Tractor Sizing L3240 widths

[toytrains]

Seeking some advice on a 3240,

Real-world widths at the rear tire of 3240s with R1's and R4's... I've done quite a bit of searching and have come to the conclusion R1's come in right around 66" and the R4's come in right at 72" how far off am I?

With the larger LA724 loader, is the extra ballast capacity of the R4's beneficial? I would like to keep the tractor/bucket at 66", but willing to move up to R4's and 72" width if ballasting a LA724 with R1's may become an issue. I will have a 650 pound steel box hanging from the 3PH.

Pictures of the rear tires would be helpful too, if it's convenient.

Thank you all for your help, this forum has been an outstanding aid this far!

Tony

 

[arsenix2001]

Either ag and R4 have multiple diferent rim settings. You can go as wide as 74 i believe but also reverse rims and bolt lugs to shrink it down to 64-66. Plenty of options there. But remember, wider=less tippy. On my 3540/724la i had unloaded R4s and was able to lift the rear with a 550lb box blade. Using an 1100 lb ballast box stopped that. It will alow the loader to hit its relief valve.

 

[crazyal]

Welcome to TBN. When my tractor was shipped they had the rear tires set in the narrow position. I left it that was for a month or so with the idea that the snow blower would be wider than the rear track width. But I can tell you that the tractor is real tippy on uneven ground. I ended up putting them into the wider position because the tire chains wouldn't clear the inside fenders otherwise. But it became clear quickly that it also was much more stable.

I'm not sure if you can get a bucket less than 72" for the 724 loader. A dealer may sell you a bucket for the smaller 514 loader but you may damage it with the extra force of the 724.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I'm not sure if you can get a bucket less than 72" for the 724 loader. A dealer may sell you a bucket for the smaller 514 loader but you may damage it with the extra force of the 724.

If you want a narrow bucket on the 514 or 724 the 60" round back bucket off the B26 will fit. Plenty heavy-duty as well (but much more expensive.)

 

[Baby Grand]

My L3240 with R1s (set as they are) measures 62-63" sidewall to sidewall.

 

[toytrains]

Thank you all for the input...

Having seen the bucket choices, I'm not real concerned with the narrow buckets lacking integrity, haven't put a micrometer around the edges, but knowing it will be a homeowner's baby and not a rental/contractor mule I'm not too concerned.

I would default to 72" width on a 3940+ machine, but I don't want to run out of traction or power pushing into a pile of dirt.

Stability is a great point, my current 3700 is lighter than the 3240 and at 60" seems appropriate. Filled R4s would drag the center of gravity down considerably. But R4s in their widest position would require a 72" bucket/blade to cover up tracks.

Appreciate all the insight!

I'm now more tilted towards the advantage of stability of 72".

Anyone think 72" bucket is pushing the useable limits of power/weight of the 3240?

Thanks again!

Tony

 

[arsenix2001]

Thank you all for the input...

Having seen the bucket choices, I'm not real concerned with the narrow buckets lacking integrity, haven't put a micrometer around the edges, but knowing it will be a homeowner's baby and not a rental/contractor mule I'm not too concerned.

I would default to 72" width on a 3940+ machine, but I don't want to run out of traction or power pushing into a pile of dirt.

Stability is a great point, my current 3700 is lighter than the 3240 and at 60" seems appropriate. Filled R4s would drag the center of gravity down considerably. But R4s in their widest position would require a 72" bucket/blade to cover up tracks.

Appreciate all the insight!

I'm now more tilted towards the advantage of stability of 72".

Anyone think 72" bucket is pushing the useable limits of power/weight of the 3240?

Thanks again!

Tony

I dont regret having a 72 at all. A few hp wont make a difference. Get yourself a toothbar and it will increase your digging ease 10 fold. You can always underfill a bigger bucket but not the other way around!

 

[art]

With the industrial tires the 72" is the best option for you. I do like the option brought up by Arsenix2001, you don't need to fill the bucket!

