Advice for a Potential Buyer of B3200

[k0ua]

Have you looked at the LS brand? It seems you have some concerns about some pulling tasks, and as you already know the B3200 is light for horsepower class. The LS G series or even an R series might suit you better for less money than the B3200. I don't know if you even have an LS dealer nearby, but it is something you should check out. The light weight of the Kubota can be an advantage if your prime concern is lawn care, but I don't think you are going to be pulling many cars out of ditches with it. My Kioti DK35se is just a little more horsepower than the B3200 but the base weight of my tractor is about 4000 lbs and the B3200 is 1764 lbs.. The lift on the 3pt on my tractor is almost twice of the B3200. As you can see Horsepower of the engine is not really how to judge the class of a tractor. I am not trying to talk you out of the B3200, it may be perfect for what you want to do, but you need to think about all the tasks you will want to do before you lay down your money. Also think about features like SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) for the Front End Loader Bucket so you can easily change to forks or even a grapple. When you get into a larger heavier tractor these extremely useful options become available.

 

[jeff9366]

I am sure you know about the Tier 3 to Tier 4 emissions standard transition. If you can find a Tier 3 tractor that meets your needs, you would be smart to buy before they are gone. Tier 4 tractors are 15% more expensive and it is a pain to burn off the collected soot, parked, periodically.

 

[Tompet]

To the op, I went back and read your first post, and didn't see, but assume you are going to get an FEL with whatever tractor you purchase. IMO first and most important option for the tractor and property size you have. I have a 33000 TLB and like it very much. I originally considered the 3200 but had no use for a mid pto so I went with the savings on that one item. Btw, a mid pto is not an option on the B3300.
Like I said, I like the B3300 and the B3200 would and could do the work.....but for 25 acres I would certainly be considering a little larger tractor as others have suggested. If you can swing the money a small Grand L has all the bells and whistles you would ever need. I don't know if there are any of the tier 3 left around for the cost savings, but that is another thing to consider.

As pointed out a quick attach on FEL is nice.

Have you been going to dealers (even other brands) and actually sitting/looking at the different models? When you say mowing, what type of attachment are you considering a MMM only or a 3pt finish mower?
You stated you are purchasing for the long term and that is a good way to look at it but sometime things change. Worst case scenario is you eventually trade up to a larger tractor which seems to happen pretty often on this site!

 

[TripleR]

I don't own a B3200, but started out to buy a B2920 or B3200 and came home with a Grand L. Things that kept me from buying were I HATE quarter inching 3PH, turnbuckle stabilizers, non adjustable lift arms, live vs independent PTO, small operator platform and some things I've forgotten.

For many these will be non issues as some really like the B Series, just be sure to consider all the features you want or think you want. I have found a tractor tends to shrink once you get it on site and I just needed a bit bigger tractor with more features.

I, like k0ua recommend looking at other brands and models.

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with a smaller tractor if that's what you need, we have two BX's and my brother recently bought a Kioti CK27 to go along with his bigger tractors. Just be sure to look at a bunch, spend as much time driving them as you can and take your time. You will see quite a few threads of people going for their second machine and it's usually to go bigger. I am not a "bigger is better" person, just be sure.

Heck, I've always been sure and like my tractors, but new models always catch my eye and I wonder; what if...:laughing:

 

[k0ua]

Also you should look at a CK30 or CK35 in the Kioti lineup, they will weigh at least a 1000 lbs more in the same size tractor, and offer SSQA. Again I don't know if you have any interest in a Kioti, or even have a dealer nearby, and not to knock on Grand L Kubota's, as they are excellent full featured tractors, but I just want to point out, to get some more weight, and features you do not have to spend that 10K to get a Grand L, unless you want to. You certainly will not be going wrong getting one, but there are good alternatives.

