L3400 Info

[Testman]

Hey guys, need some advice from all the experts on here, going to look at a L3400 HST tomorrow. It has the FEL with QD bucket, anyway looking for some feedback on this unit from those how own one(or not, all feedback welcome). How reliable has it been, any issues, etc.... I have seen one or two on here post about PTO problems they have had on the L2800 and since these are in the same family, is this something to be cautious of.

Thanks

 

[art]

They are different, you didn't say as to which transmission you are looking for but that also makes a difference.

 

[8226hamer]

They are different, you didn't say as to which transmission you are looking for but that also makes a difference.

Whats the differance between a L2800 and a L3400 PTO system. I thought they were the same tractor except the 3400's slight HP increase. I haven't had much luck with the PTO on my L2800. The first time it went out it had 40 hours on it with about 2 hours of PTO use running a 4 Landpride roto tiller. The second time the tractor had 212 hours with maybe 20 hours of PTO time. If I had to do over again I would get one with an independent PTO system. As far as using my tractor for pulling a lawn gill or box blade it did ok, but if you are going to use the PTO with an implement that is going to put much torque on it, I would go with a different model.

 

[ctpres]

Have had 3400 HST one year.
1. Three point lift is jerky, ie lift not smooth. Dealer has fix, get it done before delivery.
2. Clutching to disengage PTO will scare the h--- out of you. Dealer has fix for this. I do not recommend it. Disengage with PTO control.
3. Pant leg gets hung on parking brake lever. Wear shorts of live with it.
4. Three point lift down stop adjustment is d--- near impossible to loosen or tighten with bare hands. Gloves on-forget it
5. Light switch and turn signal on entry side constantly being turned on when I bump it with my knee.
6. Cup holder won't hold much.
7. I love it. 110 hours so far. I can't imagine clutching and doing some of the things I do with my Bota
Happy to answer any specific questions.

 

[art]

I can't say to much about the problems with the 2800 design as we normally move right to the 3400 because of the differences. The 3400 has a two stage clutch to engage and disengage the pto which has been an accepted system since the sixties for the clutch. The 2800's system has been around longer yet but for many people with out old farm tractor experience it is not for the average operator of a tractor.
I'm not saying it can't work, it is just not as operator friendly as the 3400 system.

 

[swampvol]

I have only had mine for 2 weeks and 13 hours, but It's capable of anything I want it to do.

With the fel and boxblade on with the r-4's it does no damage to my lawn, yet it is heavy enough to do some hard fel work.
With the hst, I can get the 5' brushog in the tightest of places, and move a yard of dirt in no time.

I use it to maintain my mostly cleared 5 acres, and slag rock driveway, but eventually it will be used to cut trails on 30 acres..perfect size for that imo.

Not bashing any other brands or classes, but I tested NH, Kioti, Massey and the kubota 3130 and for my needs the l3400 was the best option.

As for the pto, if you are buying new, then I believe (hope) the issue is fixed.

 

[TonyS]

I bought L3400 HST last December with FEL and BH. Great so far (55 hours). Can't comment on the PTO as I haven't taken the BH off yet.

I looked atvthe gear shift model but went with the HST for addnl $1,000 approx. and I am glad I did. I have used it almost exclusively for excavating hillside , digging footings with BH and carrying off dirt , (then bringing it back for a pad) with FEL. Auto trans is a super choice.

Have intermittent fault on starter, indicators don't work properly and some grease nipples bad but all that will be fixed when it goes in for service under warranty.

 

[wushaw]

The L3400 gear model is the only one with a two stage clutch. The HST in both models is a live continious.

Tony, your intermitten starter problem is probably in the treddel pedal switch not being in neutral, it is kinda picky, My L2800 has had this problem also since day one and I just move the pedal just a little and I get starter engagement....it has not happened in a good while though so it is getting farther inbetween not starting.

 

[SCRich]

I beat you all, only 2 hours on mine so far! I have not used the PTO yet but I have been using the box blade for 1.5 of the 2 hours and the FEL for the other 30 minutes. Yes! YES the 3pt lift is REALLY jerky and it is really making box blade work difficult. Actually at times the FEL seems a bit jerky at times but that may just be me, nothing big.

So far all in all I am VERY pleased. That dirt you see felt like a concrete block after years of neglect and a week of logging operations that used it as a staging area. The box blade broke that up quickly once I figured out to shorten up the top link to get a better bite and less blade action. Yea I had to do several passes to get good depth and will probably do several more passes at right angles next weekend but it did the job. I can not see spending $38K for a larger machine (JD 110) that would do it faster. Sure it's nice but that's a LOT of money.

 

[needtobuildmore]

I've got about 41 hours on mine & love it. It replaced a L3000DT which worked fine except for an issue with the high/low range shifter. My only gripe is that it seems to have less power than the L3000. Probably because of the HST instead of direct gear drive.