I want a B3500

[CJBOTA]

About two months after I bought my B2920 I find out Kubota rolled out the
B3200. The B3200 would have been an easy decision over the B2920. Yea, I considered the B7800 but It just wasn't enough more of a tractor and although it had a stellar reputation, it seemed somehow outdated. Ever since my purchase I have had a small voice inside my head saying go ahead and trade up to the B3200. I just know if I do this within two months they will roll out the B3500.
A B3500 seems like a natural progression for the B series. 35HP in that tractor would be awesome. Before I trade up to the B3200 does anybody else think a B3500 is possible and when???
CJ

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I doubt they will do that this soon after intoducing the B3200. The difference between the BX2360 and BX2660 is 60 lbs? somewhere and a boost in fuel system and a better seat. Same motor and all other specs same. If you want 32 horsepower, your 2920 can probably be boosted to that. If you get a B3200 it can probably be boosted to 35 HP if that's a majic number for you. I'm a frequent trader but what do you expect out of a bigger B than your's will do?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

We've reached a point with all these models that you just don't need more engine power in the given size frame.

 

[Ace3]

We've reached a point with all these models that you just don't need more engine power in the given size frame.

I have to agree. The only criticism I have with my B3030 is that it has way too much horsepower for the size and weight of the machine. I am able to do everything I need to do. (loader work, brush hogging, grading and plowing a steep road, skidding and hauling logs, etc.) Even then I can break the tires loose. Horsepower is useless if the size and weight of the machine doesn't allow it to be put on the ground. My thought is that 30 hp is about the max for the "B's". If you want or need more you really should be looking at the "L's".

 

[brandoro]

I have to agree, the B3030 has ample power for its weight. Most of the things that it can do better than the B7610 that it replaced, besides keep me warm when blowing snow, is because of its greater weight. I really don't feel like I am making use of the extra power most of the time.

 

[art]

How about the L-2800-3400?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I have to agree. The only criticism I have with my B3030 is that it has way too much horsepower for the size and weight of the machine.

Thats right... try telling someone they need less engine HP. Guys hyperfocus on that figure and don't take it in context with the rest of the machine.

 

[KeithInSpace]

...you just don't need more engine power in the given size frame.

I normally agree with this statement across the board. I just met a neighbor, though, who purchased a BX1860 and mentioned that he wished he had more power. I asked how he meant, and he said that the engine tends to bog when doing heavy loader work. Dunno if he's working the pile in high range or what, but this was the first time I've heard of someone wishing for more anything out of these tractors. Case in point, I have another friend who has owned a BX1850 for 2 years and he's pleased as punch with it.

That said, I have personally not wanted for a single more pony. That's probably Neil's point...with a BX2360 around, why do you really need a BX2660. With a B3200, what would be gained in the real world through a B3500.

My neighbor really wanted the BX24 but the price got the better of him. After hearing me talk about my BH for 30 minutes, he's wishing he'd done different now, though.

If you have a real functional issue with your machine, it makes sense to upgrade. If it is "HP Envy", I'd save the money. Go get a 60" TV or something if you have money burning a hole in your pocket...don't do it for 3 HP.

 

[TheFlatlander]

I normally agree with this statement across the board. I just met a neighbor, though, who purchased a BX1860 and mentioned that he wished he had more power. I asked how he meant, and he said that the engine tends to bog when doing heavy loader work. Dunno if he's working the pile in high range or what, but this was the first time I've heard of someone wishing for more anything out of these tractors. Case in point, I have another friend who has owned a BX1850 for 2 years and he's pleased as punch with it.

That said, I have personally not wanted for a single more pony. That's probably Neil's point...with a BX2360 around, why do you really need a BX2660. With a B3200, what would be gained in the real world through a B3500.

For the most part I agree with you and the others that the power available for the Frame size is adequate or better and that you will loose tractrion first, But there are some applications where rear PTO power is needed to run something and the math is very simple here more power in = More available PTO power.

 

[RayCo]

This isn't exactly what we're talking about here, but I always have to chuckle when I go to Sears or similar and see garden tractors with a higher horsepower rating than my BX. I have no idea what one does with 26HP in a tractor that 99% of people buy to cut their lawns. It seems they only have 26HP so that they can have stickers on the side that say 26HP.

 

[CJBOTA]

Yes, I have considered the L3400 HST, but the problem is you start losing the advantages of being compact. For those that don't use all there power bring her over to my house and I'll show you how to bog her down.
So far traction has not been a problem, with 4 wheel drive I usually run out of power before I lose traction and I can add weight if needed. I want as much power as I can get in a compact machine. Yes, I also laugh when I see 26HP lawn mowers. These are generally 26 HP motors on 10HP quality machines.
Don't get me wrong, pound for pound Kubota builds an incredible machine. Trust me I have used every pony on my B2920. Recently, I mowed a 3 acre field with weeds up to the headlights and my 60" KK tiller is all she can handle.
The only thing I want more then a B3500 is a B4000. Keep the power coming and the size down. I'll add weight where and when I need it.
CJ

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

This isn't exactly what we're talking about here, but I always have to chuckle when I go to Sears or similar and see garden tractors with a higher horsepower rating than my BX. I have no idea what one does with 26HP in a tractor that 99% of people buy to cut their lawns. It seems they only have 26HP so that they can have stickers on the side that say 26HP.

