Grand L 3940 Cab

[rusty0007]

Hello,

I'm deeply considering buying a Grand L 3940 very soon. I've looked at several brands, including JD, Mahindra, Kioti and NH. Truthfully the JD is the most impressive, as far as comfort and, well, I like the turbo and the cab is outstanding. The Kioti nearly outspecs them all, (Mahindra was a 5010 HST, so more power) but I'm left very concerned about the dealer network. Also, when financing, its what I will end up paying over time that is more important to me than the purchase price. Yes, if paying cash, I would have most likely bought the DK40SE Cab. Its a nice rig with excellent features and overall build quality. Kick the rebates back out and go zero %, you pay nearly what you would on a Kubota. Not enough difference to take the chance on poor resale or a dealer issue. IMHO.

Anyway, my concerns with the Grand L 3940 are power, HST+ reliability and some outrageous service stories I've heard about. On this forum I've read about some pretty big issues with pretty low hour HST+ tractors. Anyone want to chime in on that? On power, I tend to work tractors hard, not abuse, but work. An open station 40 HP tractor would be plenty for me, I'm replacing a 35 HP 3520 Branson. I live in Arkansas, in rocky hilly terrain. Mainly, I'll use the tractor with a 6 ft hog and a 6 ft box blade and the FEL of course. Any complaints on power? My thought is it might be light on power with the cab, ac and HST. BUT, I know the HST+ has got to be a better power manager, especially mowing. Any feedback on power would be helpful! Last, each dealer is different, but how much does it usually cost to get this thing serviced? Is it easy to do myself?

Also, does 33k (0% money) for a Grand L 3940 Cab with loader and loaded R4's with radio sound good, or am I getting my head ripped off? Might be a better question for the 'buying' area I guess.



Thanks so much for your time and assistance!

 

[PHILIP8N]

I looked at the JD3720, I was not at all impressed. Small is size, too much platic, cheap stickers on dash were already peeling off, did not care for 3 cylinder turbo, was also most expensive. I also looked at NH3040 Boomer. This is a nice tractor, still too much plastic, no dealers close by. Ended up with L3940HST+. Have had since 2009, very nice tractor. No service issues, but I maintain well. No problems pulling 6' box blade with rippers all the way down, and this one weighs 900 pounds. Here it is with 6' bush hog, plenty of power. Good luck with your decisions. Philip.

 

[WaxMan]

Hello,

I'm deeply considering buying a Grand L 3940 very soon. I've looked at several brands, including JD, Mahindra, Kioti and NH. Truthfully the JD is the most impressive, as far as comfort and, well, I like the turbo and the cab is outstanding. The Kioti nearly outspecs them all, (Mahindra was a 5010 HST, so more power) but I'm left very concerned about the dealer network. Also, when financing, its what I will end up paying over time that is more important to me than the purchase price. Yes, if paying cash, I would have most likely bought the DK40SE Cab. Its a nice rig with excellent features and overall build quality. Kick the rebates back out and go zero %, you pay nearly what you would on a Kubota. Not enough difference to take the chance on poor resale or a dealer issue. IMHO.

Anyway, my concerns with the Grand L 3940 are power, HST+ reliability and some outrageous service stories I've heard about. On this forum I've read about some pretty big issues with pretty low hour HST+ tractors. Anyone want to chime in on that? On power, I tend to work tractors hard, not abuse, but work. An open station 40 HP tractor would be plenty for me, I'm replacing a 35 HP 3520 Branson. I live in Arkansas, in rocky hilly terrain. Mainly, I'll use the tractor with a 6 ft hog and a 6 ft box blade and the FEL of course. Any complaints on power? My thought is it might be light on power with the cab, ac and HST. BUT, I know the HST+ has got to be a better power manager, especially mowing. Any feedback on power would be helpful! Last, each dealer is different, but how much does it usually cost to get this thing serviced? Is it easy to do myself?

Also, does 33k (0% money) for a Grand L 3940 Cab with loader and loaded R4's with radio sound good, or am I getting my head ripped off? Might be a better question for the 'buying' area I guess.



Thanks so much for your time and assistance!

Could you point out some of the those stories? HST+ reliability and some outrageous service stories I've heard about. I thought the 3940's had plenty of power. What have you heard bad about the HST+ ?

