Comparison Kubota L3200/L3800 Video

[Guac]

I've spent the last few weeks test driving JD 3032, 3038 and the Kubota L2800, L3200 and L3400. I agree with most of what's been said, and would add a few random thoughts.

The L3200/3800 has some nice design tweaks compared to the L2800/3400, in addition to those mentioned above, the dashboard has a better layout and some of the hydraulic hoses on the FEL now have better shielding.

One Kubota salesman (pitching the older 3400) mentioned that the L3200 doesn't have a mid-PTO or come with a drawbar. Also the L3200 I drove didn't have a cruise control lever, and I heard that it is now an "option".

If you haven't already perused all the specs, it's important to note that the L2800/3400 had about 28 and 34 NET HP, while the L3200/3800 have about 32 and 38 GROSS HP. So when you do an apples to apples comparison the increased horses in the new line isn't quite as much.

Finally, when it comes to JD 3032/3038 vs the Kubotas above, there is a significant difference between the size of the axle castings. Because of this, the Kubotas are much heavier and it's easy to understand why the Kubota looks so much better in the "push test". I bet there wasn't any water in the JD's wheels.

This is my first posting, and I hope it helps.

 

[teg]

...One Kubota salesman (pitching the older 3400) mentioned that the L3200 doesn't have a mid-PTO or come with a drawbar. ...I hope it helps.

Hey Guac, thanks for the post and Welcome to TBN!!! None of those models have a mid-pto, just to let you know. ...and yes, cruise control, draw bar, and I thought something else to was options vs. standard.

Is there anything on the new version for making it a "cleaner" diesel???

I do like how the Screen in front of the radiator comes out the side...

 

[NorthTexasRob]

I tend to agree with the previous comments that the company that produces the comparisons, always wins.

That said, I have read everything I can find I on both JD3038e and the Kubota L3200/L3800. I have crawled around both machines, and have concluded that the L series is the way for me to go.

I know that I am probably buying more machine than I need, but I feel that this way I'll be less likely to hurt the machine over time.

Yesterday, I pulled the trigger on a L3200/FEL a Landpride 60" reverse rotation tiller and a 60" LP box blade.

I hope to have it delivered by this Saturday ( if this weather will cooperate)

Can't wait to start my projects!

Rob

 

[TripleR]

I tend to agree with the previous comments that the company that produces the comparisons, always wins.

That said, I have read everything I can find I on both JD3038e and the Kubota L3200/L3800. I have crawled around both machines, and have concluded that the L series is the way for me to go.

I know that I am probably buying more machine than I need, but I feel that this way I'll be less likely to hurt the machine over time.

Yesterday, I pulled the trigger on a L3200/FEL a Landpride 60" reverse rotation tiller and a 60" LP box blade.

I hope to have it delivered by this Saturday ( if this weather will cooperate)

Can't wait to start my projects!

Rob

Congratulations, I think you will like it.

 

[Mulefan1]

Just bought a L3200 two days ago and then went to the John Deere today looking for a finish mower. Man am I glad I went with the Kubota after looking at the JD, The JD was much smaller and everything on it is plastic plus all the hydraulic lines for the loader are exposed and cheesy looking. The Kubota is a much better looking and heavier machine and and has metal hood and fenders and the HST is a great option that I'm glad I went with and the lines for the loader are mostly inside the loader arms and look great. Don't waste time at the JD dealer, go with the company that makes the whole tractor not one that uses Yanmar engines and paints them green.

 

[teg]

Mulefan1, I see it's your first post... :welcome: to TBN... First of all, ALL tractors are great... and in my book, even gray market tractors are better than none.

John Deere makes very good tractors. Just because In Your Opinion, you like a BIG or heavy tractor, doesn't mean that the smaller or lighter one doesn't have a great fit for someone else. (Little bit of history, kubota used plastic that cracked really bad so watch what you say about colors/brands)... Did you by chances compare raising a box blade on the three point hitch slowly???

Anyway, welcome to the site. ...and don't forget the photos!!!!

 

[SixHoeBob]

A dead tractor waiting on parts that may not even exist, is not very useful.
I know this because I have owned a few.

It is nice to go to your dealer and be able to get the parts you need within a few days, if not immediately. That is not to say the parts will be inexpensive. Pay the price, thank the sales person, and try not to need many parts.

Kubota does need to improve the smoothness of some of their 3 point hitches.
My L35 is jerky.

 

[Mulefan1]

Maybe Kubota at one time used plastic that cracked but the one I purchased doesn't have plastic and it looks a good bit bigger and as mentioned "heavier" which in my opinion is good in a small tractor unless you want to sit and spin. I bought this tractor to landscape around a house I just finished and mow several acres so this L3200 is perfect for me. I got to use it for an hour the day after I got it before it rained and moved some dirt I cleared out of a drainage ditch with a Ford 555B backhoe I have at the house and the loader on the L3200 with the HST is really smooth and fast. I have family that owns gravel equipment and I spent years running a concrete plant so I'm familiar with large equipment, loaders, trackhoes, front end loaders. Caterpillar, John Deere, Liebherr as well and numerous truck brands and I can safely say the Kubota I just bought is a very nice quality diesel machine. I was telling my wife earlier how much I liked it and haven't even got to use it much yet. I also used to work at a Freightliner dealership as a mechanic on primarily Cummins engines so I'm familiar with diesel equipment and I do agree that all tractors are cool and I looked at the L3400 but had the dealer take the L3200 out of the crate and deliver it to me and I couldn't be happier,I'm just sayin'...