Price Check L3240 Price Check

[cschlaps]

Thanks to all of you here on TBN - I've been lurking here for a couple of years, and am finally about to pull the trigger on a tractor. I started in the JD 790 or Kubota L2800/3400 range, and have worked my way up to the L3240. The looming 4% price increase was the kick in the pants that I needed!

Anyway, here is the package:
L3240HST w/ R1's
LA724 Loader w/ Quick Tach
L2296 72" HD bucket w/ cutting edge
BH90 Backhoe w/ subframe
BT2903 18" Bucket

Implements are still TBD, but will likely be a 72" box blade, pallet forks, and a 72" landscape rake.

Total pre-tax MSRP is $31,076. Dealer is knocking 15% off, for a total of $26,495. From my research, that seems like a decent price. Any comments?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a toothbar that will fit the 72" HD Kubota bucket? Woods has one for around $400. Do I still need to buy the cutting edge with the bucket, or does the toothbar replace that?

I'm open to any advice that folks can offer. I've seen the threads on adjusting the auto-throttle, and will do that right away. I've also seen threads about some issues with the quick tach, and need to research that a bit more. Thanks!

Chris

 

[TalonDancer]

...Anyway, here is the package:
L3240HST w/ R1's
LA724 Loader w/ Quick Tach
L2296 72" HD bucket w/ cutting edge
BH90 Backhoe w/ subframe
BT2903 18" Bucket

Implements are still TBD, but will likely be a 72" box blade, pallet forks, and a 72" landscape rake.

Total pre-tax MSRP is $31,076. Dealer is knocking 15% off, for a total of $26,495. From my research, that seems like a decent price. Any comments?...

That looks like a very competitive price. My L3240 w/ R4s but a smaller 66" HD bucket and 12" BH bucket was a little more than that.

I'd try to link the implements into the total package if you can. You will not have this much leverage again soon

Talon Dancer

 

[TalonDancer]

...
Also, does anyone have a recommendation for a toothbar that will fit the 72" HD Kubota bucket? Woods has one for around $400. Do I still need to buy the cutting edge with the bucket, or does the toothbar replace that?...

These babies are heavy. So you probably don't want to be swapping them. And from what I've read ,the bolt holes don't line up anyway. I'd pick one or the other, depending on your planned usage.

Several folks here say the cutting edge is just not needed on an HD bucket unless you are working on concrete a lot. I got it mainly because I wanted the extra stiffness to lift large flattish rocks that won't fit in the bucket by hooking the top edge of the rock under the top pipe rail and then carry the full weight on the lip of the bucket.

Hopefully the tooth bar fans will post their main uses.

Talon Dancer

 

[cschlaps]

Thanks Talon Dancer. I'm suprised that it's been so quiet since your post about the toothbars!

I'm considering going back to the standard duty 72" QA bucket, which saves me about $500 between the cutting edge and the HD bucket. It doesn't seem the HD is worth it, especially since I still need a box blade and pallet forks....

I'll be going back to the dealer this Saturday to firm up the package - will try to work in a shop manual and 50 hr service in the package as well. We'll see how that goes over.

Are there any other recommendations for extra goodies that might come in handy down the road? I'm considering a rear worklight, 3rd function valve for the loader, maybe a PTO slip clutch. Any thoughts or comments from anyone?

Chris

 

[davitk]

I bought an L3240 one month ago, standard duty bucket. My only regret is not getting the HD round back bucket - would be much easier to clean clay from and no doubt will be mixing concrete and morter in it, so round would have been nice. Just my 2 cents.

 

[cschlaps]

Good point. Glad that you've been so pleased with the tractor otherwise! Maybe the extra couple hundred is worth it after all. I guess in the whole scheme of things, why not?

Am going to the dealer at 8am tomorrow morning to sign the paperwork...wish me luck!

Chris

 

[TalonDancer]

I bought an L3240 one month ago, standard duty bucket. My only regret is not getting the HD round back bucket - would be much easier to clean clay from and no doubt will be mixing concrete and morter in it, so round would have been nice. Just my 2 cents.

I love my HD66" ROUND back bucket. Yes I know a square back will dump loose soil etc. But a round back will dump almost any material (even when wet) with little or no sticking. And for those times when you are shoveling out the bucket (e.g. close quarters, etc) it is very easy to fully empty (or clean out) with a standard shovel.

And, of course, it is a great deal stronger

Talon Dancer

 

[Double Orange]

I'll be going back to the dealer this Saturday to firm up the package - will try to work in a shop manual and 50 hr service in the package as well.

Chris

If your dealer balks at the 50 hr service, ask him to include the filters and fluids. The actual labor is easy, plus it allows you to bond with your new girl friend!
2 chain hooks welded to the bucket are handy. I have front and rear work lights, and find myself using them more often than I originally thought!

Good Luck !!

 

[davitk]

2 chain hooks welded to the bucket are handy.
Good Luck !!

I was an embarrassingly poor negotiator but did manage to squeeze a couple of orange bucket hooks out of my dealer. Good luck today!

 

[cschlaps]

Well, the deal is done. Ended up with the HD round back bucket too. Delivery is coming this Friday

Couldn't pull off much more negotiating because their pricing is pretty darn good, but did get a 6' box blade for about $300, and they'll give me a discount on the 50 hr service. Delivery is also included in the price. Will also be able to get a set of QA forks for $500, but he didn't have any right now, so I'll have to go back for those later.

I can get a shop manual from them at their cost if I want, but he questioned if it was worth it or not. I can think about that a bit...

Thanks again, TBN! I don't think I'll be able to sleep at all on Thursday night!