buying a used L3940

[rpoe]

I haven't signed the check or dug up any taters with it yet, but looks like I'm on my way to proud ownership of a 2007 300 hr L3940. No photos yet, but wanted to thank you all for all the great info on this site. When I began browsing a few months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about tractors. I can now explain FEL, PTO, and DEBT.
I thought I wanted a BX25 for the backhoe, then discovered the wonderful world of grapples, and decided to forfeit the backhoe for a heftier tractor with a good grapple. I have LOTS of limbs and ice storm damage along the boundary of my property (ten acres) and am gonna make me a great big burn pile!
Tractor with FEL (LA754) is $19,000, then add a diverter valve and grapple for another 3,000. I hope that's reasonable, if not, I'm buying it anyway cause I've got the fever.
Interesting sidenote: I had narrowed my search to this tractor or a JD3038e, with JD's interest free note it would cost less to buy a brand new3038e than the L3940. I spoke to a dealer who sells both, had both on the lot, he told me the only thing they had in common was that they were both tractors, the L3940 was that much better. Kind of sealed the deal.
Once again, thanks so much for the help. I've appreciated the cordial atmosphere and friendly banter, made the learning process much easier.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Congratulations. You've made your decision so don't listen or read any more advise, seriously. You've researched logically to this point and seat time is now required so get it and get on it.

 

[DK35vince]

Congratulations on a very nice machine.

 

[firefighter jim]

I like the "got the fever going to buy it anyway part"! Good for you. Those are nice tractors. Jim

 

[lawn_king]

What tranny does she have?

 

[rpoe]

it has a hst transmission

 

[nybirdman]

Sweet,very nice machine..I traded my L3130 for a L4240.....close call between the L3940 and the L4240..I went for the larger machine,I do mostly ground engageing work..for tight quarters the L3940 would have worked better.Always a compromise. Enjoy and be safe.

 

[lawn_king]

You are going to be in tractor heaven with that rig! The hst + is the balls!

 

[Redbug]

Now the next thing you need to do after you get it is show a few pics!

What kind of grapple are you looking at? Don't forget to get a heavy box blade or some other implement to go on the back for counter weight. Are the tires loaded?

Don't worry...we can help you spend some more money...and give a little advise in the process, too...

We like pics...

 

[_RaT_]

WE just bought a harvest return L3940 HST with a ATI grapple I welded on a CAT skidsteer QA tooth bucket we had. Also added TnT with 3 remote valve setup. It had 29 hours on it.
I did learn through trial and error that the grapple in order to close with full force requires you push the joy stick hard to the right. A little different than my L3830 I had. The HST Plus is superb.

 

[EMS503]

You are going to love this machine. I have my L3940 for 2 years now it does all I ask it to do and more. I have loaded R-4s but still need the box blade when using the loader for rear weight. I have had no problems with mine. The only negative is no traction on ice, getting chains to fix that. Enjoy post pics. when you get your tractor.

 

[warvalley]

I bought a new L3940 HST, LA724FEL, wr long 60" grapple and BH90A backhoe a month ago. No regrets. Everything works like a charm. The FEL quick attach is wonderful. Quick. Easy. congratulations on your decision. be safe. have fun!

 

[_RaT_]

You are going to love this machine. I have my L3940 for 2 years now it does all I ask it to do and more. I have loaded R-4s but still need the box blade when using the loader for rear weight. I have had no problems with mine. The only negative is no traction on ice, getting chains to fix that. Enjoy post pics. when you get your tractor.

See, this is where I have always differed from 99% of the folks here. I always ask, well actually I don't really ask, I just do it but I always want waaay more than than the tractor can do. I want that 3 foot diameter stump ripped out in a single blow or two or 20, I want those 5000 lb I beams lifted, that 2000 lb rock ripped from its foundation. Am I asking to much or are you guys just to easily satisfied?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

See, this is where I have always differed from 99% of the folks here. I always ask, well actually I don't really ask, I just do it but I always want waaay more than than the tractor can do. I want that 3 foot diameter stump ripped out in a single blow or two or 20, I want those 5000 lb I beams lifted, that 2000 lb rock ripped from its foundation. Am I asking to much or are you guys just to easily satisfied?

You don't want a tractor. You want a D9 Cat dozer.

 

[ovrszd]

John, I'd rather say RaT has a closer to perfect sized tractor or a little undersized tractor for him compared to EMS503 who obviously has more tractor than he needs.