 

[murphy1244]

Could you point out some of the those stories? HST+ reliability and some outrageous service stories I've heard about. I thought the 3940's had plenty of power. What have you heard bad about the HST+ ?

Agree, Ive not heard any bad things about hst plus transmissions.

 

[rusty0007]

Could you point out some of the those stories? HST+ reliability and some outrageous service stories I've heard about. I thought the 3940's had plenty of power. What have you heard bad about the HST+ ?

Sure, using this forums search tool there are several people that have had issues with the HST+. Now, who knows what the real or actual issue was when it was taken in, but there are reported issues with it. Granted, 99.9% are most likely fine. You usually only hear from people if there is a problem. I'm sure its fine, but I was just looking for feedback on it. Thanks.

Here are a few, but there is more...

tractorbynet.com/.../kubota.../192743-hydrostatic-transmission-power-loss- kubota.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/176140-hmm-l3940-acting-weird-already.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/188043-l3940-erro-81-problem.html

 

[mmorisoli]

I have a Grand L3940 HST and just love it. Mine is a 2009 I purchased new but it doesn't have a turbo, just naturally aspirated. Was the turbo added in newer models?


It is at 390 hours without any service issues besides a blown fuse when it was fists new. I have the skid steer quick attach front end with a third function for a grapple I use more than any other attachment. I have a 6' rhino shredder, 6' brush hog finishing mower, 6' box blade, spreader, 7' disc and of course the loader bucket.

I have never found the tractor to be low on power for all normal projects, I would say if I had one complaint it would be the standard loader is a bit weak, I do wish it could lift a heavier load. I can't overload it with the loader, but the grapple will grab onto cut cedar trees that it can't lift so I drag them backwards from time to time.

The class 1 three point setup is strong enough to bend various pins when i try to grub up stumps or big rocks with the box blade rippers from time to time. I feel like I might tear the rear of the tractor off from time to time.

Service has been easy as can be with no issues at all.

Changed the HST fluid at 50 hours as well as filters at all the proper intervals. Just switched to Mobil 1 Turbo diesel truck engine oil at the last change, figured it had enough hours on the engine to switch to full synthetic.

I don't have a cab, just an aluminum sun shade on the ROPS that has been a life saver in Texas.

No idea what a cab cost, and if memory serves I paid about $30k new with the loader bucket, grapple, box blade, factory third function and shredder.

The only problem I have ever had is with the third function. It sticks closed about 30% of the time requiring several taps of the open or closed buttons. Has been to two different dealers about 6 times when new before I just gave up. It got better when I switched to Mobil 1 HST fluid, but not perfect.

This tractor was purchased for the 60 acre ranch and is perfect there. We have a second larger 200 acre ranch without any house so it's just for cattle and I must admit I would like a larger tractor there from time to time. The few times I need a larger or special tractor there I rent something or somebody...

It is a good weight to tow from place to place as well, not too big not too small.

Never have heard of service issues with HST's both dealers service managers say they have far fewer repair issues with the HST models than the GST or manual transmissions, mostly from people not knowing how to use them. They HST seems more operator forgiving so long as you have selected the proper gear for the task and don't abuse the pump... You can hear a whine when it is unhappy.

Good luck!

Mike

 

[WaxMan]

Sure, using this forums search tool there are several people that have had issues with the HST+. Now, who knows what the real or actual issue was when it was taken in, but there are reported issues with it. Granted, 99.9% are most likely fine. You usually only hear from people if there is a problem. I'm sure its fine, but I was just looking for feedback on it. Thanks.

Here are a few, but there is more...

tractorbynet.com/.../kubota.../192743-hydrostatic-transmission-power-loss- kubota.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/176140-hmm-l3940-acting-weird-already.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/188043-l3940-erro-81-problem.html

I guess your going to have to point out some others because these are not transmission problems.

 

[94BULLITT]

The price off the top of my head sounds good. Build the tractor on Kubota's site and see what it is. 15% or better is a good deal. Have you considered a L4240? It has the LA854 loader. It is the strongest loader on a Grand L.

 

[rusty0007]

I have a Grand L3940 HST and just love it. Mine is a 2009 I purchased new but it doesn't have a turbo, just naturally aspirated. Was the turbo added in newer models?


It is at 390 hours without any service issues besides a blown fuse when it was fists new. I have the skid steer quick attach front end with a third function for a grapple I use more than any other attachment. I have a 6' rhino shredder, 6' brush hog finishing mower, 6' box blade, spreader, 7' disc and of course the loader bucket.

