Operating Cutter with L3200DT

[lcwheeler]

I plan to operate a cutter for approximately 20 - 30 hrs/yr on road, fence line, and 10 acres of game plots. I don't want the HST, however would like to hear from someone using the L3200dt with a cutter vs the L3800dt (2 stage clutch). Is the 2 stage clutch worth the extra $1,500? Does anyone operate the L3200dt with a cutter? Is it important considering the limited amount of tractor time?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A 2 stage clutch is a huge improvement with any PTO powered equipment!
IMHO Yes well worth the money!

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I second that!

 

[gpreuss]

$1500 is a lot of $$!. I used my 5' brush hog with my old L185DT with a one-shot clutch for 35 years. Now I'm using it with my L3200DT. Never is a problem. You'll be paying a dollar an hour for 50 years of use to avoid having to start in stages. I'd save the money for a nice implement, or a whole lot of beer, er, diesel fuel.

 

[Stubbyie]

Personal opinion here, based on experience. I'd spend the money to get the HST and get used to engaging the PTO by throttling to idle, flipping the switch, then bringing back the RPMs as needed. Based on experience thus far, I won't buy another gear machine. The 'lost horsepower' argument due to HST simply doesn't hold water in the everyday world.

You'll find the HST soooo much easier when creeping along fence lines at full RPMS on the cutter. Much more control than stomping a clutch and shifting to back up and get a spot you missed.

I spend about 50-hrs a year just on cleaning fence rows after haying. And then add pond dams, and blackberry thickets, and rural ditches. The HST is much better than any clutch, and I've tried them all.

Please post back your experiences so we may all learn as we look over your shoulder.

 

[Balvar24]

The HST makes it a lot easier to back into the thick stuff as well. It's handy if you can afford to lay down the extra money.

 

[Bluegill]

I like the 2 stage clutch & is one reason I went with the L3800DT. But it's not that big a deal... I mowed with other tractors for 30 years with regular clutchs and didn't mind much.

 

[Bluegill]

HST can be handy, but I just plain don't like it!!!

 

[lcwheeler]

I agree with Bluegill on HST, dont really want to open up a can of worms on HST vs DT. That is already a much debated topic.

Thanks for the replies, would like to hear more opinions from DT operators. My real concern is two stage clutch vs single stage; is it worth $1,500?

Thanks.

 

[BotaDriver]

I agree with Bluegill on HST, dont really want to open up a can of worms on HST vs DT. That is already a much debated topic.

Thanks for the replies, would like to hear more opinions from DT operators. My real concern is two stage clutch vs single stage; is it worth $1,500?

Thanks.

Yes and no. If you cannot get the 38 over the 32 for only $1,300, you're at the wrong dealer. I have a 3800dt, and only a 5ft cutter. GET THE 3800 and GET 6' implements!! The 5' cutter barely sticks out past the R4 tires. The 6' cutter gives you another 6" on either side which is handy if you want to add 3" wheel spacers for added stability. The 3800Gear will have no problem spinning the 6' cutter. The gear also has 2 more PTO HP than the HST. The 3800 gear has the same PTO HP as the L45 does! Our local dealer has the 3800DT for $15,995.

 

[Bluegill]

I agree with Bluegill on HST, dont really want to open up a can of worms on HST vs DT. That is already a much debated topic.

Thanks for the replies, would like to hear more opinions from DT operators. My real concern is two stage clutch vs single stage; is it worth $1,500?

Thanks.

The two stage alone isn't worth it, IMO. But it and the extra HP is worth it. The extra PTO HP is nice when mowing.

Seems like there was something else different between these two, but I can't remember. Maybe it is how the PTO is engaged? I like the solid old school leaver on the L3800DT, where some have a cable, or electric PTO switch.

DT

 

[Balvar24]

HST can be handy, but I just plain don't like it!!!

Getting old must be rough, but I suppose it beats the alternative.

 

[Bluegill]

Getting old must be rough, but I suppose it beats the alternative.

Yes it does, but I can still work a clutch.

 

[ctmike]

I have the single-stage clutch and just use an over-running clutch on my PTO so the mower doesn't push me. Works fine.

The 2 stage clutch would be nice with my 3 pt. snow blower though but luckily my tractor has the hydraulic shuttle shift so I can just throw it in neutral when I get into the big snow banks and keep the blower spinning.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

The two stage clutch has a "live" continues running pto. Meaning if you change direction with the pto engaged and press on the clutch pedal as you should the bush hog will keep turning until you disengage the pto lever. A transmission pto cuts on and off every time you push in the clutch pedal to change direction

The two stage clutch and live pto trump a tranny driven pto hands down.

 

[lcwheeler]

Thanks for the comments. When we got down to the final price, the L3200dt was $2,000 less than the L3800dt. I'm going with the L3200dt. I don't think the two stage clutch is worth the extra $2k. I ordered the L3200dt today. Also purchased 5ft cutter, 5ft disk harrow, and 6ft cultipacker. Can't wait for delivery next week.

 

[78-79fordman]

Thanks for the comments. When we got down to the final price, the L3200dt was $2,000 less than the L3800dt. I'm going with the L3200dt. I don't think the two stage clutch is worth the extra $2k. I ordered the L3200dt today. Also purchased 5ft cutter, 5ft disk harrow, and 6ft cultipacker. Can't wait for delivery next week.

U would have also got more hp for those $2000 .

 

[lcwheeler]

U would have also got more hp for those $2000 .

Don't think I'll regret the smaller HP tractor for what I'm doing. I pay a guy with a large tractor to do the serious work on the property, saves me a lot of time. I'm using this tractor to plant small game plots, cut grass around cabin, roads, and fence, and smaller jobs. I am at the property once or twice a month.
My dad grew up on a farm; he must be rolling over in his grave at the thought of buying a 32HP tractor. I remember him saying "figure the HP you need, add 15HP - 20HP, and then you have the right tractor".

 

[Bulldog]

I believe the 2 stage clutch would have been worth every penny. Running a cutter or a mower the 2 stage really comes in handy. Honestly, having live pto will make every job easier when it comes to pto driven implements.

After the new wears off I'm afraid you'll regret not buying the other tractor.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I agree with Bulldog on that one! You'll regret not having the live pto later down the road. You have to ease the clutch out ever so slowly with a tranny driven pto so you dont launch the tractor forward and stalling it out. Every time you want to turn around you have to ease the clutch out alot slower then usual.

Plus your pto DROPS alot of rpms when you push the clutch in leaving clumpy spots of grass you'll have to go back over because the blade wasnt spinning fast enough to cut.