Would you go from a B3030 to a B3200?

[ka41]

Really confused now. Went by at lunch and looked at the B3200 and L3240. Really no difference in size of the 3200 and the 3240 is a lot bigger. The only down side I see with the 3240 is it only comes with a 72"MMM and I want a 60". I have a long drive with shallow ditches and I won't be able to cut the ditches with the 72". Dang it nothing is simple is it.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Really confused now. Went by at lunch and looked at the B3200 and L3240. Really no difference in size of the 3200 and the 3240 is a lot bigger. The only down side I see with the 3240 is it only comes with a 72"MMM and I want a 60". I have a long drive with shallow ditches and I won't be able to cut the ditches with the 72". Dang it nothing is simple is it.

Yes, there are simple answers but they may cause some other issues. The simple answer is to get a 60" Rear Finish Mower on the L3240.

 

[beppington]

Or get the L3240 with the 72" MMM & cut 3" off the outer 2 mower blades

OK, OK ... Are you sure you can't make the 72" deck work? The Grand L's are super dooper nice! :thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

I would do some measuring just to make sure. The family who farms our land use to use John Deer CUTs with 72" MMM to mow our shallow road ditches then 72" ZTRs. Now they just run over the tops with a 15' bat wing.

When I mow them I use a 6' rotary cutter/bushhog/shredder.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Or get the L3240 with the 72" MMM & cut 3" off the outer 2 mower blades

72"-3"(from one outer blade) -3" (from other outer blade)=66" No, that's still not 60" so won't work but a good idea never the less.

 

[beppington]

72"-3"(from one outer blade) -3" (from other outer blade)=66" No, that's still not 60" so won't work but a good idea never the less.

Ooooooooops! OK, cut 6" off each outer blade then :laughing:

 

[DelSc]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned the big weight difference between the B3200 and the L3240. The B is about 1800 lbs while the L is about 3400 lbs. For ground engagement, added weight is good. For mowing lawns, its generally better to have less weight. Might be worth considering.
Thanks
Scott

 

[ka41]

Scott I thought about the extra weight and that could possibly be a problem also.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

There are weight distribution per sq inch principles involved. Some equipment with big tires has less weight on the ground per sq inch than some smaller equipment. I don't know myself but I'm sure there are those that do. I've had/have BXs, Bs, Fs, RTV and an L. I've not noticed any problems on my yard (not lawn) with any of them except when one spins the tires.

 

[crazyal]

Are you sure you can't get a smaller deck? I think Kubota just assumes that bigger is better and since most people would want to clear the rear tire track they may just list the one deck. Maybe you could ask the dealer if the model number for that deck is used on any B series tractors. If so then maybe the smaller mower will work fine on the GL.

 

[Blitzn]

If you are aware of the differences in the 2 models then it is just a matter of getting what you want. I consider a FEL a must on these tractors. The b3200 is a fine tractor and the only reason I would go to B3030 is to get the live pto which is something I would use but of course if you don't have it you learn to be without. You will not notice the power difference. If you are trading why not just trade to what you have except get the loader?

The 3030 has full hydrostatic steering which I consider to be better and I like the loader and control better on the b3200 so it is a real crap shoot as to what is important to you.

What did you think of the vibration issues on the B3200? Does the loader frame mounted on the model change the harmonics and dampening frequencies enough to combat the vibration?

 

[kuboman]

What did you think of the vibration issues on the B3200? Does the loader frame mounted on the model change the harmonics and dampening frequencies enough to combat the vibration?

I have never run mine without the loader frame. I don't see that it would make a difference but it might. I suppose it could change the harmonics. A large part of the vibration issue with this tractor is all the items that vibrate and make noise. I spent some time tracking down and stopping a lot of the noise. It no doubt has vibration but without all the rattling I don't find the vibration a problem. I don't spend much time over 2000rpm so it is not a big deal for me. I also think it is not as bad as it was when new either. If I had the choice of a B3030 or the B3200 for close to the same money I would suggest the B3030. For what ever reason it does not vibrate as bad. Maybe the timing of the engine really does have something to do with it.

 

[Blitzn]

Thanks.
I can live with a rattle - but the vibration would make my hands numb.
Unfortunately, the 3030 pricing is not anywhere near - or I would go that route. Several thousand more - cheaper to buy an L-series (except I want that pesky mid-pto).
Would love to hear from any other 3200 owners if they have taken the loader off and felt vibration. I am hoping if a loader was installed - it would go away. I like the frame size and the stance on the 3200 better.

 

[kuboman]

Thanks.
I can live with a rattle - but the vibration would make my hands numb.
Unfortunately, the 3030 pricing is not anywhere near - or I would go that route. Several thousand more - cheaper to buy an L-series (except I want that pesky mid-pto).
Would love to hear from any other 3200 owners if they have taken the loader off and felt vibration. I am hoping if a loader was installed - it would go away. I like the frame size and the stance on the 3200 better.

Something I wish I could have done when I bought mine was to get the bigger tires that you can get on the B3300. Tire size has a lot to do with what your tractor will do. Bigger tires are just more capable, give a smoother ride, better flotation etc. I would rather have a a tall narrow tire over a short fat one.
I am sure you could make a deal to get the bigger tires with a dealer.

 

[red4now]

Things you would miss going to a B3200 (including some mentioned already):

1) tilt steering wheel - you really notice it when you have it to use
2) more comfortable seat - different setup / padding, not sure but it was a big difference
3) adjustable / extendable 3PH arms - amazing what an extra inch can do for you
3) someone mentioned better loader control on B3200 - get joystick option on B3030
4) full power steering / live PTO / full 3PH position control
5) cruise control - handy when cutting grass

Things you will need to consider if going to a B3200:

1) vibration issue - I noticed it most when cutting grass at PTO speed, not when using loader
2) 1/4 position 3PH
3) simply a re-tinned B7800 therefore older design for the most part

Had over 100 hours on the B3200 before trading it in. Ran great, lots of power but the issues could not be ignored, especially since I cut lots of grass and I am glad I made the move early in the game.

 

[Blitzn]

Thanks for that concise summary.
Too bad no one around here seems to stock those 3030s... I did call Kubota HQ, and they said they aren't abandoning them.
Guess I better check with Brady Barlow and see what he's running them for.....?
May be my best option.

 

[kuboman]

Thanks for that concise summary.
Too bad no one around here seems to stock those 3030s... I did call Kubota HQ, and they said they aren't abandoning them.
Guess I better check with Brady Barlow and see what he's running them for.....?
May be my best option.

I am sure you will like the B3030, I did I just did not want to spend the extra $$$$ for the extras. I don't do much at pto speed except run a genset and then I'm not sitting on it anyway.

 

[Blitzn]

That brings up an interesting point though....
What rpm are you running when brush-hogging or mowing? I thought it said rated rpms are like 2700 to get the mid-pto to 2500, and for hogging, I know my neighbor says his just doesn't have the guts to run the hog (19pto hp).
So - you'd feel it sitting on it when brushhogging.

Sent my note to Brady - see what I learn.

 

[mjw357]

Would love to hear from any other 3200 owners if they have taken the loader off and felt vibration. I am hoping if a loader was installed - it would go away. I like the frame size and the stance on the 3200 better.

I really don't notice any difference. Sometimes I take it off for mowing for better clearance and view. Can't say if it's any better/worse. One thing I notice that makes a lot of noise is the plastic blank panel on the fender area to the right of the seat.