Kubota L3800 4x4 HST W/loader

[Ricn]

For some, buying new tractors can be like wanting an old sports car of our youth. My old tractors can still do the work but never having anything with HST until buying my JD lawn mower, I now want a tractor with it as well. I know after reading this site for months I can get good opinions either way, so please chime in with your thoughts.
For some time now I have considered retiring one gear tractor and replace it with the B2650 or L2501. The use would mostly be for loader work with dirt, manure, bales, firewood hauling and, occasional drag harrow and brush cutter attachments. Knowing the specs on both, the L2501 and it's physical size has my interest, mainly for the weight and bucket lift height; but knowing my needs have changed over the years (retired) the B2650 would also work for most things and although I don't need MMM, the seat is pretty darned comfortable. Let me say, DPF is not on my list either and another reason of liking these two units. The L2501 has a slower pump yes, but don't feel that is an issue for me now or later. Price of both units has me somewhat apprehensive and used units in this size category are difficult at best to find here.

So here is my question: My local dealer called to say he just took in a used 2014 L3800 4x4 HST with quick removal loader, pinned bucket and only 4 hours use and while that sounded fishy to me the 1st owner evidently buys tractors and other things just for tax loss purposes then trades them back for another not having used them. The dealer wants $20,000. plus tax or about the price of new L2501 but for much more tractor HP. My needs are not for 37-HP but as this unit mentioned is close in physical size as say the L2501, what are your opinions of the following concerning the larger unit and is there anything I should know more about or be aware of:

performance
fuel usage
history of reliability

In looking around the Net, prices are both lower and higher than his offering but none had 4 hrs use nor are they within close driving range either. In the scheme of things, my Son will one day have our place so whatever I buy will end up staying here on our farm and his needs are now, and will be, about like mine where tractors are concerned. We do have a new U-35 excavator bought a few months ago my Son uses in our const. business plus, our family has two older tractors both with BH units so doubt we would ever need a BH on this new unit.

GC45

 

[Fallon]

This isn't about the same size as a L2501, its the same exact frame with a bigger non-tier 4 engine. I have a L3200 which is identical except for the HP as well. I'd go nuts with any less HP than my L3200 & think the L2501 is way underpowered (just to get away from tier 4 requirements).

For me the L 3000 series is the sweet spot for capacity & maneuverability. Lack of SSQA would kill me as I use forks more than bucket, but that can be resolved for under a grand.

I burn about a gallon an hour when working it hard, the extra HP will be nice but burn a bit more.

Outside of tier4 junk the only change between the older 00 & newer 01 tractors was the 3pt. On the older machines the 3pt can be a bit rough. Put something heavy on the 3pt & lift it in 1" increments to replicate the issue. I knew about the "problem" & happily bought mine anyway.

$20k seems a bit high, but if it only has 4 hours on it, that's about what I paid for my 6 less HP 2ish years ago.

What ever you do get the rear tires loaded, they really aren't safe operating the loader without loaded tires & proper ballast on the 3pt. My L3200 was traction limited before loading the tires big time & is usually traction limited even after loading.

They are incredibly reliable. Period, end of story.

I'd recommend getting it. My only problem with mine is the lack of cab or bells & whistles on the Grand$.

 

[murphy1244]

How important is position control to you. The 3800 will need repositioning frequently while doing any leveling. To some its not that important but you should know.

 

[ultrarunner]

We have no complaints with the L3800 we bought... also added the backhoe for occasional use.

The Skid Steer Quick Attach has been great... always changing between bucket and pallet forks.

I think it is at 240 hours now... so not a lot.

What kind of factory warranty, if any is left?

When you pay top dollar I feel a warranty should be part of it.

Tires aren't loaded but have the backhoe or boxblade with top and tilt for counter weight.

 

[varmint]

That's the newer version of our L3400. It's a basic, very functional, solidly built tractor without the niceties of a Grand L Kubota, and should be dead reliable and trouble free. If it had any options, like the SSQA, or a remote hydrualic set up, it would be a no-brainer. You won't mind the extra power, and if you keep the throttle reasonable, fuel usage shouldn't be an issue. 4 hours = new, in my mind. Since it's a dealer, maybe you can get some sort of warranty? By the way, our L3400 isn't plagued with the jerky 3 point issue, but you want to check that, anyway, to make sure it won't be something that worries you.

We have the Kubota rear wheel spacers, turf tires, SSQA, one set of remotes, and telescoping stabilizer bars, which are why we bought it- just what we wanted, in a 500 hour used tractor that has been absolutely trouble free for another 100 hours since we bought it.

$20,000 seems slightly pricey, but not out of line, and since it is local, essentially new, and ready to go, should prove to be a fair deal. Around here, Kubotas hold their value quit nicely.

 

[s219]

How important is position control to you. The 3800 will need repositioning frequently while doing any leveling. To some its not that important but you should know.

Not sure what you mean by that -- the L series does have position control and it doesn't have any problems maintaining position.

 

[murphy1244]

Not sure what you mean by that -- the L series does have position control and it doesn't have any problems maintaining position.

Yes it has what we call Jerky hitch.

Here is one of many http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/210609-2011-l3800-jerky-three-point.html

 

[s219]

Yes it has what we call Jerky hitch.

Uh, I know all about that since I own an L3200. It's got nothing to do with holding position at all -- it does that just fine.

If you raise the lever in very small increments it will jerk going up. If you raise it in larger increments, it's smooth. No issues going down. Has not been an issue for me. The real problem was on the previous generation L series -- L2800/3400/etc.

 

[murphy1244]

Uh, I know all about that since I own an L3200. It's got nothing to do with holding position at all -- it does that just fine.

If you raise the lever in very small increments it will jerk going up. If you raise it in larger increments, it's smooth. No issues going down. Has not been an issue for me. The real problem was on the previous generation L series -- L2800/3400/etc.

Must of been the one that I had. Seem to hunt all over the place. I believe it was a quater inching as I was told I would have to buy a GL for position.

 

[LD1]

None of the L-series have the quarter inching.

I have the L3400. Yes the hitch is jerky. But it holds position just fine, and you learn how to make it work. If you had an L-series and it was hunting for position all the time, something was not adjusted right with the valve or feedback linkage.