Torn between what to buy

Hi MAtt,

Welcome to MTF!

Those are some nice tractors you're considering. My gut reaction is that a larger B Series should more than do the trick for you -- heck there are folks with similar task lists that end up in a BX.

But wait to hear what some of the other Kubota guys think. They will be along in time and I'm sure you'll get some great advice from them.

My only other piece of advice is to bundle as many components together as you can at initial purchase, to drive a better deal and get the advantage of 0% financing. So price the mower deck too. And, it is hard to dig trenches or pull stumps with a loader -- backhoe is what you'll want. (Or you can rent a mini-excavator.)

I love my B2620, would like a little big bigger like the 3300SU but don't really need it (3acres soon to be 5). If you don't have a need for a MMM and its open enough to work with the extra size I would lean more towards the "L" for heavier loader work. The "L" is overall heavier and have more lift capacity/height, also the L3200 have position control on the 3pt.
I love my "B", but with what I use it for I would probably go with one of the smaller "L's" instead.

Brad

Start with a good, used tractor loader backhoe: B20, B21, L35, or L39. These are tough construction-grade tractors that generally come with a backhoe. As times progress, you may get another tractor dedicated to mowing or 3-pt hitch work, but you will always have a backhoe, ready to work.
Good Luck

I will not be doing much mowing until the yard is leveled and planted. I still will have the old TO-20 until It dies to leave the mower on. I am looking more for long term do it all tractor. I take care of my equipment so plan on passing this one on to my daughter when I get to old to use it. The heavy excavation work is done now it's mostly cleanup and maintenance. I know a do it all tractor does not mean it does all well but it beats the long handle tool method.

I have 5 acres as well, and have done most of my projects with a B7100 16hp 4wd. As far as stumps, I have a old Bobcat skid-steer for stumps, and major ground alterations. Nothing does the big jobs better than a skid-steer. I only paid $1800 for a nice used one on CL. You can always rent a backhoe attachment for whatever tractor you end up with, You wont need it nearly as much as you think, once the big jobs are done. I like to mow with smaller garden tractors, because I have too many trees.

Have you looked and driven both? When you do (or have) the big difference is what Kubota refers to for the 2 units. The B3200 is the premium line, FEL joystick integrated next to the seat, rubber deck without "hump", 4 cylinder vs 3. The next big difference is the weight, and where it's been put, check out the rear end on both and you will see a significantly heaver duty "bottom end" and Front, all around the L3200 just looks beefier (the L3800 same frame just 5+ HP). Mid PTO is standard on B and not listed on L (and from PDF spec sheet no "option" notation). Belly or Mid Mount mowing, with Mid PTO drive over deck on "B" seems more convenient, if finish mower is used with 3 pt hitch then it's a push. (and they are much less money)

B3200 - "quarter Inching" and L3200 is Position Control for the 3 point hitch lift. This is personal preference and must be experienced. I understand quarter inching and see it's benefit. (this from someone that is buying a Position Control unit)

Decision, it's going to come down to the weight and if you need it. If it was a single purchase and only purchase then I'd lean towards the L3200 and the weight advantage, and what I assume the ability of the "L" to bounce around the farm, over hill and dale, woods and water, etc, and continue to take a beating on that massive undercarriage.

I have yet to find a dealer within 50 miles of here that has either with the Loader on it. I sat on a L-3800 with loader and looked it over but It was sold so I was not able to run it. With Diesel being over $4.00 a gallon I hate to run all over the countryside to look for one that is complete.

Both the L-3200 and B-3300SU do not have Mid PTO and the prices are within 1000 bucks of each other.

I am heading out again today to drive the bare tractors but I am leaning towards the L. it just seems built a little heavier and my area is far from flat and smooth.

Harley27, in all the models and makes of tractors, you couldn't have picked compareing 2models w/more over lap in capabilities than the two you've picked, Kubota, in it's zeal to cover all the bases, can get to be very comfusing as you're finding out

The B3300SU is one of the largest offering in the SubCut class and is the largest in the basic economy B class. It also carries a special low price due to it being a special ''package" offering. it doesn't include a mid PTO and theres not kit to add one, at least not at this time. The SU means "special utility" and includes the FEL

The L3200 is the smallest offering in Kubota's CUT class. Like the B3300Su it's considered a basic and/or economy model.
Even tho they are close in price, there are some pretty distinct differences.

The L3200 is physically bigger, has more "working" power (mainly in the hydraulc 3ph & FEL), is heavier (which gives better traction in dirt, mud, snow etc) and has position control on the 3PH. A mid PTO can be added to the L3200 as there is an OEM kit available. The L has heavier duty framing and components (HST, hydraulic circuit including the 3ph).
The L would definitely be the better choice if you were going to plow & disc.
Some would argue that the 3 cylinder is smoother and produces more low end torque over a comparably sized 4 cylinder but thats a debate for another thread (theres a few here already )

The B3300SU is almost and just about a CUT, except for it's slightly lower weight and hydraulic power. Even tho Kubota doesn't offer a SSQA, aftermarket outfits such a ATI do make universal SSQA kits to add to B series FEL's and some have said the setup isn't too expensive and is close in $$$ to the OEM QA.
The advantage the B3300SU would have is it's lower weight footprint. This would be advantageuos when operating on turf and on finished surfaces.
Otherwise, they can both do about the same things equally.

