BX vs B vs Used L3800

[jsummer2]

First time poster looking for advice. I have 15 acres with about 6 of that being a weed filled field. I'm looking to maintain a gravel driveway, mow a 1.5-2 acre yard, brush hog a lot of weeds, garden work, and use an auger to dig fence post holes. Those are my must do's. The wish list is moving round bales over short distances of uneven terrain (which I don't mind using the TPH for as opposed to a loader) and borrowing a fence post driver instead of buying an auger to finish the other 9 acres of fence needed to completely enclose the property. I was originally looking at new BX2680 vs B2601 b/c 70% of the time it will be for mowing and 30% for the misc listed above. The 0% financing is also appealing. Local dealer quoted the B2601 at $17900 for quick detach loader and 60" mmm which is what I was leaning toward. Then I saw a local ad for a L3800 with 264 hours and a quick detach loader that I thought my work, for $14000. Now I wouldn't be opposed to getting a stand alone riding mower if I went with the L or using getting a RFM. I have poor draining soil that stays wet for days and worry about it tearing up the place.

My question is will a L3800 end up costing me way more in the long run? Can anyone comment on the 300hr service cost?

 

[Grouse Feathers]

I have a BX and think it would be undersized for what you are planning. As you add 3 point hitch implements you would find the 3 point hitch level control a problem as it is a simple up and down control that will not maintain the height on its own. I would not consider the BX for your application. At least investigate the difference in the 3 point controls on the three tractors.

 

[MadMax31]

I had a B7610, FEL and mmm. I originally wanted an L2501, but I manage 5-6 out of 16 acres. Most of my use is mowing, snow removal, some loader work and brush hogging. I went down to a BX23S for the backhoe. Im planting trees all over. I havent missed the B yet.

I dont use any ground engaging implements, but bigger is better. My Wife shot down the L when she saw it in person. She didnt want it mowing our expensive to install yard.

 

[sheepfarmer]

I think you will be happiest with the L. The 3800 is a nice sized tractor for all the things you mentioned, and if you end up with a lot of flower beds near your house you could get a dedicated lawn mower of some sort. Before you get even the L check weight of your round bales and lift capacity of tractor and figure out how you are going to ballast it. I think the round bales will rule out the BX, probably the B, and maybe the L. Is your place hilly?

 

[jkz]

Definitely the L3800. I have a 2010 L3700SU. Bought it with 300 hrs on it. Sold my BX2350 to get it and it's the best thing I ever did for my property. I can move tons more snow, I cut 3 acres of grass in 1-1/2 hrs with a 60" brush hog, I have pallets of material delivered and can move them myself. I can grade, excavate, pull fence posts, you name it.

Too many limitations for a BX series tractor on a big property.

 

[DuckDog]

Have you considered the B2650? I'm not sure about round bails as I have never worked with them. But for your other needs it sounds like it could fit the bill quite well.

 

[Missouribound]

Step 1.
Go to your Kubota dealer and sit on each tractor....see what fits the best.
Step 2.
Look in your wallet and see what is there. (mine is currently the moth house)
Step 3.
Enjoy whatever you buy because it's orange and will last a long time.

PS. Nobody ever said...."gee, I wish I bought a smaller tractor".

 

[jsummer2]

GrouseFeathers: I went to the dealer this evening and I now get what you mean about the differences in TPH setup.

Madmax31: too funny about your wife, mine said the same thing "oh no" when she was with me at the dealer last week and saw an l2501. Although while speaking to the dealer tonight, he said he could do about $17k on one of those when I mentioned the used l3800. He said the frame sizing were basically the same (but he of course chose not to compare the missing 13hp or so between the 2, so not an apples to apples). I haven't really researched much about them so I don't know if that's a good price or not.

Sheepfarmer: the dealer claims the B2601 should be able to move the bales not just with the TPH but also the FEL but I haven't found anyone on here or any other site that can confirm this. Nor a way to weigh the bales unfortunately.

jkz: only thing that worries me is some things the owner mentioned when I asked him about maintenance done. And the 0% vs ?% for new vs used. At the dealer tonight, he mentioned that all though 84 months 0% is gone this rebate qtr, you can still do 72mon but with 2.5% of the total purchase price being wrapped back on top of the loan (which sounded weird). He offered to cover that 2.5%.??? And I agree with most of the comments and have officially scratched the BXs off the list for my needs.

Duckdog: I never gave much thought about the B2650 after I talked to the dealer last week and he mentioned it only had a slightly bigger frame and a few other niceties. Looking at the specs just now...the loader lifts 168lbs (@ 20" forward) & 198lbs more (@ the pivot pin). So that may be something to consider. Like everyone, I'd like to save as much as possible so I can buy some tractors toys but I'll definitely look into this.

Missouribound: I like your 3 step plan, esp #2.

 

[jsummer2]

And thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the advice.

 

[sheepfarmer]

It is not just the weight with round bales, there is also the problem of their making the whole enterprise tippy on uneven ground. I don't use them, but there are some guys on the forum that do. If they don't see this thread and comment, you could start another addressing that topic when you have narrowed your choices down. Also you could try searching "round bales". I took a quick look, and there are some guys lifting small round bales with L2501 and some having trouble with large round bales with an L3301. A heavy dose of common sense is in order, but you mentioned uneven ground...

 

[1970cs]

A dry 4x4 round bale weighs in at 800 lbs. The LA524 lift capacity is about the same! I would not suggest moving them with that set up on even ground let alone uneven ground!

Other than that it would a good unit along with a commercial zero turn for mowing a few acres at a time.

Pat

 

[D2Cat]

The term "round bale" is very ambiguous. On most balers the hay can be wrapped, with twine or wrap, and dropped at any size after the bale begins to form.