 

[crazyangel]

In general, my experience with CUTs and SCUTs is that you will run out of traction before you run out of power. Traction can be added with loaded tires and ballast, but I still occasionally spin the wheels on my machine. So weight of the machine is something you should keep closely in mind when sizing your tractor especially if you'll be doing a lot of pulling.

Regarding the log splitter, I am sure you could run it off the B3200 without a problem. I had planned on that with my setup, but as I looked into it was swayed in another direction. There are a lot of threads debating the merit of a stand alone splitter vs a tractor based one, and you can decide for yourself. Somethings to keep in mind are that a PTO or remote powered splitter is putting a lot of hours on your tractor, and it makes it a lot harder to move the lumber with your tractor while splitting. For my use, a stand alone splitter makes the most sense. It is better on fuel for that operation than my tractor, saves the hours on the engine, and allows me to use my bucket and carry-all to stack the split wood and move logs around. YMMV.

Cheers!

 

[s219]

I started with a B2920 that served me well, then looked into moving up to a B3300SU (like a B3200 minus mid-pto plus bigger tires, and usually pre-packaged with front loader). Like the 2920, the 3200/3300 B models are overpowered for the weight in my opinion. So traction will be your limiting factor for many many tasks. Money-wise, the B3200 was in the same ballpark as an L3200 at my local dealer, so after some test drives and careful though, it was a no brainer to go to an L3200 instead.

I'd say if small size and nimble handling are important to you for operation in tight spaces, or mowing with a mid-mount deck, the B3200 (or 2920) are fine. If you're doing stuff in more open spaces and want a heavier frame tractor for pulling, lifting, etc, the L3200 (or other similar-size Grand L models) make more sense.

Especially if this is a long term tractor, consider going one size bigger than you think right now.

 

[BeezFun]

I'd rent/borrow a few tractors before you buy. Some dealers will rent and let you apply rental toward purchase when you buy. If I had it to do over I'd have paid more attention to how comfortable the seat was, and I'd have gotten a cab. Neither of those things were even on my radar when I was looking.

 

[RJPINMICH]

This is very helpful, thanks to everybody. This is my first time using this site and I am very impressed with the feedback.

I have been to some dealers and put my hands on several of these tractors - not just Kubota but others as well. I hadn't thought of the Kioti but will be sure to give it a look.

I thought that the L3200 might be the option after seeing some of these comments - roughly the same features as B3200, but a much heavier tractor and seemingly a better fit for the HP. And the price of the L3200 is not much higher than the B. However, it doesn't come with the mid-PTO, not even as an option. When I called the dealer this afternoon to talk to him about the L3200, he said it was his biggest complaint about it. Only the Grands come with the mid-PTO as an option.

On the mid-PTO, I don't currently have any plans to use it. But I just don't like the idea of spending all that money on a tractor and then not having the option to add a belly mower later (or a snowblower, or sweeper, or whatever else might need a mid-PTO). For my current mowing needs, I have a nice woods bellow mower on my old H, and was simply planning to continue using that until I ran into trouble.

Speaking of the H, one thing that may calm my concerns about being able to haul with my new tractor is that the H is a real heavy piece of machinery and I may simply rely on firing that up when I have something really heavy to haul.

Anyway, these replies have got me thinking, and I'm certainly going to check some more things out. I'm in no particular rush, other than finally having reached my limit of patience with needing to rely on the unpredictable old H for everything.

 

[jeff9366]

I am seriously considering buying a B3200 for general utility use on my 25-acre property (not a farm) - for plowing snow, hauling wood, brush cutting, mowing, etc.

You really do not want a mid-PTO if you will be in the woods a fair amount. Brush will tear off the rubber cap. The PTO stub faces forward. You will pound the PTO stub splines in the woods and accumulate dirt. When you want to connect an implement, its PTO shaft will not mate with the tractor PTO stub. You will have to crawl under and clean the stub with a wire brush and WD-40 or some stronger solvent, then lube, at the minimum. This will get old VERY FAST.