L3200 or L3800?
- Thread starter turdburgular
- Start date
The L3800 has a 2 stag clutch and of course the added HP is nice when mowing, pulling steep hills, etc. I really like the L3800DT!
I was all set to buy the L3200 but on the day I was to finalize the deal I decided to spring for the extra couple grand and go with the added power of the L3800.
I am happy with my decision but I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices.
I am happy with my decision but I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices.
I am really happy with my L3200. I personally decided to save the couple grand and put it towards hyd remotes so I could run a top and tilt I bought from Bryan over at Fit Rite Hydraulics. Since then I have added a 3rd function and grapple. Great machine.
I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I went from an older larger in stature tractor to the L3800, so I thought I needed the extra horsepower. After working the l3800 for 160 hrs so far, it has more than surpassed my expectations.
If you're working up to one of these tractors from a smaller one or haven't had one at all the L3200 would probably work. You can always save the money an buy an implement or two.
Just my 2 cents of course...
I went from an older larger in stature tractor to the L3800, so I thought I needed the extra horsepower. After working the l3800 for 160 hrs so far, it has more than surpassed my expectations.
If you're working up to one of these tractors from a smaller one or haven't had one at all the L3200 would probably work. You can always save the money an buy an implement or two.
Just my 2 cents of course...
Had a customer that was new to tractors, bought the L3200. Was happy, but the tractor was a bit on the light side and he was always loosing traction. He filled his rear tires to get that added traction. He no longer looses traction, he now runs out of power. Now he wishes that he would have bought the L3800.
Buy the L3800 if you can swing it, you won't be sorry.
Buy the L3800 if you can swing it, you won't be sorry.
Really all depends on the chores you plan to tackle. As mentioned the L3800 for more power and beefier weight. When in doubt go bigger then you need. If you're under powered and sized for the job you'll struggle to no end to knock out the honey do list.
If there's any doubt, go bigger if cost is no issue. I was sure the B7500 was the biggest tractor I'd ever want when I bought it in '02. The following 10 years changed my mind.
I'm really happy with the L3200 because it does much more than the B7500 it replaced. The 32 horses of the L3200 rpresents a 150% increase over the B7500.
The difference between the L3200 and L3800 is roughly 50 pounds in weight. Top speed of the L3800 is roughly 1/2 MPH slower. The L3800 was around $1,800 more than the L3200 where I bought my last tractor.
I'm really happy with the L3200 because it does much more than the B7500 it replaced. The 32 horses of the L3200 rpresents a 150% increase over the B7500.
The difference between the L3200 and L3800 is roughly 50 pounds in weight. Top speed of the L3800 is roughly 1/2 MPH slower. The L3800 was around $1,800 more than the L3200 where I bought my last tractor.
I was in a similar situation a month ago. Basically the same size with a different engine. I bought the L3800 because of the extra HP. Probably more that I need. Ed B
Just so that we are clear, yes both tractors are about the same weight, with or without an equal amount of ballast. But if and when the tractor is ballasted, the L3800 handles the additional weight much better because of the extra HP.
Just went through the same decision making process. I went with the 3200 2 weeks ago. I'm running 5 ft implements and the 3200 seems plenty powerful. I pulled the disk harrow a few hours yesterday, you will run out of traction long before you run out of power. 4wd is a must on this small tractor pulling a disk. Tractor has not been tested with rotary cutter, but initial cutting was a breeze.
My initial thoughts, glad I saved the $2k. Allowed me to buy a cultipacker that i otherwise would not have purchased.
My initial thoughts, glad I saved the $2k. Allowed me to buy a cultipacker that i otherwise would not have purchased.
gpreuss
New member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
I bought the L3200, and have not looked back. I run a 5' brush hog and have never had to slow down in 4th gear. I'm thinking about a 6'.
Generally you do run out of traction long before you run out of power. Part of my thinking was that the less power on the same frame, the less likely you are to tear it up, although there have been no comments in the forum about anyone ever tearing up either tractor. The money you save on the L3200 will buy a pretty nice implement - or two!
Generally you do run out of traction long before you run out of power. Part of my thinking was that the less power on the same frame, the less likely you are to tear it up, although there have been no comments in the forum about anyone ever tearing up either tractor. The money you save on the L3200 will buy a pretty nice implement - or two!
Honestly I am glad I saved the 1800-2000 with the L3200 too. I used that money for the top and tilt from Brian, (mtnviewranch) and what was left towards a grapple. power is not an issue for me at all. I run about 900-1000 lbs on the back with chains and loaded tires. Mine does not run out of power, it will spin first.
I purchased the L3800 last week, was delivered Tuesday. Finally had time today to play with it.
Last edited:
