New kid in school, seeking advice.

[cpow]

Hello all.

New to the forum and relatively new to the Kubota world. My only experience with a Kubota tractor was using using a BX2380 to mow the yard of the company I worked for when I was younger. It was a nice little tractor but I need/want something larger. My other tractor experience is with a 1946 Ford 8N which was a fantastic tractor, could kick it's teeth in all day and it would beg for more but I am looking for something (much) newer and a bit more versatile.

My fiance and I just bought land and plan to build a house, I will need the tractor for tree clearing/maintenance, brush hogging, mowing, snow removal and food plotting.

I have been looking for quite some time now and a 2019 B3350 that a dealer local to me had just taken on a trade popped up. It had 300 hrs on it and looked like all they did was use the 72" mid mount mower to mow with, the bucket didn't look like it had ever seen a load for $18,500. It also had a 3rd function already on it which was enticing. Luckily the dealership was up front with me and wanted me to know about the 3350 being a problem child instead of just selling me the tractor and laughing as I hauled it away. He told me to go home and do some research, make sure I'm good with it and come back Monday (today) if I wanted it.

Now that I've been non-stop reading about the 3350 I'm very hesitant to pull the trigger on it. It seems like no matter what you do (short of deleting the DPF) there will be issues with the tractor. Not an if, but when situation. Kind of a bummer because it's the perfect size/power for my needs and had the the options/attachments I was looking for off the bat. I felt like I finally found one at a decent price, now I know why it was considerably cheaper than the rest I've looked at.

What other models should I consider? Or am I being too "cautious" by passing on this particular tractor? If not, what other models should I stay far away from?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[old and tired]

3350 is the worst tractor Kubota made... run away... Edit after reading the rest of your post; you are good with any other model!!!

Will post a video... fast forward to the 11 minute mark...

 

[cpow]

3350 is the worst tractor Kubota made... run away... Edit after reading the rest of your post; you are good with any other model!!!

Will post a video... fast forward to the 11 minute mark...

I'm glad the dealer was upfront and honest with me, otherwise I 100% would have bought that tractor Saturday. I was hoping I would read that the issues were few and far between but that has definitely not been the case.

 

[dirtydeed]

X2. Run from it.

I looked years ago and had 2 dealerships tell me that they refuse to even sell that model.

Look at something else. If you like that size, there are plenty to choose from in the LX line which is the same as the B50 series.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Hello all.

New to the forum and relatively new to the Kubota world. My only experience with a Kubota tractor was using using a BX2380 to mow the yard of the company I worked for when I was younger. It was a nice little tractor but I need/want something larger. My other tractor experience is with a 1946 Ford 8N which was a fantastic tractor, could kick it's teeth in all day and it would beg for more but I am looking for something (much) newer and a bit more versatile.

My fiance and I just bought land and plan to build a house, I will need the tractor for tree clearing/maintenance, brush hogging, mowing, snow removal and food plotting.

I have been looking for quite some time now and a 2019 B3350 that a dealer local to me had just taken on a trade popped up. It had 300 hrs on it and looked like all they did was use the 72" mid mount mower to mow with, the bucket didn't look like it had ever seen a load for $18,500. It also had a 3rd function already on it which was enticing. Luckily the dealership was up front with me and wanted me to know about the 3350 being a problem child instead of just selling me the tractor and laughing as I hauled it away. He told me to go home and do some research, make sure I'm good with it and come back Monday (today) if I wanted it.

Now that I've been non-stop reading about the 3350 I'm very hesitant to pull the trigger on it. It seems like no matter what you do (short of deleting the DPF) there will be issues with the tractor. Not an if, but when situation. Kind of a bummer because it's the perfect size/power for my needs and had the the options/attachments I was looking for off the bat. I felt like I finally found one at a decent price, now I know why it was considerably cheaper than the rest I've looked at.

What other models should I consider? Or am I being too "cautious" by passing on this particular tractor? If not, what other models should I stay far away from?

Any input is appreciated.

Good day.

Congrats on the land purchase and impending nuptials.

For me it’s really hard to make any suggestions without more info on the size / scope of your tasks (and frequency if applicable). Understand, from your mail unless one of us is your neighbor or something all we know is ‘we bought land’…tough to try to help size that, but we want to help spend your money if you share more task related info. (Anything from a BX up through an M can do the things listed, so without some scope/perspective it’s hard to narrow it down)

For example:

What implements and size of implements do you plan to use?

How much mowing / brush cutting? Do you plan to mow one acre or 10?

How much do you safely want to lift with your loader?

Do you need / require a mid PTO? Could be for mower or a fr snowblower?

Do you mind if manual transmission vs a HST?

Welcome to the forum.

 

[jimh406]

I agree …. don’t buy a B3350.

You‘ll need to take the midmount mower off to do any land clearing. With that in mind, you’d probably be better off with a pull behind rotary cutter. If you want to stay in that size look at the B2650 or LX models.

A L2501HST is a heavier duty tractor. It’s a bit bigger than the B3350. I’d look at it.

If you want to eventually have a front mount snow blower, you’ll need a midPTO which the B and LX have. Take a look at the GP Outdoors on youtube to see what a B and LX can do with clearing and snow.

 

[cpow]

X2. Run from it.

I looked years ago and had 2 dealerships tell me that they refuse to even sell that model.

Look at something else. If you like that size, there are plenty to choose from in the LX line which is the same as the B50 series.

I am thinking I will be staying far, far away from this 3350.

Good day.

Congrats on the land purchase and impending nuptials.

For me it’s really hard to make any suggestions without more info on the size / scope of your tasks (and frequency if applicable). Understand, from your mail unless one of us is your neighbor or something all we know is ‘we bought land’…tough to try to help size that, but we want to help spend your money if you share more task related info. (Anything from a BX up through an M can do the things listed, so without some scope/perspective it’s hard to narrow it down)

For example:

What implements and size of implements do you plan to use?

How much mowing / brush cutting? Do you plan to mow one acre or 10?

How much do you safely want to lift with your loader?

Do you need / require a mid PTO? Could be for mower or a fr snowblower?

Do you mind if manual transmission vs a HST?

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks! I should have been more specific. I will be mowing 4 acres on a regular basis, brush cutting will be less frequent but will be maintaining trails/clearing lanes on 8-10 acres and food plotting multiple ~1 acre "honey hole" plots. I'd like to be able to lift ~1,000#, run a 72" belly mower and at least a 60" brush cutter along with a tiller. I'd like to be able to run a grapple eventually and yes to a front snowblower. I know they work great but I am not a fan of being twisted around watching a rear 3pt blower. I wouldn't be splurging for all the attachments at once, but this is what I have in mind for future use. I'd like to stay HST just for ease of use, I don't have a problem with a manual trans but I'd like to have my fiance able to easily use it also.

I agree …. don’t buy a B3350.

You‘ll need to take the midmount mower off to do any land clearing. With that in mind, you’d probably be better off with a pull behind rotary cutter. If you want to stay in that size look at the B2650 or LX models.

A L2501HST is a heavier duty tractor. It’s a bit bigger than the B3350. I’d look at it.

If you want to eventually have a front mount snow blower, you’ll need a midPTO which the B and LX have. Take a look at the GP Outdoors on youtube to see what a B and LX can do with clearing and snow.

I am intrigued by the 2650 and open to all suggestions. The different series/letters is somewhat confusing. Or maybe I'm just dumb

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I am thinking I will be staying far, far away from this 3350.




