Buying Advice deciding between a b and l series

[KU Gator]

A couple of other considerations, the B3200 has the 1/4" valve for the 3 pt hitch. There are a number of threads on that system, but where I have an issue with it is when using the brush hog, it will not hold it at a constant height. As you cut the weight of the brush hog will cause it to sink in the front, and it will be on the ground if you don't bump it up from time to time. I use chains to keep it at the height I want. Because the RFM has wheels on all four corners, it really should not be an issue with it. Also there have been some complaints about the vibration of the 4 cyl engine in the B3200 when at PTO rpm's. We noticed it when test driving a B7800 compared to the B2920 we bought. Some seem to be ok with it and it may vary by tractor, but something you should take note of when test driving.

The L2800 and L3400 come with the 3 cyl engine so it should not have the vibration issue. They also have position control instead of the 1/4" valve, so you should be ok as far as it not sagging down while cutting with the brush hog. I think I have read some people compaining about the 3 pt hitch system not being as smooth as they would like, but I don't really remember for sure and have no experience with it.

On a recent road trip I stopped at a Kubota dealer which had a good variety. The tractor I was most impressed with in this general size catagory was the B3030. It would probably be a little more, but might be worth a look if you find one. They have position control and the mid PTO so you could put a MMM on it. They have a 4 cyl engine, but I have not read any complaints of vibration with them.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Id get the B if its mostly on around the house, the L if its mostly fields.

Ls are better on hills in my experience, due to the wider stance.

 

[logan97]

is there any concern in regards to a backhoe on an L or B series ? I seem to remember some issue with the backhoe attachment breaking something in the rear ? may have been on a specific model or year.Where do you plan on purchasing this unit?

 

[Verticaltrx]

I really like my B3200, but I'm sure I would also like an L series if I had the need for one.

The L series would be a closer replacement to a 3000 Ford, but from what you describe it sounds like it was more tractor than needed anyways.

I run a 5' bush hog on my B3200 and it handles it fine. I do commercial work with it and sometimes do fields up to 15ac in size. It is true what others have posted about the bush hog sinking down after a while, but it hasn't been a problem, I just sub-consciously bump it back up every once in a while. I don't know about a 6' finishing mower, I have never used one.

I have found the B3200 to be very stable on hills with the rear tires filled, especially with the loader off. However, with the loader off the front end is a little light with a 5' bush hog. A set of suitcase weights on the front would take care of that, they are only $150 or so and are very easy to take on and off (that will be my next purchase for the tractor.)

I really like the size of the tractor/loader package for work in and around the barns. If you are just using it for bucket work it's a great setup. If you want to use forks, bale spear, etc, the L series does offer a skid steer quick coupler on the loaders, which is superior to the quick connect offer on the B-series, IMO.

 

[lawn_king]

Test drive all the tractors that are in the running! I can recommend a B3030, i owned one for years and its a nice ride, worth the extra $$ for PC & the 3 point features. I would compare a GL 3240 price to the other L's, you may be suprised how close they are, the 40 series have many nice features and the hst + tranny.

 

[johnk]

Test drive all the tractors that are in the running! I can recommend a B3030, i owned one for years and its a nice ride, worth the extra $$ for PC & the 3 point features. I would compare a GL 3240 price to the other L's, you may be suprised how close they are, the 40 series have many nice features and the hst + tranny.

Test driving is the way to go. It will give you the feel to what they can do. I'd rather go too big though than too small..

 

[dst1165]

Unfortunately I'm used to the bushhog drifting down with the Ford, although maybe it wasn't supposed to work that way. I had never driven a tractor with HST but from the ones I test drove I would want to go that way.

As far as where I would plan on purchasing, I went to the two dealers nearest me and while they seemed very nice they didn't seem to get near some of the prices I see on this board. Both were $1500 to $2000 above. Out of fairness I tried to deal with the one unsuccesfully and did not try with the other. I will call the other tomorrow and see what they will do.

 

[General Lee]

I have a B3200 and use a 5' finish mower with it. It is a Landpride and the specs state it weighs 577 pounds. The tractor handles it fine and when I was in the market for a finish mower, my dealer advised the 3200 would handle the 5 or 6 footer. I have used my neighbors 6 foot bush hog one time and the 3200 handled that. Not sure what the outcome would be for long term use though. I really like my 3200. It is a bit light for some tasks such as heavy ground engaging work but adding rear ballast in addition to the weighted rear tires really helps. I use my 3200 for processing firewood, mowing, grading a gravel driveway and this past winter it plowed A LOT of snow. It really impessed me. It is a very nimble machine for its size. I use it in the woods and it navigates through the trees excellent.
It does vibrate a bit at PTO speeds but I have gotten use to it and it doesn't bother me. If I had to purchase a tractor all over again, I probably would get an L ONLY because its heavier and it would probably be better at clearing out trees on my land. The B is doing the job but I didn't plan on this task when I bought it. It doesn't sound like you will knocking trees over and tractors aren't really made for dozer work but again the B is doing the job. I'm mainly just plucking trees out of the ground with the bucket and toothbar. I have VERY steep hills on my property and climb them routinely with the B, it never makes a grunt.

 

[magicheater]

I have an L4350 (45HP) and a B7800. If I were to replace them both I would seriously consider the L3700SU.

 

[montelatici]

Yes, the L3700SU is quite a tractor for the price.