Kubota B3030

[sugarloafguy]

Hi Guys,

I had some spare time Fri so I spent most of it trying tractors. Lucky for me the Green, Blue and one Orange guy let me get them dirty. I like the Kubota B3030 but was REALLY annoyed by what I feel is excessive floorboard vibration on this machine. Both the ROPS and the cab model had it, though the B2630 seemed a little less so but still noticeable. Overall, a nice unit. I spent lots of time on the other brands, Deere 2520, NH TC26DA/31DA and Bobcat CT120&225 and Cub Yanmar EX3200. None had any floorboard vibration of any sort. I like that 4 cyl motor. What is up with this?

Brian

[smfcpacfp]

My B3030 cab model has zero vibration.

[Crash101]

Vibration is a constant problem with inline 4 cylinder engines. A 720 degree firing cycle divided by 4 inline cylinders always equals 180 degrees. 2 pistons up and 2 pistons down. This design doesn't allow a fliud firing cycle motion like a 3, 5, 6, or 8 cylinder engine. Instead it is, up fire down fire, up fire etc. A 3 cylinder engine (2630) fires at 240 degrees (although only 3 bangs per cycle), which in theory should produce a smoother cycle. With a stroke of 3.1 inches, the vibration of a 3030 may be so slight that only some notice it.
Manufacturers use vibration dampners in larger displacement 4 cylinder engines and therefore may be a reason it's felt more with some than others.

[Lindy]

I've noticed it a little bit, but it's not enough to bother me at all. It seems very dependent upon RPM. If it's vibrating, I just change the throttle a bit and it goes away.

Didn't notice it when I was demoing/buying the tractor, but after I purchased the tractor I read a few comments about it. That sort of sensitized me to it.

I can use my B3030 for hours at a time, and the vibrations (what little there is) don't bother me at all. For me it's a non-issue.

YMMV.

[msiewert96]

So what was your verdict, which did you like best, I like the Bobcat models you drove too but seem a little cramped plus I can;t stand the gas tank hangin off the back like that

Originally Posted by sugarloafguy

Hi Guys,

I had some spare time Fri so I spent most of it trying tractors. Lucky for me the Green, Blue and one Orange guy let me get them dirty. I like the Kubota B3030 but was REALLY annoyed by what I feel is excessive floorboard vibration on this machine. Both the ROPS and the cab model had it, though the B2630 seemed a little less so but still noticeable. Overall, a nice unit. I spent lots of time on the other brands, Deere 2520, NH TC26DA/31DA and Bobcat CT120&225 and Cub Yanmar EX3200. None had any floorboard vibration of any sort. I like that 4 cyl motor. What is up with this?

Brian

[ChuckinNH]

The Bobcat tractors are white Kioti's with Rhino loaders.

[msiewert96]

Yes I know Bobcat is Kioti but there is not a single Kioti dealer in WI, that either tells me something or they have turned the reigns over to Bobcat

[Charlesaf3]

haven't really noticed any out of the ordinary vibration in my b3030. Great little tractor.

That said, as a tractor, I'm not expecting a vibration free experience, - it sure does vibrate more than my truck, but that's normal I assume?

[sugarloafguy]

Hi Guys,

As far as the machines tested, they are all very nice. I like the Kubota powertrain and the rear fender and cockpit area. Definitely feels like quality. I kinda would like to do the cold climate version of the cab. Overall, the machines listed in my post above are fantastic. Bobcat has done a few little things like 2 different seat and "trim" levels that I like. The Rhino loader is fine-I have used both it and Kioti and both are good with a slight lift advantage to the Kioti but I like the Rhino design.

The Deere is great but I noticed it is physically smaller than the 2630 Kub and seems to have a little less ground clearance. This machine is super smooth and like the Hydro pedals, loader on/off and quick detach on the bucket itself. Hate the Mickey Mouse 3 PH arrangement that scrapes tires, blower that vibrates and is too small for the tractor and out of all the machines I have tried that are not even mentioed above no decent remote HYD kit with intregrated valve for my 3ph blower chute rotator.

In the end, I think it will be that NH26DA, This tractor has the least things I find annoying. It has a great 3ph setup, the heaviest loader in its class, nice sized pistons and excellent lift capacity. I liked the fiberglass hood with a piston underneath, the controls, save for that new loader valve all have a high quality feel, the engine was super smooth, almost no hydro whine and super ergonomic. The mmm is about 100 pounds heavier than deere and Kub and all the mounting hardware, guage wheels and such is more rugged. The cushion lift spring system works VERY well and the time I spent on the machine cutting grass had zero vibration. Actually had to look under the tractor to see if the belt was spinning. Overally the best machine I tested for a mowing (lawn) tractor with a loader you would not be scared to pick up a bucket of crushed rock with.

In conclusion, The Kubota is the best overall machine in it's size range and for me the best for parts and the best on price. The deere has better ergonomics than KUB and is still a contender. The NH will prob win even though it is the smallest footprint in the bunch and BY FAR the most expensive here in New England. I almost forgot, The white tractors at Bobcat of NH are sweet and they are a pleasure to deal with.

Brian

[stimpee]

Interesting that you conclude that the Kubota is the best overall machine in its size range yet choose the NH?

In any case, I just bought a B3030 Kubota with the 72" MMM and 403 loader with ATI QA 60" heavy duty bucket.

I love it. It may vibrate a bit. Doesn't bother me. With ear protection (which everyone is using, right?), I can barely even tell the mower is running. The 72" mower kicks butt, and the tractor is a joy to drive.

I have only had the loader on/off one time, and have been able to either get it off, or on, within about 2-3 minutes. Easy as pie. Lucky for me I have a concrete floor in the barn to be able to store it level, which I am sure makes it easy.

I have put a bit over 5-5.5 hours on my tractor in the past 10 days, and have not even used 1/2 tank of fuel yet, which to me seems pretty decent!

I need to get my ballast box filled for the back so I can have a bit more fun with the loader though!

Steve