Small L or Big B?

[Sid Post]

Okay, I love love my L4600F but, it is a little big physically for some tasks. Looking at the used B's and L's I'm getting lost in the specs.

Looking at 20~30Hp 4WD geared tractors, what is the smallest (length/width) reasonably modern model? How does a similar B model compare? What am I giving up in work terms with a "large B" versus a "small L"?

Where are the sweet spots in terms of price? Specifically I see most B's being higher than apparently similar L's with similar Hp and drive capability.

I will want to use a small box blade, tiller, post hole digger as initial primary implements with a FEL being desirable but not required. A finish mower will be added at some point in the future.

Thanks,
Sid

 

[AZ.]

Okay, I love love my L4600F but, it is a little big physically for some tasks. Looking at the used B's and L's I'm getting lost in the specs.

Looking at 20~30Hp 4WD geared tractors, what is the smallest (length/width) reasonably modern model? How does a similar B model compare? What am I giving up in work terms with a "large B" versus a "small L"?

Where are the sweet spots in terms of price? Specifically I see most B's being higher than apparently similar L's with similar Hp and drive capability.

I will want to use a small box blade, tiller, post hole digger as initial primary implements with a FEL being desirable but not required. A finish mower will be added at some point in the future.

Thanks,
Sid

When I was looking new a few months ago...with the incentives a L was $1000 less....

 

[Ezlife45]

I just bought a B2650, it weighs maybe 200 lbs more than a B2620. I'm not much of a farmer etc, but my only complaint on my machine is weight. In 2WD my box scraper can stop my tractor when I'm using it for certain things. In 4WD it's a different story.

The tradeoff in my opinion between B and L is weight, you may get more bells and whistles on a B but if you need to do some heavy scraping etc, you may consider the L. Unless of course you may want to go with AG tires. I have R4 tires on mine.

I've only got 26 horsepower and typically have plenty of power to do what I want. It's traction I have problems with.

 

[The_Al]

I am glad I went with the L series (L3540), she is large enough for the big work, and still is able to do the farming work I need done.

Others are more knowledgeable on the various specs, but when I bought (her) the size and power was what I was looking for. The B-series is nice, but it may be a big change from the M you are used to?

 

[chim]

I've had an L3200 for the past 2 years. It replaced a B7500 that I had for the previous 10 years. The L is more capable because it has more weight and 11 more horses. The trans has 3 ranges rather than the 2 on my B. It's beefier all the way around. A glance at the two tractors' front axles will give you an idea of the difference.

The L is not so much larger that it is cumbersome. It's a pretty nimble tractor. I went from a 5' RFM on the B to a 6' on the L, and the L handles the 6 footer better than the B did the 5 footer. It will mow all but the steepest grade here in high range. The B required 4WD in a few places when mowing, but the L walks right through the same spots easily in 2WD. There is more room for the operator and the seat suspension makes it more comfortable to operate.

Different people take a liking to different tractors. The B did almost everything well. It just didn't have enough weight, FEL capacity or HP at times.

 

[Sid Post]

Unless of course you may want to go with AG tires. I have R4 tires on mine.

Definitely AG tires for me. I used a friends tractor with R4's and it was pretty helpless.

 

[gpreuss]

Traction is a function of weight and tire diameter. The L's win both, generally by a wide margin.
If your future finish mower is to be a MMM, then you will want the B. For pretty much anything else, the L is more tractor.
Of course, if you are keeping the L4600, the B series fills the bill for small and versatile.

 

[Ezlife45]

Forgot to mention, if you are looking for gears, the B2650 is hydrostatic.

 

[uncle carver]

I was looking at both of them, I bought the l3200. I cannot say it is the right choice but it seemed the B series were fancier and lighter for more cost with less horsepower.

 

[beemehero]

B's are great little tractors, my 2410 will do absolutely everything above ground well and some sub soil well too, a perfect complement to my new l3800

 

[gpreuss]

If you want gears, the B2320 is the only option in their current lineup. You should move fast.
Those of us that like gears are herded toward HSD, whether we like it or not...
They are still offering gears across the L range.
I got rid of my R4 tires, and went to R1s. A big improvement in traction.

 

[Sid Post]

Thanks everyone!

Yes, I'm definitely an AG Tire and Gear transmission person. With the BIG L handling heavier work, I'm wanting something handier for smaller jobs but not so small I over work it especially on rougher unprepared ground.

It sounds like a little B geared model might be a good solution. I'll be sure to check it out next time I'm at the dealer.

 

[Bluegill]

Gear & Ag tires here also. The L3800DT is my small rig, next one will be
larger, but will keep the 3800.

 

[gpreuss]

Looking at the machines and spec's, I think the small B would be a great complement to your L4600F. You will Love 4WD, and the 2 speed PTO. I lived with a L185DT for 35 years, and got by fine with 18 horses - 23 would have been a dream come true.
There is a B2320 on Ebay, in Meeker, OK for $9750 with gears, loader and low hours. A good chance to save about $5K. Only drawback is R4 tires. I'd run a month or two with R4s to see how they do - with 4WD they might be fine, and would probably be better for mowing, which might be in your future.
Tucker Tires will probably sell you a set of R1s mounted on wheels for $500 -600, still saving you $$ thousands. You would then have a set for mowing, and another set for other work. Only takes about 15 minutes to change them out.
Do let us know what you decide. Post pictures!!

 

[Sid Post]

Thanks! I didn't really think of Ebay when I went looking for a gently used tractor.