Comparison L3240 to L4240

[kcender]

I am just wondering if anyone has used both of these tractors and how noticable the difference in power is.I presently have a 2010 Grand L 3240 and sometimes wish it had more power,especially going up hills where I find it slows quite a bit.I talked to my dealer about this and he said I wouldn't notice much difference in power with a L3540 or L3940 and that I would have to go to a L4240.The L4240 has 10 more horsepower but only weighs about 300 more pounds so I would think it would have a noticable increase in power. My present tractor is hydro and any new purchases would also be hydro.The L3240 has done everything that I have wanted it to do but sometimes feels like it could use more power for the weight it is.I should mention that it has a BH 90 backhoe which I would also want on the L4240 if I decide to trade up.One thing that I really like about the L3240 is how easy it is on fuel.I am thinking the L4240 would use a fair bit more seeing as how it has one more cylinder and more power.Any input would be appreciated.Thanks.

 

[PHILIP8N]

The only time you will really notice it using more fuel than your L3240 is when the L4240 is producing more than 32 horsepower, or when the L4240 is over the horsepower curve of the L3240 throughout the rpm range. Both engines have basically the same BSFC. Philip.

 

[Samandothers]

My 4240 was first HST I ever used. I thought I needed more HP with it too. I think part of my issue was not using the HST properly. The pedal is not a fuel/gas pedal. To keep from stalling I needed to not push as much on the HST pedal. I have now learned how to use it better and don't think as much about needing more horsepower now.

 

[nybirdman]

I owned a L3130HST(replaced by the L3240) and currently own a L4240HST.
I like my L4240 but the L3130 did the same work.Great difference in Loaders but the L3130 moved snow,plowed ground and brush-hogged very well.I traded mostly for a cab.If going up hills....medium range and let up on the HST pedal(gears you down).Down fall of the larger tractor is just the physical size if in tight areas.If you feel you need more power I think the L3940 is the sweet spot in the Kubota line.

 

[ejkessler]

When you are going up hills what are you doing? If there is a pto attachment or heavy ground engaging implement then the answer is different than just going up hill. If it is just going up hill than learning to use your HST features more will probably do the trick as previously stated. Keeping proper RPM's if not using the ATA is key.

 

[arsenix2001]

Honestly if you want it just to power up inclines and perform better in High gear, you better start looking at the 5740. I had an l48 so 48hp vs 42hp and with the backhoe on she still bogged going up slopes even on asphalt. Dont know if its worth the $$$ your going to lose, but if its just lyin around lol. Ask the dealer to demo the unit, should answer all your concerns in 5 minutes.

 

[nybirdman]

Again having owned both...as far as fuel...at PTO speeds the L3130 used a bout 1gal/hr the L4240 about 1.25 gal/hr.I had 400hrs on the smaller tractor when I traded have about 400hrs on the new one.
Read your maual about ATA..auto throttle advance...also stall guard,I leave stall guard on all the time.I don't use the ATA much myself but if doing a lot of FEL work on heavy stuff it works well.
I run mine in medium range unless on the road.

 

[crazyal]

My driveway is pretty steep. With no load I can go up it in high however if I try to go too fast I can feel the pressure relief kick in. I normally do it in M without issue. I also don't usually rev the motor up past 2000 rpm, I think if I was to open it up it would do better. I had originally planned to get a 3240 or 3540 but went up to the 4240 for the larger FEL (mainly the extra height).

My gut feeling is you will notice a difference since you're jumping up 30% in power. When you go up hills with your 3240 what gear are you using (H,M, or L).

 

[JimP]

My 5240 will slow down on a hill in high range if the pedal is held down. Everyone's comments are right on, lift up on the pedal and/or use a lower range.

 

[TripleR]

When my wife and I went looking for another tractor about this time last year, we were going to get a 32-35 HP tractor and started looking at the B3200, L3400 until we saw the L3240 and loved it. We crawled all over tractors on two lots and loved the L3240/L3540. After thinking about it a bit, we decided for the slight difference in size the L3940 was a better bet. When we decided to go with a cab, we decided the L4240 was the best choice due to the HP loss to the AC and extra weight as well as more powerful FEL.

Well, we bought a L5030 and our next one will be a L5740, go for the L4240; nothing wrong with the others by any means. Now I wouldn't trade an L3940 for a L4240 but since you are going up anyway.