B3200 Vibration Update

[prentp]

I was looking to purchase a B3200 but I decided against that after one test drive. The B3200 I drove had a vibration so bad that my hands were numb after 10 minutes of driving it.

My salesman did contact Kubota about the issue and they mentioned the floor board fix listed above and that they have no plans of doing anything else.

Looks like I need to come up with a little more money for a B3030 or more likely orange isn't in my future.

 

[kuboman]

You better test drive the b3030 too because it has the same 4cyl engine. The one I tried vibrated like the 3200.

 

[kuboman]

Just an observation. I have put 15 hrs on my 3200 and I believe the vibration is less now. When I first had it I was so disappointed I almost told the dealer to come get it and give my old one back. But I am sure the vibration is about half what it was when I got it at 0 hrs. No good explanation for it. Maybe someone else can comment.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

The B3200 or my ex B3200 was/is not as smooth as a BX but not much is. I'm not saying the, my ex, B3200 doesn't have some vibration but I don't remember it being much worse than my ex B7800. I ran the B3200 around 2000RPM and the vibration and certainly the noise increased with the RPM's but it really was never an issue with me and I'm the guy that traded the BX2350 because it stopped so abruplty in reverse so I do have expectations on the tractors being right.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I have about 120hrs on my B3200 now and I don't notice the vibrations much any more. I'm not sure if they have gotten better as the tractor has broken in, or if I have just gotten used to it and how to operate it. There are certain RPMs at which the vibration is greater, and I generally don't run at those RPMs. Most loader work I do is between 1500-2000rpms and it runs real smooth, for PTO work I run it at just under the rated PTO speed and it runs smooth there as well. I figure that there probably isn't any mechanical/longevity issues with the vibrations since the B7800 has been around so long and seems to be a reliable tractor. As far as I know the powertrain/drivetrain are mechanically identical between the B3200/B7800, and as stated before those owners don't seem to have issues. My guess is that its either in the new operating platform design, or that once the tractors get broken in it gets better (which is what I believe I am experiencing).

As for the engine design, a 3 cylinder (and 6cyl) are inherently balanced in their design. 4 and 8 cylinder engines must be internally or externally balanced to make them run smooth. I do not believe the problem is in the engine, more likely the mounting or operator platform. I haven't looked to see if there is a harmonic dampener or not on these engines, but regardless if there was a problem with vibration in the engine design the engines would not last very long at all, which obviously isn't the case. Why did Kubota choose the 4 cyl engines on these tractors? I don't really know, but generally speaking an engine with greater displacement and less power will last longer. Also, the longer wheelbase on the B3200 lends itself to a physically larger engine.

 

[red4now]

One of the reasons I switched from the B3200 to the B3030 was the vibration issue (among others as well). My particular use seemed to bring it out more often ie: higher RPM with the MMM on and the FEL off. Somehow this combination really brought it out. Since this was likely more than 50% of my use as opposed to general loader use where I did not even notice it, it was frustrating and it was not getting less with use - had close to 80 hours on when I traded. Had a good chat with the head tech out of the main office up here at a farm show and he went over the history of both units and based on that discussion, I can see the potential for less vibration during my main use of MMM. Time will tell as I have not been able to test that theory out yet until we get to that season but even now there is no real vibration to speak of in comparison in the short time I have been using it for the general use and some snow removal (although we are getting squat this year since it seems we sent it south for a change). So far smoother running and the other reasons / features are working to expectations ie: 3PH position control. There was nothing wrong with the B3200 in itself - solid tractor, lots of power, good handling, etc, just my use did not line up with what I wanted to experience. Different uses will likely not even bring out the vibration issue and it will not even be a problem for those in that situation.

 

[kuboman]

One of the reasons I switched from the B3200 to the B3030 was the vibration issue (among others as well). My particular use seemed to bring it out more often ie: higher RPM with the MMM on and the FEL off. Somehow this combination really brought it out. Since this was likely more than 50% of my use as opposed to general loader use where I did not even notice it, it was frustrating and it was not getting less with use - had close to 80 hours on when I traded. Had a good chat with the head tech out of the main office up here at a farm show and he went over the history of both units and based on that discussion, I can see the potential for less vibration during my main use of MMM. Time will tell as I have not been able to test that theory out yet until we get to that season but even now there is no real vibration to speak of in comparison in the short time I have been using it for the general use and some snow removal (although we are getting squat this year since it seems we sent it south for a change). So far smoother running and the other reasons / features are working to expectations ie: 3PH position control. There was nothing wrong with the B3200 in itself - solid tractor, lots of power, good handling, etc, just my use did not line up with what I wanted to experience. Different uses will likely not even bring out the vibration issue and it will not even be a problem for those in that situation.

Can you elaborate on the discussion. I am curious as to what made you change to the 3030. I looked at both a chose the cheaper option but would like to hear what convinced you.

 

[red4now]

"Can you elaborate on the discussion. I am curious as to what made you change to the 3030. I looked at both a chose the cheaper option but would like to hear what convinced you."

If by discussion you mean my chat with the tech rep and his description of what changed in the design of the B3030 so that vibration isn't as big of an issue - some of the things he pointed out included that the floor mats were heavier / more padding, different reinforcement for the tilt steering wheel, different HST pedal design / hookup, different way of HST getting power from the engine ie: location or something along that line and few other things plus newer technology / ideas since this was a newer design compared to the B7800 which had been around for a while, etc. Likely missed a couple of other items since this was from a discussion in the fall but this dealt specifically with reduced vibration possibilities. As I indicated, this was one of the reasons I switched. I also found I was using the 3PH a lot more than planned and when you have been using position control your whole life, quarter inching did not do it for me. Bonuses were the more comfortable seat, easier on / off due to the tilt steering wheel and easier 3PH hookup / adjustment, PTO engages easier, brakes seem a little better, brake locking lever seems more solid, cruise, integrated remote hydraulic levers, easier access to the FEL hoses - I do take off the loader lots during grass cutting season, and likely a few more things I can't think of right now, etc... Lots of other points as well in other threads. One thing I was going to miss was the integrated FEL hydraulic lever on the B3200 but got around that by adding the fender mounted joystick which did the trick nicely (thanks goes to LQPAPPY for that discussion) Hopefully this wasn't too long winded and hopefully I have answered your question, if not, let me know.

 

[LQPAPPY]

Hey red4now, not hijacking post but saw your thread and glad you like the fender joystick. I agree the B3030 is a great tractor.

 

[kuboman]

Red4now...Thanks for the explanation. Allot of what you mentioned I was aware of but what made me go for the 3200 was the loader valve. You talk about the fender mounted control, is that a Kubota deal or after market? Does anyone have a picture?