Considering B3200

[kuboman]

Thank you for all of the feedback, guys. I went and tested out a B3200 (two of them at the same dealer, actually) today -- I think the size is great, but was not at all impressed with the vibration -- both of them had it. Felt like a rattle trap (and I'm OCD, even with a tractor ) The salesman said "it's the nature of the beast, unfortunately." They didn't have any 2920's to look at, unfortunately.

I went and looked at the 2520 Deere (they weren't open though, so was unable to test.) That too is a really nice unit. I don't plan on doing anything crazy - the property is fully developed, all paved, so I can't foresee any heavy stone work or anything. It looks like the 2520 green and 2920 are the front runners at the moment, but I haven't found any 2920's to look at yet. Will shop around a bit more this coming week.

Thank you very much again for the feedback so far.

I wouldn't let the vibration worry you on the 3200 unless you are doing a lot of pto work. Then it could be annoying, otherwise the 3200 is a powerfull unit in a nice sized package. I hardly ever get mine over 2000 rpm for anything unless I need the rpm on the pto.

 

[archerynut]

I have had my 3200 for about 2 months now and I love it. Very capable and comfortable machine. I don't think you can go wrong with anyone you are considering.

 

[number two]

Welcome-terrific looking place.That sweet garage would nicely house a B3030 or the newer B3000 with the cab.All that mowing with A/C would be nice,as well as civilized snow blowing or plowing.Turf tires and your choice of mowers would make it a lifetime tractor for that property.Hey,no need for two machines,get the cab! Good Luck!

 

[KU Gator]

Your test drive experience was similar to ours when we drove a B7800. A lot of vibration when you got it near the PTO speed which is where you will spend a lot of time mowing. So that plus we were a bit more comfortable with the size of the B2920, lead us to choose it. Also note if you choose the B3200, the mower is a ground contact, so the the weight of the mower rests on the wheels that ride on the ground. Some posters have used check chains to convert theses mowers to suspended. The B2x20 series uses a supended MMM so the mower height can be changed by turning a knob, but it is limited to 60" width.

The advantage to the MMM is it is easier to work around obstacles. Easy to judge where you are mowing so less likely to hook it on something and isn't swinging wide behind the tractor when you turn. But they are more expensive, you are limited to the tractor manufacturer brand, and more difficult to remove and re-install.

With the RFM, you have a wide selection of brands to choose from and although they swing wide when you turn, you would be able to back it under some of those low trees you have. They are easy to take off or put on.

The B3030 or B2630 are really nice tractors. A bit more expensive as they are the premium line, but some nice features. They also use the ground contact MMM like the B3200, but if you opt for the RFM, that isn't an issue.

I do prefer the 3 speed ranges that the Kubotas have vs the Deere 2 speed. I probably spend 80% of the time in the mid range, but nice to have low for some of the heavier FEL work and nice to have high when you want to get from one end of the property to the other.

 

[SGStriglos]

Do not under estimate what you might do with a tractor. It is a no brainer as far as the ztr vs cut. I have owned the 2910 for 550hrs ans seem to contue to find project with only 2ac to maintain. And with chains they are great in the snow with a blower or blade depending on the snowfall.

 

[LindyT]

Thank you again, guys - I appreciate the insight here. I don't know why buying a simple tractor is such a nerve-wracking experience, but alas, here we are.

I'll probably be stoned, but I believe I've settled on the Deere 2520. I didn't fall in love with the 3200 primarily because of the vibration... it would have driven me crazy (crazier) in short order. I finally did see a 2920, but it didn't seem to quite "fit" me as well as the deere. I personally preferred the controls on the 2520, plus it seems lack of position control is something many end up regretting. I think I'll be regretful of the 2 speed vs 3 speed, but we shall see.

The biggest thing that won me over was the dealership. If I were a seasoned buyer that needed little post-sale followups, it may sway me in the other direction, but the local Deere dealer has been fantastic, really easy to work with and competitive with pricing. The Kubota dealer is further away, harder to get a hold of and has been slow to answer questions. Naturally, that doesn't reflect on the brand itself - but it's a factor for me, being a "newbie."

I'm hoping the 2520 has enough oomph to keep me going for a while. With no heavy stone or work beyond plowing and gardening, I don't see why it wouldn't - but what do I know!

Who knows, my next one may be orange!

Thank you again, guys - very, very much appreciated!

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on finding a tractor that fits you. What is "right" for one person won't be for another, so it always is a good idea to go in with an open mind.

 

[KU Gator]

Sounds like you have found a machine you are physically comfortable with and a dealership you are mentally comfortable with. Congratulations.

 

[archerynut]

Congrats on finding the right tractor for you, because that's what is important.

 

[fredhargis]

In the end, the only thing that matters is that you be happy with the choice you made. You've given this plenty of thought and will no doubt like the JD. As for the nerve wracking part, this is (for a lot of us anyway) a fairly major expenditure, and one we don't do often. Seems to me like it's tailor made for nerve wracking.