Can my L3400HST PTO mechanism, handle a 24" stump grinder?

Rustyiron5

New member

Equipment
2005 L3400HST (Used for Mowing), But want to use for stump grinding.
Feb 25, 2025
1
0
1
Spicer, MN
I have a 2005 Kubota L3400HST, and my concern is with the PTO internals. It has a ratcheting PTO, which means if you back off the throttle too quickly when mowing, it ratchets until the RPM of the mower catches up with the PTO RPM. I have only used this tractor for mowing because I don't want to trash the PTO internals with my brush hog or tiller, but I am now considering getting a PTO driven 24" brush hog. Can my L3400HST style PTO handle the abuse of this type of implement?

This is a 20-year-old tractor, but I only have 500 hours on it, and don't want to tear it up if this style of PTO is not rugged enough for heavy-duty use.

If you have this style of tractor or another model that has this type of PTO mechanism, please let me know if you would be comfortable using your tractor to drive a stump grinder. I would use my old Ford 1900, but using a manual tranny tractor for stump grinding is not going to work.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, John
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
31,747
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Sandpoint, ID
It's not the best design for heavy smacking loads.
They tend to break the cams.
 

old and tired

Well-known member

Equipment
L2800 HST; 2005; R4
I have a 2005 L2800 and gave my tiller away to a friend once the tiller started to skip... I have bought the parts to repair the pto CAMs (to the better locking type) but if your CAMs are original, I would not do it unless I was ready to split the tractor, sorry.

Hook stump grinder up to the Ford 1900 and use the L3400 to drag the Ford 1900 across the stump. Or use a come-a-long...