My garage is looking empty....

   / My garage is looking empty.... #1  

ColdRider

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Messages
48
Location
Northern Maine
Tractor
1985 B7200 Hst/ fel(sold) 2011 L3800 Hst/ fel
Well Guys, I sold my B7200 HST after owning for 17 years. It was used for lawn mowing (RC60 rear mount), tilling a 1 acre garden (Howard Rotavator 54"), light field mowing(4' Woods bushhog) and plowing snow. The plowing and bushhogging were working the dickens out of the poor thing but it did it. I think I need something in the 30/40 hp range. My tiller and finish mower will work fine with that but probably the bushhog will need to grow a foot or so.

I would like some advice. Is an L3800 too big to mow lawns? I've priced out several L models 28, 32, 34 38 as well as a B3300su, which was the least expensive, none are cheap. I'm going to have this, I hope longer than the old one and I want to get it right. Most of my property is well drained and I'm not worried about sinking into the lawn.

I think I'd like the extra power and weight to move all the snow we get here in northern Maine. I lke the thought of better traction and wear with the R4's but am wondering about clearance issues with rear chains. I've got a sloped drive and traction was a problem with the smaller tractor with chains and turf tires.

I have 2 dealers within about 80 miles of me. Both have good reps and their prices are comparable to Barlows with shipping figured in. I shopped and everything except JD( +5-6000) was right about the same price. I really had good luck with my Kubota and I'm going to buy another.

It's a big size difference from my B to a new L. What do you think?

Thanks, Mark
 
   / My garage is looking empty.... #2  
Well Guys, I sold my B7200 HST after owning for 17 years. It was used for lawn mowing (RC60 rear mount), tilling a 1 acre garden (Howard Rotavator 54"), light field mowing(4' Woods bushhog) and plowing snow. The plowing and bushhogging were working the dickens out of the poor thing but it did it. I think I need something in the 30/40 hp range. My tiller and finish mower will work fine with that but probably the bushhog will need to grow a foot or so.

I would like some advice. Is an L3800 too big to mow lawns? I've priced out several L models 28, 32, 34 38 as well as a B3300su, which was the least expensive, none are cheap. I'm going to have this, I hope longer than the old one and I want to get it right. Most of my property is well drained and I'm not worried about sinking into the lawn.

I think I'd like the extra power and weight to move all the snow we get here in northern Maine. I lke the thought of better traction and wear with the R4's but am wondering about clearance issues with rear chains. I've got a sloped drive and traction was a problem with the smaller tractor with chains and turf tires.

I have 2 dealers within about 80 miles of me. Both have good reps and their prices are comparable to Barlows with shipping figured in. I shopped and everything except JD( +5-6000) was right about the same price. I really had good luck with my Kubota and I'm going to buy another.

It's a big size difference from my B to a new L. What do you think?

Thanks, Mark
Wow, it took you a long time with your trial/test tractor to determine you bought to small.:) As I read what you wrote, you have already determined you need a bigger tractor and the L's are the bigger tractor. For weight/traction and power and price they are tough to beat. The big HP'd B will not have the traction of an L and you need/want traction. I agree with your decision to buy yourself an L as soon as you can call and order it.:thumbsup:
I've had a couple of B's and an L in between and the L is the traction master,
 
   / My garage is looking empty.... #3  
The jump from a B to an L is really not that much as far as price goes.

If you parked a B3300 SUT next to and L3200 with the same tires and bucket

you would be hard pressed to see a difference. However, the big difference

would be readily apparent in your next Down East storm.

The L weight is usually about 1k more than the B.

They are a little bit longer not much wider but heavier. This equates to better

traction and some more stability.

I love the B series , it is by far the best homeowner series ever.

After last winter I will be getting an L3200. The Kubota SSQA

for a plow and a bucket with the Quick attach plus the benefit of the L being

traction king sold me.

Keep asking questions until you are satisfied . Every situation is different.

There is a member here who has been where you are - and they are

most willing to share.

Good Luck

RD
 
   / My garage is looking empty.... #4  
Get an L. I had a B3200 for a year and half and after I first got it, I was complaining about lack of traction. Just got me an L4400. The B's are strong but they are just to light in my opinion. I found myself needing the weight and traction more than lifting capacities and other tasks.
 
   / My garage is looking empty....
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks Guys,

I've been lurking here ....I mean researching, yeah that's it ... for a while. Plenty of good info and much appreciated.

John, read your thread about buying your first machine, I guess I'm just a slow learner:laughing:

I'm just going to have to pull the trigger, but I hate to start making payments again. I raelly didn't expect to sell my B as fast as I did, so now I'll need to replace it. I'm in no hurry, I've a Green 265 with a 48" deck I can let the wife mow with:laughing:
 

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