B3300SU versus L3200

s219 · Dec 12, 2013

So I am thinking hard about upsizing from my B2920 to either a B3300SU or an L3200. I am leaning towards the B3300 since it offers a lot of capability for the size/weight. However, the L3200 is in the same price ballpark. HP and dimensions are similar between the two (for those that don't know, the B3300 has bigger tires/wheels than the B3200, which makes it wider/longer with a bigger footprint and the possibility of a 60" bucket in front). FEL capacity is ballpark the same, though the B3300 has a narrower loader frame than the L, and I suspect lighter duty. A big difference is that the L3200 is about 600 lbs heavier; that would be good from the standpoint of ground operations, but would probably not be good for my trailer if I ever need to transport.

What other considerations am I missing between the two tractors? Anybody who wants to weigh in and influence my thinking, I am a sponge and grateful for input.

By the way, I bought the B2920 over other options because I wanted something smaller and more nimble in the woods while we cleared our property. It worked out great for that, and I skidded dozens of logs out quite nimbly. Now I am more into operations on the cleared property, and doing more lifting/transporting with the loader, as well as driveway maintenance. Suddenly the 2920 is feeling small.

thanks,
219

jeff9366 · Dec 12, 2013

I have 500 hours on my B3300SU, bought new.

To me there is not enough difference between the B2920, B3300SU and L3200 to make it worthwhile to upgrade.

The tractor I intend to buy next is a Kubota 'Grand L' L3560. Have you considered a L3560? Too heavy?

TripleR · Dec 12, 2013

While I am not a big fan of the Lxx00, just doesn't fit me, operator platform too cramped, I do prefer the position control 3PH and greater capability over the B3200/3300. My preference in the B Series are the B3030 and subsequent models and in the L Series the Grand L. I looked at all of them for several months. I really wanted to like the Bxx20 and Lxx00, just couldn't make it happen.

Good luck.

oldballs · Dec 12, 2013

I'm thinking that the 600lb difference should not be an issue if your trailer is adequate for the B2920....just sayin'

AStanton · Dec 12, 2013

I would advise that if you have something that works, keep it. You know how to operate it and its quirks. If you buy something new, it will cost more money and could end up being a lemon.

s219 · Dec 13, 2013

AStanton said:
I would advise that if you have something that works, keep it. You know how to operate it and its quirks. If you buy something new, it will cost more money and could end up being a lemon.

Did my wife get to you? How much is she paying? ;-)

s219 · Dec 13, 2013

jeff9366 said:
I have 500 hours on my B3300SU, bought new.

To me there is not enough difference between the B2920, B3300SU and L3200 to make it worthwhile to upgrade.

The tractor I intend to buy next is a Kubota 'Grand L' L3560. Have you considered a L3560? Too heavy?

I do think the Grand L gets a little too big, and budget-wise it's a stretch. The net cost of trading/upgrading to a regular L or the B3300 is down under $5K for me, which makes it feasible. Anything higher than that, and I'd be inclined to struggle along with the 2920. But if I can get into a slightly bigger tractor that will handle things better, at a reasonable cost, to me that's a better compromise.

How do you like your 3300, by the way?

s219 · Dec 13, 2013

oldballs said:
I'm thinking that the 600lb difference should not be an issue if your trailer is adequate for the B2920....just sayin'

It's a landscape trailer, so the limit will be the mesh rear gate. Does fine for the 2920 and probably the 3300, but the L would be pushing it. I could probably beef it up or have ramps made to get around the problem. Ultimately, this isn't a big concern, as I only trailered the 2920 before we lived on our new property. Now that we're here, I have not trailered it one single time.

jeff9366 · Dec 13, 2013

s219 said:
I do think the Grand L gets a little too big, and budget-wise it's a stretch. The net cost of trading/upgrading to a regular L or the B3300 is down under $5K for me, which makes it feasible. Anything higher than that, and I'd be inclined to struggle along with the 2920. But if I can get into a slightly bigger tractor that will handle things better, at a reasonable cost, to me that's a better compromise.

How do you like your 3300, by the way?

B3300SU has been excellent. My one niggling complaint was solved by replacing Kubota "turnbuckle" 3-Pt. "check chains" by Stabilworks pin-adjustable rigid stabilizers, which not only make mounting implements easier but are much stronger when pushing implements in reverse, most particularly pushing a Box Blade and pushing a Rotary Cutter.

I like the 14" ground clearance and excellent, open, flat-floor operator's station.

Now I want more overall weight plus more FEL lift capacity and draft control for pulling a two bottom Ford Series 101 Moldboard plow and box blade work. The Grand L's are also quieter.

Here is a LINK to sixty-eight "B3300SU" threads from the T-B-N archive:

https://www.google.com/search?clien...+3720+site:tractorbynet.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

oldballs · Dec 14, 2013

s219 said:
It's a landscape trailer, so the limit will be the mesh rear gate. Does fine for the 2920 and probably the 3300, but the L would be pushing it. I could probably beef it up or have ramps made to get around the problem. Ultimately, this isn't a big concern, as I only trailered the 2920 before we lived on our new property. Now that we're here, I have not trailered it one single time.

Good luck in your decisions. As to the trailer, if you did need to trailer, a bigger one would probably be in order anyway by the time you got a hog and/or the FEL on board. But those ramps could be constructed to fill the need, as you said.