The B is a step up...literally! Consider your physical abilities too. I, like you, have deep snow that I'm moving right now (with FEL and blade), and it would probably be more difficult without the ground clearance of the B. Working in the dirt or woods it certainly helps to have the clearance.
BX or b series
- Thread starter Flyfisherwes
- Start date
I've got a B7610 that is 24 hp. I use a 60 inch 3 pt finish mower. It does everything I've asked of it. No issues, runs like a champ. I am considering moving up to either a L3200 or L3800. I need a little more weight for some tasks I have.
When I bought my B, I was looking at a BX series too and was talking with my dealer. He said that the B was a better choice. Bigger frame and such. More lifting capacity.
I like the BX's, but they seem like a glorified lawn tractor from 40 years ago. I know they are more than that, just how I see them. I love Kubota tractors. They were made to do the job, and get it done right.
Either way you go, I think you'll love it!
When I bought my B, I was looking at a BX series too and was talking with my dealer. He said that the B was a better choice. Bigger frame and such. More lifting capacity.
I like the BX's, but they seem like a glorified lawn tractor from 40 years ago. I know they are more than that, just how I see them. I love Kubota tractors. They were made to do the job, and get it done right.
Either way you go, I think you'll love it!
kc8fbl, that is a parallel of my experience. When I was deciding on BX / B back in 2002 I felt as my Grandad would say "Like a frog on a mullen leaf" when on the BX. I knew they were serious machines, but it just felt too small. Went with a B7500 and ran it till 2012. The 21HP, weight and FEL were usually sufficient but frequently it would have been nice to have a little more capability. Sold the B and bought the L3200 in late May of 2012.
Can't imagine wanting anything different now. It is a beefy tractor without being too big. Much more comfortable to run than the B. It wears a 6' RFM instead of the 5-footers I'd been using for the previous 20-some years. Our 3+ acre lot has trees, creek and a couple sheds to mow around and it takes under 1/2 hour per acre to mow it. The L is more stable on side hills and doesn't need to be in 4WD in places the B needed it.
Can't imagine wanting anything different now. It is a beefy tractor without being too big. Much more comfortable to run than the B. It wears a 6' RFM instead of the 5-footers I'd been using for the previous 20-some years. Our 3+ acre lot has trees, creek and a couple sheds to mow around and it takes under 1/2 hour per acre to mow it. The L is more stable on side hills and doesn't need to be in 4WD in places the B needed it.
my 7610 is 24 hp which seems to be plenty of power, but I want the lifting capabilities that the L series can do. I stopped by the local dealer and he was saying the L3800 is only about $1800 more than the L3200. Also said that the 6hp between mine and the L3200 wouldn't be too noticeable. I was quoted about $21k with loader for a L3800. I think that may be a little steep in price. I will keep looking around for now. 
I have the BX with smallest HP (18) and that does the job nicely for mowing and most plowing of snow. However, you mentioned grading of drives, etc. . I assume with a rear blade. Remember the B and the BX are different. The B has a three point with lever that sets the location of the rear blade, up or down. while the BX is simpler, being mainly an on-off type valve. This controls the piston that pushes the arms up., sort of like how a hydraulic jack works. I find it much more difficult to do a good earth or gravel grading job with the BX than with a tractor fitted with what I call a standard three point lever control.
In deep snow, as driving over plowed up mounds, my BX does not do well due to ground clearance, but no lack for power..
In deep snow, as driving over plowed up mounds, my BX does not do well due to ground clearance, but no lack for power..
Burt
New member
Equipment
L3700SU, box blade, 6 foot rhino blade, 1 bottom plow, 3 point receiver hitch.
Flyfisherwes,
You've already had some savvy advice here on the OTT forum regarding your question. I'll add mine more as a ditto.
You can hire a lot of backhoe work for the price of the addition to a tractor. If it is not needed often, just hire it.
Put your money into BIGGER. Bigger will come back to get you if you buy small and wish later you went bigger. Country and rural life presents those issues unexpectedly.
Good luck and welcome to the Orange side,
Burt