Kubota B3030 Reviews
Kubota B3030
Model Year: 2010
It is a nice tractor I like the extra features on it. Performance has been good so far. Only trouble has a hydraulic leak on a quick disconnect on loader. The service manager at my nearby dealer has not impressed me one bit thus far.
Pros: Horsepower.
Cons: Could use weight.
Model Year: 2010
It is a nice tractor I like the extra features on it. Performance has been good so far. Only trouble has a hydraulic leak on a quick disconnect on loader. The service manager at my nearby dealer has not impressed me one bit thus far.
Pros: Horsepower.
Cons: Could use weight.
Kubota B3030 HST
Model Year: 2008
This is a great machine! I just wish I had it 20 yrs. ago. I bought it used with 70 hrs. on the clock with a bucket and mid-mount 60" mower. I found a used front mount snow-blower off a b2910 that was in great shape and modified the mount to fit the B3030. It takes a little longer to mount but for the price savings over new, I'll take the time. I have since bought a box scraper and a bagger system. I have no complaints at all with the tractor. I love it!
Pros: Easy to use. Plenty of power. Sips fuel.
Cons: Brake on right side is a pain but you don't use it much. No lights on dash needles.
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Model Year: 2008
This is a great machine! I just wish I had it 20 yrs. ago. I bought it used with 70 hrs. on the clock with a bucket and mid-mount 60" mower. I found a used front mount snow-blower off a b2910 that was in great shape and modified the mount to fit the B3030. It takes a little longer to mount but for the price savings over new, I'll take the time. I have since bought a box scraper and a bagger system. I have no complaints at all with the tractor. I love it!
Pros: Easy to use. Plenty of power. Sips fuel.
Cons: Brake on right side is a pain but you don't use it much. No lights on dash needles.
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Uneven Loader
Model Year: 2009
Great tractor but the loader has never been level. After calls to dealer and Kubota and 4 years later nothing was ever done. Overall been a great tractor and would give it a great review but the uneven loader still has me pissed for the money I spent.
Pros: Just the right size.
Cons: Support.
Model Year: 2009
Great tractor but the loader has never been level. After calls to dealer and Kubota and 4 years later nothing was ever done. Overall been a great tractor and would give it a great review but the uneven loader still has me pissed for the money I spent.
Pros: Just the right size.
Cons: Support.
First Tractor
Model Year: 2007
The Kubota was my first venture into the world of tractors. I researched and shopped both on the internet and locally (within 100miles) and was trying to decide on which of three brands to go with. The Case dealer was not real friendly when he found out that I was not going to buy one of his big tractors (looking for a 30 horse). As this was my first tractor I had a lot of questions as I had several implements I wanted to use with it (I now have 5 three point tools and am looking for a couple more) but he was very abrupt and kept wondering off. So I decided not to go with Case. Massey Ferguson was another choice. Seemed to have everything I needed but the local dealer went out of business right after I talked to him. The Kubota Dealers in Athens AL and Huntsville were all over it. When I walked into the Athens dealership the owner came up to meet me and started asking me a bunch of questions about what I would be doing with the equipment today and in the future. He explained in great detail the tractor I was looking at as well as another style and compared all the implements I would like to have and how each tractor would handle the equipment. He then opened the big showroom door, explained how the tractor worked, and had me drive it around. I was impressed and knew this was the one I wanted, but I was hesitant because the Kubota was not a cheap purchase. Christmas rolled around about a month later. My wife had the Kubota tractor sitting in our backyard that morning. I have no regrets with the tractor nor the company. Kubota as well as the Athens and Huntsville dealerships have been great. The tractor is "stored" outside in the weather but it has not given me a moments trouble. Strong, sturdy, rugged, dependable. Come spring I am considering giving this one to my father in law and getting the next size up.
Pros: Super easy to drive/work. Dealer is easy to reach and talk to. Very dependable. Very very stout tractor.
