Tractor Sizing Kubota L4600, L3240, L3940

[JC-jetro]

What question was that?

BTW I am not suggesting that someone should not buy a L4600, or any other tractor that they fancy. I would however recomend that they try it out with a bushhog attached. Between the length and weight of this attachment any problems would be easly detected. Kubota sells lots of standard L tractors, I assume the owners are happy with them.

Bill

Bill,

I did ask them about the jerky lift on L3400 and if they have fixed it. Couple of years ago I passed by another dealer in Lawrence and did a test drive on L3400 that had a brush hog attached to it. it was smooth enough going up and down. QTR inching valve I supposed designed to be stop at each 1/4 inch rather than position control. I'm curious how fine tuning of the lift system can effect the jerky response.

 

[Notforhire]

Bill,

I did ask them about the jerky lift on L3400 and if they have fixed it. Couple of years ago I passed by another dealer in Lawrence and did a test drive on L3400 that had a brush hog attached to it. it was smooth enough going up and down. QTR inching valve I supposed designed to be stop at each 1/4 inch rather than position control. I'm curious how fine tuning of the lift system can effect the jerky response.

There are several members that tried to adjust that valve I don't recall any positive lasting results. The first tractor I looked at was a L3400 (I think). To correct the jerky hitch the dealer told me that they could install a different valve, that should correct the problem. They had done this for another TBN member and he was happy with the results. I decided that non standard parts wern't the best way to go. I was more interested in the larger L4400 and 4600, just based on their longer WB, and operator space.
Now I don't know if the larger L could have worked smoothly if the valve had been readjusted. I just didn't want to bet my money that it could. I haved owned several tractors of different brands in my lifetime, and operated quite a few others. The only ones that didn't operate smoothly for me were those Kubotas.

Bill

 

[JC-jetro]

There are several members that tried to adjust that valve I don't recall any positive lasting results. The first tractor I looked at was a L3400 (I think). To correct the jerky hitch the dealer told me that they could install a different valve, that should correct the problem. They had done this for another TBN member and he was happy with the results. I decided that non standard parts wern't the best way to go. I was more interested in the larger L4400 and 4600, just based on their longer WB, and operator space.
Now I don't know if the larger L could have worked smoothly if the valve had been readjusted. I just didn't want to bet my money that it could. I haved owned several tractors of different brands in my lifetime, and operated quite a few others. The only ones that didn't operate smoothly for me were those Kubotas.

Bill

Bill,

I got a MX-4700 on a crate with my name on it. I tried MX-5100 with a some box blade/scraper on it and it was smooth. I hope mine would be the same. MX-5100 and 4700 to my knowledge are exactly identical with the exception of a turbo on 5100 and telescopic lower lift arms. Will see.

JC,

 

[Notforhire]

I never tried any M Series tractors. I would think that they would be alright.
If you want to play it safe, you could try it at the dealership before you accept delivery. I can't imagine it being a problem, but better it be their problem than yours.

Congrats on the new tractor. :cool2:

Best, Bill

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new tractor, the MX47/5100 are fine tractors; never heard of any complaints on either.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

too many arm chair quaterbacks on the internet.

The L4400\L4600 are GL30 derived tractors. If you seem to think it had a jerky hitch, then every other one of the 10's of thounds of GL30's out there must have it as well. These tractors DO NOT have quater inching values, quater inching 3pt has an Up/Down lever, not a 1-8 which is position control. Even if it was, the quater inching hardware does not exibit the jerkyness problem. Its limited to only the small std L's, and even then those that really jerk in a bad way are few and far between.

This is the problem with all the threads about the mysterious jerky hitch. Its a very subjective thing and you need some pretty specific circumstances to find an actual jerky unit.

 

[JC-jetro]

I have driven L3800 as well with a 5 foot Land Pride and 3 pt. lift was not jerky at all.

JC,

ps. Thanks for the purchase. I'll be there in the operating room when they put it together

 

[Notforhire]

too many arm chair quaterbacks on the internet.

