Pulling the trigger... final advice

[marxman]

Guys,

So Ive been down to the Kubota dealership for what I hope will be the last visit prior to purchasing a tractor. I am down to a decision between the B2920 and the B3200. I had included the 3300SU in the equation, but decided I really want a mid-PTO (just in case).

So, I like the 2920 because it's a slightly smaller frame which I think I can get around my property easier, the 3200 just seems a touch too big. Also I lean to the 2920 because of the vibration issues of the 3200 I keep reading about. Of course it's a little cheaper as well.

However.. the one big reason I like the 3200 is the Quick Attach bucket option. I am going to have a need for palette forks and I don't want to be clamping forks to the bucket every time I want to use them. Also, being a guy, I love the BIGGER tractor.. go big or go home.

Kubota dealer didnt seem to offer the Quick Attach bucket on the 2920, so do people know what my options are?

thanks

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

You say the B3200 is to big and you prefer the B2920. That can work on you every time you drive it if you get the one you think isn't the right one.
To remove the quick attach bucket (I had one on a L3240 I owned) and then move the tractor over to the QA Forks and hook them up (I had the forks to on my previous L3240) is going to take as long as installing the two forks on your bucket (That's what I have now, pickem up, lay them down on bucket edge and hook chain and tighten, once for each fork).
I had a B7800 for 3 years and fell for the bigger is better deal and traded it to a L3240. The L3240 was a great tractor but it was to big for my hillside property and I thought of reasons not to use it until I traded it back to Barlows in a few months for a B3200 and was glad I did because I went back to hunting for reasons for getting it out and using it.
I never had the vibration "issue" with my B3200 but I operated it below the rpm that some others said was the point of vibration for them. I'd buy another one with no concern as to the vibration issue.
Wait and see if someone says they have a SSQA bucket on their B2920 if that's your biggest issue or call Barlows or Messicks and see what they say about getting one with SSQA bucket for the B2920.

 

[Ductape]

Are you talking about the Kubota proprietary QA for the bucket / forks ? Or are you talking about a skidsteer type? Either way, the loader arms are the same width, so technically, either should fit. Unfortunately, when you add weight of any kind to the loader (like your quick connect), it reduces the amount of material it will lift. Just something to think about.

 

[General Lee]

I had a B3200 and the vibration kinda bugged me. Aggravating at PTO speeds if your mowing. Some are fine with vibration. Have you tested a B3200 at the dealer to see how the vibration is? If you don't like the vibration sitting on it for a few minutes, you won't like it mowing for hours.

I also have clamp on forks but recently got a set of QA skidsteer forks. The clamp on ones are ok and you can get by with them. Just consider how heavy your loads will be. You lose capacity with the clamp on because the load sits farther out from the loader.

Your not going to notice much performance difference between the B2920 or the 3200. It really boils down to your specific needs. I'm not knocking the 3200, it was a good tractor for me and I thought loader was well matched for the machine. The vibration was an issue for me but ultimately I wanted/needed a bigger tractor so I traded up.

 

[crazyal]

The clamp on forks will work but they are less than ideal. I agree with General Lee, you'll loose lifting capacity because the weight will be shifted forward. The weight of the QA system will be offset by the weight of the bucket when it comes to clamp on forks. You will loose some lifting capacity with the QA when using the bucket though. The bucket also hides the view of the forks from the seat.

 

[honorbound]

I have the 3200 and it manuvers with no problems. I have a smaller property (1.2 acres) and it fits nicely wherever I have put it so far. There is a bit of vibration at full throttle but I keep it throttled lower and that seems to help. I have been impressed with the power and manuverability of the machine.

 

[hc99]

For my B2320, I got the B1658 QA coupler from the B3200 LA504 FEL for an extra $250. Your dealer should be able to get it too.

 

[JJZ 109]

The clamp on forks will work but they are less than ideal. I agree with General Lee, you'll loose lifting capacity because the weight will be shifted forward. The weight of the QA system will be offset by the weight of the bucket when it comes to clamp on forks. You will loose some lifting capacity with the QA when using the bucket though. The bucket also hides the view of the forks from the seat.

Agreed. No matter what you choose for a tractor/loader, get yourself a QA of some sort.
I wound up buying an aftermarket SSQA after purchasing the tractor. It's working just fine for me. The only down side was sending the bucket out to have the factory brackets cut off and the QA adapter welded onto the bucket.
The QA is adjustable and pins onto the loader arms.