I'm just like RaT. I went from a B2910 (30hp) to an L4400 (44hp) and within the first ten hours had overtaxed it several times. Many times with the B2910 I had it hitched to some immoveable object that required the front tires to be clawing in the air a couple feet off the ground. Same thing with the L4400.

There are a LOT of tractors on this forum that would be great purchases as used units from the original owners who've never used half their potential. If you've not attempted a task that your tractor couldn't do you fit nicely in this category.

I bought my B2910 used with 320hrs w/60"mmm for $9900. It didn't have a single scratch. The tires were perfect. It was regularly washed and waxed and had never been parked outside. Had never used the 3pt or PTO. Man I miss that little tractor!!! I worked the pants off it.

 

[_RaT_]

John, I'd rather say RaT has a closer to perfect sized tractor or a little undersized tractor for him compared to EMS503 who obviously has more tractor than he needs.

I'm just like RaT. I went from a B2910 (30hp) to an L4400 (44hp) and within the first ten hours had overtaxed it several times. Many times with the B2910 I had it hitched to some immoveable object that required the front tires to be clawing in the air a couple feet off the ground. Same thing with the L4400.

There are a LOT of tractors on this forum that would be great purchases as used units from the original owners who've never used half their potential. If you've not attempted a task that your tractor couldn't do you fit nicely in this category.

I bought my B2910 used with 320hrs w/60"mmm for $9900. It didn't have a single scratch. The tires were perfect. It was regularly washed and waxed and had never been parked outside. Had never used the 3pt or PTO. Man I miss that little tractor!!! I worked the pants off it.

The question is, did you talk to your talk tractor, did you ask things of it to perform? If so, did it respond back? We want to know!

 

[ovrszd]

The question is, did you talk to your talk tractor, did you ask things of it to perform? If so, did it respond back? We want to know!

As my Dad would have said, I treat my tractor like a "Rented Mule". Yes, I definitely talk to my tractors. It's not in the form of a question though. Sometimes it's not printable.....

 

[rpoe]

Tractor was delivered today. I need to go to tractor school. Figured that using the tractor, I did in about three hours what I could have done with a wheelbarrow in 30 minutes. The ground was muddy/snowy, it was cold, just a bad day to learn to use a grapple.
I had a hard time positioning the grapple to slide underneath tree limbs, I was either digging up dirt or getting on top of them, just crushing them into lots of little pieces. I'll learn, think I was spoiled watching these videos, it seemed idiot proof, it's not.
Another puzzle, I thought since it had HST, I'd just push the pedal and go. There seem to be lots of different ways to control the speed....gears, throttle, pedal. I was especially wondering about the throttle lever on the right side of the steering wheel, that thing can be set from next-to-nothing to really high rpm, what determines where I put it?
I'm poor-mouthing this but really did enjoy it, still. I know it will just take some time. I really liked the performance of the tractor, just not my performance on the tractor.

 

[_RaT_]

Tractor was delivered today. I need to go to tractor school. Figured that using the tractor, I did in about three hours what I could have done with a wheelbarrow in 30 minutes. The ground was muddy/snowy, it was cold, just a bad day to learn to use a grapple.
I had a hard time positioning the grapple to slide underneath tree limbs, I was either digging up dirt or getting on top of them, just crushing them into lots of little pieces. I'll learn, think I was spoiled watching these videos, it seemed idiot proof, it's not.
Another puzzle, I thought since it had HST, I'd just push the pedal and go. There seem to be lots of different ways to control the speed....gears, throttle, pedal. I was especially wondering about the throttle lever on the right side of the steering wheel, that thing can be set from next-to-nothing to really high rpm, what determines where I put it?
I'm poor-mouthing this but really did enjoy it, still. I know it will just take some time. I really liked the performance of the tractor, just not my performance on the tractor.


I am very familiar with HST, it took me about 3 1/2 hours to understand HST plus. I really enjoy now! It works beautifully. The grapple requires a hard right hand to the joy stick, quite hard compared to the joystick on the L3830!

 

[PHILIP8N]

Go to the Kubota website and order a copy of the Grand L series brochure. There is a double pull out section showing in detail the many functions of the HST Plus and where to use them. Also, go to the Kubota website and navigate to the Grand L series page. There is a great animation showing the features of the HST plus and where to use them. For PTO work like mowing, I do not use the auto throttle feature, just pedal control and cruise control. For loader/scoop and blade work, I set the throttle at minimum speed, engage the auto throttle feature, and let the foot pedal control engine speed and tractor speed. I rarely use the HDS feature once I get to work, but you may find it handy (or more confusing right now). Get some more seat time, you will get it and love it. Philip.