Elliott Wave
Bronze Member
Hello,
I have been reading this Forum off and on for a number of years and regularly for the past year. I am considering purchasing a L3400 HST or DT. I am looking to use the machine as a TLB. For the first couple of years it would primarily be used around a 2 acre piece of property to dig and maintain some drainage ditches, dig out some stumps, maintain trails, load snow that is not conducive to snow blowing, and just have fun messing around with. It by no means is actually needed. That being said, I would like a machine large enough that if down the line I bought a trailer I could do some weekend landscaping type work. I would like to store the tractor in a garage that has a door height of approximately 79? I would purchase the Woods BH80-X for the tractor. Based on the Transport Height listed in the Woods brochure (82.25?, it looks like I would have to both adjust the backhoe and lower the ROPS each time going in and out of the garage. I am curious if anyone stores a tractor this way? I know if I went with the B7800 or B3030 and put a BH70-X on it, it would store easier as the Transport height listed is 74.75? However, since I am not looking at using the tractor for mowing I have been leaning toward the L-3400 and the larger hoe along with the swing speed control that comes with the BH80-X. I would go for the B-26, if I had a taller place to store it
While I am not planning on using any three-point attachments initially, I do not want to rule them out. In reading the issues regarding the PTO, 3-point hitch valve, and PTO cable it seems they have all been resolved in the newer models after certain serial numbers. My initial inclination was to go with the DT model as the DT was the original design for this tractor when it came out and less issues seem to have been noted. However, most seem to recommend the HST. I have not test drove either yet. Since I will not be using the 3-point hitch initially, can the items of concern be tested to make sure they work properly without an implement attached?
I have visited two dealers for initial price quotes (DT models are $1000 less):
Dealer A (35 miles from home)
Kubota L3400 HST with LA463 Loader with skid steer quick coupler $18,300
Loaded rear tires included in price
Woods BH80-X with Mechanical Thumb - $7,650
Block Heater, weld on hooks for loader, woods tooth bar - $549
Will charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty items
Dealer B (50 miles from home)
Kubota L3400 HST with LA463 Loader $17,900
Loaded rear tires included in price
Woods BH80-X with Mechanical Thumb - $7,300
Block Heater, weld on hooks for loader, ATI toothbar with replaceable teeth - $555
Will not charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty work for the first year
Dealer C (25 miles from home)
Have not spoken to yet, not sure if I am comfortable with service department
Dealer D (70 miles from home)
Did not obtain pricing. They indicated they would not charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty work for the first year.
I am located in Massachusetts and I understand the cost of tractors is higher in the Northeast. Looking to pay a fair price and be comfortable with the dealer. I am somewhat disappointed that Dealer A indicates no break on pick-up and delivery for warranty work within the first year. I also indicated that I do not really see myself using the skid steer quick coupler and asked if I would be able to save some by going without it. I was told they pretty much order all the loaders for this model with the skid steer quick coupler.
As I do not have a trailer and would prefer to hold off on buying one right away, I really want to purchase a tractor that would be considered the least likely to have any maintenance issues. With this in my mind, I question myself and think based on all the reading I have done on this forum its seems like I have heard the least complaints with regard to the B7800 and B3030.
Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions!
I have been reading this Forum off and on for a number of years and regularly for the past year. I am considering purchasing a L3400 HST or DT. I am looking to use the machine as a TLB. For the first couple of years it would primarily be used around a 2 acre piece of property to dig and maintain some drainage ditches, dig out some stumps, maintain trails, load snow that is not conducive to snow blowing, and just have fun messing around with. It by no means is actually needed. That being said, I would like a machine large enough that if down the line I bought a trailer I could do some weekend landscaping type work. I would like to store the tractor in a garage that has a door height of approximately 79? I would purchase the Woods BH80-X for the tractor. Based on the Transport Height listed in the Woods brochure (82.25?, it looks like I would have to both adjust the backhoe and lower the ROPS each time going in and out of the garage. I am curious if anyone stores a tractor this way? I know if I went with the B7800 or B3030 and put a BH70-X on it, it would store easier as the Transport height listed is 74.75? However, since I am not looking at using the tractor for mowing I have been leaning toward the L-3400 and the larger hoe along with the swing speed control that comes with the BH80-X. I would go for the B-26, if I had a taller place to store it
While I am not planning on using any three-point attachments initially, I do not want to rule them out. In reading the issues regarding the PTO, 3-point hitch valve, and PTO cable it seems they have all been resolved in the newer models after certain serial numbers. My initial inclination was to go with the DT model as the DT was the original design for this tractor when it came out and less issues seem to have been noted. However, most seem to recommend the HST. I have not test drove either yet. Since I will not be using the 3-point hitch initially, can the items of concern be tested to make sure they work properly without an implement attached?
I have visited two dealers for initial price quotes (DT models are $1000 less):
Dealer A (35 miles from home)
Kubota L3400 HST with LA463 Loader with skid steer quick coupler $18,300
Loaded rear tires included in price
Woods BH80-X with Mechanical Thumb - $7,650
Block Heater, weld on hooks for loader, woods tooth bar - $549
Will charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty items
Dealer B (50 miles from home)
Kubota L3400 HST with LA463 Loader $17,900
Loaded rear tires included in price
Woods BH80-X with Mechanical Thumb - $7,300
Block Heater, weld on hooks for loader, ATI toothbar with replaceable teeth - $555
Will not charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty work for the first year
Dealer C (25 miles from home)
Have not spoken to yet, not sure if I am comfortable with service department
Dealer D (70 miles from home)
Did not obtain pricing. They indicated they would not charge for pick-up and delivery of tractor for warranty work for the first year.
I am located in Massachusetts and I understand the cost of tractors is higher in the Northeast. Looking to pay a fair price and be comfortable with the dealer. I am somewhat disappointed that Dealer A indicates no break on pick-up and delivery for warranty work within the first year. I also indicated that I do not really see myself using the skid steer quick coupler and asked if I would be able to save some by going without it. I was told they pretty much order all the loaders for this model with the skid steer quick coupler.
As I do not have a trailer and would prefer to hold off on buying one right away, I really want to purchase a tractor that would be considered the least likely to have any maintenance issues. With this in my mind, I question myself and think based on all the reading I have done on this forum its seems like I have heard the least complaints with regard to the B7800 and B3030.
Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions!
