Is the EX3200 TLB worth the extra 3hp?

MTinCT · Jul 22, 2012

I'm just days away from buying either an EX2900 TLB or EX3200 TLB. I'm looking for an opinion on if it's worth the extra money for the EX3200. I'm also wondering what attachment should I try to get the dealer to throw in to sweeten the deal. The best prices I can find in the Northeast is 22,250 for the 2900 and 24,400 for the Ex3200 (without taxes). That's with a thumb for the BH and cutting edge\toothbar for the FEL. I have zero experience with a tractor so I'm not sure how significant an additional 3hp is. Really the only concern is how much will 3hp affect grading with a toothed loader and should I be considering it for resale value.

Here's my story in a nutshell:
I've owned a NH LX565(40hp-wheeled)skid steer for about 10 years now and I decided to trade it in with 3600 hrs. I loved the skid steer but most of the rough grading work is done and it's brutal on the finished turf. I have 5 hilly acres and a 700' gravel drive to maintain. I won't have any ground level food plots to till because all our beds will be raised and we're planning to have mostly berry bushes and fruit trees. That said the extra PTO hp is not a factor for me. I will be doing drainage work, stone walls, tree felling, stump removal, small structure foundations, buried utilites, snow removal and driveway maintenance. As for attachments I'm thinking either a landscape rake is all I need. I'm good at doing FEL work and it would be nice to skim out stone and roots for ground work and grooming the driveway. Can you put a ripper on a landscape rake?

Thanks

rebeltect · Jul 22, 2012

Besides the extra 3HP on the EX3200 another great feature is that it has an oil cooler for the hydraulics. That being said 80% of what I've used my tractor for is loader work and in some pretty hot conditions and I have never had any problems with "hot hydro oil". If I had it to do all over again I would probably still get the EX2900 for the value. I've done some research as far as the differences between the two and for about $328.00 in factory parts you can add the hydro cooler yourself. As far as the 3HP I wouldn't worry about it (for sure if your uses for the pto are limited). I can't speek for the backhoe as I only have the loader, but for dirt work this thing is a beast, and with a tooth bar on the bucket very versitile!

MTinCT · Jul 23, 2012

I didn't catch the added cooler, that's good to know. Regardless of the added cost I'm leaning for the 3200. If I can get them to add an attachment I'll be happy with the price. Really my main concern is the ground work capabilities. The dealer does not have a place to test drive equipment so I'm taking everyone's word on it. I watched a ton of amature video on similar capacity tractors and so far haven't seen anything disapointing. I'm asssuming you are happy with your choice since you didn't mention anything negative.

EmerichSales · Jul 26, 2012

I sell alot more EX3200's than EX2900's. It Never hurts to have a few Extra HP !!

bsinhc50 · Jul 27, 2012

If I were you, I'd buy the EX3200. In May of this year I bought one with a FEL and a 6ft rmm and would recommend this tractor to anyone. I used to own a SC2400 and the EX3200 uses less fuel mowing the same areas on our 50 acres plus, its much more comfortable with its wider and longer wheelbase and all the controls are right at hand. The operators seating area is a little cramped but you'll find that with most tractors of the similar size and hp. Prior to buying mine, I checked out all the reviews I could find on every tractor forum on the internet and found less complaints and/or breakdowns with the EX3200 than any other tractor of similar size and horsepower.

MTinCT · Jul 30, 2012

Thanks everyone for your input. It's a done deal on a '12 EX3200 TLB and with any luck I'll have it by this weekend. Now I have to decide if I should get a 6' or 7' foot landscape rake. I was wondering if a 7' would make it to the edge of the tire(R4) if slightly angled.