L3400 1,200 Hrs - Transmission issues

Awd79

New member
Sep 9, 2025
9
4
3
CT
Looking at a L3400 with 1,200 hrs FEL for $5k "As is"

Transmission will not go into high and slips in M,L

I am very handy and would be willing to split the tractor and rebuild transmission, labor is no problem, but would like to know what future expenses I would be getting into with a tranny rebuild/replace?

Thoughts on the deal or future value after repairs. Seller said tractor would appraise @ $15k with working tranny
 

old and tired

Well-known member

Equipment
L2800 HST; 2005; R4
I think the loader is worth $5k, I assume this is a manual (gear) transmission?

Got any photos of it? or does it look like it's abused it's whole life? Is the rest of the tractor in good shape (so if you part it out, you can get money from the sheet metal?

1,200 hours isn't that high, has the clutch been replaced before? - I think you'll be money ahead if you buy it....
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
33,807
9,011
113
Sandpoint, ID
Could be as simple as needing a clutch.
Could be as complicated as broken parts.
 

Awd79

New member
Sep 9, 2025
9
4
3
CT
With HML, it must be hydrostatic - the manual is 4x2.

OP, can you verify if it's hydrostatic? Can you shift it into high with the engine off?
Shifts into High when off. He says the dealer believes it’s the clutch but. I way to know until we take it apart. I’m willing to take a roll on this one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Awd79

New member
Sep 9, 2025
9
4
3
CT
Shifts to high with engine off. Won’t move in high. Dealer suspects clutch.
I bought it.

Was able to get the tractor into high and medium. The shifter doesn’t line up with where the H and M are. It goes for a bit and then kinda dies in gear or I would say loses speed/drive. Works fine in low.

Thought?
 

Awd79

New member
Sep 9, 2025
9
4
3
CT
Well got her power washed and ran through her. She was filthy. Ordered a filter kit. Will service all the fluids.

Hydro sight glass is empty.

OEM filters on her.

What’s my next move?
 

PoTreeBoy

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L35 Ford 3930
Mar 24, 2020
3,316
1,930
113
WestTn/NoMs
Well got her power washed and ran through her. She was filthy. Ordered a filter kit. Will service all the fluids.

Hydro sight glass is empty.

OEM filters on her.

What’s my next move?
I'd figure out just how low on fluid it is and fill it up. Low fluid could cause your problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Shawn T. W

Well-known member

Equipment
'05 L5030 HSTC - '21 MF GC 1725 MB - '18 JD Z960M Z-Trak
Dec 9, 2024
272
470
63
SW Missouri Ozarks
I'd just drain what's in there, and fill it up with fresh SUDT2 ... Not sure if there is a suction screen in addition to the filter(s) but I'd check if there was ...
 

Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
3,111
3,864
113
Michigan
OEM filters on her.
I presume “Kubota brand” filters, not from the factory filters…..


(I worked on a Jeep one time with 35,800 miles, so technically it was still under the 3/36 warranty. BUT, it actually had the “from the factory” oil filter on it……It was a “no start” complaint…..Man you could hear that guy yelling from the last bay in the shop when he found out Chrysler denied his warranty claim:ROFLMAO:)