B series vs L series

[mkc1962]

I'm about to buy a new tractor. The old L2000 Ive had for 12+ years has been a great one, but really want to upsize and have it paid for prior to retiring. The plans are for the 30 hp range,4x4, W-loader.

I've done lots of searching on the kubota webpage but yet to make time to go to a dealer.

Aside from some obvious price differences, what is the big difference between the B & L Series. Both offer 30-32hp models, but the L seems to spec out more pricey due to higher tire upgrade charges and higher loader charges.

Can anyone Enlighten or advise?

Thanks,

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Over all pretty much the same tractors only huge difference is weight. The L series are considerably heavier which you may want if your doing alot of ground engaging tasks such as front end loader work and grading. When in doubt on tractor size GO BIGGER!

 

[Hook]

I agree with Eric on the weight issue and going bigger if you can afford it. I do know there is a noticeable difference between the L series 34 hp and the Grand L 32 hp when it comes to size and weight. Test drive both and you will see.

 

[TripleR]

I spent a lot of time comparing "specs" and went with my wife to pick up a B Series 3200 or 3030; maybe L3400 and came home with a GL, you really have to go drive them around to tell the difference.

 

[Stone]

It also depends what type of attachments you will be needing now and in the future. For example, the L3200 and L3800 do not have a mid PTO option. If you ever plan on using a MMM or front attachments (broom, blower) then you will need to choose the B3200 or Grand L (L3240). Also watch the B3300. Nice tractor for the money, but no mid PTO on that one either. When you go to the dealer to test drive, pay attention to the rear axle and 3PH. Buy the biggest tractor in your budget that will do what you need it to do.

Good Luck...

 

[mkc1962]

Thanks for the quick feedback guys. Though tired after having worked all last night, weather was gloomy when I got home this am so to the dealer I went. As for b vs L, it IS quite a size diff. The B3200 w/Loader to me didnt feel much bigger in size than my present L2000 w/loader.

I drove both the B3200 and the L3200, both 4x4 and both wloader. Both HST. I also drove the L3800, but the L32 way more than meets anything I would ever want to do with it.

As for the mid pto, In over 25 years of owning tractors, its just never been something that I desired.

At the moment the one I'm leaning twd is the L3200, 4x4, R4 tires, HST, Full 60" factory Loader, Heavy canopy. OTD price $18700, which includes delivery, full tank of fuel, tires filled with antifreeze. Full retail as decribed is $21632....sounds like a good deal to me.

Though I wasnt planning on it, they even mentioned possible taking my L2000 Gray in trade.

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Mind me asking why ya replacing the L2000?

 

[mkc1962]

No sir, I dont mind at all.

We bought a retirement home and property in the smoky mtns...I took the L2000 up there a few years back and it just would not handle some of the grades as its a 2 wheel drive. There were a few times when it down right just made me nervous. Here in Alabama I'm mostly flat. Ive also planned for some time to finally buy me a brand new tractor prior to retiring and have it paid for.

The L2000 has been and still is a great tractor, Ive had it for 12 years with zero issues, But in the long term I just want more.

You know of anyone that might want a nice L2000?

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Yeah I might be so inclined to buy one. I'm looking to buy a larger tractor with a fel. Just havent found one at the price range I can afford, because anything over Hotweels or Matchbox is beyond my grasp!

 

[mkc1962]

Eric, I understand. If I had not decided several years ago that I wanted to upgrade in the future, I would never have started saving for this day. I dont have it all to pay cash but most of it. With Zero % finance on the rest it make it easier to just do it.

I did post mine here last night, just to see if anyone was interested. As they showed interest in taking it in trade being a gray and all, I may just go that route if I feel the offer is worth taking.

 

[TripleR]

On the L3200, have your dealer put something heavy on the 3PH and raise it slowly to see if you can live with the jerky lift.

 

[mkc1962]

Thanks for the tip. though it was not loaded, I did comment on how the lift seemed to move in preset increments vs continuous motion. The new 3200 actualy has 8 differtn position settings. The dealer stated that could be adjusted to move continuously vs the settings. I will however do as you suggest and make them prove it.

 

[mkc1962]

The old bullet proof L2000 got sold and delivered today. $ in the bank.

Stopped by dealer today and once again demod both the L3200 and the 3240.

I did have them install a 5' bushhog and no jerkines at all with the unit I demod, nice and smooth. The tech that was out stated that sometimes there is an adjustment that is out of wack that can casue a jerky effect, but they now demo each unit prior to delivery and if it does it they make said adjustment. They did admit that some customers have complained of said in the past.

I committed to an upcoming (within the next two weeks) purchase of the following.

2012, L3200, 4WD, HST w/cruise. R4 Industrial tires filled with ballast, Kubota LA524 Loader with 66" quick connect bucket, Full diamond plate aluminum canopy, Foldable ROPS, 6' landscape rake, 5' Box blade, 3 year full powertrain warranty, Full tank of fuel, delivered to my house $18500 out the door.

Though the 3240 was tempting, I just could not see $4000 worth of difference that I just felt I had to have.

 

[gpreuss]

Good choice on the L3200. I bought one, but insisted on the gear drive. With my 35 years on the L185DT, I ONLY did FEL work in low-low. That may be a good part of why it lasted so well. Top speed in L-L is about 1 mph. While you are doing FEL work, the tendency is to give it the gas. With HST that means you can be charging into the bank at close to 5mph, and quite possibly doing damage over the years. When you try to break that rock free, you might also break that mounting bolt or crack that casting...
I also liked not going to max hp for the tractor - less likely to tear itself up.
Do take care.
The rear axle of the B series scared me - a long axle, with close bearings. Kubota does not appear to have problems with them, however.
Have a ball!

 

[mkc1962]

Thanks for the thumbs up on the model....still not in my posession though, were waiting on a loan to finalize for the rest of the coin.

As for the FEL work, I alwasy did the bulk of mine on the old L2000 in Low5 which was plenty slow enough, of course it was an old manual gearbox and like you mention quite diff from the HST. I do realize the HST will take some getting used to.

The big thing that turned me away from the B was the overall size hp vs hp. I did want a larger profile tractor mainly due to the work I will be using it for at our place up in the mtns. Ground clearance up there can be an obstacle at times and the smaller profile "B" just looked like it might could get stuck if put in the wrong situation.

 

[bcbull378]

the only thing I can suggest is buy all the tractor you can afford you'll never regret it , on the flip side you'll be upset if you don't