Cons: Parts/filters/etc. can only be purchased from the dealer and they are seldom open when I get off work or weekends.
Model Year: 2007
The Kubota was my first venture into the world of tractors. I researched and shopped both on the internet and locally (within 100miles) and was trying to decide on which of three brands to go with. The Case dealer was not real friendly when he found out that I was not going to buy one of his big tractors (looking for a 30 horse). As this was my first tractor I had a lot of questions as I had several implements I wanted to use with it (I now have 5 three point tools and am looking for a couple more) but he was very abrupt and kept wondering off. So I decided not to go with Case. Massey Ferguson was another choice. Seemed to have everything I needed but the local dealer went out of business right after I talked to him. The Kubota Dealers in Athens AL and Huntsville were all over it. When I walked into the Athens dealership the owner came up to meet me and started asking me a bunch of questions about what I would be doing with the equipment today and in the future. He explained in great detail the tractor I was looking at as well as another style and compared all the implements I would like to have and how each tractor would handle the equipment. He then opened the big showroom door, explained how the tractor worked, and had me drive it around. I was impressed and knew this was the one I wanted, but I was hesitant because the Kubota was not a cheap purchase. Christmas rolled around about a month later. My wife had the Kubota tractor sitting in our backyard that morning. I have no regrets with the tractor nor the company. Kubota as well as the Athens and Huntsville dealerships have been great. The tractor is "stored" outside in the weather but it has not given me a moments trouble. Strong, sturdy, rugged, dependable. Come spring I am considering giving this one to my father in law and getting the next size up.
Pros: Super easy to drive/work. Dealer is easy to reach and talk to. Very dependable. Very very stout tractor.
Cons: Parts/filters/etc. can only be purchased from the dealer and they are seldom open when I get off work or weekends.
Excellent
Model Year: 2007
Performance is 4 star because I think it's a little underweight.
Pros: Great all-around.
Cons: None.
Model Year: 2007
Performance is 4 star because I think it's a little underweight.
Pros: Great all-around.
Cons: None.
Everything Needed in a Short Frame Package
Model Year: 2003
The B3030HST has a short frame with the 30hp engine, which gives it a level of tight quarter handling with power I have not had with 30hp tractors. We have a very rough and hilly area and the 4WD and low range is great. I have yet to topple it even when I have had to use it as a rock crawler. Possible to work in pens and small areas with ease. The slightly shorter frame really helps out. Front loader is good, box scraper, landscape rake, post hole digger, mower and chipper work fine. Fuel mileage is fine, and reliable. I have used in a stationary setting running a generator and does not seem to over heat. Also have used L2800, also 30hp, but it is on a longer, and slightly higher frame. The L series might work better on a field setting, but on uneven ground or hillsides is not as stable.
Pros: Powerful in a small size.
Cons: Needs a tool box.
Model Year: 2003
The B3030HST has a short frame with the 30hp engine, which gives it a level of tight quarter handling with power I have not had with 30hp tractors. We have a very rough and hilly area and the 4WD and low range is great. I have yet to topple it even when I have had to use it as a rock crawler. Possible to work in pens and small areas with ease. The slightly shorter frame really helps out. Front loader is good, box scraper, landscape rake, post hole digger, mower and chipper work fine. Fuel mileage is fine, and reliable. I have used in a stationary setting running a generator and does not seem to over heat. Also have used L2800, also 30hp, but it is on a longer, and slightly higher frame. The L series might work better on a field setting, but on uneven ground or hillsides is not as stable.
Pros: Powerful in a small size.
Cons: Needs a tool box.
