B Series vs L Series

   / B Series vs L Series #12  
Amigauser stole most of my thunder on this topic with a fine post. I would like to add' having owned several b series machines myself ( love the B's !! ) If you trailer your machine often, like i do, its a lot bigger deal to move an L! I have a cab model & she can weigh in at well over 5000 lbs, depending on how i have her set up.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #13  
Are there any advantages/disadvantages when comparing the B Series to the L Series? Does a 30hp L series tractor have any advantages over a 30hp B series tractor?

Thanks!
Jeremy

I know this is an old thread but there seems to be a lot of bad information...or maybe just out of date.
Deciding between the B and L series is not straight forward at all. They really are very similar in a lot of ways.

Lets compare the new B2650 to the new L2501
B has 1 more horsepower but 23% smaller displacement engine - runs at higher RPM
B has 8.7 gpm hydraulic vs the L's 8.28
B has greater 3pt hitch lift at pins (2139 vs 1918)
L is 5 inches longer
L is 1.5 inches wider
B has 1.2 inch better ground clearance
B has a 1.3 foot better turning radius
L is 837 pounds heavier

It is really hard to see much difference looking at specs. Clearly the L is heavier but it has less ground clearance (at least that is what the spec sheet would have us believe), less hydraulic flow, and less 3pt lifting capacity. Very strange considering it would be easy to assume the L is bigger and better in every way. A heavier tractor on a similar size frame would lead me to believe it is of a sturdier construction.

I'll probably end up with a BX but for now I get to borrow my father-in-law's L series.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #14  
There is a huge difference in the frame and general beef of an L2501 compared to a B2650 -- should be very obvious when the two tractors are side by side. I owned a B and moved up to an L, and there is no confusing the two, even at the extremes of the ranges where there are some overlaps.

One thing you can't spec on paper is traction, but the L2501 will clobber the B2650 in that regard, and I'd wager it will easily put more power down to the ground. The lighter B will lose traction before it can use all it's power.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #15  
Weight defines what a tractor will do, HP only defines how fast.

A 24hp L will out work a 100hp B unless you are just doing stuff with the PTO.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #16  
i actually purchased another new B. A new 2013 B2320,fel,blower,front blade, curtis cab. There are jobs i need the grand L for and jobs that a need a small agile B for.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #17  
I am curious at them specs as weather they are believable.

The B has 12.4x16 tires. The L has 11.2" x24" tires. Bout a 6" difference right there. Not sure how they are getting more ground clearance with the smaller tire.

The 3PH spec is also a bit hard to believe. But IMO, both are significantly more than you will ever lift. My heaviest attachment is 1100#. No way would I ever lift that with a B sized machine.

Also a bit hard to believe that it has an equally strong loader.

But its all marketing. Everyone does it. Pump the numbers. In ideal conditions and proper counterweights the B may actually be able to do what it advertises. But in the real world, The L is a much more capable machine.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #18  
Subscribed.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #19  
To get an idea of the difference between B and L series, take a tape measure & go to the dealership.
When you get there, measure up the front axles on both and compare.
It's just a hunch, but I suspect you'll find the L's have a much beefier front axle.
You may be able to avoid measuring entirely if you can find load ratings for each in the literature.
A stronger front axle means you can lift more weight, safely, with the FEL.
For these smaller 4WD tractors with FELs, the front axle seems to be an Achilles heel, in terms of durability.
Be kind to the front axle and the tractor will be kind to you.
S219 makes a good point about traction, too.
In general, I find that I run out of traction before I run out of power, and our B2320 & L3240 are both at the low end of their series for power.
That being said, our land is mostly flat and I don't do as much brush hogging as some others do, so my experience may not be relevant to yours.
 
   / B Series vs L Series #20  
I've had an L3200 for almost three years. It replaced a B7500 that I had for the previous 10 years. The L series is a lot more tractor without being big enough to be cumbersome. The L handles a 6' RFM better than the B did a 5-footer. FEL capacity is much improved, and it will do things and go places in 2WD that required 4WD with the B. The front and rear axles are much more robust. It's a more comfortable tractor to operate.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

John Deere 2640A Tractor (A50860)
John Deere 2640A...
1265 (A50490)
1265 (A50490)
2016 Ford F-450 Knapheide Service Truck with Liftgate (A48081)
2016 Ford F-450...
Case 580 Super K Loader Backhoe (A50860)
Case 580 Super K...
14ft Flatbed Truck Body (A48081)
14ft Flatbed Truck...
2016 Ford Focus SE Sedan (A48082)
2016 Ford Focus SE...
 
Top