Buying Advice What model to buy???

jwrambo · Jun 28, 2011

Yes, maybe a little. The major grading is going to be hired out. My grade work is going to consist of prepping for the pole barns, maintaining the road, and landscaping/final grading. I was originally looking at smaller machines, but I am now leaning towards the B3200 to hopefully prevent having to trade up in the near future.

What is the best rotary cutter and why?

Is there a way to attach a root rake to the loader bucket, or a rake to put in place of the bucket?

Is there a post hole auger that allows you to switch different size augers?

Grandad4 · Jun 28, 2011

There are a variety of good rotary cutter brands. Some are "national" brands, like Bush Hog, LandPride and Woods; others are regional. We have "Befco" in the Eastern US, at least, and I know there are some companies selling mostly in the Central states, etc. They are generally comparable, although people often have a preference based on their experience.

There are some brands that are more "value-oriented" with lower price points (Howse comes to mind), and there are some extreme-duty manufacturers, like Brown, but you'll obviously pay quite a premium for that type of product.

Post hole augers are usually interchangeable, so you can have different sizes. The typical light-duty 3pt. augers will take up to maybe a 16" auger (I have a 9" and 12"... haven't used the 9" in years); you can get heavier duty ones that may go a bit larger. The hydraulically powered ones used on skid steers and such can be much larger.

CHDinCT · Jun 29, 2011

jwrambo said:
Is there a way to attach a root rake to the loader bucket, or a rake to put in place of the bucket?

Check into a Ratchet Rake that attaches to the FEL for what you're describing. They're available at most Tractor Supply Stores for reasonable money.

jwrambo · Jun 29, 2011

Chris, pretty neat product, and like you said reasonable. I just had a few areas cleared, and before I pay the grader to clean up the roots, etc. I would like to save that money, and put it towards some implements. Anybody know of something similar to this that maybe has some longer tines? The Ratchet Rake looks like it would be excellent for clearing under brush, but the video on their website is using a larger machine. Wonder how it would work with the B3200???

Verticaltrx · Jun 29, 2011

jwrambo said:
The bush hog I was using was enclosed in the back, and your advice makes a lot of sense. Would you buy the Kodiak cutter again?

The Kodiak has been a pretty good cutter, definitely one of the better 'cheap' bush hogs out there. If I were only using it for personal or farm use I would definitely buy another one. I've been using it commercially for 3yrs now (mowing about 50ac/yr) and it is starting to show some wear and tear. Granted, it still has a lot of life left in it, and I would expect to get another 5yrs or so before I have to upgrade. Woods, Bush Hog or Hardee will be my choices for my next 'commercial grade' cutter, provided they have a model that fits my needs.

Hotrocks · Jun 29, 2011

IMO, a B series tractor would be plenty of tractor for 5 acres. If you are only mowing/ bushhogging 3 or so acres with a 5' mower, you'd be done in 2 or three hours. I have a BX2200 with a 60MMM and you'd be amazed how fast it will mow. Of course, bushhogging is slower and I don't have a 5' bushhog. But to have a large tractor that you can mow with and be done in 20 minutes, doesn't sound like much fun to me. I have 10 acres currently and my BX is great for that. For a little tractor, it will cover a lot of ground. I'm about to buy 66 acres and want to trade in my BX for a B2920. Now with the 66 acres, I'm going to finismow about 3 acres and bushhog about 10. I don't mind if it takes a little longer. I personnally think anything in the B series would be sufficient. Once your big projects are done, I think if you got a L series tractor, it would be overkill. But, others on here have a lot more experience than I with tractors. Good luck with whatever you choose.

kuboman · Jun 29, 2011

If size is not a factor then I would consider something in the L range. They are a lot more tractor for only a little more money. Much more capable than any B.

JMOH

jwrambo · Jun 29, 2011

Well, I thought I had decided on a B3200. Another dealer came back with a better price on a B3300. Now what? I also have heard there is a bad vibration issue with the B3200. I guess I will have to run it again before signing on the dotted line. Has Kubota fixed this problem?

Verticaltrx · Jun 30, 2011

jwrambo said:
Well, I thought I had decided on a B3200. Another dealer came back with a better price on a B3300. Now what? I also have heard there is a bad vibration issue with the B3200. I guess I will have to run it again before signing on the dotted line. Has Kubota fixed this problem?

The vibration problem is due to a problem with the timing, set that way to get around emission requirements (timing is too advanced from the factory.) While I haven't driven one, I would be almost certain that the B3300 would exhibit the same vibration.

The B3030 and B7800 also used the same engine and didn't have vibration issues, so it's in the tuning and can be resolved. The vibration doesn't bother me much, and it has gotten a little less as the tractor has gotten broken-in (I'm at 400hrs now.)

With that said you need to go drive one of each at PTO rpm and see for yourself and make a decision.