Any 3320's WITHOUT problems?

[Killer_B]

After selling my rock solid 325 hr. Kubota B7610 (24 HP) and searching for a 30+ HP replacement, I have decided that the 3320 is my favorite, hands down. I absolutely love this tractor.

I even worked out a decent deal with 2 local dealers. I just have one hesitation- from reading this board it seems that the 3X20 series is riddled with problems from leaky front axle seals, to faulty rockshaft valves, to flaky tachometers and fuel gauges, to strange HST and power steering gremlins, just to name a few.

I also have a good deal negotiated on a Kubota B3030 package with a great dealer that I know. And I know from experience that the Kub will almost certainly be solid. My last two actually got better with age. The only complaints I find on TBN on the B3030 were lousy seats and excess vibration in the early production units. Both problems are long gone.

But I just can't get excited about the Kubota after test driving the JD.

So my question is this: Are all 3X20 tractors cursed? Was that just the early production tractors? Am I getting a skewed view of the matter? Is there anyone out there with 500 or 1,000 hours on one of these tractors that did NOT have problems?

Thanks!!

Nick

 

[RollTideRam]

How does a tractor get better with age? Did you have a few problems at first, and then no problems? I have a 3320 ordered myself. I hope to have only minor issues. I have a 2520 that I bought in March of 06. It was a new model and had a few issues. They seem to be getting better. I also bought a new xuv gator and it had problems from the get-go, so I got rid of it. I don't know how long the 3320 has been out, just hoping most of the bugs are worked out. JC

 

[Killer_B]

How does a tractor get better with age? JC

The engine got smoother and easier on fuel after the first 100 hours or so. The range selector, throttle, etc. went from somewhat stiff to buttery smooth. After about 200 hours the engine, hydro and controls seemed to have broken in very nicely.

 

[Malvern]

Killer_B

I have a 3120 with about 110-120 hours and have never had any problems.
I really do believe she's getting better with age.

Malvern

 

[Killer_B]

Thanks Malvern. That's encouraging.

 

[NoMo]

I have 90+ hours on my 3520 with absolutely zero problems.

 

[mnbowhunter1960]

I only have about 24 hours on mine mostly loader work and brush hogging.but I love it so far, very powerfull machine

 

[MikeyB]

I have a 1 yr. old 3320 with about 110 hrs. of bushogging, snow removal, and such. I've only had a tachometer problem which was fixed by the dealer at my home (whole instrument cluster replaced). Overall, I am very happy with my purchase!

Mike

 

[tglass]

My 3320 cab model has around 260 hrs. with no problems at all. Loader,forks,mmm,box blade,trimmer, and I've put mine to the test. Problem I've had is keeping it clean.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I have the precursor (4310) with about 350 hours. Been kept outside for the 1st 4 years and now in the barn. I have had to replace a rear wheel seal which was not fun or easy. So far, the front seals are holding up fine. I've also put a new seat (due to being outdoors) and a new battery.

I still love it, glad I bought it, and would buy another. I would probably move up to a 3720 as I could use the extra ponies.

 

[HuskerInVA]

My 2+ year old 3520 w/ just over 400 hrs and has been virtually problem free. Did have the problem where I broke off the loader bucket bracket tab but that part was replaced due to a design flaw and not going to happen on a new one.

 

[dieselalles]

I have 35 hrs on my JD 3320. The only problem I've detected is some weirdness in the fuel gauge. It seems to not register between 1/4 to 3/4 very well. Relatively minor complaint. But I won't haul it in to a dealer unless that's the only thing wrong when I approach the end of the warranty period. Otherwise, the tractor has been a pleasure to own and operate.

 

[Killer_B]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I am a step closer to taking the plunge, but still don't have that warm and fuzzy feeling. It looks like there are about 4 guys who have problem free tractors (so far), and at least twice that many who have problematic experiences ranging from nuisances to serious issues. Not a terribly encouraging ratio. But then again this is not scientific, and life itself is a bit of a gamble.

 

[kennyd]

Not a terribly encouraging ratio. But then again this is not scientific, and life itself is a bit of a gamble.

Yeah, keep in mind A LOT of people who have problem just come hear to seek help. While doing your research, not the total # of post's the complainer has...you will see a lot of them with very low post counts, they sign up-ask for help and then are never heard from again. This happens with all the colors in all the forums.

I am quite sure there have been thousands and thousands of these machines made, and there may be 50 or so people registered here who have them?

I think the main thing to have, no mater what color you decide on is GOOD DEALER SUPPORT! All makes and models have issues and growing pains on a new series machines, but it's the dealer in the end that makes you feel good

 

[Killer_B]

it's the dealer in the end that makes you feel good

Great point! Thanks Kenny.

 

[jcmseven]

Killer B,

I have had four mid frame JD compacts, three of them the 3000 series machines. I have also owned one large frame compact and other JD equipment. I also own an XUV diesel Gator, and unlike JB, have had no problems with mine. There is no better compact on the market than the JD 3000 series, period. I am not claiming that JD equipment is better (although I think it is) but it certainly on average is among the top performers and most reliable equipment out there. Some forums mention that JD as a company does not have an interest in compacts, which is simply untrue. JD sells many compacts, as realizes quite well their importance in the market. There are no problems of which I am aware regarding the 3000 series machines. My good friend manages a large dealer and gets me equipment regularly. He rarely, if ever, sees any significant problem with these machines. If there is a problem, JD insists it be fixed. They do not want to lose customers to other manufacturers. I am talking about personal knowledge of a sample over 1000 tractors in active and in many cases frankly abusive use. I will say if you like the JD product, but are having ANY reservation about durability, I would erase that from thought. These are bulletproof machines, that will last a customer years.

John M

 

[Killer_B]

Thanks John,

I hope you are right about that. Because my next tractor will be my last, and I would rather not have to deal with constant repairs, warranty or otherwise. And I'm about to swing a deal on a 3320.

Thanks again,

Nick

 

[radman1]

I have a JD 3720 w/ cab, 200 hours just less than one year old. I had initial leak in the air box over the cab and unable to get good cab heat when temp fell to near freezing. There was a gap in the rear corners of the air box which were sealed and resolved the issue. No other repairs what so ever. I do believe the fuel gauge problem has been mentioned by several people. It seems to be hit/miss issue. I have had 2 prior kubotas and they were very reliable. The JD so far has been good.

 

[minimax]

I own a 3720 cab tractor with 500 hr's on it and have had no prob's.I have own a 950,455,4200,4400 and have put more than 5000 hr's on them and have only been in the 3 times for littie things like brake adjustments.the farm I worked at could not get more than a 100 hr's before a major breakdown on there 2 kubota tractors

minimax

 

[Green is Keen]

Killer B -

It is my firm belief that dealer support is everything and if you don't have it what ever make you purchase could give you an ulcer.

I have a John Deere Dealer just 3 miles away and the owner's home is between my house and his dealership. He's never hesitated to service the used stuff I purchased from him (and abused severely). In fact, he picks up and delivers at no cost. He is the best, and that's why I took delivery of a new 3320 last month. I've done some shredding, excavating and loading without so much as a hic-up.

The little rascal with it's 12 speed power-reverser has so much power I told a friend of mine I could dig swimming pools with it, so for the last week I've been digging-out Mesquite trees. I've had this tractor on it's nose with one wheel in the air and have brought full bucket loads out of stump holes so deep and steep that the only thing the neighbors could see was the box blade and my hat as I worked.

You will not be disappointed with this tractor, it is in my opinion the best model JD makes.

Enjoy....!!