The L4400\L4600 are GL30 derived tractors. If you seem to think it had a jerky hitch, then every other one of the 10's of thounds of GL30's out there must have it as well. These tractors DO NOT have quater inching values, quater inching 3pt has an Up/Down lever, not a 1-8 which is position control. Even if it was, the quater inching hardware does not exibit the jerkyness problem. Its limited to only the small std L's, and even then those that really jerk in a bad way are few and far between.

This is the problem with all the threads about the mysterious jerky hitch. Its a very subjective thing and you need some pretty specific circumstances to find an actual jerky unit.

Sorry, I must have fallen asleep in my armchair and dreamt the whole thing.

 

[ddb123]

So to get back to the OP's topic....

The GL tractors are really nice. I have one and love it. Size-wise, the L3940 is probably about the same size as an L4600. The GLs are just bigger and beefier. The L3940 probably weighs more than the L4600, too. That could make a difference to you. Obviously, try the 3pt before you buy on any tractor anywhere, ever.

For the price difference between the L3240 and L3940, I would not even consider the L3240. They are physically close in size but a good deal more power in the L3940 for not much more long term investment.

Since you are getting a gear tractor, the Grand Ls lose out on their most attractive feature: HST+. But they still have the other niceties; tilt steering, better operator platform, beefier and heavier, telescoping 3pt, integrated loader control, etc.

 

[Bluegill2]

too many arm chair quaterbacks on the internet.

The L4400\L4600 are GL30 derived tractors. If you seem to think it had a jerky hitch, then every other one of the 10's of thounds of GL30's out there must have it as well. These tractors DO NOT have quater inching values, quater inching 3pt has an Up/Down lever, not a 1-8 which is position control. Even if it was, the quater inching hardware does not exibit the jerkyness problem. Its limited to only the small std L's, and even then those that really jerk in a bad way are few and far between.

This is the problem with all the threads about the mysterious jerky hitch. Its a very subjective thing and you need some pretty specific circumstances to find an actual jerky unit.

Sorry, I must have fallen asleep in my armchair and dreamt the whole thing.

What Messick's is saying, is the L4400/4600 are built on the Grand L platform and do not have the jerky hitch.

 

[Notforhire]

What Messick's is saying, is the L4400/4600 are built on the Grand L platform and do not have the jerky hitch.

I think I understand what he is saying. He is upset because I'm reporting something that he feels has no merit. What I'm NOT saying, is that every one of the 10's of thousands of GL30 or L4400, or L4600's have jerky hitches. However the ones I tested did. Maybe I was unlucky enough to find the only ones that Kubota built that didn't work right.
I have very limited exposure to these tractors, but the facts are the facts. The 3PH on the GL was smoother than the standard L's that I tested. I didn't test 10,000 tractors I tested four. I can't tell you why they were different, just that they were. I have nothing to gain by making this up. I wanted to buy a L4600. I liked it except for the hitch. Maybe it could have been fixed, I don't know. After reading about problems with the smaller L's and having tested one myself I wasn't willing to take a chance that the 4600 was going to give me problems.

The OP presented three tractors and asked what we thought and why. I thought the L3940 would be best and gave my reasons why. Would everyone be happy if I faled to tell him my experence with the 3PH? I never said all the tractors had a problem, just the ones I tested. Untill I read posts about jerky hitches I never would have thought to test one. Why would I? It's a new tractor, why wouldn't it work correctly?
I am not brand bashing or making up stories, from my arm chair. I am simply reporting what I found. The OP should keep this in mind and do his own test and draw his own conclusions.
Several posters report that their tractors work fine, but I haven't suggested that they are wrong! If I didn't like Kubotas I wouldn't have bought one.

Best, Bill

 

[UpstateSC_Papi]

I purchased a new L4600 a couple of weeks ago and I am very happy with it.

Looking at the same setup - L4600HST w/loader.

Mind me asking what you got yours for? Only dealer I've stopped at so far said $26,500. Thinking that is high.

Michael

 

[Skintback]

Thanks so much for the replies and great info! I have decided against the 4600. It is more tractor than I stated out to look for and I can't get past the made in Thailand thing. I wanted a grand l and think I will regret not getting one. For my personal comparisons, the 3240 compares to the Ford 2000 and the 3940 is close to the Ford3000. There is next to no difference between the 3240 and 3940 other than hydraulic pump flow and HP. From what I have learned here, the dealer gave good prices on these two tractors so now its up to me.

