B series

[jeepfreak1972]

Kind of had it with my new B3200 already after this last problem. First it was a faulty crooked loader that cause the tractor to shift to one side about an inch and a half when pushing down and lifting the front tires off the ground. When the loader was raised all the way up it twisted the other way. Kubota replaced for free. Next was the poor starts and excessive vibration cause by the timing issue. Kubota fixed for free. Still vibrates some but now starts great. Now the front pump seal is leaking which requires the tractor to be split in half to repair. It looks like it has been leaking since the day it was built because the paint looks like it was applied over the oil at the factory. The paint is all wrinkly and can be wiped off easily with my fingers. I told them there is no way I'm keeping a NEW tractor that already has to be slit in half. At my request, Kubota is willing to give me a new B3300 SUT with draw bar kit and take the lemon back with no cost to me. This 3300 is one of the earlier ones with the cast iron transmission. They are now built with aluminum just like the 3200. So I can try again with a B or I'm really leaning toward taking a loss and springing for an L2800 or L3200. I like the looks of the L3200 better than the L2800 and both are waaayyy more stout than a B series weighting in at around 1000 pounds heavier. Plus I they have all cast iron drive train. I look at the way the B is put together underneath after getting it and it just seems kind of rinky dink compared to the L. I'm not an engineer so I might be way off base here. My dealer has bent over backward and so has Kubota but I'm beginning to feel like the B series are to cheaply made for me to trust another one. Any advise would be helpful. This makes me sick. Did I mention that it is only 4 months old and has 12 hrs on it.

Steve

 

[Kytim]

Steve,

I'm sorry your having such a problem. Keep in mind that while Kubota makes the best tractors on earth, it is possible for a problem to slip through on one. It is not likely that it was leaking "before" painting. Petroleum based products, oils and greases, can affect paints to the point they loosen and slip from their applied surface.

I can understand how you could feel "gun shy" about your "B" series tractor. Its a good thing that you have such a good dealer that is willing to go the extra mile for you. I feel sure he wants you to be happy with his product. Keep in mind the hundreds of tractors made daily. various companies make parts "for" the big K. Their vendors could have had a problem in the manufacture of a series of items due to....whatever issue.

Also keep in mind that one bad experience with one individual tractor is NOT reflective of the whole line. I have a hard working "B" that has been going since the late '70s. As far as a new tractor is concerned, evaluate your needs and determine what model will fill them best, "B" or "L". Choose with confidence.


Kytim

 

[Bulldog]

It sounds like you are very lucky to have the dealer that you do. It makes a big difference how Kubota treats you by which dealer you have. I'm sure you will get lots of advise on which tractor to get. There are lots of loyal B series fans out there and rightly so. I had a B 7100 for 15 or so years and worked it like a dog. It just kept going. The energizer bunny would have his tongue hanging out and been out of breath from trying to go where that little tractor went.

I have no idea of wht you plan to use your tractor for so I'll look at this situation from my point of view.

B 3200 --- 32 HP -- 23 PTO -- 3pt lift 1655 - 1300 @ 24" -- Loader cap 1065 -- tractor weight 1764

L 3200 --- 31.9 HP -- 26.7 PTO -- 3pt lift 1998 - 1435 @ 24" -- Loader cap 1131 -- Tractor weight 2601

Even though the engine HP is basicly equal the L will put more to the ground just from the extra weight.

Even though 4 pto hp doesn't sound like much it figures to be 16% gain in power.

To me the @24 3pt numbers are where it counts. The L has a 135 lb advantage which isn't much but I take that like this. If I had say a 1200 lb load which tractor would really handle it better, a 1700 lb machine or a 2600 lb machine. I'll take the 2600.

Now the loader. Less than a 100 lbs difference between the two of them. Again, which would handle that weight at full height better. I'll go with the 2600 again.

Hang a 4672 Kubota backhoe on the rear of a B series. Been there and done that. You can't keep the front wheels on the ground. The L handles it just fine though.

The B series may handle everything you need right now but what about in five years. I bought a L 3000 in 2000 and then in 02 my needs had changed to where it no longer could handle my work load. I bought a M 9000 for the heavy work and was and still able to use my L right beside my M series. There is no way a B series could do what I do with my L. If I had went with a B I would have had to not only bought a M but would have had replace the B even though it would have more than likely been in new condition. At times I would love to have 2 M series tractors but for the time being my L is getting the job done.

11 yrs ago when I bought my L series I would have never thought I would have a 9' disc behind it. Last year I did and it did a fine job even though 4wd was neccessary. Although a B3200 has the HP I bet it would never have the traction to do a job like that. I never thought I would use my L for a hay operation but it has been doing all my raking for the last 5 yrs. It has done so good in this position I even stepped up to a 1600 lb. 8 wheel V-rake last year and made that job even better. I think you can see where I'm going with these examples. Choose wisely and good luck with your Kubota.

 

[hodge]

Steve,

I'm sorry your having such a problem. Keep in mind that while Kubota makes the best tractors on earth, it is possible for a problem to slip through on one. It is not likely that it was leaking "before" painting. Petroleum based products, oils and greases, can affect paints to the point they loosen and slip from their applied surface.

I can understand how you could feel "gun shy" about your "B" series tractor. Its a good thing that you have such a good dealer that is willing to go the extra mile for you. I feel sure he wants you to be happy with his product. Keep in mind the hundreds of tractors made daily. various companies make parts "for" the big K. Their vendors could have had a problem in the manufacture of a series of items due to....whatever issue.