I have never found the tractor to be low on power for all normal projects, I would say if I had one complaint it would be the standard loader is a bit weak, I do wish it could lift a heavier load. I can't overload it with the loader, but the grapple will grab onto cut cedar trees that it can't lift so I drag them backwards from time to time.

The class 1 three point setup is strong enough to bend various pins when i try to grub up stumps or big rocks with the box blade rippers from time to time. I feel like I might tear the rear of the tractor off from time to time.

Service has been easy as can be with no issues at all.

Changed the HST fluid at 50 hours as well as filters at all the proper intervals. Just switched to Mobil 1 Turbo diesel truck engine oil at the last change, figured it had enough hours on the engine to switch to full synthetic.

I don't have a cab, just an aluminum sun shade on the ROPS that has been a life saver in Texas.

No idea what a cab cost, and if memory serves I paid about $30k new with the loader bucket, grapple, box blade, factory third function and shredder.

The only problem I have ever had is with the third function. It sticks closed about 30% of the time requiring several taps of the open or closed buttons. Has been to two different dealers about 6 times when new before I just gave up. It got better when I switched to Mobil 1 HST fluid, but not perfect.

This tractor was purchased for the 60 acre ranch and is perfect there. We have a second larger 200 acre ranch without any house so it's just for cattle and I must admit I would like a larger tractor there from time to time. The few times I need a larger or special tractor there I rent something or somebody...

It is a good weight to tow from place to place as well, not too big not too small.

Never have heard of service issues with HST's both dealers service managers say they have far fewer repair issues with the HST models than the GST or manual transmissions, mostly from people not knowing how to use them. They HST seems more operator forgiving so long as you have selected the proper gear for the task and don't abuse the pump... You can hear a whine when it is unhappy.

Good luck!

Mike

Thanks Mike! Sunds like you work yours too! Yeah, I wouldn't be concerned at all if I was looking at an open station tractor. Adding the cab, with the AC running, takes power. I'm thinking I'll be fine, I hope! hehe Thanks again!

 

[rusty0007]

The price off the top of my head sounds good. Build the tractor on Kubota's site and see what it is. 15% or better is a good deal. Have you considered a L4240? It has the LA854 loader. It is the strongest loader on a Grand L.

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I considered the L4240. I guess they are rare, my dealer doesn't have one and I guess getting one in would mean a tier 4 engine. ( not sure if thats exactly true or not). Also, and probably most important, I'm tapping the top of my budget now. I REALLY want a cab! Call me a wimp, but I've spent much of my life on open station tractors and I should have never ever tried out that cab tractor. Especially on a day that it was 94 degrees and super humid! lol

 

[94BULLITT]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I considered the L4240. I guess they are rare, my dealer doesn't have one and I guess getting one in would mean a tier 4 engine. ( not sure if thats exactly true or not). Also, and probably most important, I'm tapping the top of my budget now. I REALLY want a cab! Call me a wimp, but I've spent much of my life on open station tractors and I should have never ever tried out that cab tractor. Especially on a day that it was 94 degrees and super humid! lol

You won't ever regret a cab.

 

[rusty0007]

I guess let me re-phrase then...So, does anyone now or have they ever had issues with the electronics that control or aid in the operation of the HSt+ system? Do they now or have they ever found issue with the hydraulic system that powers the HST+ system, this would include additional pumps, pressure valves, filtering systems? Has anyone had issues with any human interfaces such as controls, cables,switches, either electronic or manual, such as foot feeds.

If not, has there been any issues in which if you would have had another transmission, offered by this company or another, that wouldn't have existed?

Like I said Waxman, I'm not aware of the exact cause of the reported problems. Thats precisely why I asked for feedback from owners of this tractor. If I blow a fuse that controls my AC, the AC compressor its self could be just fine, but still, its not working, right? Thats precisely why I asked for feedback from owners of this tractor. Thanks.

 

[rusty0007]

You won't ever regret a cab.

Roger, thats my thought too!

 

[94BULLITT]

The only HST+ problem I can remeber is a members tractor was vandalized. Some one loosened a engine oil drain plug and I guess they put something in the hydro to ruin it.

I have not had any problems with my tractor. I have had it almost a year.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Purchased in 2009. Has never seen dealer for warranty service. All maintenance carried out by myself. Honestly, they are best in class. Philip.

