I have a few questions on this tractor. How good is it and is it trouble free. How is it on fuel? I stopped today at a dealer and got a price on one and I was surprized at my trade in value he offered me. I want one with the gear shift with the shuttle. He does not have one but has a load coming in around the first of May. On the loader I cannot find the lifting cap of it does anyone know? Now I have to decide if that is what I want as trhis dealer is much farther away than Deere or New Holland. Thanks for any help. Ivan
I have a
L3200... Same tractor before the tier 4 final emissions stuff.
The economy L tractors are HST or gear only I'm pretty sure, no shuttles. For a shuttle (GST) you need to move up to a Grand at 50% more cost (lots more bells, whistles & weight). I love the HST, so flexible & maneuverable. You loose 15% of your HP to it, but it is worth it if you do loader work, precision work or a lot of random utility work. Not as useful for field work so the 15% penalty isn't worth it for all applications. The HST trannys are as bulletproof as the gear ones. Maybe better if you figure in wearing out clutches.
I run about an gallon per hour doing most work. About a tank in a full days work. The loader is rated to 1,200lbs if I remember. I don't think that includes the bucket.
If you get one, get the rear tires loaded. Its not terribly safe, even with
ballast on the 3pt when lifting hard with the loader. The loaded tires will keep the back end on the ground (you still need ballast or a heavy implement on the back). The
L3200 is also traction limited, ballast helps there too. With my loaded R4s I'm about 50/50 on being traction or power limited now. Before loading I was always way traction limited.
Also get a loader with the SSQA on it. Makes it trivial to swap from bucket to forks. I probably use my forks more than my bucket.
Probably a non issue with the new model, but check for a jerky 3pt. Put a heavy implement on & try to raise it 1/2" a few times. Doesn't show lowering, without a heavy implement or moving large distances(several inches). Mine has an annoying jerky hitch, but I knew it when I bought it & bought it anyway (and would again). Some are rougher than others & it bothers some more than others. I hear fixing the root cause is about the only other change other than the emissions junk between the
L3200 &
L3301.
