B3030 Mid PTO ?

[MW66]

I'm still in my research phase, but plan to pull the trigger later this month. I was pretty set on the B3200, but now the B3030 has been peaking my interest. In some literature it describes the mid PTO as off-set, but on the Kubota website, the specification page show the mower as floating. However, on another website, I saw the specification page for the B3030 mower section as parallel linkage. So, what is it currently? I don't see the B3200 listed as an offset mid PTO. Is there an advantage to the current B3030 mid PTO design over the B3200 mid PTO design? I didn't get a quote on the B3030, but I know the B3200 w/FEL is running about 16,500. are all the other upgrades worth it to step up to the B3030? Position control, telescoping arms, ratchet linkage, better seat w/armrests, better cruise, hydro power steering, independent PTO.

 

[lawn_king]

Lots of good questions in this post. My 2005 B3030 hsdc had offset front pto, thats the best i can do for you, im sure the B series boys will chime in soon.

 

[davatk]

I'm still in my research phase, but plan to pull the trigger later this month. I was pretty set on the B3200, but now the B3030 has been peaking my interest. In some literature it describes the mid PTO as off-set, but on the Kubota website, the specification page show the mower as floating. However, on another website, I saw the specification page for the B3030 mower section as parallel linkage. So, what is it currently? I don't see the B3200 listed as an offset mid PTO. Is there an advantage to the current B3030 mid PTO design over the B3200 mid PTO design? I didn't get a quote on the B3030, but I know the B3200 w/FEL is running about 16,500. are all the other upgrades worth it to step up to the B3030? Position control, telescoping arms, ratchet linkage, better seat w/armrests, better cruise, hydro power steering, independent PTO.

Go drive one of each. I think once you do that, the tractor will "speak to you". :laughing: If you don't need the extra HP, you might consider the B2630. Same as the B3030 just a few less horses, and they have a $1000 rebate on those until May. The are kinda hard to find though, but can be done.

 

[KU Gator]

When I was looking to buy, the dealers around here did not have either of the XX30 series in stock with the reason being most of the buyers according to them were not willing to pay the difference. At the time, I didn't know enough and more choice would have just added to my confusion.

That said, the Bxx30 series have some nice features. The biggest to me is the position control vs the 1/4" valve. The position control allows you to set a height and it will hold it there. The 1/4 valve supposedly lets you make small adjustments better, but when using the rough cut mower, the front tends to gradually sag as you mow, so you have to bump it back up. The telescopic arms help in hooking up implements. The telescopic stabilizers also help in hooking up implements and hold the arms apart instead of allowing to collapsing in. I have just converted mine to the telescopic stabilzers as I hated it collapsing in part. I don't see that much advantage of the offset PTO. It may help some if it is offset for the front side as you would not have to reach as far underneath when hooking up a mower or snowblower. All the newer B's have power steering and steer very easily, so I don't know what is the advantage of the hydro power steering if any. You also have the option of getting a cab on the 3030 which would make a really nice snowblowing machine and seems to be why many who buy a 3030 opt for it. The only negative I have heard is some seem not to like the floating mower vs the suspended on the other B's. Some have rigged using chains to convert the floating to the suspended.

With all said, only you can decide if it is worth it. Other than possibly the floating deck, all of the features that make the xx30 from the 3200 or 2x20 are nice improvements.

 

[Bret Mc]

I'm still in my research phase, but plan to pull the trigger later this month. I was pretty set on the B3200, but now the B3030 has been peaking my interest. In some literature it describes the mid PTO as off-set, but on the Kubota website, the specification page show the mower as floating. However, on another website, I saw the specification page for the B3030 mower section as parallel linkage. So, what is it currently? I don't see the B3200 listed as an offset mid PTO. Is there an advantage to the current B3030 mid PTO design over the B3200 mid PTO design? I didn't get a quote on the B3030, but I know the B3200 w/FEL is running about 16,500. are all the other upgrades worth it to step up to the B3030? Position control, telescoping arms, ratchet linkage, better seat w/armrests, better cruise, hydro power steering, independent PTO.

The offset PTO on the 3030 is supposed to make the mower removal easier (more convienent to get to) as opposed to being in the middle of the tractor belly like the 3200. I went with the B3030 over the B3200, if all of those bells and whistles make my work easier I have made the right choice, I plan on keeping this rig for several years so the extra money for the 3030 does'nt add up to much over several years. my 2 cents