My research had led me to settle on an L3901, but a comparison of their specs now leads me to believe that I wouldn't be gaining a significant advantage over the L3301. They appear to have the same weight, ground clearance, frame size, and lift capacity, so it looks they're basically identical machines. Now I'm questioning whether the small gain in hp is worth the price difference. Opinions?
L3301 vs L3901: significant differences?
- Thread starter WalkingTruck
- Start date
Mostly pulling a rotary cutter, but occasional use of a Box scraper or possibly even a finishing mower.
Poohbear
Active member
Equipment
L3301 HST, LA525, LP shredder, BB1566 box blade, QH10, Worksaver pallet fork
I don't have a finish mower but use my L3301 with a5ft cutter & a 5 1/2 ft box blade. Also it's HST, 4wheel drive , FEL. I've never used the 3900 so can't compare. Love mine and it does whAt I need done. If a small price difference, HP is worth something but not thousands more, IMHO.
More info on the type of land and usage may get better responses,I’ve used my L3200 with bush hog to clear about 5 acres of over grown land with a few more acres to go,would a little more tractor be nice?yes but using it to mantain what has been done it’s plenty,I have a lp 1860 bush hog on mine that rated to cut up to 2 inches,it’s been through hell with more then that
Fro65
Member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3301HST, LA525, BH77, LP tiller, LP grader box, LP blade, BX2380
I was in the same boat a few years ago. My primary use was intended to be FEL and backhoe work. My dealer let me play in a gravel pile with both. There was absolutely no discernible difference. Both ran out of traction before running out of power.
At that time, the 3901 was $4000 more than the 3301. To me, the additional 4.5 horsepower was not worth it plus I save slightly on fuel. The price gap has closed some since then. About $2500 difference around here now.
Like Poohbear, I run a 5' brush hog and a 5.5' boxblade with no problems. However, If one was to try to run a larger cutter or use much ground engaging equipment, the additional HP might come in handy.
It kind of boils down to what Fordtech86 asked...what are your intended uses for it? That well could make the decision for you.
At that time, the 3901 was $4000 more than the 3301. To me, the additional 4.5 horsepower was not worth it plus I save slightly on fuel. The price gap has closed some since then. About $2500 difference around here now.
Like Poohbear, I run a 5' brush hog and a 5.5' boxblade with no problems. However, If one was to try to run a larger cutter or use much ground engaging equipment, the additional HP might come in handy.
It kind of boils down to what Fordtech86 asked...what are your intended uses for it? That well could make the decision for you.
WalkingTruck, are you looking at a HST or DT? If HST, there isn't that big of a difference, but if you are looking at a DT, the L3901 has a dual stage clutch, where the L3301 doesn't. Makes a difference with the PTO.
If those are the only differences that stand out to you, look into the L2501. It'll be cheaper too because it has no emissions equipment.
It'll handle a rotary cutter and box just fine, but you may need to go slower than if you had the 33 or the 39. If you look at Land Pride's literature, the 72" finisher requires at least 15 horse so you'll be fine in that aspect too.
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I was planning on staying with the geared model. Enlighten me on the dual stage clutch, por favor. ***128512;
Wish I had a dual stage clutch on mine,will allow you to shift gears with the pto engaged without disengaging the pto.for example on mine with single stage when I need to change direction like forward to reverse when mowing and have to push the clutch in to shift gears the pto cuts off as well,with the dual stage you can keep the pto spinning while shifting
I know it's the same old story, Mo Money - Mo Money - Mo Money but if you want to jump up from a L3301 and really see any difference you probably will want to go to the L4701.