2005 Kubota B3030
Model Year: 2005
I love this tractor! I bought it used with 106 hrs. (garaged) for $17K. It has the BH75 (Backhoe) and LA403 (loader), and sports industrial tires. It was in nearly perfect condition. Before this tractor, I had a full-size Case 580 TLB w/4-way bucket and extend-a-hoe. While the Kubota doesn't have the work capacity of the Case, it makes up for it in oh-so-many ways. I've since acquired a 5' box scraper, post hole digger, and a 5' brush mower (Kodiak). Try that with a Case TLB! It scrapes my 1/4 mi. long gravel driveway just fine, which I was initially worried about due to its light weight. I can drive it just about anywhere and it doesn't get bogged down as easily in wet conditions as a heavier machine, which means I can use it for more of the year. It's also easy on fuel. I'm tending to use it more and more for things I would previously do by hand. It's my new wheel barrow, shovel, pick, jack, etc.! The BH comes off and on quite easily, and it digs in our hard, rocky ground much better than expected. I found a wider bucket for moving material faster, and installed a canopy, which is great for working in the sun or rain. In general, I would highly recommend this tractor.
Pros: Excellent power to weight, compact, reliable.
Cons: Uncomfortable seat, 2 seats for BH and tractor (vice 1), cockpit plastics feel kind of cheap.
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Model Year: 2005
I love this tractor! I bought it used with 106 hrs. (garaged) for $17K. It has the BH75 (Backhoe) and LA403 (loader), and sports industrial tires. It was in nearly perfect condition. Before this tractor, I had a full-size Case 580 TLB w/4-way bucket and extend-a-hoe. While the Kubota doesn't have the work capacity of the Case, it makes up for it in oh-so-many ways. I've since acquired a 5' box scraper, post hole digger, and a 5' brush mower (Kodiak). Try that with a Case TLB! It scrapes my 1/4 mi. long gravel driveway just fine, which I was initially worried about due to its light weight. I can drive it just about anywhere and it doesn't get bogged down as easily in wet conditions as a heavier machine, which means I can use it for more of the year. It's also easy on fuel. I'm tending to use it more and more for things I would previously do by hand. It's my new wheel barrow, shovel, pick, jack, etc.! The BH comes off and on quite easily, and it digs in our hard, rocky ground much better than expected. I found a wider bucket for moving material faster, and installed a canopy, which is great for working in the sun or rain. In general, I would highly recommend this tractor.
Pros: Excellent power to weight, compact, reliable.
Cons: Uncomfortable seat, 2 seats for BH and tractor (vice 1), cockpit plastics feel kind of cheap.
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Don't Buy the B3030 Cab w/air
Model Year: 2010
I have owned 3 kubota's in my lifetime. A 1979 17hp, and a 2005 BX2300. And by far this brand new B3030 is a lemon. I have had it overheat on me 50% of the time I have operated it. The dealer has replaced thermostats and most recently a radiator. I am so disappointed with this machine. Thy cab noise is so bad I wear my rifle ear muffs and the AC works for about 20 minutes before it goes hot. I feel certain this has to do with the overheating of the engine. The tractor is beautiful, but it is not engineered to handle all of the bells and whistles they put on it. I paid over 25k for the belly mover and front end loader and cab w AC. It is also garage kept so there is no excuse for the poor performance on this tractor. Do not buy one of these! You will be angry you spent money for the convenience of it all and it won't run for over thirty minutes before overheating! Sorry, but I'm not a novice at operating a tractor so all of the cleaning one should do to ensure the radiator is freed from dirt and silt has been done, but it doesn't matter!
Pros: Size and appearance.
Cons: It won't run long enough to enjoy it!
Model Year: 2010
I have owned 3 kubota's in my lifetime. A 1979 17hp, and a 2005 BX2300. And by far this brand new B3030 is a lemon. I have had it overheat on me 50% of the time I have operated it. The dealer has replaced thermostats and most recently a radiator. I am so disappointed with this machine. Thy cab noise is so bad I wear my rifle ear muffs and the AC works for about 20 minutes before it goes hot. I feel certain this has to do with the overheating of the engine. The tractor is beautiful, but it is not engineered to handle all of the bells and whistles they put on it. I paid over 25k for the belly mover and front end loader and cab w AC. It is also garage kept so there is no excuse for the poor performance on this tractor. Do not buy one of these! You will be angry you spent money for the convenience of it all and it won't run for over thirty minutes before overheating! Sorry, but I'm not a novice at operating a tractor so all of the cleaning one should do to ensure the radiator is freed from dirt and silt has been done, but it doesn't matter!
