If you go with 2wd save yourself another $4500 and leave the loader off because it is going to be worthless when it comes time to dig in the dirt.
Which to Buy: B3200 or L3200/3800
- Thread starter MyHomestead
- Start date
Yes just what Bulldog said. Whenever I am digging or moving material I am in 4x4. A loader would be a waste of $$ without 4wd. Dont even consider it-
Well you know kids funny thing is my dad and I have ran an L275 for YEARS without 2wd and a loader and never have had a mintues problem digging, pushing or pulling without 4wd. We've had that tractor and a 50hp Ford 3550 and a Ford 555C backhoe that were all 2wd and never ever had a need for 4wd. Plenty of power in both tractors and backhoe. Liquid ballast the rear tires and your fine.
You've got to realize with a 4wd its not a TRUE 4wd. Your only spinning one extra wheel on the front axle. Even if you smash on the lockin diff pedal on the rears its only a 3x3 really.
You've got to realize with a 4wd its not a TRUE 4wd. Your only spinning one extra wheel on the front axle. Even if you smash on the lockin diff pedal on the rears its only a 3x3 really.
"3x3 with diff locked" . Not so , Eric. While true with open diff, once either front or rear diff is locked, all 4 must turn as one. In regular 4wd, in mud or slick surfaces, you can have one of the front wheels and one of the rear wheels spinning and the tractor not moveing at all. Just like 2 wd, if one of the rear wheels looses traction, it will spin and vehicle will not move.
I've had the rear diff locked and only one front tire spinning, so we have a 3x4. 
Actually, we had an old 50hp Case 2wd with loader and did a lot of work with it. Did a fair bit of digging with it too. Just had to learn what it could and couldn't do. The two 4wd rigs we have now are really nice for loader work though!!!
Actually, we had an old 50hp Case 2wd with loader and did a lot of work with it. Did a fair bit of digging with it too. Just had to learn what it could and couldn't do. The two 4wd rigs we have now are really nice for loader work though!!!
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yeah for sure. I have a Farmall 300 that is 2wd with ice chains and new R1's, and it is very capable. but that is a hell of alot heavier and the weight is proportioned much differently. I know on my L3200 2wd is almost useless with a load of gravel in the bucket. My tires are loaded and I usually have a rake on back. I guess if you can, try them out. That would really be ideal for you so you know what you are getting into. I just know it would really be a shame to drop that kind of coin on something to find out that a 4x4 sure would have been nice... if ya know what I mean. Whatever you get you will enjoy and it will do alot of work for you. Good luck on the hunt-
This, ^^^^^ I just don't understand. "Never, Ever"
I find it hard to swallow this one. I understand saying that you got by without 4wd for years because it was all you had. I grew up with 2wd tractors and thought all was good until I got my first 4wd and a whole new world opened up.
Is 4wd required? no
Is 4wd a huge upgrade? no question
I use/need 4wd all the time. Even when I'm on 200+ hp tractors 4wd is a huge benefit.
To me the honest thing to say is 4wd isn't required but it's the only way to get 100% out of your tractor.
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When I say never ever had a need for 4wd, meaning its never been stuck somewhere that haveing 4wd would be benefical to get out. Just curl the bucket and walk yourself out. The L275 dad has, has a 5ft FEL an no power steering and its really not all that bad to operate. With the tires loaded and a heavy 6ft Woods grading box on the rear it does just fine for us. Been putting yards in for over 30 years with that tractor.
To me I'd rather get a 2wd and save the $4500 and get something else like a power rake for the tractor.
To me I'd rather get a 2wd and save the $4500 and get something else like a power rake for the tractor.
I think I'm set on what I want: L3800, 4x4, R1 tires, HST, FEL.
Been doing some online searching and found a place in Tennessee selling package deal tractor optioned exactly as I want with a bush hog, box blade, and trailer; all for less than the best price I've been quoted for just the tractor! How can one place offer killer deals and others barely below list price?
Been doing some online searching and found a place in Tennessee selling package deal tractor optioned exactly as I want with a bush hog, box blade, and trailer; all for less than the best price I've been quoted for just the tractor! How can one place offer killer deals and others barely below list price?
TripleR
Active member
Equipment
BX2200, BX2660, L5740 HSTC, M8540HDC and some other tractors and equipment
We have 2WD as well as MFWD tractors; back hoe is 2WD, you "can" get work done with them, but the 2WD are all older tractors. Anything we buy now with a FEL has MFWD. In 1986 when my father in law retired, he bought a brand new 72 hHP Massey Ferguson 375 with cast centers and loaded tires; heavy tractor. After two or three months of getting stuck and not being able to get full use out of it, he traded it in on a new MF 375 MFWD which we still have; night and day difference in utility.
