3400/4400

benji · Sep 9, 2006

I'm seriously considering a 3400, but I don't want to make the classic mistake of getting less tractor than I need. I've got about 8 acres of land, mostly rolling hills I guess. I want to bush-hog about 5 acres on a regular basis so it doesn't look like a jungle. I've also got some trees to cut/haul around. I might get a finish mower one day for the remaining 3 acres. My wife and I are thinking about a garden next year, just a small one. I priced a 3400 a couple of days ago, and I really liked it. It seems like a heck of a tractor for $17k (with loader and 5' bushhog). My only concern is that I might need something bigger. My dad made the same mistake. He got a JD 790 but traded it in a few years for the 990. I guess I'm worried that the 3400 might not be able to handle the slopes at my house, but I don't know that the 4400 would be better. I could also do everything quicker with the 4400. However, for the same money, I'm sure I could add the backhoe to the 3400 and make quick work of the stumps all over my land that I need to get rid of. What do you guys think?

machmeter62 · Sep 9, 2006

If you can use all the horsepower the L4400 provides at the PTO (37.5 HP) for the bushhogging, and need the heavy lifting of the LA 703 loader; I would base my purchase on that. It maybe a little awkward for the small garden. For ground engagement implements, traction is the issue mostly, and not H.P. I believe the hog requires 5 H.P./ foot of width, which may help in your decision. Also, how fast do you want the work finished, and is it worth the extra cost?

DK35vince · Sep 9, 2006

In my opinion the 3400 is all the tractor you will need to clear and maintain 8 acres.

FL4400 · Sep 9, 2006

I have 10 acres that I am cleaning up right now, sometimes I wish I had a bigger tractor, but the 4400 has done everything I have asked of it. I run a 6' Rhino cutter behind it. Either way they are both good tractors.

benji · Sep 10, 2006

i think i'll go with the 3400. the price is right and everybody tells me it's all the tractor I need. I think it will also better for mowing if I add the finish mower since it weighs less.

machmeter62 · Sep 10, 2006

I think you are making the right choice by getting the L3400. However, you may want to consult your dealer on tire selection about the sloping land? R1's enables you to widen the rear wheels for stability and traction on the slopes, but are a poor choice for finish mowing. I would choose safety first, and consider a designated lawn tractor in the future as a finish mower. If possible, make the dealer demo your tractor with your choice of tires for that "comfort zone." The R1's also offer a $400 savings over the R4's.

N80 · Sep 11, 2006

Yep, R1s and finish mowers don't go together very well unless the soil is pretty dry and hard. Even in 2wd they cut deeply, especially when turning.

However, if traction is the issue they are great.

I've got an L4400 and it is perfect for me. For your needs, it sounds like the 3400 would be just right and the 4400 wouldn't offer much more. I'd only consider the 4400 if you thought you might do more ground engaging work such as plowing, box blade use etc. Even then the 3400 should be fine, just not quite as much umph.

brande · Sep 15, 2006

benji said:
I'm seriously considering a 3400, but I don't want to make the classic mistake of getting less tractor than I need. I've got about 8 acres of land, mostly rolling hills I guess. I want to bush-hog about 5 acres on a regular basis so it doesn't look like a jungle. I've also got some trees to cut/haul around. I might get a finish mower one day for the remaining 3 acres. My wife and I are thinking about a garden next year, just a small one. I priced a 3400 a couple of days ago, and I really liked it. It seems like a heck of a tractor for $17k (with loader and 5' bushhog). My only concern is that I might need something bigger. My dad made the same mistake. He got a JD 790 but traded it in a few years for the 990. I guess I'm worried that the 3400 might not be able to handle the slopes at my house, but I don't know that the 4400 would be better. I could also do everything quicker with the 4400. However, for the same money, I'm sure I could add the backhoe to the 3400 and make quick work of the stumps all over my land that I need to get rid of. What do you guys think?

Got a L3400 and do 15 acres regularly with a 84" (7') finish mower.
Works well, but a true brush hog might be a bit better while I try to tame this old farm field (lots of deep rocks, uneven ground from the farmers plow before me.. Once tamed, though, the finish mower should do well. I figure a few blade changes are cheaper than having both a brush hog and finish mower.

I've mowed some awfully thick stuff with this combo, but really don't have problems. I get a"rooster tail" now and again if I let the growth get too long.

This is easily remedied by increasing the pass overlap some.
I really think this is caused by the rear tires flattening the growth temporarily, letting it slip under the mower.
If I keep after it, though, and mow when it's needed-this is not a problem.

All in all, the L3400 is a great little tractor.
Simple to use and maintain. Hate the fuel filler, though.

Have I needed more power? Maybe once or twice. We all want more power.
Are those times worth the extra big bucks($)-for me no.
Are a tilt wheel, creature controls and comforts worth the extra cost?

For me, no.

Cut my teeth on a 580, DynaHoe30, Cat 950 (side shifter), 966, 980, and later a Kubota B6100 and BX 1800. The Kubotas were actually more fun.

Basic is good enough for me.

It gives me more money for the implements/fuel/oil/filters I need (FEL, box blade, blade, tiller/plow, backhoe).

Don't know if this helps, but I am pleased with my L3400.

Good Luck

brande