L3400 or B3200

[Gas Man]

Had a chance today to go look at tractors. I am looking to buy something a bit bigger and would like some advice from the group especially form the guys who own the above mentioned models. I currently own a B-7500 and it has served me very well over the past 9 years I just feel the need for something bigger with more power, need is probably a bad word want is more like it. I use my tractor primarily for mowing 6.5 acre lawn/field only a small part of the so called yard is turf grass the rest is a blended in field grass. My land is in varing grades with no real obstacles to mow around, I have one tree line that extends the lenght of the property and 4 board fence around the entire lot. I do have material to move with the loader and some large rocks to move. Additionaly if the following winters are anything like this one I will be purchasing a snow blower. I know my current tractor will do the do the job but like I said want something bigger. Any comments about ones experience on these two machines is much appreciated

 

[kuboman]

If money is no object I would go for the L3400 just because of the extra size. Other wise the 3200 is a well balanced tractor with decent hp and a good value.

 

[bxowner]

From the description of your land, I'd go with the L-series hands-down. You're not mowing with a MMM, so the lack of that option on the L3400 is not a concern. But, the addition of position control, a much stronger loader that can actually accept and handle skid-steer attachments and a few more PTO hp will make for a more versatile tractor. I think you'd notice a big (positive) difference over your current tractor.

If I were to have followed everyone's advice (they don't have my sized wallet), I'd have bought the L3400 and a Z-turn mower. Instead, I really wanted to make use of one machine and opted for the B2920 with MMM. That said, the L3400 was hard to pass on. It's just a really nice, strong, capable tractor.

 

[veresjwv]

From the description of your land, I'd go with the L-series hands-down. You're not mowing with a MMM, so the lack of that option on the L3400 is not a concern. But, the addition of position control, a much stronger loader that can actually accept and handle skid-steer attachments and a few more PTO hp will make for a more versatile tractor. I think you'd notice a big (positive) difference over your current tractor.

If I were to have followed everyone's advice (they don't have my sized wallet), I'd have bought the L3400 and a Z-turn mower. Instead, I really wanted to make use of one machine and opted for the B2920 with MMM. That said, the L3400 was hard to pass on. It's just a really nice, strong, capable tractor.

I agree, have had my L3400 for 10 months. I can't tell you how much I like it. I bush hog a couple of acres and manage about two acres of garden with it and it has not let me down. It is very powerful for these applications. I know some do not like HST but with a loader I wouldn't go any other way. I will be building a pole barn this spring and I will have to do some grading and fel work for that and I know it will be very capable in that regard also. I really can't tell you about the 3200 I don't have any knowledge about that machine.Good luck on your decision, I also used this forum before I made my purchase.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I had/have BX's and an F2680E for mowing. For mowing the F and BX for me are tops. Moving on to other uses. My home is on hillside, rocky, gullied and treed acres. I had a B7800 FEL RFM for 3 years and paid it off. I traded it for a L3240HST+. The L rode better on level ground but scared me on hillsides and would run out of steam at the crest of the hill when using the RFM, I'm sure due to the considerably more weight with about the same HP. After 30 hours in a year I traded the L to a B3200 FEL which I felt more comfortable with on the hillsides and alot more comfortable with moving the B on my dual axle trailer. After another year and about 40 hours on B3200 I have finished most of my major projects at home and have moved B3200 to business and then traded it this week to Barlows for a new BX25 to be used at my business. Hope this helps you make your decision. Between the 2 I don't see much difference in capability, to me it looks like your preference about higher/bigger wheels and not sure about lifting capabilities. Rumor from Messicks is there is a new B3300 with bigger wheels for the B series. If you want to buy a used B3200 or trade your to a new or used B3200 or even an L for that matter, contact Barlows. Steve Barlow told me he'd make some one a real deal on my B3200 trade in with the 6' Landpride RFM, 12" auger post hole digger and Landscape rake. I don't know the weight of the L3400 but it will be on Kubota site. Check weight to HP to judge how much more HP you'll have to have by moving up in weight of the tractor. In other words from B7800/B3200 (31HP) to a Grand L will probably require 5 to 7 more HP to be equal in power to weight performance. My B7800 pulled the RFM much stronger going up hills than the L3240HST.

 

[firefighter jim]

L3400 HST................Great machine

 

[Gem99ultra]

I have a L3400 and son a B2410, both HST. Not to offend, but the B is so much smaller and light weight that we use it for only very light work. The B is more manuverable for sure, but the L will do real tractor work. The B tractor, in my case, is just a very useful suburbanite tool.

On the other hand, you might consider a L4400. Lots of benefits like better hydraulics, lifting power, etc. for a small difference in size and cost. Don't get me wrong, I love my 'little' L3400 but it is not a large tractor.

 

[captin_insano]

I own a b7800 which has given me lots of troubles with the rear differential. I debated between the B7800 and the L3400 and made the wrong decision. If you use it my best advise is to buy the L3400.

 

[teg]

6.5 acres??? I would recommend save a few bucks and get the L2800 over the L3400... but that's JMHO. What size brush hog are you planning on getting?

 

[NH-Rob]

What I can tell you is that seating on the two tractors is way different. I find the b3200 to be very comfortable and cozy to opperate and when I sat on a 2800 I found it to feel very utilitarion (Not real comfortable but feels very stoute) I wish the comfort of my B came with the ruggedness of the L.
Rob