Thanks! I should have been more specific. I will be mowing 4 acres on a regular basis, brush cutting will be less frequent but will be maintaining trails/clearing lanes on 8-10 acres and food plotting multiple ~1 acre "honey hole" plots. I'd like to be able to lift ~1,000#, run a 72" belly mower and at least a 60" brush cutter along with a tiller. I'd like to be able to run a grapple eventually and yes to a front snowblower. I know they work great but I am not a fan of being twisted around watching a rear 3pt blower. I wouldn't be splurging for all the attachments at once, but this is what I have in mind for future use. I'd like to stay HST just for ease of use, I don't have a problem with a manual trans but I'd like to have my fiance able to easily use it also.




I am intrigued by the 2650 and open to all suggestions. The different series/letters is somewhat confusing. Or maybe I'm just dumb

Wow, sounds great!

A B is a very versatile machine, but IMO depending on frequency, how high and level of terrain, 1000lb lift is asking a lot of B (not a lot of extra margin…I’d recommend look at the specs and you’ll see 1000lbs sort of in between where the weight is positioned from the pins in the spec descriptions…basically that might be a struggle for it, if it will lift what you want).

That being said if really have to have a MMM not much choice there.

With what you described I think you could just as easily get use out of a B or larger machine.

IMO, a B will do what you described…the lift might be questionable depending on lay of the land and what really trying to do…it’s near or at the limit IMO for a B…definitely going to need ballast.

If playing in the field and woods regular id strongly encourage you think about rear finish mower…so much easier to take on and off.

That being said if you are willing to mow on something else (ie ZT) or use a rear finish mower, than there are some other choices that would be a lot safer / more capable in the lift category.

If it were me, I’d let the soon to be FIL know that as dowry, I would except a GL.

 

[85Hokie]

" I am intrigued by the 2650 and open to all suggestions. The different series/letters is somewhat confusing. Or maybe I'm just dumb "

the B2650 is a great machine - the LX2610 is the newer model of that machine.

As for as the series and letters - do not feel bad, those of us that have been here for a dozen years STILL dont understand Kubota's naming of certain machines.

Typically - the first two numbers are the rated HP - the latter two number are the series.

 

[MOOTS]

Are you wanting a cab @cpow ? That will limit some of your options.

 

[cpow]

Wow, sounds great!

A B is a very versatile machine, but IMO depending on frequency, how high and level of terrain, 1000lb lift is asking a lot of B (not a lot of extra margin…I’d recommend look at the specs and you’ll see 1000lbs sort of in between where the weight is positioned from the pins in the spec descriptions…basically that might be a struggle for it, if it will lift what you want).

That being said if really have to have a MMM not much choice there.

With what you described I think you could just as easily get use out of a B or larger machine.

IMO, a B will do what you described…the lift might be questionable depending on lay of the land and what really trying to do…it’s near or at the limit IMO for a B…definitely going to need ballast.

If playing in the field and woods regular id strongly encourage you think about rear finish mower…so much easier to take on and off.

That being said if you are willing to mow on something else (ie ZT) or use a rear finish mower, than there are some other choices that would be a lot safer / more capable in the lift category.

If it were me, I’d let the soon to be FIL know that as dowry, I would except a GL.

Lift capacity doesn't have to be 1k+, just sounded like a nice number. I was just told to take the Loader model # and x2 for capacity, does that sound reasonable? The terrain is mostly flat with some mild slopes, nothing too steep or crazy.

It doesn't have to be MMM, I just assumed easier to mow with. I have a 52" zero turn right now that this will most likely replace. 4 acres is not fun on a ZT.

" I am intrigued by the 2650 and open to all suggestions. The different series/letters is somewhat confusing. Or maybe I'm just dumb "

the B2650 is a great machine - the LX2610 is the newer model of that machine.

As for as the series and letters - do not feel bad, those of us that have been here for a dozen years STILL dont understand Kubota's naming of certain machines.

Typically - the first two numbers are the rated HP - the latter two number are the series.

Thanks for the clarification lol.

Are you wanting a cab @cpow ? That will limit some of your options.

I guess that would depend on price, I kind of wrote them off just due to cost and the fear of busting out windows in the woods. If I came across a deal I couldn't pass up I'm definitely not against heat/ac.

