Large B Series v. Small L Series

wskrimsky · Mar 7, 2001

I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my prior posting "New v. Used".

My wife and I decided to buy new and our current dilemma is whether to purchase one of the larger B series tractors or whether we should ante up and purchase the smallest L series tractor. The significant differences between the B2910 and the L3010 seem to be in the area of gross vehicle weight as well as the weight potential of the 3 point hitch. PTO horsepower is relatively similar and of course there is the cost difference between the tractors also. We liked both of them and though my wife is relatively small she had no problems manuvering either one.

I have the feeling that we are missing something relative to the difference between the two machines. Hope that everyone can help.
Thanks
Bill

H

Boondox · Mar 7, 2001

Bill -- I was faced with the same choice and went with the L3010 for its weight and hydraulic output. Head and shoulders above the B2910, though both are outstanding tractors. Hunt thru the advice pages on Carver Equipment's Web page; Steve put together a section that deals with this particular dilemma.

Pete
www.gatewaytovermont.com

Bird · Mar 7, 2001

Bill, did you consider tire and wheel size and ground clearance differences? They may or may not be of any importance to you.

Bird

BobinCols · Mar 7, 2001

I don't wish to make any 2910 owners unhappy but there is no comparison between the 2 tractors-especially in my case there was only $500 difference between the two. The 3 cylinder is smoother and has a lower pitch engine noise at least to my ear than the short stroke 4 cylinder. The 3010 also has a better HST system that I liked. The 2910 has some advantages of being physically smaller.

CamshaftLF · Mar 7, 2001

I'm with (BobinCols) no Comparison. I own a L2350 which is the smallest of the L Series. And it does everthing from Hobbie Farming 7-8 acers to mowing 4-5 acers to Skidding the winters fire wood. I don't think the B Series would do all of this as easly as the L's. But you have to make that decision!!! That's my 2 Cents.

bsauter · Mar 8, 2001

I had a B2910 for a month and traded on a L3010. No comparison between the tractors. I do like the B series and don't mean to offend anyone but the L series is much more tractor. Just like the M's are much more than the L's. Weight and bulk plus the better hydro system, pump and HST did it for me. It is much more of a workhorse than the B2910 or my old B2150. Much more comfortable for me as it has a lot of room on the operating deck. I would knock my knees on the dash and wheel of the B and get hung up on the fender mounted levers while getting on and off. I ended up hating those levers!!! They were nice while you were sitting in the seat but ingress/egress was a nightmare. And I am not wide either, 195lbs, 6'3". Smooth engine too. Loader has more capability and bigger.

Since the size of the L is bigger you need to see if it will fit in any tight space you might have like going under trees while mowing or manuvering in very tight spaces during loader operations. The L has a great turning radius though. Also think about the weight if you mow with it. It will compact the soil more than a B and has potential for more turf damage. I am just more careful mowing with the L.

One case in point is I was tearing up 12,000 sq feet of sod at a 5 inch depth. The B could do it. But when I got the L it was just so much easier and quicker. I can load more hay on it. Carry more dirt and shavings. More in control of hay wagons etc.

Things I liked better on the B2910......I like the thicker steering wheel rim of the B and the design of the dash. I like the armrest on the B. I like the telescoping wheel. I liked the hood on the B also. The L has a solid top hood. You pull off the sides and front for service. Weird but you get used to it.
Both tractors loaders were easy to take off and on. I can do the L in 5 minutes. I usually remove it for mowing manuverability.

I comes down to what you NEED and your personal preference but take it from someone who bought the B2910 and regreted it for my needs and situation.

Brad, Kubota L3010HST, loader, R4 tires
Pictures at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=179207&a=9183978

hayden · Mar 8, 2001

I'd go for the L too unless there is a NEED for the smaller B, and this comes from a B2910 owner! I need to trailer my machine and implements frequently and the B is the heaviest thing I could handle. Were it not for this need on my part, I would have gone for an L too.

Having moved from a 2400 to a 2910, I now REALLY appreciate the impact that shear weight and size can have on the effectiveness of a tractor. Unless you need something lighter for trailering or to limit ground damage or for some other reason, get the biggest, heaviest machine you can, load the tires, and just try to stop it!

Peter

wskrimsky · Mar 8, 2001

Thanks for the input Pete. I am going to check out Carver's web page now.

Bill

wskrimsky · Mar 8, 2001

Brad,
That helps quite a bit. We only have about two acres of finish mowing to do versus about 6-7 acres of bush hogging.

Also interesting to hear about your difficulties secondary to the size of the operator's platform because we are about the same size. My wife is going to have to use the tractor as well and she stands just a bit over five feet tall. While this didn't seem to be a problem in our short exposure to the tractor I'm wondering if it might become a problem.

Otherwise it sounds like with the added weight, ground clearance and HST system, the L3010 would better serve my needs.
Thanks again,
Bill

john_bud · Mar 8, 2001

Bill,

I will chime in here on the side of the L series. I also looked at the smaller B series, and wound up with the L. Actually, I started with the JD 790 and worked my way back and forth up the food chain. There are many many good tractors in the B to L class including those from JD and New Holland. The B2910 and L3010 are among the leaders in those two classes and both will give years of dependable service.

The only down side to the larger tractors is they can comfortably handle larger and more expensive attachments. Naturally, you just HAVE to get the biggest that your tractor can handle, so they will cost more! But seriously, /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif if the price differential is not a problem and you are able to use the larger tractor, go for it. If you have space constraints, you may be better off with the smaller unit. Best bet is to see if your dealer will let you do a head to head run off between them on your land. Then you will really know what is best for you.

Take care and have fun,
John Bud