 

[ovrszd]

My Brother has a L3240, I have a L4400. Here's some pics comparing the two. Sorry I don't have specific width measurements. But as mentioned before the rears can be set to different widths. Note my Brothers are set in narrow, mine are set one setting in from max width. Also note the rear tire size is different on these two tractors.

As for the loader bucket, his is 66", mine is 72". He's already complaining about his bucket being too small.

If you don't have enough ballast to carry a full bucket of material, simply shake off some until it works. But,,, if you buy too small of bucket it's a lot more difficult to add volume capacity. My Brother hates his smaller bucket when he's moving snow or any other light material. Even when moving dirt, his small bucket just frustrates me.

 

[toytrains]

My Brother has a L3240, I have a L4400. Here's some pics comparing the two. Sorry I don't have specific width measurements. But as mentioned before the rears can be set to different widths. Note my Brothers are set in narrow, mine are set one setting in from max width. Also note the rear tire size is different on these two tractors.

As for the loader bucket, his is 66", mine is 72". He's already complaining about his bucket being too small.

If you don't have enough ballast to carry a full bucket of material, simply shake off some until it works. But,,, if you buy too small of bucket it's a lot more difficult to add volume capacity. My Brother hates his smaller bucket when he's moving snow or any other light material. Even when moving dirt, his small bucket just frustrates me.

Thank you! Pictures are very helpful.

Looks like your brother's track width is greater than his bucket width.. would drive me crazy.

More I read about the LA724, the more I think I'll need a serious ballast, R4 will certainly help with that.

Only reason I seriously considered going 66" is maneuverability. 60" to 72" will be a significant jump for me.

Thank you !


Tony

 

[crazyal]

Weight shouldn't be an issue since you'll need rear ballast no matter what. Even with the larger 4240 I often end up trying to push the bucket through mounds of dirt that I can't. I would second the idea of getting a tooth bar.

 

[toytrains]

Weight shouldn't be an issue since you'll need rear ballast no matter what. Even with the larger 4240 I often end up trying to push the bucket through mounds of dirt that I can't. I would second the idea of getting a tooth bar.

I will definitely look into the toothed bar.

My father owns a 4240, down right impressive machine and at 72" with the larger FEL, seems very appropriate. 4240 is just beyond my needs (and likely his) =) ...

From what I gather though, the 3240 will handle 72" just fine also, just maybe not with the same grace and power.

Tony

 

[Verticaltrx]

If dirt work and excavating are one of your primary jobs then I have to disagree with others that said you would be best off with a 72" bucket. If you are just using it for loading trucks or moving/carrying dirt then big capacity is good. For digging and heavy grading the narrowest bucket you can get is your best bet. A tractor the size of an L3240 just doesn't have enough weight to really dig with a 72" bucket. If I were setting one up I'd go with R1 tires set fairly narrow to fit (mostly) behind a 60" bucket. 66" bucket would be my next choice, either with tooth bar. As long as the bucket is within about 3-4" of covering the tire tracks you won't notice too much of a difference. To really dig well with a 72" bucket you need a machine that weighs in the 7000+ lb range.

 

[Baby Grand]

If dirt work and excavating are one of your primary jobs then I have to disagree with others that said you would be best off with a 72" bucket. If you are just using it for loading trucks or moving/carrying dirt then big capacity is good. For digging and heavy grading the narrowest bucket you can get is your best bet. A tractor the size of an L3240 just doesn't have enough weight to really dig with a 72" bucket. If I were setting one up I'd go with R1 tires set fairly narrow to fit (mostly) behind a 60" bucket. 66" bucket would be my next choice, either with tooth bar. As long as the bucket is within about 3-4" of covering the tire tracks you won't notice too much of a difference. To really dig well with a 72" bucket you need a machine that weighs in the 7000+ lb range.