 

[TripleR]

I can't speak to the L3940 in particular, but the HST+ is one of the things that helps set the Kubota apart from other really good quality tractors and to me at least is worth the extra cost, Kioti, John Deere etc. have good tractors no doubt, but I love the HST+. This is my second GL and maintenance is very simple and easy to do.

I am in complete agreement on getting a cab, our last three were cab tractors and I won't buy anything else; spent my time over the last 55+ years sweating, fighting bugs, eating dirt and I have had enough. I now have breathing problems and a cab is keeping me in he seat; can't beat one for many. No argument an open station is great for many, just not me.

 

[Grandad4]

Sure, using this forums search tool there are several people that have had issues with the HST+. Now, who knows what the real or actual issue was when it was taken in, but there are reported issues with it. Granted, 99.9% are most likely fine. You usually only hear from people if there is a problem. I'm sure its fine, but I was just looking for feedback on it. Thanks.

Here are a few, but there is more...

tractorbynet.com/.../kubota.../192743-hydrostatic-transmission-power-loss- kubota.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/176140-hmm-l3940-acting-weird-already.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/188043-l3940-erro-81-problem.html

Holy overgeneralizations, Batman! To me, it's making a pretty big stretch to conclude that there are more problems with Kubota's HST+ based on a small number of TBN threads. Certainly you can go into the other brand forums and find one or more reports of an HST problem, but it doesn't mean you can generalize those either.

Keep in mind there are something over 18,000 TBN members that report owning Kubota equipment in their profiles, about 16,000 Deere owners, 2,000 with Kioti and 2,000 with Mahindra. Just statistically, your odds of hearing about a problem here would be almost 10 times greater with one of the major brands, so the 3 complaints you mention (one of which, if you read the thread, was just an adjustment issue), might not even have registered if it were a brand with less representation.

 

[johnnyvol]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I considered the L4240. I guess they are rare, my dealer doesn't have one and I guess getting one in would mean a tier 4 engine. ( not sure if thats exactly true or not). Also, and probably most important, I'm tapping the top of my budget now. I REALLY want a cab! Call me a wimp, but I've spent much of my life on open station tractors and I should have never ever tried out that cab tractor. Especially on a day that it was 94 degrees and super humid! lol

Just so you know the L3940 has the interim Tier 4.

 

[WaxMan]

I guess let me re-phrase then...So, does anyone now or have they ever had issues with the electronics that control or aid in the operation of the HSt+ system? Do they now or have they ever found issue with the hydraulic system that powers the HST+ system, this would include additional pumps, pressure valves, filtering systems? Has anyone had issues with any human interfaces such as controls, cables,switches, either electronic or manual, such as foot feeds.

If not, has there been any issues in which if you would have had another transmission, offered by this company or another, that wouldn't have existed?

Like I said Waxman, I'm not aware of the exact cause of the reported problems. Thats precisely why I asked for feedback from owners of this tractor. If I blow a fuse that controls my AC, the AC compressor its self could be just fine, but still, its not working, right? Thats precisely why I asked for feedback from owners of this tractor. Thanks.

OK Thats better, I miss took what you said On this forum I've read about some pretty big issues with pretty low hour HST+ tractors.

I wanted you to point out all the stories of what you found, because I have new HST+ with 12 hrs on it. I was more concerned about my tractor then giving you advice on buying one.
I love mine. I bought it mostly because of the cab and the HST+ Thats why I pressed you on it, your talking about my transmission.
I would say just get it, every model tractor may have a problem here or there but I think the HST+ has proved itself from what I read on this forum. I have read a lot of stories blaming the HST but always turned out to be something else.

 

[EastTexFrank]

You won't ever regret a cab.

Amen to that brother!!!!

Mine is a 6-year old L4740. It doesn't get overworked but I've had no problem with it in that time. I've put in many hours on Masseys and JDs and it is, without a doubt, the best tractor that I've ever owned or operated. The only annoyance is that when bushogging tall stuff in 100 degree Texas heat it does tend to overheat after about 4 hours. It's not the tractor's fault, it's just that the screens, radiators and coolers tend to get plugged up with "stuff". There are a lot of things packed under that hood that need lots of air to keep them cool. It's Ok though, at my age I'm ready for a break after about 4 hours anyway, so I just drive it back to the house, let it cool off, clean it all out and go back to work.