Go Bottom

Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
mlucius
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 4 USA
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180491


I'm ready to purchase a new Kubota tractor and am trying to decide on the transmission. I have some loader work but mostly bush hogging STEEP hills and also some rototiller work. I like the idea of the hst but am a little leary about it's performance on hills. Some of the slopes are 3:1 or even 2:1 in a few places. Also, any suggestions on hp. I'm not doing production work but don't want to short myself on power. I'm considering the L3240, L3540, L3800 and L4400.



Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5275 South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180492


Can not fully answer your question for the truly steep hill for long period of time.

I have a B2710 with HST and do a fair amount of bush hogging with it.(NO loader) My other tractor which has manual transmission and over twice the HP was what had been using and not it is used very seldom. Much of my work is in tight places such around trees, ditches and pond. The HST gives me the ability to run along at decent speed and then drop speed very quickly and reverse the direction smoothly and quickly. Not possible with my manual. If I were doing such as open field or pasture would not be any benefit but for close or tight work to me can not be beat. As to hills just don't have them but don't think pulling power will be an issue. Just put the HST in the right range. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
mlucius
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 4 USA
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180493


Thanks, that's good to know. Sounds like the hst is probably the right way to go. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
AbbasChild
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 72 Western Pennsylvania
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180501


I would agree with kthompson--I have a NH T-2210 (previously TC33DA) with HST transmission. I find it very safe on hills. As mentioned already, I can change directions and speeds on a slope without worrying about depressing a clutch. I have not had any problems with power--31 hp--either brush cutting on hills or carrying a load with FEL. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
bhaxel
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17 Lovingston, VA
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180502


For loader work or anything like grading, the HST can't be beat! Being able to instantly speed up, slow down or change direction makes it really easy. I don't do mowing with mine (B7800), but I would think that any maneuvering around things while mowing would be easier with HST than without.

The HST is designed to give you full power, so the hills shouldn't be a problem.

On mine, I do have to keep my foot on the pedal in order to go, which might be tiring when mowing for a long time. There is a provision to lock the pedal in position, but it only has a few notches, and doesn't go to full speed. Newer/fancier models probably have a better arrangement. I think some have a "cruise control" of some sort. It's something you might want to look into before you buy.
....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180503


In the work you mentioned it shouldn't make much difference, but one thing we've learned about HST units is the serious lack of gearing choices.

Using as an example, the L4400 (because it's closest to the L4310HST that I have at home) in a gear version, you have 8 gears, in an HST unit, you have 3 gears.

That means you spend a lot of time outside of the optimum gear range.


Best of luck. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5275 South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180504


bhaxel is correct about the pedal and I guess it can be tiring. On my Kubota the lock does hold full speed (does on the only ranges I have used it not used in high). The issue to me is for such spraying where you need to be a steady ground speed trip after trip across a field or such and it is not full speed and you try to hold steady ground speed with your foot moving. As to holding foot on pedal not sure how set up on any other tractor than mine is but am able to keep my leg relaxed with weight on the pedal so no issue.

One area I find the HST is not good with and that is if you are use to using your brakes for sharp or short turns. Think all use your right foot for both brakes and travel pedal and unless you are using travel lock you are not able to use brakes for turning. Only find that issue with tight turns in crops. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
AbbasChild
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 72 Western Pennsylvania
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180505


Murf, I understand that there are three gear ranges--but I as I also understand it (perhaps limited understanding) is that I then have and infinite "gear" selection within those ranges. So I should be able to find the best match to the work I am doing. Just a thought.....
....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
bhaxel
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17 Lovingston, VA
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180506


I think you understand it right, AbbasChild. The HST is like having an infinite number of different gears. Better than just 8. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180508


Quote:
Originally Posted by bhaxel | view 180506
The HST is like having an infinite number of different gears.Better than just 8.


I'm going to strongly disagree with that statement.

What you have with an HST is a variable displacement (sometimes called a "swash-plate") pump (VDP) that then powers a hydraulic motor, that then powers a 3 speed gear transmission. The VDP is the key, in the 'natural' position it has a displacement of 'zero', as you push down on the pedal the displacement moves towards 100% of it's rated volume.

Problem is we don't live in a perfect world, there are parasitic losses at each stage, on top of losses caused by trying to make a hydraulic motor operate over a wide range of speeds. Just like any other motors there's a 'sweet spot' at which it's doing pretty good, above or below that, it may leave a lot lacking.

We've done dyno tests on our units in all 3 ranges in an attempt to convince our customers (who's contract requires HST units) that the GST was a far better choice.

At some speeds the HST is loosing a very significant (double digit) percentage of it's rated horsepower.

From a 'seat of the pants' perspective, we've started buying 50hp machines instead of 40hp units in order to do the same work as previously.



Best of luck. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 3583 iowa
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-22          180512


WOOOOOAAAAA.
Whahoppen here?
I been preachin this to Murf for years, now he wants to take the credit.
Whether he swiped my conclusions on hydro vs/ gears or not we'll put it this way just to keep the peace. We'll both take the credit for being right on this one. Hydros don't hold a candle to gears in a tractor. In a lot of other applications they are just the ticket, but not tractors.

Frank. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5275 South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180514


Might I asked a question here sort on durability of HST? What kind of drive does an excavator or skid steer use? No idea on bull dozier but think I know.