If some else feels 2WD is fine for them fair enough, I will never own another one.
If some else feels 2WD is fine for them fair enough, I will never own another one.
Got numerous prices from numerous places. My best price so far is $22,620.58
That's included tax and finance insurance.
L3800, 4x4, HST, loaded R1 tires, FEL, house brand 5' bush hog.
That's included tax and finance insurance.
L3800, 4x4, HST, loaded R1 tires, FEL, house brand 5' bush hog.
To me a 4wd will get you out of a jam if you're stuck in a soupy mess. They are not designed to be used all day every day in 4wd. It will break. Just look at a 4x4 truck, ever notice if your in 4Lo and take a sharp turn to fast the front end will bind up and start popping. Don't you think the same will happen to a tractor.
When I used to drive trucks for a local New Holland dealer a customer brought in an older 4wd tractor that was constantly ran in 4wd pulling an aerator and the front axle broke and it was estimated to replace at about $7500
When I used to drive trucks for a local New Holland dealer a customer brought in an older 4wd tractor that was constantly ran in 4wd pulling an aerator and the front axle broke and it was estimated to replace at about $7500
You are dead right, Eric! Leave a tractor in 4wd all the time and it will cost ya!
I use 2wd drive most of the time and 4wd Only when needed.
I use 2wd drive most of the time and 4wd Only when needed.
The best price I found - and I called dealers in TN, KY, IN, OH - was Joe Hill's in Bardstown, KY.*
*I had every dealer quote the following:
Kubota L3800
4x4
HST
Cruise Control
LA524-1 Loader
66" Quick Attach Bucket
R4 Tires
Rear Tires Filled
Land Pride RCR1260
Land Pride FDR1672
Joe Hill's came back with $21,085. Delivery was about $150 I think.
...
*I had every dealer quote the following:
Kubota L3800
4x4
HST
Cruise Control
LA524-1 Loader
66" Quick Attach Bucket
R4 Tires
Rear Tires Filled
Land Pride RCR1260
Land Pride FDR1672
Joe Hill's came back with $21,085. Delivery was about $150 I think.
...
I think that was a wise choice! I bought a B3200 beginning of the year. I wanted to stay in the B series for the MMM. Hindsight, more power would be worth the trade off of the maneuverability of the MMM.
gpreuss
New member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3200DT w/FEL, K650 Backhoe, 5' Rotary, 40" Howard Rotavator, 6' Rhino blade
Just by the way, the 4wd pickup probably had u-joints for the front wheels. When you do a sharp turn they are the problem. The tractor has beveled gears, and the only strain is that the front tires try to pull the rears by a few percent. In dirt it doesn't make a whole lot of difference. I had my L185DT for about 33 years without a problem, only using 2wd on the hard packed road.
I still agree with those that prefer gears.
You have not mentioned anything that really takes horsepower. I'm finding that the L3200 uses WAY MORE fuel than the 185 did. WAY MORE. I expected it while mowing; doing actual work. I'm shocked at the usage just for putzing around, about 1500 rpm in 3rd and 4th. The extra horses in the L3800 may cost you a lot in fuel, if you don't need them.
I think 15% under list is normal. Kubota was also giving a $1000 discount for paying cash, when I bought mine. Some folks here have done a lot better.
I still agree with those that prefer gears.
You have not mentioned anything that really takes horsepower. I'm finding that the L3200 uses WAY MORE fuel than the 185 did. WAY MORE. I expected it while mowing; doing actual work. I'm shocked at the usage just for putzing around, about 1500 rpm in 3rd and 4th. The extra horses in the L3800 may cost you a lot in fuel, if you don't need them.
I think 15% under list is normal. Kubota was also giving a $1000 discount for paying cash, when I bought mine. Some folks here have done a lot better.
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I've got 18 hrs. on my new L3800 dt. Not my first tractor by a long shot, but my first new one. I sent emails to eleven dealers with the exact same specs as to the tractor and attachments Iwanted. Told them I wasn't in the mood to bicker or send endless emails, just give me your best and only price, delivered. I got eleven different prices... no b.s. ! I got the best price from a dealer 60 miles away. 3800 dt. with r4's and loaded rears, LA 524 loader, Landpride RCR 1860 brush mower, Landpride GS 1560 grading scraper (sweet unit) $ 20, 000 delivered. Definitely shop around, these dealers are all different, no consistency at all... oh yeah, got 2 cans of touch up kubota paint, nice kubota tee shirt, and a realtree camo kubota hat ! Shop hard amigo !