Also keep in mind that one bad experience with one individual tractor is NOT reflective of the whole line. I have a hard working "B" that has been going since the late '70s. As far as a new tractor is concerned, evaluate your needs and determine what model will fill them best, "B" or "L". Choose with confidence.


Kytim

I tend to agree with jeepfreak. Tons of tractors have oil and grease leaks, and the paint isn't peeling off underneath. More than likely, the oil was on the metal, and the paint didn't bond.
Kubota's are fine pieces of equipment, but time will show that nobody can make them all perfect. Getting a lemon isn't the end of the world (although it can be inconvenient), but getting a bad dealer can be. Thank goodness that they are going to bat for you! You can cope and deal with a lot when someone is willing to work with you.

 

[jeepfreak1972]

Yes the oil was on the metal before paint. I used to paint industrial machines and if you did not get all the oil off from the machining / building process it would wrinkle and come off easy just like my Kubota. After test driving Friday I'm getting an L series. An L3800 to be exact. Same as the L3200 but more power. If I'm going to do it might as well get the most powerful of the 2. I'm excited. Dealer is picking my B up today and is putting it on their lot to sell for me. If it don't sell in 1 month I'm trading it in and Kubota has kicked in $1099 to my dealer to help keep a happy customer. With in 30 days I'll have the new L3800 in my garage.

 

[tk1469]

I have to add my 2 cents to this also - I have researched these a lot and talked to lots of people who consistently gave me the advice to buy more tractor - rather than less. I started off thinking about an L2800, but slowly realized that the L3800 will provide me with more HP and like others said - allow more power to the ground. I will be talking to my local dealer this week about an L3800 with FEL, drawbar kit, loaded R4 tires, and quick attach loader option. The quick attach loader option will allow me to buy an after-market plow down the road and use for plowing snow. I hope to have mine by March 15th or so.

Tom.

 

[gktilton]

OK, then my 2 cents worth, being a home owner with only a couple acres, I am happy with just my little B7100. It's small enough to fit in my existing shed, doesn't tear up my lawn, and travels through my wooded paths easily. It also sips fuel and handles all my gardening needs. It's limited to lifting about 400lbs, but that fits my needs fine. For the same money, on old tractors, I could have gotten a much larger tractor but really would have no need. More power to the ground is great when you need it, but if you don't need it you still have the weight on the ground which can cause rutting and compaction.

 

[jeepfreak1972]

My dealer will be delivering my new L3800 today. Loaded aggs and LA524 loader. Whoo Hoo. Can't wait to use it this weekend. And just a day before my birthday.

 

[bikerdib]

Happy Birthday to you!!

 

[tk1469]

Now that's what I call a "Birthday Gift" . ENJOY !

 

[jeepfreak1972]

Thank you for the happy birthdays everyone. I put about a half hr on the new L3800 yesterday moving a hard packed icy 6 ft tall snow bank that has been growing all winter. All I can say is WOW. The traction from the added weight is awesome. No vibration like the B3200 and it starts like a car. No smoking and missing. The loader has the fastest response time of any tractor I have owned which will help get things done quicker. The suspension seat is a God send and even though I like the flat operators platform of the B3200 better, the L has plenty of room for my feet to work all the controls easily. The B was a nice little tractor despite the problems mine had but for me there is no comparison to this newly redesigned L series. Its a heavy built piece of equipment that should last me the rest of my life. I'm a happy camper. Now I just have to figure out how to post pics.

Steve

 

[jeepfreak1972]

Here are some pics. Another tidbit on the loader. Although on paper the specs would indicate that this loader can lift a little more than the B3200 loader in reality it feels much more powerful. I will get a better feel for that when I can actually dig some dirt. I'll keep you guys posted.

Steve

 

[bikerdib]

Another proud new papa!!

The "feel" that the loader is stronger might be due to the pump capacity. My 3300 has 9.9/min. and I would think the 3200 was about the same. What is the pump capacity of the 3800?

 

[jeepfreak1972]

6.3 on the main pump and 3.8 on the power steering pump.

 

[Bulldog]

Nothing like the feeling you get when that shiny new orange come home. Now that a man size birthday present if I ever saw one.

 

[Kytim]

Congrats and Happy Birthday Bro!! He certainly looks like a happy man.

All I want to know know is how's he gonna top it next year, a Kubota Mini excavator?? (Thats what I'd like to have!!!)

I'm happy for ya!

Kytim

 

[Randyj]

Nice rig !

 

[jeepfreak1972]

Thanks for the birthday wishes. Turned 39 today. A mini excavator would be cool but there is only so much I'm going to spend on my equipment sickness and those are big $$$$. What I really want next is an antique Oliver OC-3 Crawler to restore like my Dad had when I was a little boy. They are a 50 inch wide crawler with a loader or blade made back in the 40's and 50's. Here is a pic or 4. I'd prefer one with the blade. Bota's got a loader so it would be redundant to have 2.

Congrats and Happy Birthday Bro!! He certainly looks like a happy man.

All I want to know know is how's he gonna top it next year, a Kubota Mini excavator?? (Thats what I'd like to have!!!)

I'm happy for ya!

Kytim

 

[Eddie Jr.]

Do the newer B3200 come with Aluminum transmission cases?
Sorry to jump back to the start, but that is the model I am looking at right now.

Thanks,
M.

 

[stuart]

I still see a few Oliver units at tractor shows