Kubota L4400 Hydro - when?

[weiser]

No, this is not the "4n1 bucket - when?" thread that I have also started...

Ok, I know I'm wearing this forum out lately, but I am getting really close on this (definately within two years of purchase!!)

I have heard "reputable" indications that Kubota is in final stages for an L4400 Hydro. One dealer said that he expects to be able to place an order for one in September. Yeah, I know that may be hot air...

And I hate to wait that long! uggh! But I really want the Hydro, and the bang-for-the-buck factor in that L4400 is very attractive to a skin-flint cost-cutter like me...

Does anyone out there have any real info on this??

 

[N80]

I don't have any info at all, but I wouldn't hold your breath on this one. First, it might not ever happen. Second, if it does, it blows the whole appeal of the L4400 which is its bang for the buck. Add HST to an L4400 and you basically have a Grand L with less hydraulic capability and a cheaper seat at a price not that much different from a comparable Grand L. I just don't see the appeal in that. The L4400 is an economy tractor for those who want fairly high hp (for a CUT) and are willing to sacrifice a lot of frills and certain other features (weight, robust hydraulics, driver amenities, etc) to get it. I just don't see HST fitting into that formula because of how much it will cost. Not only does HST increase what you have to pay for any given amount of engine HP, it also decreases that amount of that HP available at the wheels and PTO. I'm not knocking HST, if you want it and need it, I'm sure it can't be beat. But you have to pay for it.

Have you looked at the L3940 or the L4240?

 

[DVR]

they offer it on the L3400 and it seems to sell?

i like my new L3400 gear but I miss the hst transmission everytime i get on it.

 

[weiser]

N80, you make a good point about the price - once you add another thousand bucks or so for the hydro, the cost would get pretty close I guess.

At first, I much preferred the old proven gear transmission, but since I will do a lot of earthwork - with the up, and back, and up, and back motion - I am looking for the hydro. I have to admit, when I have test driven them, they don't feel like (my limited experience talking here) a REAL tractor, but I am sure that's just me.

 

[wushaw]

they offer it on the L3400 and it seems to sell?

i like my new L3400 gear but I miss the hst transmission everytime i get on it.

They offer it in the L2800 also but a L3130, L3240, L3430, L3540 are bigger in every aspect and the price reflect that so if you are wanting simple smaller frame in this hp range the L2800/3400 fit the bill.
The L4400 is in a whole nother hp class and size so it is the only economy tractor in that class.

 

[N80]

At first, I much preferred the old proven gear transmission, but since I will do a lot of earthwork - with the up, and back, and up, and back motion - I am looking for the hydro.

Well, in the last two years I've done lots of earthwork and loader work. The lack of HST did not slow me down in any significant way. The local farmers who have seen what I've done have been shocked when they realize what I did it with (L4400). But, I don't make a living with my tractor and I don't use it everyday. If I did, I'm sure that I (and my 43 year old left knee) would appreciate HST. However, I'm not sure that anything less than a bona fide utilitiy tractor could have done what I did with my lightweight L4400. And I probably 'abused' the tractor doing it, but it held up fine and I would wonder if an HST could have handled it.

But to be totally up front with you, I am very biased against HST. It might be irrational, it might be paranoid, it might be my frugal leanings, it might just be a personality thing but I just don't like the idea of HST. The idea of spending more money, for more complexity, and less horsepower just so I don't have to shift gears is something I can't imagine. And yes, I did drive one. The dealer insisted, so I did. Very nice. Not for me.

So if I was in a position in which I had a budget that would allow me to get an L4400 gear model and no more, then that's what I'd get. If someone gave me enough money to get an L4400 with HST, I'd use that money to step up to a M5040 gear model (even if I had to rob a bank). In other words, I'd always spend the extra money on HP or hydraulics.

That's just me, and like I said, I'm probably being irrational. But what can you say to a guy who likes to shift gears.

 

[weiser]

more power to ya, N80.

I can't see anything wrong with that.

 

[_RaT_]

they offer it on the L3400 and it seems to sell?

i like my new L3400 gear but I miss the hst transmission everytime i get on it.

I hear ya, I spent the day moving earth with a box scraper and loader on a borrowed, possible purchase NH TC33 manual 9X3. I miss the HST on my old Kubota L3830 so much that I have to admit, I just don't have the patience for a standard manual anymore. They really are so much slower for me to operate. A shuttle shift I find to work very well, but I just don't think the manual is for me. I know folks who do long straight mowing love them, but I was working a few miles of trails with lots of hills. Lots of braking, shifting, some grinding of gears, I just don't have the patience.

 

[Bob_Young]

Weiser, you just made my day. I'm looking forward to that. HST would fix the only gripe I have with my L4300....just not enough control over ground speed when running PTO driven equipment. That, and loader work with HST is more fun than work; for me anyway.

I've been running geared tractors since the '60s, but the little HST B7610 has opened my eyes. For tilling, snowblower work, running a compact baler or a small haybine, an HST L4400 would be perfect. Just back off on the pedal a bit when the going gets rough and but let the PTO keep churning to get through it.

I'd keep the L4300 as it is the right size and meets my needs very well in most respects. Plus, there should be a geared tractor on hand for ground engagement work. Might have to let an old timer or two go to make room for the L4400.

N80, I don't understand your argument at all. The geared L4400s seem to be going for $19K to $20K with FEL, adding HST would put one up to around $21K. From what I've seen here, before the clearance prices hit, the Grand L30s in the 45HP class were close to $25K with FEL while the L40s are a bit more. $4K plus for niceties is more than I'm willing to pay. The L3400 started as a bargain priced basic gear tractor too, but has been a big hit with HST. Why would a L4400HST be different?
Bob

 

[art]

Much the same as the L-3400 vs the 3240 there is a good amount of savings to it! The L-3400 hydro vs the B-7800 for many that don't care about the mid or front mount offers a great value and the 44 horsepower would be great!