Pros: Size and appearance.
Cons: It won't run long enough to enjoy it!
Winter Work
Model Year: 2010
First year for me with a tractor that has a heated cab. Very heavy snow all winter and the 3030 was a wonder to work with. Being warm was the best bonus. Even on cold days working in the spacious cab (for a small tractor) was a pleasure. Hardly had to put the heat on most days to stay warm and the Kub had lots of power to run the Puma 54" blower. Only complaint is engine noise while at power (2200 rpm). Other than this one thing I am quite satisfied with the tractor. Now, summer and air conditioning, another bonus. No more sweaty hours of mowing the acres and dying in the sun. Can't wait.
Pros: Engine noise.
Cons: Large cab, good heat, easy access, well placed controls, sharp turning radius, air conditioning.
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Model Year: 2010
First year for me with a tractor that has a heated cab. Very heavy snow all winter and the 3030 was a wonder to work with. Being warm was the best bonus. Even on cold days working in the spacious cab (for a small tractor) was a pleasure. Hardly had to put the heat on most days to stay warm and the Kub had lots of power to run the Puma 54" blower. Only complaint is engine noise while at power (2200 rpm). Other than this one thing I am quite satisfied with the tractor. Now, summer and air conditioning, another bonus. No more sweaty hours of mowing the acres and dying in the sun. Can't wait.
Pros: Engine noise.
Cons: Large cab, good heat, easy access, well placed controls, sharp turning radius, air conditioning.
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Kubota B3030HSDC
Model Year: 2011
I traded up from a BX24, primarily due to snow clearing jobs becoming more abundant. What a difference, aside from having a cab. An all around great machine. No complaints or concerns at this point, though I want to get noise cancelling stereo headphones for use with the radio. AND IT FITS in my garage with about 1.5inches of clearance. The door opening is exactly 7 feet.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None yet.
Model Year: 2011
I traded up from a BX24, primarily due to snow clearing jobs becoming more abundant. What a difference, aside from having a cab. An all around great machine. No complaints or concerns at this point, though I want to get noise cancelling stereo headphones for use with the radio. AND IT FITS in my garage with about 1.5inches of clearance. The door opening is exactly 7 feet.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: None yet.
Kubota B3030, LA403 FEL w/ tooth bar, Woods BH80X w/16" bucket and thumb.
Model Year: 2007
What an amazing machine! My river/mountain property has a very steep hill with lots of stumps. This baby with 4WD and HST will back right up that hill, bury the tooth bucket on the FEL, and the BH80 will tear out anything from a scrub tree to a 2' diameter cedar stump. After the 20 stumps were out, I was able to create a terrace with the tooth bucket and the BH (clearing a large shale deposit in the process) and dig footers for three 100' walls with the backhoe. The BH with the thumb also has enough power to pick up a section of 4'x4' sidewalk and load it in a flatbed. Made short work of an old 75' walk. I chose a 16" bucket to dig footers. Two passes with a smaller bucket does a sloppy job. You do lose some digging power. I may get a 9" for smaller ditches/trenches and more power on stumps. Nice features with the B3030 - HST first and foremost, especially if you work on hilly terrain. Cruise control is nice with HST so you don't have to keep your foot on the pedal, as is the tilt steering, which gets the wheel out of your way to get on and off. Combo HST with a MMM and you have an incredibly maneuverable, versatile mower - especially with the quick attach/remove FEL. The 30HP will just pull a 60" Brushbull (bush hog) at half speed, but it's plenty of power for the rest. Downsides and lessons learned: Brakes aren't the best. Get in a routine to release them or you'll drive off and not know they're on (except if you're in High range or try to set the cruise, both of which fail with the brake set). Grease, Grease, Grease! The left pivots on the FEL will fail quickly if you don't. The brakes won't hold on a hill. Backing up and burying the tooth bar on the FEL is the best I've found. Going uphill, you need FEL weight or you lose steering if you have anything on the back (perhaps the same for any tractor). The BH80 is too heavy going up a steep hill, even with an FEL, so steering is a problem if bucket is empty. Most Importantly: The Woods sub frame for the backhoe loosened up and cracked the mounting lugs in the tractor rear axle housings. Thankfully I had a month left on the 2 year warranty. Woods replaced the sub frame with a far beefier one and paid for the replacement of the axle housings. Obviously Woods was aware of the problem as the new frame is much beefier, but I'd never have gotten it if mine hadn't failed under warranty. Also, I'm not so sure about build quality on the BH. The control bolts came loose and I lost all side to side motion. I've had to re-tighten 3 hoses also. All in all, though, it's an incredibly powerful backhoe for a machine this size. One more tip for any FEL. When you pick it up, get the shop to weld a couple chain hooks on the top at each end. Makes lifting with a log chain easy.
