Buying Advice B3300SU

[DEK]

I'm considering buying a 2012 B3300SU with FEL, 60" bucket, R4's with RimGuard, drawbar, and engine heater for $15.2K. I really like the tractor, and I think it is a good price. The only hesitation I have is the 1/4" valve for the three point. I would prefer the position control. How easy is it to operate a 3 pt implement like a mower or plow with the 1/4" valve? Finally, how much of a problem has vibration been with higher rpms on this tractor? Thanks.

 

[ddb123]

That sounds like a really good price, especially if it includes the Rimguard. I really like the B3300.

Regarding the 1/4" valve, I've never operated one but from what I've read it wouldn't be any big deal. A few guys prefer them, some dislike them, and most seem to think they're fine. It wouldn't scare me away from one. If my needs had been just slightly different I totally would've bought one.

 

[jeff9366]

I also have a B3300SU. Delivered on February 12, 2012. It is July 15, 2012, I have 90 hours on the clock.

I ordered OPTIONAL quick-release bucket. While working in thick brush lock pin securing left bucket pivot pin flipped out, allowing bucket pivot pin to work out, then cross braces between arms were distorted. Repair $972.50, I paid $250 deductible, Kubota insurance paid $722.51. Bucket lock pins have been replaced by machine screws with nuts. Rather wish I had stayed with standard-package FEL bucket.

RE: 1/4"-ing: I could not get 3-Pt to hold King Kutter 48" rotary mower ("bush hog") at precisely the level I wanted. Ran limit chains from ROPS support bracket down to front of mower, solving that problem. If you search TITLES, "ROTARY MOWER LIMIT CHAINS" my post will come up. Now mower maintains exact height I want, easily adjustable by moving chain in grab hooks link-by-link.

I am 64 years old and suffering some hearing loss, concentrated in the higher frequencies. I would not call the B3300SU LOUD but I wear ear plugs when operating tractor or operating my Kubota RTV500.

I bought the B3300SU because the Kubota dealer is just six miles from my home, because the package is a value, because I need a folding ROPS to store the tractor in my garage and because I work in trees a good bit so I need a compact, maneuverable tractor. I remain pleased with my B3300SU purchase decision.

I have 5/16" Ken's Bolt On Bucket Hooks in line with the FEL arms. I use chains in conjunction with these grab hooks every time the tractor is worked. See link:

Ken's Bolt On Grab Hooks

 

[DEK]

Thanks for the informative reply. I was considering the quick release bucket, but your experience has given me second thoughts.

Your experience with the 1/4" valve and your 48" rotary mower is what I have read from others. I don't know how comfortable I will be resetting the height of an attachment each time I use it and especially having it "sag" while being used and needing to be adjusted. The height chains are a good fix but a little bothersome. I noticed by your photo that it looks like your toplink is connected lower on the mower bracket. Can it be pinned higher on the mower connection for the toplink? If so, that may be a parial reason for your mower dropping (more strain on lift arms to maintain height?). Just a thought.

I like the bolt-on hooks for the bucket. They make for an easier installation. I thought it might be a good idea to also use a piece of 3/8" or 1/2" flat stock the width of the bucket bolted between the bucket edge and the hooks to strengthen the bucket's edge. I'm thinking that might prevent a distortion of the edge if a chain was attached to a hook and a good strain is put on the hook. I've seen some buckets that have a bent top edge from attaching a chain to it to lift, pull, jerk, or whatever. Probably not a big expense or a difficult thing to do but maybe a good preventative measure with respect to maintaining the shape and structure of the bucket.

Since you did mention wearing hearing protection, I've got another concern. Some TBN members have talked about a vibration that is noticeable and annoying when the RPM's are elevated. I guess it was noticeable in the floorpan and the seat. I would imagine the rubber floor mat has helped, but it could be bothersome if it is felt in the seat. Have you had any experience with vibration when throttle is elevated?

Thanks for the valuable input.

 

[LQPAPPY]

Here is picture of my B3030 (which I love) with reinforced top lip on bucket and three weld-on hooks.

 

[rswyan]

Thanks for the informative reply. I was considering the quick release bucket, but your experience has given me second thoughts.

I too have the pin-on style quick attach on the loader on our B2910 .... never had a problem (in almost 1400 hours) with loosing hitchpin clips and pins backing out that I can recall .... but if I had it to do over again I would have gone with an SSQA style quick attach - seems to me that it requires much less effort to change equipment. Building one is on my list of things to do ....

However I'd rather have the Kubota pin-style quick attach than none at all ....

 

[DEK]

That's a great looking setup. Did you weld a piece os square stock under the lip and then weld the hooks? If so, it would be stronger than my suggestion. Great idea and looks good also. I guess a person could find someone that can weld and end up with a much more stable and reliable finished product. Thanks for the idea.

 

[LQPAPPY]

My dealer welded the square stock and the hooks as part of our buyers agreement and it has worked very good. I allso have the quick-attach bucket (pins) and have had no problems. The skid steer type would be great (more attachment selections) but adds a lot of weight which drops capacity of front loader

 

[LQPAPPY]

I also opted for the remote joystick for my fel, it is what is standard with the cab model. It is easier to use and not as distracting as the standard sticking up at the side of the steering console.

 

[ddb123]

I sat on one and revved it up, had a lot less vibration than my old tractor. Best bet is to try one out for yourself.

 

[jeff9366]

The rotary mower is the only implement I have had height-holding issues with. I regularly carry/transport a Wallenstein BX42 PTO chipper, 425 pounds, and it does not sink at all. (The chipper, of course, is lowered to the ground before PTO is engaged.)


