ddb123
Platinum Member
I read your other posts and I'm sorry to hear about your other tractor.
It sounds like you would definitely prefer the HST for your uses. I started with a gear model, and although I did like it and gear does have its charm (my cars and trucks always have and always will be manual transmissions), in a tractor you need to be paying more attention to what you are DOING than shifting and slipping the clutch just right and giving it just the right throttle. The HST is a miracle and it lets you focus on the task at hand. I went from a fully paid-for gear tractor to a now-in-lots-of-debt HST tractor and it was absolutely worth it. I intentionally riled up the crowd with my first post (I thought it was funny), but the fact is, for most people most of the time in a "home use" situation like you described, the HST is hands-down the best option.
For six acres, you'd probably be fine with the B3200, although if you don't need a mid pto the B3300 is probably a better value. If your terrain is hilly at all, you would probably benefit from the wider wheelbase of the L3200. Try out the 3pt with an implement hooked up before you buy, as the dreaded "jerky 3pt hitch" is the bane of the standard L series Kubotas. I really love the B series Kubotas, but I went with a larger tractor because weight is usually your tractoring friend. I have never regretted the extra size and weight of my tractor compared to the B3300 I almost got instead (on the contrary, I'm almost always happy that I have more ground clearance and more weight -- aka traction).
My hearty recommendation would be to get an L3200 and be sure to avoid the jerky 3pt hitch -- it only effects some of the particular tractors. Although they both have the same hp, the engine will never notice the additional weight. But the tires will, in terms of increased traction. You may be thinking that the smaller B3200 would be better for around the house, and you would be correct to an extent, but the HST gives you such precise control that you will confidently operate an L3200 near your home. L3200s aren't that big, anyway.
My girlfriend wouldn't touch my gear L4300, but she competently operates my HST L3540.
I can't speak to differences in resale value, nor to maintenance. I have always heard that HSTs are bullet proof (you'll never have another wasted clutch), and I do think it's telling that large machinery often has an HST. They really are maintenance-free except for changing the fluids.
It sounds like you would definitely prefer the HST for your uses. I started with a gear model, and although I did like it and gear does have its charm (my cars and trucks always have and always will be manual transmissions), in a tractor you need to be paying more attention to what you are DOING than shifting and slipping the clutch just right and giving it just the right throttle. The HST is a miracle and it lets you focus on the task at hand. I went from a fully paid-for gear tractor to a now-in-lots-of-debt HST tractor and it was absolutely worth it. I intentionally riled up the crowd with my first post (I thought it was funny), but the fact is, for most people most of the time in a "home use" situation like you described, the HST is hands-down the best option.
For six acres, you'd probably be fine with the B3200, although if you don't need a mid pto the B3300 is probably a better value. If your terrain is hilly at all, you would probably benefit from the wider wheelbase of the L3200. Try out the 3pt with an implement hooked up before you buy, as the dreaded "jerky 3pt hitch" is the bane of the standard L series Kubotas. I really love the B series Kubotas, but I went with a larger tractor because weight is usually your tractoring friend. I have never regretted the extra size and weight of my tractor compared to the B3300 I almost got instead (on the contrary, I'm almost always happy that I have more ground clearance and more weight -- aka traction).
My hearty recommendation would be to get an L3200 and be sure to avoid the jerky 3pt hitch -- it only effects some of the particular tractors. Although they both have the same hp, the engine will never notice the additional weight. But the tires will, in terms of increased traction. You may be thinking that the smaller B3200 would be better for around the house, and you would be correct to an extent, but the HST gives you such precise control that you will confidently operate an L3200 near your home. L3200s aren't that big, anyway.
My girlfriend wouldn't touch my gear L4300, but she competently operates my HST L3540.
I can't speak to differences in resale value, nor to maintenance. I have always heard that HSTs are bullet proof (you'll never have another wasted clutch), and I do think it's telling that large machinery often has an HST. They really are maintenance-free except for changing the fluids.
