L3700 vs. L3800

[Rogerdog]

I am buying a Kubota shortly and am in a bit of a quandary. The local dealer has a 3700(new) but no 3800 with hst (one of my requirements). The difference in price for him to get me a 3800 vs the new 3700 in stock is a thousand dollars. I know the 3700 has a different hood and puke tank, but are there any other differences I should know. Basically is the upgrade to the current model worth a thousand dollars.

By the way the prices are 18250 vs 19250 for a tractor and loader.

Thanks in advance, it's hard upgrading from a sixty year old tractor.

 

[johnrex62]

I looked at the spec a while back and the only things I saw other than cosmetic features were the extra gallon of fuel, the upgraded seat and the easier access to the engine.

Everything else was pretty much a wash or a small positive difference and balanced out by an equally small negative difference. Gross HP, Net HP, PTO HP, lift capacity, etc, etc, etc....

If you think the nicer seat and extra gallon of fuel is worth a $1000 then it is worth it. The seat is probably worth at least half of that from what I have read. I have never sat in any seat other than the L3700's, so I cannot say for fact.

I would love the upgraded seat and engine access, the fuel is not a factor to me and my use. I don't know that I would spend the extra $$ if I had a choice, but then what I would call extra would only be the difference between the seats. So I would call it a $500-600 difference between the two.

 

[Verticaltrx]

The L3700 doesn't have a suspension seat, L3800 does. If you plan on doing much field work the suspension seat will be a welcome upgrade. There are a few other little things that you have to pay to upgrade on a L3700 that the L3800 come standard with, not the least of which being a draw bar.

 

[k0ua]

Also small thing but the front debris screen is easier to remove sideways rather than upwards. The L3700/L3400/L2800 require you to move the air cleaner out of the way (wingnut like knob) . Again small thing. The suspension seat is a much bigger thing IMHO it is very worthwhile.. The 1 gallon is no big deal, the 9 gallons is a long day to run all of that out. at least the way I use a tractor, I suppose mowing would make a difference to some.

James K0UA

 

[johnrex62]

The 1 gallon is no big deal, the 9 gallons is a long day to run all of that out. at least the way I use a tractor, I suppose mowing would make a difference to some.

James K0UA

Not much, I do mostly mowing and brush hogging in heavy thicket and woods. I average a little bit over a gallon an hour, so one tank is a long, long, hot day.

 

[Chilly807]

For some reason I think cruise control is another option on the L3700 that is standard on the L3800.., that, the drawbar, and the suspension seat would do it for me.

Now, before you sign on the dotted line, have you tried the 3 ph yet, with something like a box blade or post hole digger attached to it? There is an issue with all the "economy" L series having a jerky 3 point hitch, and according to Kubota it is either "normal" or "there is no fix". I'd hate to see you buy either of these tractors and discover you're in the same boat as the rest of us without someone mentioning it first.

How bad is it? This is my 2009 L3400, the new ones including the two you're considering are much the same as this.

MOV01149 - YouTube

Good luck!

Sean

 

[clenhart]

For some reason I think cruise control is another option on the L3700 that is standard on the L3800.., that, the drawbar, and the suspension seat would do it for me.

Actually I believe the cruise is optional on both as my Dad just bought an L3800 and it has no cruise control. I do like the enhanced engine access and easier radiator screen removal over my 3400 as the battery mounting area on mine has a tendency to trap all the dirt and grass when you wash out the radiator and screen.

Good luck with your shopping...

 

[Rogerdog]

Well in a dramatic turn of events I went with a new L3200 HST with a FEL. After calling around I realized that the local dealer was leading me around by the nose. I found another nearby dealer and he was incredibly helpful. Instead of trying to upsell me we discussed what my needs were and he recommended I go with the 3200. I am moving up from a Ferguson TO30 so I need no implements and in fact my choices for the TO30 should work well on the 3200 (5ft brush hog, plow, cultivator, planter, tiller).

I am very pleased to say that his price delivered with filled tires and a full tank of diesel was $1,350 lower than the nearest dealer. I am aware of the jerky three point lift issues. The Dealer said he would check it out. Coming from a sixty year old tractor I think that a touch of jerkiness on lifting will be a minor negative with all the upgrade I'm going to enjoy.

 

[kuboman]

Well in a dramatic turn of events I went with a new L3200 HST with a FEL. After calling around I realized that the local dealer was leading me around by the nose. I found another nearby dealer and he was incredibly helpful. Instead of trying to upsell me we discussed what my needs were and he recommended I go with the 3200. I am moving up from a Ferguson TO30 so I need no implements and in fact my choices for the TO30 should work well on the 3200 (5ft brush hog, plow, cultivator, planter, tiller).

I am very pleased to say that his price delivered with filled tires and a full tank of diesel was $1,350 lower than the nearest dealer. I am aware of the jerky three point lift issues. The Dealer said he would check it out. Coming from a sixty year old tractor I think that a touch of jerkiness on lifting will be a minor negative with all the upgrade I'm going to enjoy.

Did he have it in stock?

 

[Chilly807]

Enjoy the new beastie!! You do realize, of course, that we need to see pictures..

Sean