Anybody Bought a NEW 3200 YET???

[bandit67]

jambx,

I guess if I were looking for my first machine, I would seriously consider the B2X20's, as they are a nice 'starter' size.

But after owning a subcompact, and then looking at the two larger machines side-by-side, it felt as if the 2920 was very close in size to the subcompact I had. Yes, the 3030 did feel quite a bit larger, but still feels like a 'small' machine. It is very maneuverable for it's size (note the turning radius is exactly the same between the 2920 and the 3030), but is large enough to handle many tasks. The ground clearance on the 3030 sized machines is awesome when coming from a subcompact.

Also, since the 60" bucket is the widest part of the tractor, it can still squeeze into some pretty tight spaces. I like the 3030 size, as it is still easy to 'hop' on and off much like the subcompact was.

For me, it just seemed to make more sense to move to a machine that was noticeably bigger (B3030), rather than one that felt barely bigger (B2920) than my subcompact. I know ChuckinNH went from a BX to the B2620, but I think he had some real tight space constraints to consider.

If you don't have the space constraints, and can swing the extra $$, I'd recommend the B3200. I chose the B3030 after renting a B7800 on my current property. It is a 'small' machine that can handle a lot of bigger machine tasks. It seems very powerful for it's size, and prior to getting it, I also ran an L35 and a full size TLB on this same property. So far, after 155 hours, I do not wish for a larger machine. After about 20 hours on my subcompact, I was wishing I had been able to get something bigger.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Bandit makes some very valid points, and his choice has proven to be the right one for his needs. One of the things I think he did right was to rent a couple of different sized machines to use on HIS property. I also feel that I made a good choice for MY needs, and the B2620 has proven to be much nicer to use for the jobs that I actually do than the BX22 I did have. I'm not sure if I will end up finish mowing with it though if I do it is a little better than the larger B's for that perhaps. Tight spaces, and storage were big concerns of mine, and I have a lot of experience using small tractors for small farm work. I guess that I also look at the tractor as the thing that pulls, pushes, or lifts implements, and the implements actually do the work. I felt I could buy a backhoe, or snowblower, etc. for the price difference, and that was meaningful to me. I've moved piles of compost, etc with both the BX, and B2620 and find that the larger bucket does make a difference in time spent on the job. Mostly I really enjoy doing the same tasks at a much lower rpm, and with much more confidence on rough ground. There is some question in my own mind how much more that I would spend for a tractor that didn't have position control, and a quick change bucket on the loader. I can use forks more than I can use more hp. I don't have a clue how much more a B3200 costs than a B2620, or how much less one costs than a B3030, but I would make sure I had the tools to do the jobs I needed to do before I bought more tractor. Obviously, if one can afford both he would be foolish not to go for it. Though folks here seldom want to trade down to smaller tractors, I do see a precentage that have large tractors with nothing to go on them. That is a better plan for someone younger than I than it is for me. After having a small backhoe, I think I could do more with a backhoe on mine than spending the same money for more tractor. Bandit has both......... good move!

 

[lawn_king]

If you are buying a tractor to mow the lawn, the economy units will work out just fine. If you live & die by the 3 point as we do, those extras back there (PC TSA ELL) are worth every dime!

 

[Evil the Weasel]

I still don't see any owners of the B3200 wandering into this thread (yet). Maybe the prospective buyers are grabbing up deals on the B7800 due to it's great reputation and the unknowns associated with the new model. Maybe the deluxe features of the 3030 are just too tempting for those also considering the 3200. I don't live and die by the 3 pt so the lack of position control was not important to me. I have WAY too many trees to try finishing mowing with a cab model. Every time I get done using my B2620, I walk back into the house with zero buyer's remorse and a giant smile on my face. This segment is so crowded with Kubota models that it's a wonder anybody can decide. I'm glad I figured it out, but the arrival of the B3200 makes it even harder now

 

[caj4isu]

I've been considering the B3030 as an upgrade from my BX22, but saw the B3200 and did some comparisons. The B3200 has a clutch pedal and live continuous rear PTO, where the B3030 doesn't have the clutch pedal and has an independant PTO. I'm used to the independant PTO on my BX22, and am not sure I want to go with the live continuous / clutch setup.

Another thing that I was curious about is that it Kubota doesn't mention the B3200 having a mechanical cruise control, but the split brake pedals are on the same side as the hydrostat pedals. How do you brake one wheel while still pushing down on the hydrostat pedal. I have one foot on the end of each leg, and won't be able to operate both pedals at the same time.

One thing that I noticed was that the BH76 backhoe that is matched with the B3200 has a mechanical thumb option, where it doesn't appear that the BH75A that is matched with the B3030 has the option. I was wondering if you could put a BH76 on the B3030.

Chuck

 

[jambx]

I too am not crazy about the live continuous / clutch setup of the 3200 as well - as for BH, I am quite sure they are not interchangeable.

 

[bandit67]

I was wondering if you could put a BH76 on the B3030.

Chuck

Nope. Whole different mounting setup.

You'd have to go with an aftermarket thumb with the BH75 for now. I'd be surprised if the BH75 doesn't get a factory thumb option at some point, just don't know when.

 

[Northland]

jambx, After about 20 hours on my subcompact, I was wishing I had been able to get something bigger.

I agree with everything Bandit stated.

I intially bought a BX23 and sent it back because it hadn't been set-up properly by the crappy dealer here in Ontario.

I drove over to a great dealer 30 miles south of me in Michigan and bought a B7800; a great choice for my needs-14.7" of ground clearance, longer wheelbase, wide enough to be stable, better loader capacity (great with my bucket grapple) and more HP for my blower, yet it has a great turning radius.

If I had kept the BX23 I would have ended up trading it in on a bigger B series within a year.

Having said all that I like the B2620 with BH, like Chuck has, as a value king.

 

[B3200]

YES, I just purchased a b3200, with loader, 5ft. bucket, 5ft. power snow blade, and 5 ft. mower. Taking delivery after the snow blade attachment comes in. I will let everyone know when it arrives. I was going to get a L3540, You know, bigger is better! but I only have 2.5 acres so I went for the b3200, It should be plenty for my needs.

 

[Evil the Weasel]

Congratulations! Don't forget to share some pictures with us.