Those engines are not actually 26hp. They are on a bench, without mufflers and air cleaners to restrict them. Thats why there is always an * that says "as rated by the manufacturer". They also have no troque at all. They keep spinning them faster to the get HP out, but its at the expense of torque. If you pull the curves for a Kohler command and a Kubota diesel the Kubota does the same work with 30% less HP... so that 27Hp Sears maybe able to hang with an 18Hp Kubota (while burning 2x the fuel).

 

[KeithInSpace]

...there are some applications where rear PTO power is needed...

100% correct. Sorry...slipped the mind...

...Sears...garden tractors with a higher horsepower rating than my BX.

Shame they don't put TORQUE ratings on the side of these things.

HP is HP (they are, indeed, the same), but you'd need a 45 HP Crapsman machine to perform the tasks my sad little 23 HP machine completes with ease.

 

[CHDinCT]

I just met a neighbor, though, who purchased a BX1860 and mentioned that he wished he had more power. I asked how he meant, and he said that the engine tends to bog when doing heavy loader work. Dunno if he's working the pile in high range or what, but this was the first time I've heard of someone wishing for more anything out of these tractors. Case in point, I have another friend who has owned a BX1850 for 2 years and he's pleased as punch with it.
.

Well I suspect you're right on him being in high range or maybe 2WD. I have no engine bog when maxing out my loader with topsoil or even heavy gravel. I run out of PSI well before engine HP or torque. On the other hand, PTO HP can be an issue for running larger rear implements. My chipper will come close to stalling the engine with material around 4" running at close to 3,000 rpm. I run at lower RPM for the smaller stuff which it has no issues with. On the larger stuff, I just feed it very slowly. But loader work, no engine power issues at all.

 

[asylum575]

Keith,
Is your neighbor operating at low RPM. I was at 1800-2000RPM for a while, until I got used to it. Now I operate regularly at 2500-2800RPM. A set of ear mufflers does wonders.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Dunno where he operates. Haven't seen him since our initial meeting. Seemed like he expected the machine to move mountains right out of the box. Of course, it WILL move mountains, just not all at once. As I said, I have another friend who seems to have reasonable expectations and he is happy with his BX1850.

I think he had a good bit of buyers remorse and really wanted to justify both the BH and the extra HP bottled up in the BX24 which he couldn't originally justify. I'm sure he COULD be happy with his machine if he wanted/needed to be, but that would make the discussion (argument) with the wife that much more difficult.

I was commenting in the context of horsepower being maximized per frame size. It seems that, to some, there is something left on the table by the 18 HP engine in the BX frame. I don't think there is anything left on the table by 23 HP. And 26 HP is just nutty...in a good way, I mean. Similarly, 32 HP in a B frame is good stuff.

To hold your breath for 35 HP is like looking for the next Corvette after the ZR1. When, exactly, is it enough?

 

[CJBOTA]

So far JOHNTHOMAS's reply has made the most sense. It's just a little to soon since the B3200. I simply don't agree with the statement "you simply don't need more power in this frame " .
I haven't heard anyone say they were trying to decide between a B2620 and a B3200 and were glad they got the smaller machine. There are two situations where bigger is always better, one is in a tractor engine and well you boys have been around long enough to know the other example.
It sounds like the B3200 is selling well. Those of us who pulled the trigger to soon ( B2X20 ) will just have to wait for the next dance. The B3500could replace the B3200, B2920, and the B3030. ( maybe offer one 30 HP model. )
So far nobody has talked me down, I still want a B3500!
CJ

 

[Taiser]

Yeah your buddy is probably at low RPM's. I work my 7800 at about 1500 RPM 99% of the time, but when breaking out a heavy load with the FEL I crank her up over 2k, then back it down once it's out. I don't know how guys run all the time over 2000 - PTO speed (unless using implements) mine sounds like the engine is ready to jump out of the frame at that speed!!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Yeah your buddy is probably at low RPM's. I work my 7800 at about 1500 RPM 99% of the time, but when breaking out a heavy load with the FEL I crank her up over 2k, then back it down once it's out. I don't know how guys run all the time over 2000 - PTO speed (unless using implements) mine sounds like the engine is ready to jump out of the frame at that speed!!

I had a B7800 for 3 years and agree with everything you say. I would run it between 1500 to 1750 and then more if heavier work needed. With my B3200 I run it at 1800 to 2000 and it's fairly smooth and bump it to 2200 to 2500 for heavier demands. Vibration does increase from the 2000 to 2500 but I don't think unacceptably. No where near as smooth as the BX's but I don't have a problem with it.