New L3800 HST is inbound

[gsganzer]

Pulled the trigger on one of the last new L3800 HST's I could find. Equipped with FEL, BH77 backhoe and landpride PHD. It'll be delivered on Monday.

I looked long and hard at the newer L3901 that replaced the L3800, but in the end, with the exception of the engine (direct vs indirect) and the emissions equipment, the rest of the machine is virtually unchanged. I'd rather stick with the tried and true and not risk the potential issues with the first model year of the replacement.

I'll post photo's Monday when it arrives. The projects are piling up, so the sooner it arrives the better.

I'm keeping the BX2200 for now, but after we've had the L for a while, we'll decide what to do with it.

 

[Fallon]

Only other possible change is the 3pt. All the 01s I've heard of had smooth 3pts. A lot of 00s had not so smooth ones. Even older ones were really rough or occasionally violent.

My L3200 isn't smooth, but very liveable & I knew about it when I bought it. Annoying when trying to do a final finish with a blade, but generally not that big of a deal.

To test, put something heavy on the 3pt & lift it a very small bit at a time. Doesn't show lowering or lifting a long ways really.

You should be happy with it, congrats.

 

[teg]

Don't forget the photos...

 

[gsganzer]

Only other possible change is the 3pt. All the 01s I've heard of had smooth 3pts. A lot of 00s had not so smooth ones. Even older ones were really rough or occasionally violent.

My L3200 isn't smooth, but very liveable & I knew about it when I bought it. Annoying when trying to do a final finish with a blade, but generally not that big of a deal.

To test, put something heavy on the 3pt & lift it a very small bit at a time. Doesn't show lowering or lifting a long ways really.

You should be happy with it, congrats.

Fallon,
Agree 100% that this is a known spot to check. I saw that it was a definite issue with the earlier 2010's thru 2012's, but couldn't find anything definitive that it continued after that. I sat down with the dealership point blank and asked the question about this specific issue. I was of course given the classic dealer response that they've never heard of the issue and if there is one, it's easily adjustable. I couldn't check my machine because it's prepped and has the BH mounted. I made it known that if it needs fixed, they'll address it to my satisfaction. That's the only thing that's given me pause. The bottom line is it will be fixed if it exists. Quite frankly, if the problem still exists on the 2014 models, someone at Kubota deserves a kick in the b*lls.

 

[Fallon]

Fallon,
Agree 100% that this is a known spot to check. I saw that it was a definite issue with the earlier 2010's thru 2012's, but couldn't find anything definitive that it continued after that. I sat down with the dealership point blank and asked the question about this specific issue. I was of course given the classic dealer response that they've never heard of the issue and if there is one, it's easily adjustable. I couldn't check my machine because it's prepped and has the BH mounted. I made it known that if it needs fixed, they'll address it to my satisfaction. That's the only thing that's given me pause. The bottom line is it will be fixed if it exists. Quite frankly, if the problem still exists on the 2014 models, someone at Kubota deserves a kick in the b*lls.

Same response my dealer gave, then showed me how smooth it was... Without anything on there lifting all the way up & down. I later found out it's not as smooth with something on & only doing the small adjustments. Not angry with my dealer at all, but they did gloss over that more than the probably should have. I still think my L3200 was a noticeably better deal than the JD economy unit & I would do it over again if I had the chance.

I hear there are some design compromises that lead to the issue. Not sure what got updated on the 3301 I drove at a show with a ballast box on the back a while back, but it was noticeably smoother than my 3200. Supposedly the only real changes between the 00s & 01's was the tier 4 stuff & I couldn't see any obvious changes externally.

 

[s219]

Fallon,
Agree 100% that this is a known spot to check. I saw that it was a definite issue with the earlier 2010's thru 2012's, but couldn't find anything definitive that it continued after that. I sat down with the dealership point blank and asked the question about this specific issue. I was of course given the classic dealer response that they've never heard of the issue and if there is one, it's easily adjustable. I couldn't check my machine because it's prepped and has the BH mounted. I made it known that if it needs fixed, they'll address it to my satisfaction. That's the only thing that's given me pause. The bottom line is it will be fixed if it exists. Quite frankly, if the problem still exists on the 2014 models, someone at Kubota deserves a kick in the b*lls.

Unfortunately, most dealers are either ignorant of the problem, or pretend it doesn't exist. There isn't a way to fix it, so don't let them waste your time (the only "fixes" create even worse problems). The problem is only evident when lifting a heavy implement with small movements of the lever. If you move the lever in large increments (as is typical for my use) you'll never see the problem, and that's what makes it a non-issue for me. I wouldn't let it detract from an otherwise fine tractor. I still think it's lame Kubota never fixed this problem that they knew about for years. There was no year range to the problem -- it has affected all L3200 and L3800 models, and their predecessors.

 

[chuck172]

I had a L3200. Real jerky 3pt. lift. On delivery, the dealer said it was cold and would smooth out. It didn't, Kobuta said that it's an economy model, and if I want a smooth lift, to buy the grand series.
The dealer admitted there was nothing he could do and gave me my $$ back.
I bought a Kioti!

 

[k0ua]

My Brother in Laws 2014 L3200 has a jerky 3pt hitch. They use it to finish mow with and a little loader work so it is not a problem for them. It was the first thing I tested when I got on it to see if it was improved over my old 2010 L3400. It wasn't. If all you do with the 3pt. is raise and lower a mower then it doesn't matter a bit. If you are doing precision blade work, then it can matter a lot.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Don't let all this worry you. I'm sure you will enjoy your new tractor. :thumbsup: Congrats, and may your 3ph work smoothly for all your days.

 

[DB Pilot]

Congratulations on your purchase. :welcome: to the L3800 world. I could not get by without both my BX2200 and the L3800.