Thanks again for the help!!

 

[TripleR]

Just as an FYI, when my wife and I were looking at the GL Series, we fell in love with the 3240 immediately, then decided why not go with a 3540. One was sitting right next to a 3940 and getting on and off them side by side we could really tell the difference.

Of course I bought a 5030 HSTC and now a L5740 HSTC, but there definitely is a difference between the 32/3540 and 3940. Now which is best for you, I just don't know, but good luck.

 

[Skintback]

Just as an FYI, when my wife and I were looking at the GL Series, we fell in love with the 3240 immediately, then decided why not go with a 3540. One was sitting right next to a 3940 and getting on and off them side by side we could really tell a difference.

That is some more good info. The dealer I am dealing with did not have a 3940 in stock. Just for comparison, did you look at a 4600? Is a 3940 closer to its physical size? I also loved the 3240. Close to perfect size for what I was needing. The only other info I might ought to give is that my father is a tractor "collector"! He literally has close to 50 tractors with the largest being a jd 4020. So ii have no real need for a bigger tracttor. I am wanting one to run my 5 foot bushhog, 6 box blade, and other similar sized equipment. Also, having a tractor this size will make mowing my yard easier.


I can borrow plenty from my father and my in laws have a NH tc33(?) Tractor with a ton of implements. The 3240 is sounding better all the time..

 

[Skintback]

BTW.... it gets old borrowing every time I need a tractor so I am soon to be an owner!!!!:laughing:

 

[bilrus61]

I've not had any experiance with the 3 cylinder Kubota GL but some folks seem to think the 4 cylinders run a tad smoother. As a vetern bushogger I can tell you that you'll never feel you have "too much" horsepower coming out the hind end of your tractor when your mowing high grass. Since I assume your going the HST route I would look really close at the L3940 for the smoother engine <maybe> and the 6.5 extra horses over the L3240.. But whatever you get good luck and good mowing.

 

[TripleR]

That is some more good info. The dealer I am dealing with did not have a 3940 in stock. Just for comparison, did you look at a 4600? Is a 3940 closer to its physical size? I also loved the 3240. Close to perfect size for what I was needing. The only other info I might ought to give is that my father is a tractor "collector"! He literally has close to 50 tractors with the largest being a jd 4020. So ii have no real need for a bigger tracttor. I am wanting one to run my 5 foot bushhog, 6 box blade, and other similar sized equipment. Also, having a tractor this size will make mowing my yard easier.


I can borrow plenty from my father and my in laws have a NH tc33(?) Tractor with a ton of implements. The 3240 is sounding better all the time..

When we were looking, the 4600 wasn't out yet and I really haven't looked at one close up, so I don't know.

We too were looking for a smaller tractor as we have 70-80+ HP tractors and needed something to fit in between them and our SCUTS. I decided on a cab due to age, allergies etc., so I wanted something to power the AC and have something left over thus the bigger engined tractor. As mentioned, we couldn't see any difference in the L3240 and L3540, so would have gone with the extra HP; never heard someone complain about a few too many HP, but have a few too little.

With easy access to other tractors, I would be hard pressed to see any real advantage to going to a L3940 though I must admit I like my horsepower.

Our two primary farms are four miles apart and I got tired of ferrying equipment between them as sometimes I will work on both the same day. Now I can often leave one at each farm and just run my truck back and forth. My brothers take care of our other farm with several other tractors; we can't seem to sell a tractor so some are 50+ years old; don't have 50 though only eleven I'm pretty sure.

 

[94BULLITT]

If you are thninking about a 3940 you may want to consider a 4240 too. It is the first with the 854 loader.

 

[1fastbob]

Looking at the same setup - L4600HST w/loader.

Mind me asking what you got yours for? Only dealer I've stopped at so far said $26,500. Thinking that is high.

Michael

$26,000 with loader and rear remote. Traded in 2001 Agco ST30 in average condition and gave them $19,000 difference. I think I got a fair deal. Mahindra 5010 they wanted $21,500 difference at different dealer. Kubota is probably a better tractor.