As Pat mentioned a 4x4 round would typically be in the 800# range, because smaller is a waste of twine (wrap), and time to tie, and when it's time to feed requires more trips. However, round bales can be up to 1600# and higher with large tractors and the high pressure pumps on them.

The weight of a bale is determined by the amount of hay in the bale, but also how dry the grass is when baled. A bale may weigh 800# right after it is kicked out of the baler, but you put it in your barn and weigh it in a year and it's lost weight!!

(Therefore, if you buy year old hay by the weight of the bales (tonnage), that's been stored properly, you're getting more hay per dollar!)

So someone wanting to move round bales with a particular size tractor would do good to check with whoever they may be buying hay from what the bales they produce will weigh.

 

[Benhameen]

I have the L3800 and love it. It's used on a similar sized piece of property for all the things you're needing to do except for moving round bales.

Most in here would say to buy the "bigger" tractor.

I don't recall what I spent on the $300 hour service which I did myself. There's a debate on whether or not to replace all the hydro fluid. I only replaced what was lost while changing the filter and I'm fine with it. 300 hrs is nothing on one of these tractors.

Good luck!

 

[jsummer2]

I have the L3800 and love it. It's used on a similar sized piece of property for all the things you're needing to do except for moving round bales.

Most in here would say to buy the "bigger" tractor.

I don't recall what I spent on the $300 hour service which I did myself. There's a debate on whether or not to replace all the hydro fluid. I only replaced what was lost while changing the filter and I'm fine with it. 300 hrs is nothing on one of these tractors.

Good luck!

Ok good to know. Thanks

 

[BAP]

One thing to consider in your decision is the cost of the used L3800 + the dedicated lawn mower you will need to buy. As others have mentioned, I would look at the B2650 too. It has some extra features over the B2601 like a better 3 point hitch control system. You will find that many people will tell that bigger is better, but that is not so. What is better is the tractor that you are comfortable with using and has the ability to do all that you need to do.

 

[Benhameen]

I use a finish mower on my L3800 for mowing my yard and it works great, I don't have a need for another machine.

 

[rjcorazza]

Everyone's tractor requirements are different. For me, each tractor I bought over the past 25 years (3) was larger to better suit my needs. Currently I have an L4060, which is overkill for my needs, but I wanted the weight for my snow plowing contracts. Some tasks go much quicker, easier, and safer with a heavy machine.
Were I moving round bales I would want a large (heavy) tractor.

 

[Huskerfan]

Jsummer2,

I too would suggest you look at a B2650 and strongly consider the cab version. The protection from sun, heat, dust, bugs etc. will pay dividends for your health over the years of use and justify the expense. This was the deciding factor for me last year in choosing it over a new BX or B2601 in addition to the larger frame, engine torque and lift capacities.

While I can't comment on using it with a bale spear, it has been used many times with the Titan 42" pallet bucket to lift, move 500-1000 lb oak logs and position them for cutting. For ballast I plug in a dual hitch receiver to the tph receiver and pin on Olympic weight adaptors. To this I can quickly add 25-45 lb plates. I use this set up because I already had them for many years. Otherwise, consider a ballast box sold by Titan and others.

It has air filled turf tires, which makes for a great mowing machine while the cab provides a panoramic view. With the cab weight over the wheels, traction has not been an issue. The B2650 also handles a 72 inch mmm, not available on the smaller Bs or BXs. This wide heavy deck when pinned up provides extra stability on slopes and increased traction but when down and engaged it rides on ground following gauge wheels to minimize compaction. When I mow with it, I mow long at 3.5 inches, scalping has not been a problem.

 

[jsummer2]

Jsummer2,

I too would suggest you look at a B2650 and strongly consider the cab version. The protection from sun, heat, dust, bugs etc. will pay dividends for your health over the years of use and justify the expense. This was the deciding factor for me last year in choosing it over a new BX or B2601 in addition to the larger frame, engine torque and lift capacities.

While I can't comment on using it with a bale spear, it has been used many times with the Titan 42" pallet bucket to lift, move 500-1000 lb oak logs and position them for cutting. For ballast I plug in a dual hitch receiver to the tph receiver and pin on Olympic weight adaptors. To this I can quickly add 25-45 lb plates. I use this set up because I already had them for many years. Otherwise, consider a ballast box sold by Titan and others.

It has air filled turf tires, which makes for a great mowing machine while the cab provides a panoramic view. With the cab weight over the wheels, traction has not been an issue. The B2650 also handles a 72 inch mmm, not available on the smaller Bs or BXs. This wide heavy deck when pinned up provides extra stability on slopes and increased traction but when down and engaged it rides on ground following gauge wheels to minimize compaction. When I mow with it, I mow long at 3.5 inches, scalping has not been a problem.

I got a price quote for the b2650 (with 60" mmm) and l2501 (no mower in the quote) and both having quick detach loaders with ssqa buckets, and filled rear tires. The B2650 came in at 20,975. The L2501HST at $18,975. Both at 0% for 72mon. At 0% for 60 it would be $17,700 for the L2501. I thought the price on the L sounded good. I was hoping for a lower price on the B2650 honestly. Don't think I could swing the cab model price.

 

[Huskerfan]

I got a price quote for the b2650 (with 60" mmm) and l2501 (no mower in the quote) and both having quick detach loaders with ssqa buckets, and filled rear tires. The B2650 came in at 20,975. The L2501HST at $18,975. Both at 0% for 72mon. At 0% for 60 it would be $17,700 for the L2501. I thought the price on the L sounded good. I was hoping for a lower price on the B2650 honestly. Don't think I could swing the cab model price.

Well bottom line is your still looking at another great orange tractor in the L!