I have had some success digging with mine, even without the toothbar. With just the loader on the L3240 I'm weighing in at about 5000# if I were to add a 1k rear ballast eye and load the tires I'd probably be within spitting range of 7k. Now I need to come clean on what I've been digging - there's no rocks here, just loam on top of solid, damp, consolidated clay. Having the bucket wider than the rear wheels helps.

 

[toytrains]

If dirt work and excavating are one of your primary jobs then I have to disagree with others that said you would be best off with a 72" bucket. If you are just using it for loading trucks or moving/carrying dirt then big capacity is good. For digging and heavy grading the narrowest bucket you can get is your best bet. A tractor the size of an L3240 just doesn't have enough weight to really dig with a 72" bucket. If I were setting one up I'd go with R1 tires set fairly narrow to fit (mostly) behind a 60" bucket. 66" bucket would be my next choice, either with tooth bar. As long as the bucket is within about 3-4" of covering the tire tracks you won't notice too much of a difference. To really dig well with a 72" bucket you need a machine that weighs in the 7000+ lb range.

At roughly 6200 pounds, and 60-66" wide, wouldn't there be a significant sacrifice in stability?

Seems like a tall machine to setup at 5' wide. 72" would be stable, but missing some tight-quarters maneuverabilty, and 66" would be the compromise.

 

[devildog1]

I have had some success digging with mine, even without the toothbar. With just the loader on the L3240 I'm weighing in at about 5000# if I were to add a 1k rear ballast eye and load the tires I'd probably be within spitting range of 7k. Now I need to come clean on what I've been digging - there's no rocks here, just loam on top of solid, damp, consolidated clay. Having the bucket wider than the rear wheels helps.

View attachment 226044
View attachment 226045

Well I guess those pictures proves the point that the L3240 can dig with a 72" bucket, It has the weight, what a beast!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
DevilDog

 

[crazyal]

Weight is not going to be an issue. The 3240 is about 300 lbs lighter than my 4240.

 

[k0ua]

Just some observations: When I converted my L3400HST with La463 loader from Pin on to Quick Attach the dealer brought out the new QA bucket and it was 66 instead of 60 like I was used to on the old Pin On setup. I noticed a difference right away, the first difference was the wife sideswiped a tree the first day she drove it "whoops that bucket is wider"
The thing I noticed was the extra gravel, and extra weight it would scoop up. I have filled rear R4's and about 750lbs of rear 3pt ballast. But I can sure tell the difference, especially if you put a heavy rock in the corner of the bucket or just filled the corner with gravel, it has more leverage to make the tractor just a hair more "tippy" . I have also noticed I have to watch the doorjamb a little closer when I back it in, havent hit it yet, but came pretty close once. Now that I have the old 60" bucket converted to QA and have it back on sometimes. I prefer it for diggin in the dirt and rocks around here, for 2 reasons, 1 it is older, and 2 it digs a little better being narrower, for carrying material like the sackcrete out to work on the road, I prefer the 66" bucket as I can get 8 sacks in it easy and only 6 in the 60" (without spilling any when going down the extremely steep hill) So that are my observations. YMMV

James K0UA

 

[Baby Grand]

I prefer the 6' bucket because I can set all 8 summer car tires in it upright when I change to snows and take them out to the shed for storage. They just fit in there perfectly.

 

[Redbug]

My L3830 is 72" wide...outside tire to outside tire. I have a 72" bucket. When clearing and pushing, it is good to clear the way for the width of the tractor. That way, you aren't driving over the debris your bucket missed since it was not wide enough. Also, when back dragging and smoothing out a surface, your tire tracks are covered.

Looking at Baby Grand's pic, you would have a harder time, and more time spent getting in that hole with a narrower bucket than the tractor's width since you would have to work on either edge to get on down in there..

That's the same approach for a box blade, etc. Maybe a box blade could be wider, too. But not narrower that your tractor. That's my thoughts.