Help! Completely lost on tractor size!

[tmharrison74]

A few months ago, I made the decision to replace my old MF135 with a new 4WD Kubota. Since that time, I haven't done much of anything other than research models, talk to dealers, and drive tractors. Today I am more lost and confused than when I started.

I own 10 acres that is split evenly between grass/field and woods/brush. I need a tractor that is a good mower but also powerful enough to handle the brush clearing plus making trails, medium/heavy loader work, etc. This is very thick brush with lots of small (2-3 in diameter) trees on some fairly steep hills. I also maintain a large garden. My current implements are a old/heavy 5' brush hog, 4' tiller, 4' box blade.

So, currently I'm back and forth between the B2920 and the B3200. I think the Bxx30 is probably out of my price range (18-19k with loader & MMM). I think the B2920 is best for my mowing needs with the floating deck but I'm worried about the power to do the other work. The B3200 should handle everthing I want to do with it, but not sure I'm a big fan of the deck sitting on the ground and the way it is adjusted. I'm also concerned about the vibration issues I hear with the B3200.

I'd be very interested in hearing you thoughts and the kind of work you've done with either model. Also, if you recommend other models in my price range, I'd love to hear it. Sorry for the lengthy message, but I really need help!

 

[Bulldog]

Have you looked at a basic L model tractor? (L 2800 / L 3400)

Not sure about the total price but the L series will give you a heavier frame tractor than the B series. Even though the HP is about the same the L will give you more digging power with the loader.

 

[Hook]

I agree with Bulldog. You may want to consider the L 3400 which is a very popular model. It has been discontinued but there may still be new ones (unsold) on the dealer's lots. Additionally, you may want to consider buying a used tractor. I have seen many L2800 and L3400's on Craigslist that have low hours and are priced right. You should be able to easily find a good one in the $14-$15K range. The following ad from Craigslist is an example, this one is in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

"L3400 Kubota only 90 hrs. 2008 Model. 35hp engine and 30 hp at pto. Hydrostatic transmission. Has loader with quick detach skid steer type bucket. Four wheel drive with ag tires. 7'x18' tandem axle trailer, 5' bush hog, disc harrow, $15,500 for it all. Getting married and must sell. Call Caleb at 2zero 5 six 1 fourtwenty-three one 8 or email, Please leave message, I'll call back asap."

 

[Kubota Newbie]

Here's the problem,
You've gotten used to a tractor that weighs around 3,600 lbs, has 37 PTO HP, and has a 3-point lift capacity of around 2,800 lbs. Once the new paint placebo wears off, you're going to be a little disappointed (but you may not ever admit it because you just dropped 15-20 grand on a tractor).
The only thing you're gaining with the models listed (other than maybe a little comfort and a payment) is a little work efficiency and a "perceived" power increase, both because of the 4 wheel drive. Otherwise you're giving up 3-point lift capacity, gross weight and PTO horsepower in every instance.
The 4 wheel drive is mighty nice, and with the extra traction it helps make up for the chassis weight deficiency (but not by 2,000 lbs which is what you're giving up with the B series). It doesn't however make-up for the shortcomings in PTO power, and lifting capacity. The L3400 Bulldog mentioned is probably the smallest thing you should look at if you ever even come close to taxing the lift and power limits on your old 135. Even then you're giving up almost 1,000 lbs in weight, 19% in horsepower, and 800 lbs in lift capacity on the 3-point (TractorData.com).
If light/medium duty mowing and small loader projects are really a high priority, maybe you should buy one of the B series tractors and KEEP the 135 for projects requiring a little more "grunt". "Two" could hardly be considered "too" many tractors. Heck, have someone restore the 135 so it feels good sitting beside your new Kubota, they were nice looking little tractors in their day.

 

[Bulldog]

Kubota Newbie, That was some great compairative info.

 

[Hook]

I too had a MF135 and then a TAFE 5000 which is just a Massey Ferguson 135 clone. They were both fine tractors. I sold the orange TAFE to go with the orange Kubota which is what I had really wanted all along. My first Kubota was an L3400 which I bought used from an ole boy in S.C. When we drove onto his property and saw the L3400 my wife asked me if I was sure that was what I wanted. The physical size difference was clearly evident. Since I was buying the tractor to resell we went ahead with the purchase. The tractor was ideal for my needs on a small acreage. To me the most obvious difference was ground clearance of the implements attached to the 3 pt. hitch. The tractor sits much closer to the ground than the previous tractors I had owned. The upside was the 4 WD. The L3400 would pull my "all purpose" plow with the lift in the down position. When using the all purpose plow with the TAFE and the MF135 I would have to slightly raise and lower the the lift to keep the back wheels from spinning. Even though there is a big difference in weight, lift capacity and hp the Kubota could hold its own for my purposes. Ultimately I upgraded to a Grand L which is heavier and sits much higher than the L3400. I am extremely pleased with the Grand L. Newbie is right in his observations. There is a big difference when going from a MF135 to a "compact" tractor. I agree if you can keep the old tractor do so. You can't have too many tractors, kind of like you can't have too much camouflage.

 

[Kubota Newbie]

Hmmmm.... That gives me an idea!
Maybe if I bought a new Kubota and painted it in camo my wife wouldn't notice the payment.

 

[Hook]

Now that's thinking outside the box.

 

[kubotasan]

Hmmmm.... That gives me an idea!
Maybe if I bought a new Kubota and painted it in camo my wife wouldn't notice the payment.

If you just sell her, you don't have the headache of the nagging, and what money she doesn't take out of your pocket on a daily basis will probably more than make up for the Kubota payments. And, I bet the tractor doesn't give you nearly as hard of a time. That and you know every time you get on for a ride, you're in control, and it's PTO's will put out anytime you like.

 

[TripleR]

I learned long ago that two tractors is the ideal situation; we have a minimum of two on all of our properties. Some are over 50 years old, Ford 600s, but they still work fine and some are new. Older tractors can easily be made to be very reliable.