B3030 Cab - Noise

[sunnyside360]

Recently looked at and test drove the B3030 w/cab. Liked everything about it except the noise level in the cab. Would be getting a mmm, snowblower, and FEL. Is it normal for the noise level to be really high in the B3030 cab?? Or, maybe this particular one was very loud (inside cab).
Maybe I'm spoiled, but I have a 2005 M8200 w/cab and it is a very quiet compared to the B3030 w/cab which I test drove. TIA for info.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Noise was one of the more difficult engineering problems on this tractor. You should have heard the noise from the prototypes. They've insulated the firewall and headliner which has made it better, its improved and acceptable in my mind. However its not as good as a full size machine, or even the L-series.

 

[Chessie]

That is why the cab radio is an option.....

I do not find the cab to be hard on the ears at all. The seat could use a little help but noise is fine by me
Jeff

 

[orangebluegreen]

I noticed just adding a canopy top to my B2410 increased the noise level dramatically. Everything is amplified from the reflected sound waves and at idle the top itself vibrates and creates a low frequency harmonic. Years ago I used to design and build high end speaker systems and did a lot of research on acoustics. The bottom line is parallel surfaces reflect sound waves, much of the sound problems can be eliminated by non parallel surfaces and even better rounded surfaces....obviously comes at a cost.

I have a sound pressure level meter (can get one at Radio Shack) and will be doing a bit of experimentation with decibel levels when I get the time. I think adding acoustic foam that has multiple channels that trap noise like they use in recording studios should help. I’ll have to locate it, I know it’s not cheap. Mattress pad type foam can work, but not anywhere near as well as the more dense foam designed for this purpose.

If anyone has found the perfect acoustic foam, please post.

 

[srs]

Noise was one of the more difficult engineering problems on this tractor. You should have heard the noise from the prototypes. They've insulated the firewall and headliner which has made it better, its improved and acceptable in my mind. However its not as good as a full size machine, or even the L-series.

I'm really surprised that there would be so much noise. I always thought (that's part of my problem) that a cabbed tractor would be really quiet. I never operated a cabbed version so this is pretty interesting. I've heard the Deere tractors are supposed to be very quiet.

 

[Volfandt]

The B3030 is the only tractor I've driven w/a conditioned cab and I was pretty impressed.
Just goes to show it's wise to check 'em all out.

I still liked the B3030 w/cab tho

Volfandt

 

[rswyan]

Dunno if it's the perfect foam or not but try:

http://www.markertek.com

They should have several different grades - I'd guess the cheap stuff would probably be fine.

 

[orangebluegreen]

Great link.

That Sonex with the deep channels is what I had in mind. I’ve used the less expensive stuff they have listed as Markerfoam on low frequencies in the past with success also.

 

[sunnyside360]

UPDATE -- I test drove a JD 3720 w/cab today and was thoroughly impressed -- very quiet and nice to drive. You can hear the radio with no problem. However, it's a bit larger than the B3030 and cost several thousand more. I asked the dealer if JD is going to offer a cab on the 2000 series which is closer to the B3030 and he didn't know. So, I'm still agonizing over what to do. I may just hold off until next spring.

 

[lawn_king]

I'm really surprised that there would be so much noise. I always thought (that's part of my problem) that a cabbed tractor would be really quiet. I never operated a cabbed version so this is pretty interesting. I've heard the Deere tractors are supposed to be very quiet.

I have a B3030 HSDC , purchased last october. I made the jump from a B7500 with a curtis cab, from my perspective, making my living with my kubota, the cab is cool,comfortable and quiet. I plan to lay some cheap carpet over the floor mat when i have a chance, i think this will make her even more quiet!