Long story but...

[mpmitch1]

After researching all brand of tractors for four months, I finally pulled the trigger! I had settled on a l3800 hydro and drove to the dealer to buy. I test drove the 3800 hydro and liked it (except that whining noise). I started asking questions about other models on the lot. He showed me a brand new 3240 GST FEL w/ag tires that had been on the lot so long it had already begun to fade. He said he would sell it for $16,500 so I jumped on it! I really didn't want the GST because i have never driven one and am pretty much a newbie when it comes to tractors. I figured this was the best deal i was going to find? and i'll just learn how to drive the damn thing for that price. Anyway I am now the proud owner of a L3240!!! Dealer said he would repaint the wheels and deliver tuesday!!! I am so pumped i can hardly wait!

 

[Eric McCarthy]

A GST model is a simple tractor to operate. You can shift threw the gears and shuttle from forward to reverse without stopping the tractor. Maybe I have an old fashion mind set but I prefer a grea transmission over HST. A gear tranny is ALOT quieter then an HST. I think metal gears beats hydraulic fluid anyday. If the price is right and you're happy then thats really all that matters.

Congrats on the new Kubota and welcome to the club

 

[Stumpy]

Welcome. There's a description of how it works here. GST are a little less tolerant of old fluid than a straight manual but keep after the maintenance and you'll be fine.

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new tractor. I know little about the GST, but run gear as well as HST and I am sure you will learn to love it; I really like the GL Series.

 

[Bluegill]

You got a heck of a deal. Congrats!

Have gear drive on our L3800 and love it. GST is easy to run, kind of like the Hydro Shuttle on our old 3750. I don't really like HST at all...

 

[Kingcreek]

I have the GST and have had no trouble with it at all. nothing could be easier to operate. Using the clutch is completely optional.

 

[TripleR]

I have the GST and have had no trouble with it at all. nothing could be easier to operate. Using the clutch is completely optional.

Just curious, but when would you use the clutch and if it's not needed, why have it? Our HST has a clutch too which just seems to be totally useless; only time I use it is to start.

 

[mpmitch1]

Honestly, I was hoping someone said it was a good deal.....makes me feel better about the purchase

 

[TripleR]

Honestly, I was hoping someone said it was a good deal.....makes me feel better about the purchase

I think you will really like it. My wife and I strongly considered the 32/3540 when we bought our L5030. We have several hundred acres and run between farms and decided we really needed something bigger. If I had the room and money, I would own one.

 

[Kingcreek]

Just curious, but when would you use the clutch and if it's not needed, why have it? Our HST has a clutch too which just seems to be totally useless; only time I use it is to start.

I use the clutch for fine maneuvering like backing into an attachment with the 3pt quick-hitch or something precise with the loader and also when engaging the PTO. Those are honestly the only times I use the clutch.

oh, and I agree Mitch got a great deal.

 

[TripleR]

I use the clutch for fine maneuvering like backing into an attachment with the 3pt quick-hitch or something precise with the loader and also when engaging the PTO. Those are honestly the only times I use the clutch.

oh, and I agree Mitch got a great deal.

Thanks, can you stop without depressing the clutch? Sorry, but I know next to nothing about the GST.

 

[Kingcreek]

Thanks, can you stop without depressing the clutch? Sorry, but I know next to nothing about the GST.

Yes, you shuttle into Neutral and apply brakes. I do this all the time when using the rotary cutter or rear tiller because I don't want to dis-engage the PTO. I can shift Forward-Neutral-Reverse and maneuver as needed without affecting PTO function. The clutch is not needed to change gears or direction.

 

[mpmitch1]

Are you saying whenever you use the clutch the pto stops?

 

[Eric McCarthy]

GST models have a live continueous running PTO.

 

[Hook]

One of the best features on the Grand L is the 3 point hitch. The lift arms can be extended and with the removal of two pins they can be spread apart to make attaching implements much easier. As far as the GST transmission you will love that once you get used to it. The hard part is weaning yourself from using the clutch. You made a wise choice. Enjoy and be safe.

 

[TripleR]

Yes, you shuttle into Neutral and apply brakes. I do this all the time when using the rotary cutter or rear tiller because I don't want to dis-engage the PTO. I can shift Forward-Neutral-Reverse and maneuver as needed without affecting PTO function. The clutch is not needed to change gears or direction.

Thanks, I am getting a better understanding of how they work.

 

[mpmitch1]

GST models have a live continueous running PTO.

My literature reads that the l3240 has a independent pto

 

[TripleR]

My literature reads that the l3240 has a independent pto

But pushing the clutch disengages it for some reason; same on my L5030. The Independent PTO on our other tractors don't do this.

 

[E/S]

2 stage clutch ?


E/S

 

[mpmitch1]

"dry type single stage" .....................
E/S[/QUOTE]