If you study Ken's web page he makes his case that "backing plates" are NOT needed with his installations. My hooks are installed on the (relatively) light B3300SU bucket WITHOUT backing plates, provided double washers only, and hooks work perfectly without distortion of the hooks nor distortion or damage to the bucket. Note that Ken does sell backing plates for customers who must have them for peace-of-mind. I have carried many tree trunks chained to the front bucket which would have tipped the tractor forward onto the bucket without the Wallenstein's 425 pounds counterbalancing on the 3-Pt with no hook or bucket distortion or deterioration.

Tractor normally works at 1000 rpm; with the Hydrostatic range selected (H-M-L) controlling speed over the ground. When I have some distance to move I advance the throttle (in High range) to 1500-2000 RPM to cruise at a fast jog. Cruise speed WITHOUT throttle advanced is 10 mph in High range on Hydrostatic transmission. No vibration complaints in either 1000 RPM nor 2000 RPM scenarios.

When the PTO is powering the Wallenstein chipper, or I am 'hogging with 48" King Kutter Rotary Mower, the tractor engine is running at 2300 rpm to power the PTO at 540 RPM; the attached implement is flailing violently and there is considerable vibration.....but no more than on any other tractor powering similar violent implements. Note: The standard seat is pretty "cushy" on the B3300.

The Kubota B3300SU is a good package and I have been happy with it. My unfortunate experience with thick brush flipping out the lock pin which led to $972.51 repair was BAD LUCK, but it could happen to you. I wish I had not spent extra for the quick-release bucket. I probably would not have experienced this bit of BAD LUCK.

 

[kuboman]

I also opted for the remote joystick for my fel, it is what is standard with the cab model. It is easier to use and not as distracting as the standard sticking up at the side of the steering console.View attachment 273579

I think the B3300 comes with the side mounted jot stick.

 

[DEK]

It seems like the 1/4" valve for the 3pt just takes a little getting used to and the chain limiters are a good solution to maintaining height with the 3pt. Kubota has been around a long time and so has the 1/4" valve on other B models like the very popular 7800, 7500, 3200, and others. I guess if it was a negative function, Kubota would have made a change in earlier models. Thank all of you for your inputs regarding that issue.

Yes, kuboman, the FEL control on the 3300SU is a side mounted joystick. I don't think there is an option on how it is mounted. Again, it's another feature that just takes getting used to.

I expected there would be some vibration when operating an implement like a rotary mower. I just don't want something that would vibrate from my toes through my teeth when the rpm's are elevated without an implement.

Jeff9366: I do like the bolt-on bucket hooks. I have seen some bucket edges that have been distorted from pulling lifting, and I thought it might be a good idea to reinforce the bucket's edge. From your experiences and information, I guess that concern has been soothed. Thank you for your other input as well. I would really like a Wallenstein chipper like yours. I can see it would be extremely useful cleaning up limbs. Your responses have been very helpful

Does anyone have any recommendation regarding tires, turf/R4/ag? I would be using the tractor on about 80 acres that is 95% wooded with a road that runs through it. It has other trails (undeveloped roads) here and there. I'm leaning towards R4's loaded.

 

[allizwell]

Mornign DEK! Was the offer for 4WD HST? The proce I am getting for the B3300SU with standard bucket is 17100.

 

[DEK]

The B3300SU is only available with 4WD. Yes, it was a great price. From other posts I've read here on TBN, pricing for tractors is a regional thing. If that is true and a dealer also factors in his thoughts on the price that might be affected by profit margin, volume, sales activity, etc., then there might be quite a difference in pricing from different dealers. At least that is my thinking. By the way, that was a cash price with no financing. That should make for about $1000+ difference between cash and financed. Ask your dealer if the price you were given is the cash or financed price. If it's financed, you should be able to get it for about $1000 less.

 

[allizwell]

I also have a B3300SU. Delivered on February 12, 2012. It is July 15, 2012, I have 90 hours on the clock.

I am considering buying either a B3300 or L3800. What did you pay for your B3300SU in Feb and what accessories you got with it?

 

[DEK]

I got the price in April, and it was $15.2K cash + tax. If I was going to finance, it would add $1K to the price. The tractor I priced included the FEL, R4 tires with Rim Guard, drawbar, and an engine heater. It was a great price.

 

[case245]

back in march i got a priced on an L3800 with fel 4x4 gear tranny 18.k if i were you i would look else where for a tractor you maybe able to get a lilttle bigger tractor for a few more bucks

 

[jeff9366]

I took delivery of B3300SU in February 2012.
Accessories:
Industrial Tires
Quick Release Bucket
Drawbar
Cruise Control
Hydraulic Valve at 3-Pt.
Receive and fit PTO / Wallenstein BX42 PTO chipper
Install/Paint Ken's Bolt On Grab Hooks (2)
$18,051
Would have been slightly cheaper had I paid cash.
Kubota markets ZERO interest but in fact there are various fees and rebate holdbacks that are costs to buyer.
Still, net finance fees are much less than CPI inflation of 3.3% in 2011.
In Florida agricultural equipment is sales tax exempt. Research sales tax exemption in your state.

If you have an implement to carry in your 3-Pt. you will not want to load the tires too.
My Wallenstein chipper is 425 pounds and compact and serves as counterbalance occasional times when I want to transport a very heavy load attached to the bucket, usually timber. Other common implement/counterbalances are box blades and (ballast boxes).

 

[DEK]

Jeff9366: You got a great price on your B3300SU with the accessories and the chipper attachment. Good for you. Great package you put together, especially with the chipper.

As far as loading the rear tires, I agree that it might be unnecessary if you have some attachment on the 3 pt to act as a counterweight. But if you don't think you want something on the 3 pt at all times, you should seriously consider loading the rear tires for stability and traction especially when you are using the FEL.

The tax exemption is certainly worth checking into. Depending on the sales tax rate per state, savings could be applied to another accessory or implement.