
Fallon
Super Member
The gear trannys have a 2 stage live PTO I believe. The HSTs have a transmission PTO. They got rid of transmission PTOs because a flywheel on the PTO (like a rotary cutter) would keep driving the transmission & tractor forward even after pushing in the clutch. With a HST this is a non issue as you just let off the go pedal anyway & the HST stops the tractor. Saves money with a cheaper clutch assembly & you really don't get any of the negatives.
TripleR
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This shows transmission driven with over running clutch on the 3301: Compact Tractors | L3301 L3901 L4701 | Kubota Tractor Corporation
SweBota
Silver Member
Dont judge the hydro by the pedals....
I have a Husqvarna rider with separate pedals, had a Kubota 8200HST but needed bigger so got a L2500DT gear machine. BIG mistake. Has been trying for several years to find a bigger L with HST, finally found a 5030. Cant wait to get rid of the constant gear changing. Doesnt mind at all switching between pedals and treadle, as long as its a hydro.
I mostly do snow clearing, loader work and also operate a ZME flail mover which runs outside the width of the tractor. It was hard to operate with the gear tractor. Even in L1, tractor is going too fast at PTO speed to avoid obstacles in tricky spots. Will love to have forward speed regulation while keeping revs up for PTO work.
Gear tractors are now much harder to sell used, everyone wants hydro..... Just saying.
/Marcus
s219
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Been great so far -- very good combination of features for me. If I had to do it again I would've got an L3800 just to have a little more pep when driving around, but that said, I have not run into actual usages where I needed more power from the L3200. Prior to the L3200 I had a B2920 which was smaller and lighter, and a bit of a hot rod that spoiled me. But it always ran out of traction easily, so the power wasn't always usable.
The L models are a bit light in the rear and have a short wheelbase, so loaded rear tires is a must if you add a front loader, and then you need additional ballast (heavy box blade, etc) if you carry anything heavy in the loader. The one time I didn't carry ballast with a heavy load in front, I had the rear end bouncing all over the place.
Seat is comfortable, and the control layout is real good for me. I suspect I will have the L3200 for a long time, since it does what I want and I don't have any complaints after a year of ownership.
Chilly807
Elite Member
I have a 2009 L3400 gear drive model, been pretty happy with it. As LD1 said, the forward and reverse speeds don't match up well, that may have been rectified on the newer models. I wish they had used a hanging clutch pedal instead of the lower pivot type, the clutch is tiring after a couple hours of steady back and forth use.
I don't like revving an engine if it's not being worked, an HST transmission would bother me in that respect. I like having it come back to an idle when the tractor's not moving.
I do have a Sears yard tractor with HST tranny, works very well for mowing.
I don't like revving an engine if it's not being worked, an HST transmission would bother me in that respect. I like having it come back to an idle when the tractor's not moving.
I do have a Sears yard tractor with HST tranny, works very well for mowing.
SweBota
Silver Member
But modern HSTs regulate the throttle automatically. Or I'm not following...?
/Marcus
Chilly807
Elite Member
Only some do that, I don't think the new economy L series has that feature. The old ones didn't, you had to move up to the Grand L series to get the auto throttle.
s219
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Fallon
Super Member
My L3200 & the L3301 I drove have a manual throttle. The nicer grands have the HST pedal & throttle linked.
I usually run my RPMs lower say 1,500 RPM or so unless I really need the speed or power. If I'm going any significant distance I usually mash the go pedal all the way down & use the throttle for cruise control. No need to run a HST at higher throttle, just don't lug the engine.
I usually run my RPMs lower say 1,500 RPM or so unless I really need the speed or power. If I'm going any significant distance I usually mash the go pedal all the way down & use the throttle for cruise control. No need to run a HST at higher throttle, just don't lug the engine.