As you have probably found out, there is a difference between them when sitting in the seat.
I'd say either would work for you. Go w/the one that "feels" the best.
Good luck
Dave

Drove both tractors today and I am still where I was before.

B-3300SU

pros- turns tighter, smoother at idle, I like where the loader valve is, very comfortable. $1100 less

Cons- seemed kinda jerky with bare tractor starting out and stopping. (could just be the 33hp on a light tractor) HST foot control kind of far apart.

Three point was hard to tell with nothing on it how smooth it is.


L-3200

pros-Much heaver built, huge front axle compared to the B, Large cast rear axle. Comfortable, smooth operation. SL/QA bucket

Cons- the extra money, not as nimble in tight spaces, would probably burn more fuel.

both machines feel great, plenty of power, easy to operate. But deciding will be tough. :dunno:

Your last post I think you answered the question. For $600+ always go with the L series. Just plain heavier made for you.


Dave Pidgeon

Gundoctor said:

Your last post I think you answered the question. For $600+ always go with the L series. Just plain heavier made for you.


Dave Pidgeon

Click to expand...

Dave, very nice L!

However, looking at the o.p. planned tasks:

I need to maintain a long driveway, grade off a one acre area and dig several ditches for wiring, water and drainage, move several small stumps, mow 5 acres and who knows what else i would get into.

Click to expand...

It just seems like an L series is overkill. Once the primary tasks are completed, he's left primarily with mowing. I can't imagine using an L as my lawn mower, even for 5 acres.

I would think a B could easily handle his tasks and would be more size/weight appropriate for his on-going requirements. (But I would want one with a mid-pto.)

I agree with Urbantractor. While it would pay off the get the heavier tractor for an extra few bucks, it that tractor is too big for your needs, then why do it? From the description, either one will more than fit the bill. He should go drive both, and see which one suits him better- it will probably come to that, instead of which one will hold up better to his uses.

UrbanTractor said:

Dave, very nice L!

However, looking at the o.p. planned tasks:



It just seems like an L series is overkill. Once the primary tasks are completed, he's left primarily with mowing. I can't imagine using an L as my lawn mower, even for 5 acres.

I would think a B could easily handle his tasks and would be more size/weight appropriate for his on-going requirements. (But I would want one with a mid-pto.)

Click to expand...

thats what I am wondering, This all started as a friend loaning me A B7800 HST with loader and BH. I liked it and when I went looking all the 30HP range tractors are in the 24k range where as he bought his for 21500. in 2008. the B3200 is actually higher than the B-3300. The only reason I was looking at the L 3200 is it is the same price range with better loader disconnect.

Originally I just wanted a 30 HP setup like the B7800

harley27 said:

thats what I am wondering, This all started as a friend loaning me A B7800 HST with loader and BH. I liked it and when I went looking all the 30HP range tractors are in the 24k range where as he bought his for 21500. in 2008. the B3200 is actually higher than the B-3300. The only reason I was looking at the L 3200 is it is the same price range with better loader disconnect.

Originally I just wanted a 30 HP setup like the B7800

Click to expand...

In your initial post, you mentioned the tasks you plan to tackle, and I replied that many people would do all that with a BX25. Or they would be wondering if they should bump up to a small-frame B (2320, 2620, 2920 -- and I suspect the experienced guys on MTF would encourage them to do that.) But your property and jobs may be bigger than I am reading.

Just remember though, that those larger B and L series tractors have other costs associated with them other than just the purchase price. All the implements will need to be properly sized and heavier duty (more $). It may be more difficult to do the maintenance yourself. Those wheel/tire sets are actually huge compared to the BX and smaller B series, so you probably won't be swapping your own tires (if they're filled), and tire replacement will cost you a lot more $$$$.

Just some things to think about. It would be interesting to do a price comparison on the B2920, which gets you pretty darn close to that 30 hp range you were shooting for.

Don't get too torqued over this, though. You are going to end up with a great machine no matter which way you go.

I read somewhere once, figure out the right size tractor you need and then go one bigger. I bought the BX25 a couple years ago and afterwards wished I got the B series. I traded in the BX last summer for the B3200 and now like the L's. In 5 years I'll have the M series or B21 and probably caused my divorce. :00000061:

Finally decided to buy the B3300, went to go do the deal and they gave me a great deal on a B3200 with loader, Q/A bucket, BH, forks. It was a win win for me, same price as the 3300 with mid PTO if i ever decide to get a MMM. I should get it next Saturday. I even got a Free Kubota suicide know and teddy bear for my daughter lol. I am just glad it is over, now i can get to work!

Thank you all for the help. I will post pics when i get it.