New LL3400

Tex baby, my guess is that there was a price point in the market for the 3400 that was the target. The caster mechanism and tire/wheel assembly that makes up Fat Track for the larger 3900/5900 has a high cost when compared to a fixed front tire. As you know, the 3400 is Graco's "entry level" model, but the 3400's quality is getting to the point of everyday use machine.

I just bought a new LLIV 3400 and love it . $3000 at the local Sherwin Williams. Some on the forum called it a "Popcorn" striper.....in other words a toy.......but I can eat popcorn all day and not get full unlike fishing weights (3900/5900/Speeflo) . 130lbs is like pushing around an empty wheel barrow. The smaller font wheel has no tracking problems etc. Straight as an arrow. The 3400 has the swivel wheel and remote release/lock mechanism just like the 3900 and 5900 but a smaller fork and tire size. Otherwise the caster set up on the 3400 looks to be identical in design to it's big brothers. You do realize the old 3000 Model had a fixed front wheel ......the whole machine was a wasted concept. The new 3400 shouldn't even be compared to the aborted 3000 design. I have a second one on order coming in on the 25th of this month. I can get two of these going for not much more than one larger machine. This way I can cost effectively run two colors and have a second machine in case one goes down. I also picked up the extra pump end for each machine for a $100/ea. from the Graco promo so I have two extra pumps on the job to keep me going indefinitely. My though is the smaller machines will wear out the pump faster but are a third of the cost to repair or replace. The larger machines will pump longer but cost three times the amount to fix. If the hydro unit ever goes out on a Speeflo then who knows what that will cost .Large and small machines are likely very even for repair cost over time dollar for dollar. To me it was a matter of 130lbs compared to 250lbs or my Speeflo at 280lbs . The pump is really the only consumable piece on either unit that was given my consideration.

My 3000 was wonderful except when I couldn't get it to prime....which was always.. We leave paint in machines 24/7. The 3000 never would hold up to the task so I sold it after replacing the pump. I loved the fixed front wheel. It was so well balanced it took no effort to turn by lifting the front wheel just a tad. I didn't like the way the handle connected to the frame because it didn't readily allow connecting to a LL. The new 3400's are set up really trick. Great new changes. The small front wheel is of no consequence if you are pushing it with a LL or LD (especailly if you stripe from the back wheel.)

I have a friend who has used a Graco 3000 for years, and always leaves water-based paint in it, he uses it everyday, and has no priming problems as you describe (meaning all the time), granted, i remember it happening twice in a 3 year period, and he has used it 4 to 5 years. Why you are always so quick to snap out a demeaning word about Graco STRIPES Is BEYOND ME....I think you have found your favorite machine, TITAN...but Graco's are perfect, I would go either way myself, even though i know the pros and cons with both brands.

I think you need to be more specific. STRIPES isn't a Titan guy, he's a Titan Speeflo man. Those are some tough machines, but they sure aren't as ergonomic as a Graco, and maybe not a tough.

As far as the pump on the 3400....it is completely different than the old 3000 design. Basically the pump used on the "Larger" LL3500 stripers. It is interesting to see that two of you leave paint in your machine all of the time. Latex at that. Is this a pretty common practice among most here on the forum?? Maybe 'cause I'm a newbie to the airless thing.........but I flush the pump out with mineral spirits at the end of every day even if I am going to use it the next day. If it is going to sit more than one day I flush the hose and gun as well.

BS, If you'll note, I've always been complementary of Graco with respect to their innovative ideas, improved ergonomics, ... they are a better machine almost in every way. Except for the Graco HS 200 which I think is the best machine on the market when coupled with a Lazyliner. Too heavy for pushing (again, my opinion). Regardless of the equipment I'm using whether it is a short throw pump that won't pump, or a Briggs and Stratton that won't start, I am very short fused when something doesn't work. But, I'm explosive if I can't get whatever to work expeditiously. Time is money! With Speeflos, their simple design allows for immediate diagnosis. My "snap" is a reflection of real life bad experiences from trying to diagnose and fix machines having short throw pumps, the additional clutches relays, electronics, etc. (Not just Gracos, Speeflo has 'em too!). With the short throw pump/electronic clutch set up, any problem is not immediately apparent even if it is insignificant i.e. trash on the intake, a ball sticking in the bottom of the pump, paint too thick to draw, etc. etc. etc. In other words, the problem may not even be with the machine but you still have to sift through the possibilities. For our operation, simplicity overshadows bells and whistles. Gracos are the most refined striping machine on the market, but I believe they went the wrong direction on the new pump system. It is clear they are almost fail-safe but if you have a problem, you're often down till you get it to the shop. I didn't know the 3400 has the guts of the 3500. You probably won't have as many problems as I with the 3000s I've owned. I didn't know the 3400s had an upgraded pump. If that is the case, you may be on to something as far as having a "fleet" of them. Possibly a good idea! BTW I have two of the Graco pre-3500 pumps that you can have. They are connected to two of the old style Honda motors. They run and pump but it isn't worth it to me to try to use them even for blue. I don't recommend leaving latex in a machine for any length of time regardless of those reporting no problems. The solids will settle much faster than alkyd. With luck the only problem you may experience is a stopped-up hose. However it can and will easily lock up and fry a pump if you happen to leave it in too long. (Happended to me.) Latex is also much more abrasive than alkyd. As such, more damaging to pumps and tips. Our not using latex (except when necessary) certainly attributes to never having to replace or overhaul any Speeflo pump.....ever.

One thing I have found with the Graco that I really like...........when you get to the bottom of a bucket and start sucking air all you have to do is put another 5 on the machine, prime the pump and keep going. On my Speeflo I have to prime the pump and also run enough material through the hose to get any air out of the line. The Graco saves me a lot of time and frustration because of this. Every time I sucked air with Speeflo all I can think about is this lengthy process that I was having to go through each time. The Graco is a treat! Drop a 5 and go. I love it when something works in my favor especially when it comes to equipment design. Is this difference typical between the Graco and Speeflo machines??? If it is......for that alone you couldn't give me another Speeflo....Sorry HEY!!!!!!! Who stole my Karma Doesn't anybody love me??

can anyone tell me how many feet you should get from a 5 gal pain of oil paint and how long to put that down

A lot of variables here I figure 300 - 400 lin.ft . per gallon or 15 - 20 20' stripes per gallon. On the lower side for new A/C or a restripe that is very worn out etc. If the old stripes are in pretty good shape then I will shoot for the high side considering all they are looking for is a spruce-up job. The amount of time depends on how fast you can paint that many lines and manage the job efficiently. You should be able to paint the 100 stripes in about 30 minutes but it is not likely the job conditions will allow you that.

thanks that confirms what i have been told by the painters. 1250 feet per 5 gal although up here it is in litres (these guys are paid by the hour so speed isnt one of there focal points...lol

1250 for a 5 is a bit skinny for me. Strangely enough I feel pretty bad when I walk away from a job and didn't use the amount of material that I should have. Kind if a sinking feeling. I should have done better. Good questions and answers as simple as they may seem can get you Karma

i agree with that. although the paint we use is an alykalid paint and when it sets up is a good solid line.....i think they do go heavier than they say