 

[Timmer92]

It seems to me that people go one of 2 ways with their B## tractor. Either they really don't ever use it for more than a lawn tractor, or they realize it is insufficient for most purposes. I started with a BX series as we had bought 13 acres and I figured I would have various purposes for it. That proved to be true, but it came up short a good share of the time. I traded it in for an L3901, which has been much more capable for most tasks, but not all. We have started to do more hobby farming, and I just bought more land, so now I find myself looking to upgrade again.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

L2501HST or L2502HST

 

[cpow]

It seems to me that people go one of 2 ways with their B## tractor. Either they really don't ever use it for more than a lawn tractor, or they realize it is insufficient for most purposes. I started with a BX series as we had bought 13 acres and I figured I would have various purposes for it. That proved to be true, but it came up short a good share of the time. I traded it in for an L3901, which has been much more capable for most tasks, but not all. We have started to more hobby farming, and I just bought more land, so now I find myself looking to upgrade again.

Good point, while this one would definitely be a lawn mower, it would also be much more than that. I just looked at the L3901 and I don't see myself needing a tractor that large. I think the "B" series is a good fit size wise for our current situation.

But I have also recently heard in my tractor search that "you can do small with big but not big with small."
Something I should consider I suppose. That's what I'm here for!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There are a lot of B's that are good.
Get one with a loader, mower deck already.
Just about everything else can be added.
B's are OK mowers
Zero turns are Excellent mowers!

 

[cpow]

L2501HST or L2502HST

The L2501 looks like a nice tractor. I am just using tractorhouse.com to quickly look up all these recommendations. Maybe I'm not using the filters correctly but I am not seeing an L2502HST?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

L2502's are new probably not many used ones out there yet.

 

[cpow]

L2501HST or L2502HST

The L2501 looks like a nice tractor. I am just using tractorhouse.com to quickly look up all these recommendations. Maybe I'm not using the filters correctly but I am not seeing an L2502HST?

There are a lot of B's that are good.
Get one with a loader, mower deck already.
Just about everything else can be added.
B's are OK mowers
Zero turns are Excellent mowers!

That is my plan, ideally that would be how I will purchase whatever I end up going with. I don't plan on going crazy on attachments right away, I will collect them slowly I'm sure. I have a 52" Ariens Apex right now. It is a fantastic mower, but I have cleared the 4 acre portion I will be building on and mowing twice already with it and I'd really prefer not to do it again. The lines look great but it is just not comfortable to me.

 

[cpow]

L2502's are new probably not many used ones out there yet.

Makes sense. I am actually not against buying new. I have just always bought everything used my whole life. Trucks, cars, atv/utv's, boats the whole 9. I usually let the first guy take the depreciation hit.

 

[bird dogger]

The B2650 was the perfect choice for me to replace my older John Deere 750MFWD. It's used on the 18 acres we live on. I also have another 2.5 acre building site to mow that's 6 miles away. Plus, we have had another 50 some acres of woods and lake lot to take care of that's about 80 miles away.

The older JD had a mid mount mower and I was always cussing at that mower because it was always in the way and had to come off to do most anything else with the tractor. It sounds like your situation will be similar, and you'll be needing to do all kinds of chores on your acreage besides the regular mowing. I found myself putting off jobs because the mid mount mower was still on and the lawn would be needing mowing in just a day or two. Then it would rain and postpone things even more.

Being able to switch between the rear finiah mower and other attachments in just minutes on the B2650 is a godsend. In my situation, the advantages of being able to mow with the older mid mount mower were easily outweighed by the advantages of using a rear finish mower.

I've found that yes you can do larger jobs with a smaller tractor.....it just takes a little longer. But there's plenty of times that a larger tractor couldn't do the jobs or get into the work places that my B2650 can get into. It really boils down to knowing how to use and work safely with the tractor you have. Everybody's situation is different.

Working "smart" with a properly sized tractor for your needs can far outweigh haveing a tractor that is either too big for your situation or too small for your situation.