Pros: HST, cruise, power, versatility, maneuverability, hill climbing, tilt wheel, quick attach FEL, BH power, & thumb.
Cons: Weak brakes, loose nuts on BH80, weak initial BH sub frame, wish thumb was hydraulic instead of manual.
Model Year: 2007
What an amazing machine! My river/mountain property has a very steep hill with lots of stumps. This baby with 4WD and HST will back right up that hill, bury the tooth bucket on the FEL, and the BH80 will tear out anything from a scrub tree to a 2' diameter cedar stump. After the 20 stumps were out, I was able to create a terrace with the tooth bucket and the BH (clearing a large shale deposit in the process) and dig footers for three 100' walls with the backhoe. The BH with the thumb also has enough power to pick up a section of 4'x4' sidewalk and load it in a flatbed. Made short work of an old 75' walk. I chose a 16" bucket to dig footers. Two passes with a smaller bucket does a sloppy job. You do lose some digging power. I may get a 9" for smaller ditches/trenches and more power on stumps. Nice features with the B3030 - HST first and foremost, especially if you work on hilly terrain. Cruise control is nice with HST so you don't have to keep your foot on the pedal, as is the tilt steering, which gets the wheel out of your way to get on and off. Combo HST with a MMM and you have an incredibly maneuverable, versatile mower - especially with the quick attach/remove FEL. The 30HP will just pull a 60" Brushbull (bush hog) at half speed, but it's plenty of power for the rest. Downsides and lessons learned: Brakes aren't the best. Get in a routine to release them or you'll drive off and not know they're on (except if you're in High range or try to set the cruise, both of which fail with the brake set). Grease, Grease, Grease! The left pivots on the FEL will fail quickly if you don't. The brakes won't hold on a hill. Backing up and burying the tooth bar on the FEL is the best I've found. Going uphill, you need FEL weight or you lose steering if you have anything on the back (perhaps the same for any tractor). The BH80 is too heavy going up a steep hill, even with an FEL, so steering is a problem if bucket is empty. Most Importantly: The Woods sub frame for the backhoe loosened up and cracked the mounting lugs in the tractor rear axle housings. Thankfully I had a month left on the 2 year warranty. Woods replaced the sub frame with a far beefier one and paid for the replacement of the axle housings. Obviously Woods was aware of the problem as the new frame is much beefier, but I'd never have gotten it if mine hadn't failed under warranty. Also, I'm not so sure about build quality on the BH. The control bolts came loose and I lost all side to side motion. I've had to re-tighten 3 hoses also. All in all, though, it's an incredibly powerful backhoe for a machine this size. One more tip for any FEL. When you pick it up, get the shop to weld a couple chain hooks on the top at each end. Makes lifting with a log chain easy.