No way would I argue with Hardwood or Murf. I was taught to respect my elders, whether age or smarts or both! LOL Both have me beat on knowledge and shear number of tractors for experience. If the idea you have infinite number of gears since you have the HST were true there would only need to be a single high range to my way of thinking. Can tell you very very quickly you may be able to drive on flat ground as slow as you want to in high range fine but throw a load behind it and at least I will drop into mid range normally but once in while low range. On my tractor it will stall in high range where for same RPM and such will do fine in lower range so there is gearing there. I very much respect Hardwoods thoughts on transmission and have used my nephew's NH with shuttle transmission and FEL and all could think about sure is nice, but would be great with HST. Was moving dirt only like 100 to 300 feet but it required about dozen shifts for each run. Drive gear, load gear, back up, drive gear, dump gear, back up gear, drive gear. Okay only about 7 shifts. I really think it depends on if you are mainly in the open or in tight spots. Give me open area still a gear guy. Get me in tight area...HST is my choice. I know rather loan my HST than my gear tractor for sadly too many people don't know how to use a clutch. Even old dump truck driver brother in law. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180516


Frank ole' buddy, I think you got me confused with Jeff or somebody.

HST isn't my favorite mount in the barn. Not even the second place nag.



Best of luck. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-22          180517


You need to match the transmission to the required work.

If you spend a lot of time doing loader work a transmission that is easy to move forward and back easy seems more important than the ability to pull hard (HST or PowerReverser type).

If you spend a lot of time in tight quarters where precision is a must then HST may be best.

If you spend a lot of time pulling a plow then a gear transmission probably can't be beat.

My choice was HST because I do a lot of work in dense woods and often need to literally move an inch or two at a time and the HST allows me to go infinitely slow.

If family members will also use the machine then it's hard to beat HST for all around ease of use. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
bristan8
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 69 Camden NSW, Australia
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-23          180518


I have a kubota B2320 with HST and three ranges. I have some very steep sections on my place . In low range the problem is keeping the front wheels on the ground or wheel traction to get up the hill rather than any problem with the engine or transmission. It will even reverse up the earthen wall of my dam.
As mentioned, the hydraulic transmission is not as efficient and you would use more fuel than a manual, however the upside is more flexibility in the transmission. On the flat the mid range is all you need for most applications. It can even take off from standstill in high range on level ground.
It is by far the best choice for my place , however if you have large open areas where you are doing lots of straightforward work the fuel and efficiency may be an issue and the manual may be a better solution ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5275 South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2011-09-23          180528


Quote:
Originally Posted by Murf | view 180516
Frank ole' buddy, I think you got me confused with Jeff or somebody.HST isn't my favorite mount in the barn.Not even the second place nag.Best of luck.


Please Frank...don't mixed the two. Murf has class and Jeff has, oh yeah canopy with lace trim to block the sun. Okay Jeff I know that was a recommendation to you by who knows who now. :)
....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 3583 iowa
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2011-09-23          180529


Yep, I kinda like to stur up a little discussion once in a while, other wise things get too dull.
OK, now here is my real analysis of the hydro/gear thing.
I've been around and operated hydro farm tractors since the mid 1960's when International Harvester had two or three models in the 60 to 90 horsepower rsnge. My uncle bought a 656 hydro gasoline model thinking it would be great for the bailer. It was kinda OK but we soon went back to the 656 gear. An inexperienced operator would be to agressive with the hydro control lever and consequently throw the man on the hayrack behind the bailer off the wagon. The bigger models we didn't have but others said they worked well with a field chopper. The 656 hydro pulling a heavy disk, moldboard plow or other impliment where most all of the power produced by the engine went to the drive wheels proved to be prety wastefull of fuel. Too much heat was generated by the hydro unit that was just waste heat that had to be relieved by an oil radiator in front of the engine radiator. The production of heat requires fuel, if you have a use for the heat that is fine, but in the case of the 656 the heat/fuel was wasted.
Now to other applications,lawn mowers and other light duty equipment, yes, I have two 345 Deere hydro mowers, great machines, never a whisper of a problem with the hydros.
Combines and self propelled field choppers, the hydros are great. I had several hydro combines. In those applications the lions share of the engine power goes to the machine rather than the tractive motion, hydros are great there. The really heavy excavators, crawlers, and skidsteers are hydro, just a much simpler connection of power to the tracks than gears and clutches.
So see I'm not totally anti hydro, just on farm tractors. They just never proved to be as efficent as gears.
Nuff from me.
Frank. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
Sassi7855
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 52 Georgia
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2012-03-22          182845


If I understand correctly the L3240 has a high and low range with a low, medium, and high range within each of those ranges. To me that adds up to six different ranges with infinite ranges within each of thos ranges. Is that correct? ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
charlieK
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 136 kentucky
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster

2012-03-27          182887


a GST trans has 12 forward and 8 reverse gears and all operate w/o a clutch plus ya don't hafta hold yer foot on the go button for 3 or 4 hours at a time while bushogging or finish mowing JMMHO ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo



Kubota L3240 L3800 transmission types

View my Photos
Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster  View my Photos  Pics

2012-04-23          183308


That is why many of the newer hydro's have cruise control!

Just as Frank stated ealier of the potential additional speed of the hydro's many jobs can be done faster with them which could also mean more economical. ....


Reply to | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo


   Go Top


Share This







Member Login