Buying Advice bx or b series and what horsepower

[High Compression]

I have both a BX 2660 and a B3030HSDC with turf tires. I find that the tires are relative to the size and weight of the tractor. The exception is that if you load the tires. Obviously bigger tires will hold more ballast, i.e. more weight. I have both tractors loaded with Rim Guard. The bx 2660 tires hold 10 gal ea. at 11.6 lbs/gal and the B3030 holds 35 gal ea. at 11.6 lbs/gal. I don't have any problems tearing up grass unless I get aggressive with my acceleration or turning.

 

[newbury]

Hi I was thinking of trading up to a b series and was wondering what horsepower was a good choice ,I have a bx 25 now,also does a b series cut grass as good as a bx series,(does the b series damage the turf) with turf tires? I was looking at higher ground clearance and more hydraulic flow and more loader lift capacity then my bx 25, im happy with engine horsepower but if I go to a new tractor( larger) I would like to have the same power to weight.

You really need to provide more info for good advice. How much, what type of work you need to do,
BUTT -
When I went thru the decision process for my ride I wasn't sure how much tractor I'd need when I retire. I've properties in Vt, MS, and Va to maintain. Primarily want to build trails etc.
So for my first tractor I chose my ride for ground clearance and BH potential. I viewed the BH offerings from Kubota on the smaller BX's as too small. I wanted something that I could dig a hole deep enough so I couldn't see out. I also needed something small enough to be REALLY useful but allow a trade up path. If I had gotten a 30HP machine I would have a hard time justifying to SWMBO a move up to a 40 or 50HP machine.

This way I think I'll be able to keep both

If you envision being able to USE a 50HP machine I'm sure you can get a similar power to weight ratio. But getting a B slightly larger wouldn't B bad.

 

[Tom_H]

My B3200 had the 1/4 inching 3ph as did my B7800 but they did not work the same. I went to Barlows after getting the B3200 to see if mine was messed up and the others on the lot worked the same.
I had a L3240HST which had position control between the B7800 and B3200 so I wasn't totally sure there was a difference between them at first but I eventually became certain that the 3ph operated differently between them.
I believe the 30 series does have position control but certain a B3030 owner will respond.
I think you just reversed the series number that does and doesn't.

Thanks for the correction JT.

The quarter inching on the BX can be really frustrating at times, especially when I am trying to keep the brush hog at the same height out in the field. I have never used position control nor draft control, so I have nothing for a frame of reference. I do not personally know how much better position control is on the B tractors that have it.

If this matters to the OP, here is some information:

http://www.tractorsmart.com/main/Tractor Three Point Lift Types.htm

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/168321-quarter-inching-valve.html

 

[montelatici]

I had an old B series before getting to BXs (a BX 24 and an 1850). Not a whole lot of difference. For an upgrade to something that will do a whole lot more go to an L series.

 

[bp fick]

I had an old B series before getting to BXs (a BX 24 and an 1850). Not a whole lot of difference. For an upgrade to something that will do a whole lot more go to an L series.

For those who have suggested the stouter L series, the OP asking about cutting grass and given the OP's comparison question about B series, it seems that's where his interest is focused. Do people cut lawns with an L? I honestly do not know.

Of course, an L and a riding mower of some kind might fit the bill, but that's another discussion.

 

[LD1]

For those who have suggested the stouter L series, the OP asking about cutting grass and given the OP's comparison question about B series, it seems that's where his interest is focused. Do people cut lawns with an L? I honestly do not know.

Of course, an L and a riding mower of some kind might fit the bill, but that's another discussion.

I do cut grass with my L. And they are a whole lot more tractor than the B, BUT they don't have a MMM as an option. The B's are the biggest kubota goes with the MMM. To mow grass with an L you have to use a RFM, and if mowing is a PRIMARY task, then the MMM and a B is the way to go. For me, I also have a riding mower for the closer stuff AND mowing is NOT a Primary task.

 

[bp fick]

I do cut grass with my L. And they are a whole lot more tractor than the B, BUT they don't have a MMM as an option. The B's are the biggest kubota goes with the MMM. To mow grass with an L you have to use a RFM, and if mowing is a PRIMARY task, then the MMM and a B is the way to go. For me, I also have a riding mower for the closer stuff AND mowing is NOT a Primary task.

Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's right. Kubota.com clearly shows MMM on L series. Not all of them, to be sure, but 3 models, I believe.

 

[kday64]

Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's right. Kubota.com clearly shows MMM on L series. Not all of them, to be sure, but 3 models, I believe.

MMM are only avalible on the L3240, L3540 and L3940. - I found that statement on LSeries page on kubota.com. Click on implements then click on other, then go to next page.

~Kevin

 

[LD1]

Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's right. Kubota.com clearly shows MMM on L series. Not all of them, to be sure, but 3 models, I believe.

I guess I learn something new everyday

I guess I just assumed that since they didnt offer the MMM on the Lxx00 series like my l3400, that they didn't on the larger Grand L's. But then again, The grand L's are a lot heavier and a LOT more $$$ too. Unless you live somewhere where it is bone dry most of the season, I wouldn't want to mow all the time with a 3500lb mower.

 

[jdonovan]

For those who have suggested the stouter L series, the OP asking about cutting grass and given the OP's comparison question about B series, it seems that's where his interest is focused. Do people cut lawns with an L? I honestly do not know.

Of course, an L and a riding mower of some kind might fit the bill, but that's another discussion.

If the OP had found they REALLY need substantially more tractor than a BX, then they have a job/needs that really are too divergent for one tool to do all of them well.

For example... Asking a single machine to do large earth works, plow, finish mow, have a 10' backhoe etc... is not going to get you a machine that will do all of those tasks well.

If a BX/B isn't going to satisfy the loader/3-point implement needs, you will likely be MUCH happier with 2 tools to cover the range of jobs.

With many of the mid-mount mowers at $3,000 that gives me a heck of a budget to get a really nice riding mower. Plus in my house the wife won't willingly run the tractor, but I'd expect she would be much more likely to run a small easier to use mower. That would give us the ability to do more work in less time as there would be two machines running, and two tasks would be getting done at the same time.

I agree two machines is a different discussion and the OP might not have the space to store, or even the want for two machines. But if you need a 1 machine solution, and the needs call for grass cutting, then its the B all the way. But you'll have to live with less loader, less weight, and less traction.

If you get to the top of the B range, the 3200, you are VERY close to the L in overall dimensions, weight is only 600lbs different, and I'm not sure the B3200 with loaded tires, is going to be noticeably lighter than the L3200 with unloaded tires.