Pros: HST, cruise, power, versatility, maneuverability, hill climbing, tilt wheel, quick attach FEL, BH power, & thumb.
Cons: Weak brakes, loose nuts on BH80, weak initial BH sub frame, wish thumb was hydraulic instead of manual.
B3030HSDCC
Model Year: 2010
I love my B3030 with the factory cab. I bought it because was having trouble with my Hay Fever and Asthma when mowing my yard. The pressurized and filtered air system on the tractor seems to keep the dust and pollen intake to a minimum. Some people complain about the high center of gravity on hills but I found that if you use common sense when driving on hills the tractor is very sure footed.
Pros: This is a great cab that is easy to drive.
Cons: Typical, noisy hydrostatic drive.
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Model Year: 2010
I love my B3030 with the factory cab. I bought it because was having trouble with my Hay Fever and Asthma when mowing my yard. The pressurized and filtered air system on the tractor seems to keep the dust and pollen intake to a minimum. Some people complain about the high center of gravity on hills but I found that if you use common sense when driving on hills the tractor is very sure footed.
Pros: This is a great cab that is easy to drive.
Cons: Typical, noisy hydrostatic drive.
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B3030 - nice tractor and many upgrades from my 2003 B7800.
Model Year: 2010
I owned a 2003 Kubota B7800 (330 hrs) for seven years and traded it for a cabbed 2010 B3030. The B7800 is a good tractor but I wanted a cab for winter snow blowing. This tractor has exceeded my expectations and works great for 4.5 acres of grass, rotor tilling, snow blowing and other landscaping projects. Kubota products are very reliable and over the last seven years all I have done is the recommended maintenance.
Pros: 3pt hitch - easy to adjust and connect implements- less sway, removable bucket, cab -no dust, no bugs, heat and AC. Comfortable seat, good work lighting.
Cons: Cab Noise- (use am/fm hearing protection with Ipod as the stereo has to turned up to drown out cab noise, no interior light or lighter plug (easy to add).
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Model Year: 2010
I owned a 2003 Kubota B7800 (330 hrs) for seven years and traded it for a cabbed 2010 B3030. The B7800 is a good tractor but I wanted a cab for winter snow blowing. This tractor has exceeded my expectations and works great for 4.5 acres of grass, rotor tilling, snow blowing and other landscaping projects. Kubota products are very reliable and over the last seven years all I have done is the recommended maintenance.
Pros: 3pt hitch - easy to adjust and connect implements- less sway, removable bucket, cab -no dust, no bugs, heat and AC. Comfortable seat, good work lighting.
Cons: Cab Noise- (use am/fm hearing protection with Ipod as the stereo has to turned up to drown out cab noise, no interior light or lighter plug (easy to add).
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Great Tractor
Model Year: 2010
This is my second Kubota Tractor. I own a B7500 along with this B303HSCC unit. So far the tractor has performed with out any flaws. Use the tractor to mow approx 3 acres of pasture and now having the luxury of 2 tractors, it has greatly improved some of weekend chores on the homestead. We have horses and donkeys and with the B3030 and the l403 loader, it makes loading the manure spreader a breeze. Love the CAB, but it is slightly noisy in the cab at higher rpms. All in all nice rig and look forwarded to plowing white gold this winter.
Pros: Plenty of power, cab with a/c handles well.
Cons: Noisey cab.
Model Year: 2010
This is my second Kubota Tractor. I own a B7500 along with this B303HSCC unit. So far the tractor has performed with out any flaws. Use the tractor to mow approx 3 acres of pasture and now having the luxury of 2 tractors, it has greatly improved some of weekend chores on the homestead. We have horses and donkeys and with the B3030 and the l403 loader, it makes loading the manure spreader a breeze. Love the CAB, but it is slightly noisy in the cab at higher rpms. All in all nice rig and look forwarded to plowing white gold this winter.
Pros: Plenty of power, cab with a/c handles well.
Cons: Noisey cab.