Buying Advice Decision time: l3240 vs l3700

kub32guy · Apr 13, 2011

ispan1 said:
Yes, the weight would be nice. Sounds like 4-0 and my wife has even put one in for the winning team. Sounds like this is a sweep.

It is HST. Has HSTplus changed since the 2008 model year? I seem to remember reading about HST1,2,3 generations. Can you explain how the 2 speed works? Anything will probably feel like magic to me as I have only owned gear tractors.

Someone else will have to chime in on the HST, because mine is gear(was a good deal), but if I ever trade it in I will go with HST.

kuboman · Apr 13, 2011

Here are a few pics of what I did for ballast. The IH weights are on my B3200 and the other is my L3130. They work great because of the QH I can come away from the weight in seconds and hook back up in seconds.
They are front suitcase weights for farm tractors and the one pack weighs about 1300# and the other about 1000#.:thumbsup:

ispan1 · Apr 13, 2011

kuboman said:
Here are a few pics of what I did for ballast. The IH weights are on my B3200 and the other is my L3130. They work great because of the QH I can come away from the weight in seconds and hook back up in seconds.
They are front suitcase weights for farm tractors and the one pack weighs about 1300# and the other about 1000#.:thumbsup:

That's a slick set up. I will probably just plan on using the box blade and adding weight to that whenever I plan on doing heavy loader work.

I asked the dealer if they changed out the hydraulic fluid and he said they usually just change the oil. He said he would change the hydro fluid and filter and just charge for parts if I wanted to start fresh. Should I have him go ahead and do it, since he doesn't have the service records? Anything else I should have him check/replace/maintain? As a reminder, it's at about 350 hrs.?

TripleR · Apr 14, 2011

ispan1 said:
No, I think I would actually be happy with either, and I am leaning toward one of the two. I just wanted to present the facts and let the experts offer up their unbiased opinions.

In that case my "unbiased opinion" would be after going to buy a Lxx00 and coming home with a Grand L, I will always go for a GL over an L. I don't find the L platform easy to get on and off, is not flat like the GL. I like the tilt steering and it is just more comfortable. I don't like the steering system on the L and the 3-point hitch is much better on the GL.

I am not knocking on the L, just prefer the GL.

ispan1 · Apr 14, 2011

TripleR said:
In that case my "unbiased opinion" would be after going to buy a Lxx00 and coming home with a Grand L, I will always go for a GL over an L. I don't find the L platform easy to get on and off, is not flat like the GL. I like the tilt steering and it is just more comfortable. I don't like the steering system on the L and the 3-point hitch is much better on the GL.

I am not knocking on the L, just prefer the GL.

Good to hear from someone else who has seen both up close.

Does anyone else have input on whether or not I should ask the dealer to change the hydro fluid and filter since it's at 350hrs? I'm not really sure if that's scheduled at 200, 300, 400 hours or when.

crazyal · Apr 14, 2011

I don't know about the 3700 but the GLs rear tires can be flipped from side to side to ad/ reduce the tractor width. 66" would be the tires set in the narrow position. 72" would be in the wide position. I have mine in the wide position because the tire chains would rub on the inside of the fender.

nybirdman · Apr 14, 2011

If I remember right;the first major service is at 400 hrs.All fluids and filters.I can't remember but about $400-$500,so it would be a good add-on for a sale and piece of mind.If you go with the L3240 I am sure you would be pleased.I had a L3130 HST and moved up to an L4240 HSTC.

TripleR · Apr 14, 2011

NYbirdman is right on the GL as my manual shows transmission fluid change at 400 hours and I sure would see about having them throw that in. Having them do the fluid and filters will save you quite a bit. When I bought my used L5030, the transmission fluid had been changed about 50 hours before, but I had them do a service on the engine and everything else in addition to adjusting the valves as it had 737 hours on it.

My manual is at another location, but from my memory, service is required at every 50, 100, 200 etc. hour mark with some being minimal and some more involved, so at 350, I would ask for a going over if he will throw it in, but if he won't wait until you get it home as these things are really easy to maintain.

I am disabled, but my wife and I do ours except for the transmission fluid and filters which my son does now. My wife and I could do it, but it is just a lot easier for him.

ispan1 · Apr 14, 2011

I am going to have him do the hydro filters and fluids for an extra 200. Are there any other fluids/mechanical items I should have him do?

I've never posted pics, but I'll give it a try. Should be delivered in about a week. How do I sleep until then? Just when my 7 month old twins were starting to let me.

Thanks to all of you who offered your 2 cents. I was leaning heavily toward the GL from the beginning, but it was good to here so many of you confirm that it was the right decision. I can't wait to get some work done. I guess I better hope the rain holds off for awhile.