B3200 or 3300

[ddb123]

I drove a B3300 today and liked it. The dealer in Joplin, MO said he sells a lot of them and I believe it. I really thought hard about a B3300, but the B3200 never interested me.

 

[jim_wilson]

I suppose the beetjuice would be handy if I break down and have to spend the night (;-)

Seriously, I'm so confused about the weight issue. (I understand, basically, the center of gravity issue.)

If I'm going over wet, slippery, muddy or peat-y terrain, and I better off (i.e., less likely to get stuck) having more weight or less for any give tractor/tire setup?

The weight in the tires helps to balance the tractor. First way it helps is that it gives a counterweight for when you are picking up heavy objects with the front end loader. It is possible to lift the rear end of a tractor if you either fill the loader to it's weight capacity - or try to carry a heavy object (like a big rock or something).

The weight in the tires also provides weight down low - to help balance the tractor from tipping over. Tractors are typically top heavy - so you need weight down load to help anchor the tractor if you are on an incline.

There's a reason why race cars are so low to the ground - tractors have to deal with those same laws of physics.

I would stay away from the calcium chloride option for filling the tires. My dealer filled the rear tires on my BX eight years ago with the beetjuice product - and it was just fine (no rims eaten thru like calcium chloride will) - until just recently when I had to replace the valve stems because they dry rotted off. After the repair he refilled the tires with some sort of citrus product that they are using now. Apparently people were having some issues with the beet juice when it leaked and it was sort of stinky.

 

[jim_wilson]

I'm inching my way closer to actually making a purchase.

Spoke with a deal about the 3200. Told him it's mostly for woods work, making trails, clearing stuff.

He suggested the 3300 might be better -- higher ground clearance, stronger structure and a little cheaper. But it doesn't have a mid-PTO.

I don't ever see myself putting a mower on the tractor.

Think it's a better choice?

He also said R4 tires would be better for my purpose -- they're wider and less likely to puncture in the woods and would provide better traction.

B3300SUHSDP, 8767 R4 tires front, 8768 R4 tires rear, LA504 loader with grill guard, B1626 60" LM bucket: $17,450.

And, BH77 backhoe, 1976 mechanical thumb, mounting kit, 12" bucket: $8,350.

Also getting 3 valves, quick couple, HD alt, rear work light, ROPS organizer for additional cost.

These prices don't include tire waste fee, Doc fee or sales tax.

Would appreciate thoughts.

Thanks,

Joseph

I've been considering the same options for a new tractor to replace my BX23.

I'm considering:

B3200 with FEL and BH77 hoe
B3300 with FEL and BH77 hoe
L3200 with FEL and BH 77 hoe
L3800 with FEL and BH 77 hoe

I started considering the L because it has some more FEL capacity and 3 point capacity.

I like the way the backhoe is better integrated on the B series though. And I like the driver station on the B series better. Also the B series has the loader joystick right next to the driver seat - instead of mounted forward. I intend on doing a lot of loader work so this is an advantage.

I've pretty much ruled out the B3200 in favor of the B3300. If you look at the Kubota specs the 3300 has a little bit more PTO hp than the 3200, the 3pt hitch lifts just a little bit more, and the 3300 comes with the same size R4 tires (if you get those) - as the L3200 and L3800 come with. The B3200 comes with smaller R4 tires than the 3300 (if you choose that option) Plus it's cheaper than the B3200 - it's only missing the mid PTO.

I don't really think I will be putting a mower deck on this - ever. So the only drawback to the no PTO thing -is that I won't be able to put a front snowblower on it. I figure I can still put a rear blower on it - and if I really wanted a front blower I could put a hydraulic one on the FEL arms. So the missing mid PTO is a good trade off for the slightly increased capabilities of the B3300 over the B3200.

So I've just got to decide whether I really need to jump to an L series - over the B. As soon as it stops raining here I'm taking a trip to the dealer to pore over each and take a closer look to help my decision.

 

[davbin]

I really enjoy our new B3300SU on our 5-acre wooded lot. It is more money and has about 500 lbs less lift than the L3200 - but, smaller size = more maneuverable around the trees.