7800 vs L3400HST

esqn1000 · Jun 6, 2005

I'd be interested to know people's thoughts about the difference between a B7800 and an L3400HST. I have 13 ac, with 8 open/5 in woods. I will mainly be cutting field and also want to clean out the undergrowth in the woods. I am getting ready to build a house, will have about 250' of driveway to keep up.

I know the L3400 is a bigger, heavier frame and higher power output, but is about $2K more expensive (with HST). What does the extra size buy you? I like the idea of the position control and independent PTO on the L3400, but will it make up for the cost? Also, I'm a little hesitant due to the problems people are discussing with the jerky 3pt lift.

Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks

cchoate · Jun 6, 2005

I was in the same quandary you are. I was all set to get the 3400, but when I read the trouble with 3ph I decided against the it. So the question remained - 7800 or 3130/3430.

My thinking is you will always wish you got the bigger tractor. I purchased the 3430gst (haven't got it yet though). I have 12 acres, pond, gardens and a large waterfowl farm. Bigger is better.

riptides · Jun 7, 2005

This is a tough call. Bigger may not be better as you try and move around those trees in the woods. You said clearing underbrush and not mowing down trees, right? We did maintain a 10 acres (3 pasture, 7 heavy woods) with a B7800.
It did all we asked of it and more. Had just the right amount of clearance and manuvering ability for the woods, had the right amount of weight for the lawn and pastures, had the loader strength and HP for the driveway and stonedust work.

Good luck with your choice.
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

schole · Jun 7, 2005

This forum is fantastic when you're hashing through the decision of what, when, and how big to buy. It sure helped me a great deal with learning about some of the newer options available and the associated terminology.

HOWEVER, nothing beats real life experience on your own. Just because you can't spout back the stats like some of the guys here, or relay the wisdom of some of the pro's, you can still form an excellent opinion -- your own -- by driving these machines.

I recall being spooked myself by the 'more weight is better' arguement, and everyone has HST, and on and on....

The 3ph 'jerky problem' is another in my books. I didn't even give it second thought for 3 months of using my L3400 nearly daily until I read it here. Then I thought, "You know, come to think of it, that 3ph is a little more speedy than the ones I've been used to." But the loader is faster and more sensitive, the travelling ground speed is faster, it has an enormously higher hp to weight ratio...I just didn't see the speed of the 3ph as a problem for me.

If you really want another machine, go get it. Don't let the opinions that fly here immediately cross one option off your list if the machine was in your target price/size/option range. Go try it for yourself.

Kubota is great. Period. I think you will be very happy with whatever you purchase. The L3400 is an economy tractor without the frills.

Best $/hp in my mind. I have been extremely pleased with my L3400DT.

Shawn

familyman · Jun 8, 2005

My L2800 is being repaired (dealer boo-boo) and I am using a loaner M4800. My 2800 feels like a sports car compared to the 4800, so I guess it's all relative, but for work around obstacles it just takes some getting used to. More weight = better traction, better lifting ability, etc., but the L2800/3400 is still light enough to finish mow with in most situations, IMHO. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

esqn1000 · Jun 8, 2005

Well, I pulled the trigger today and decided to go for the bigger tractor. I'm getting a L3400HST, FEL, filled R4s, and 5' cutter. After looking at the two models side by side, it's easy to see where the extra weight is coming from - a lot more steel in the frame, axles, and rear end, while the overall dimensions are not that much different. Along with the extra 5 Hp.

Delivery is set for saturday morning - I'll try to get some pictures up.

Thanks to everybody for the discussion and input. this is a big purchase for me, I hope it's the last tractor I ever need to buy.

Goog · Jun 8, 2005

I think you will love it. I only have a few hours on my L3400HST and I came to the same conclusion you did. More power, more weight, good price and it is just a beefy looking machine. My only gripe is the 3pt. jerk and on the another thread it states Kubota has a fix. I have not been to my dealer but will soon. You might have your dealer look into this before you take delivery. Once that is fixed it will be pefect. I think Kubota better gear up to make alot of them. Brian

riptides · Jun 9, 2005

Good for you.

Keep us informed, like an after action report, some pictures and general whatnots during your time with your new tractor.

I am looking at upsizng, so I am curious about the bigger brothers.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JT1972 · Jun 9, 2005

If you are looking for a power without the extra weight to drag around. I would look at the NH brand. I recently went through your same delima in buying a tractor. Did all the research and kept an open mind. In every category the NH TC30(economy model) or the TC33DA(deluxe model) out performs the Kubota tractors(B7800 or 3400)
Kubota has a great name out there, however start comparing components like the steering(integral power assist on the kubotas versus true hydrostatic on NH, the serviceability is much better on NH's. The components really stuck out, air filters, hydraulic pumps, axles, all were much bigger on the NH than the kubota. NH is spending alot more money on their product from what I found out. Your going to want that extra weight and power when working in the woods. Also all of the tierods on the kubota tractors are exposed to the front of the axle, easily can be damaged. Kubota's axles are all stamped steel versus cast iron of the NH. Do your research, don't limit yourself to the orange paint. Warranties are the same and the loader was huge for me, NH's loader is curved boom which has the best visibility of any tractor out there. Very heavy duty and in my opinion, puts the kubota loader to shame. If your going to buy one or two tractors in your lifetime, I would go for the New Holland or Case IH compacts any day... heavier duty, more power to the ground, better serviceability, etc...good luck

familyman · Jun 10, 2005

For the benefit of all present, please name the specific Kubota tractor model that has "stamped steel " axles. I think you may have been looking at the scale toy tractors on the dealers shelf, which by the way, are inferior in performance to most real tractors regardless of brand. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif