I'll never understand why newbies come on here and ask the senior vets for advise then go out and do the total opposite when we give sound advise.
Operating Cutter with L3200DT
- Thread starter lcwheeler
- Start date
Because they're looking for opinions similar to theirs to reassure them. Only a few are truly asking advice, and even less will listen to it.
I've wondered also, then came to the same conclusion Bota did....
I'm hearing this:
1. 2 stage clutch is not $2,000 better compared to single stage clutch.
2. 6 more HP would be worth an extra $2,000.
This is my opinion based on almost 40 years of farm experience.
If you plan to use pto driven implements, the 2 stage clutch with live pto is priceless. I'm not saying you can't use a tractor single stage clutch but, once you have had at least a live pto machine you'll never want one without it.
2 stage clutch is worth every penny, the 6 extra hp would be a bonus.
I'm just glad I got the L3800DT.
I got a screamin deal of 15K, but would have paid the extra $ for 2 stage & more HP!
I got a screamin deal of 15K, but would have paid the extra $ for 2 stage & more HP!
Could not agree with Bulldog any stronger about the two stage clutch.This is my opinion based on almost 40 years of farm experience.
If you plan to use pto driven implements, the 2 stage clutch with live pto is priceless. I'm not saying you can't use a tractor single stage clutch but, once you have had at least a live pto machine you'll never want one without it.
2 stage clutch is worth every penny, the 6 extra hp would be a bonus.
I have a thread on this forum from this past fall when I replaced my two stage clutch. It would have taken me at most 10 min to adjust the new two stage clutch assembly to act as a single stage clutch but I spent several months working with adjustment problems so the two stages would work properly.
If you have used a single stage clutch and a two stage clutch much, there is no comparison.
10 min. for a single stage verses 2+ months for the two stage clutch. YES, there is that much difference in how you can work the tractor.
I know that this is just my 2 cents and not your $2,000.
What I'm trying to say, is I've run tractors for years with single stage non-live PTO with little trouble. But now that I have a two stage clutch, I wouldn't want to go back. The extra HP is noticeable when mowing, as is the two stage. If not too late, I would change my order. Best I can remember there was only $1000-1500 difference between the two here, but that was a few years ago...
gpreuss
New member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
I think you did well with your purchase. If you are an occasional user - a couple of times a month - you are not using the PTO enough to justify $2 grand, either for the clutch or the horses. The only time I feel power starved is when I have the loader and rear blade (600 lb) attached and try to drive up the road in 8th. Just won't do it. Probably the 3800 would. While mowing, my fields are rough enough that I hate to drive on them higher than 5th. Usually I'm in 4th, whether mowing or not. Horses won't help you pick up a bigger load in your FEL or move that load faster through the field. You don't have plans for pulling a gang of plows. You will not run out of horses with what you have. And some of it was paid for with the $2000 you did not spend getting the bigger tractor.
Good on you! Don't let them beat you up.
Good on you! Don't let them beat you up.