L3200 Arrived Today

[chim]

After lots of shopping around and considering other brands, it ended up being a Kubota to replace the Kubota. The new one is an L3200 / FEL / 72" RFM / Filled Tires.

10 years ago the little Ford 1210 on the left was going to be replaced by the then-new B7500 in the center. It filled in as a helper when I was mowing a lot more than I now am, and was too handy to part with.

The B7500 w/ FEL and side discharge 60" RFM served well for the past 10 years but a few more horses, more weight and more elbow room were desired.

Today its replacement arrived so I took the opportunity to have them pose before the B7500 went away on the truck that brought the L3200.

I mowed tonight with the L, and although it looks so much larger than the B in the picture it handles really well. My plan was to mow as much as I could with the new tractor and then trim the rest with the Ford. Never had to use the Ford. I was very pleasantly surprised when a few extra swipes with the string trimmer took care of what I couldn't get with the Kubota.

There is one spot where I always had to use 4WD with the B7500 to stay on track on a sidehill. The L3200 walked right through that place. Another place where I usually back uphill several times coming around a square corner required flicking the 4WD on or picking up the deck on the B7500 to throw weight on the rear tires. The L3200 backed uphill in 2WD pushing the 72" deck as though it was on level ground. I absolutely love the beefier L3200.

 

[Bluegill2]

Congrats! That's a very nice rig!

I also noticed how maneuverable my L3800 is and great 2wd traction! :thumbsup:

 

[kubotacres]

just curious how much hangover you have with the 6' finishing mower outside of the tires? 6" on each side??

 

[creekbend]

Congratulations in regards to your new acquisition.

 

[ChiefLoneWolf]

Congratulations on your work horse. I envy you - but only for a day. My L3800 rig should be here tomorrow .

 

[Bob77064]

Congratulations looks great.

 

[tractorshopper]

Congrats! Awesome machine !

 

[chim]

just curious how much hangover you have with the 6' finishing mower outside of the tires? 6" on each side??

As near as I can tell without someone to hold the other end of the tape - about 7-1/2" on each side for the deck. You're 6" measurement is about how far the cut path extends past the tires.

 

[kubotacres]

As near as I can tell without someone to hold the other end of the tape - about 7-1/2" on each side for the deck. You're 6" measurement is about how far the cut path extends past the tires.

thanks. Just trying to decide whether to go with a 5' or 6' finishing mower.

 

[bigbull338]

enjoy your new tractor.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Can anyone advise whether the front tires should have foam for avoiding puntures or water in them for ballast?

 

[beppington]

Can anyone advise whether the front tires should have foam for avoiding puntures or water in them for ballast?

My Kubota manual says not to put water / ballast in the front tires. Doesn't address foam, though.

 

[Sammy3700]

I like the new style of the 3200 & 3800. You will love it. I have a 6 foot finish mower and a 5 foot bushhog. Best I can tell mine looks to be the same about 7 inches out side the tires. I have a 60 inch bucket and the tires will track just inside of the bucket cut.

 

[Notforhire]

My Kubota manual says not to put water / ballast in the front tires. Doesn't address foam, though.

What model tractor do you have? I find this interesting, because my Kubota dealer recommended loading the front tires. He said it was common when using ground engaging equipment.
I don't have the tractor or the manual yet, so I can't look it up for my model.
I wonder why Kubota says not to load them?:anyone:

 

[Bluegill2]

What model tractor do you have? I find this interesting, because my Kubota dealer recommended loading the front tires. He said it was common when using ground engaging equipment.
I don't have the tractor or the manual yet, so I can't look it up for my model.
I wonder why Kubota says not to load them?:anyone:

Not sure why, but my 3800 manual says not to fill the fronts? Wouldn't add much weight anyway. My rears are loaded though! :thumbsup:

 

[kubotacres]

What model tractor do you have? I find this interesting, because my Kubota dealer recommended loading the front tires. He said it was common when using ground engaging equipment.
I don't have the tractor or the manual yet, so I can't look it up for my model.
I wonder why Kubota says not to load them?:anyone:

Only benefit I could see is if you don't have a FEL and need the ballast when lifting heavy items with the 3pt. In my case since I'm without the FEL, i opted for front weights,.. I was told loaded fronts would be to much load on the drive axles,gearing,ect.. Don't know if it's really a issue, but weights seemed to be a better choice.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

I'm about to commit on an MX5100 and the dealer says they dont put foam in the front tires because they they dont need them due to tire thickness. I always seemed to get flat front tires on my Toro Ride on mower so am keen to avoid it on the more expensive tractor tires.

 

[Notforhire]

Only benefit I could see is if you don't have a FEL and need the ballast when lifting heavy items with the 3pt. In my case since I'm without the FEL, i opted for front weights,.. I was told loaded fronts would be to much load on the drive axles,gearing,ect.. Don't know if it's really a issue, but weights seemed to be a better choice.

As far as strain on front end parts goes, I can't imagine any difference between using wheel weights and loaded tires. The weight is still carried by the wheel/ tire which is in contact with the ground (hopefully) and not carried by the chassis. During turning I'd think a FEL, or suitcase weights must strain the front end a lot more than wheel weights, or loaded tires.
The only thing I can guess is that by adding liquid you reduce the amount of compressible (air) inside the tire. Maybe it strains the tire/ rim more???
Front wheel weights would actually reinforce the wheel, so thats a plus for their use.
My current ride, a NH TC40D has loaded fronts. I bought it that way, and wouldn't have even known except for removing the wheel during maintenance. I imagine they were filled by the NH dealer when the tractor was new.
I don't know. Im sure Kubota put it in the book for a reason. I'd just like to know the reason.

 

[kubotacres]

As far as strain on front end parts goes, I can't imagine any difference between using wheel weights and loaded tires. The weight is still carried by the wheel/ tire which is in contact with the ground (hopefully) and not carried by the chassis. During turning I'd think a FEL, or suitcase weights must strain the front end a lot more than wheel weights, or loaded tires.
The only thing I can guess is that by adding liquid you reduce the amount of compressible (air) inside the tire. Maybe it strains the tire/ rim more???
Front wheel weights would actually reinforce the wheel, so thats a plus for their use.
My current ride, a NH TC40D has loaded fronts. I bought it that way, and wouldn't have even known except for removing the wheel during maintenance. I imagine they were filled by the NH dealer when the tractor was new.
I don't know. Im sure Kubota put it in the book for a reason. I'd just like to know the reason.

I'm clueless as to the reason too. I got what Info I listed from the Kubota dealership..

 

[Notforhire]

Can anyone advise whether the front tires should have foam for avoiding puntures or water in them for ballast?

Looking at your photo, it looks like R4 tires on your new machine.
I wouldn't worry too much about puntures with them. They are pretty tough. A nail will still go through them but they are pretty resistant to rocks, sticks, ect.
Stay away from construction sights, and roofers, and you should be OK.

Bill