Just bought 3350su ... buyers remorse

[Deesil]

First post and I appreciate any input.

Just purchased a a b3350su yesterday and I take delivery next week. Also got the FEL and box blade on it.

Remorse part. It seems that size/model tractor has extensive issues with the dpf tier 4 garbage on it. It seems it's likely due to the type of use this size tractor sees compared to a larger model slaved to a batwing or harrow in the fields all day. Seems they likely have a harder time with the regen from not being worked hard enough and building up the required heat and rpm.

I'm thinking of calling Monday morning and having them send me the 2650 instead which will also save me about 3k compared to the su model anyway. I've singned everything and put down a hearty down payment but delivery is still late next week.

First, am I over thinking the dpf crap? My intended use is very low Impact, low rpm and not much in general. It won't see a lot of hours a year and will be babied to say the least. Just minor yard, fence, driveway grading and such.

Secondly, any issues with calling my salesman up Monday morning and changing to a cheaper model? They will not have done anything but paperwork up to that point as I bought it last thing Saturday.

Thanks for any input


Nick in Florida

 

[sheepfarmer]

Deesil, it may depend on state law, but I believe you have at least 24 hours to change your mind on any purchase, and I think your dealer is likely to be willing to work with you.

I have heard several people say with third hand info that the 3350 has had many problems. There was a recall out for it in December, and Kubota is changing the engines and aftertreatments needed to meet tier 4 over time. So whether or not your particular machine would be problematic depends on when it was made and if it has all updates on it. The problems that I can recall from this forum have dealt with things freezing up in very cold temps, not likely in Florida. That said, even if the equipment functions perfectly the operator does have to pay attention to the dpf requirements and follow the directions carefully. Look in the owner's manual to see what yours requires. The good news is all of the tier 4 components are covered by a 5 yr warrantee.

I have an L3560 but with a different engine than on the 3350, and so far so good, but if you can get along with the size of a 2650, it sounds like a better tractor for your uses.

 

[Deesil]

Thanks for the reply sheepfarmer I appreciate your input

I really am not worried too much about it in the next 5 years as it would be under warranty and the dealer is close by. My concern is more of what goes on after since I will not be working this machine hard at all which does not seem to bode well for dpf functionality. Therefore I would assume that it will be kept going by the dealer until the warranty is up and then it's all on me.

I should have just gotten the 2650 but instead I let myself get talked into the 7 hp increase of the 3350. My own dumb fault. Should have slept on it lol. I'm just hoping the dealer will work with me on it or I may just cancel the whole deal.

 

[skeets]

Sounds like you wanted the 2560 in the first place,,, yes by all mean call the dealer and explain your thoughts and that you would feel more comfortable with the 2560, if he wont work with you stop the deal and go to another dealer,, Let face it your money is green any place and he aint the only game in town,, And no matter where you buy it, whom ever you take it to for warranty work has to work on it, even if you didn't buy it there

 

[Long Gone]

Deesil,
I understand your concerns about the dpf/aftertreatment.
A couple of strategies that can help reduce issues are to avoid idling, and plan your tasks so that your work is grouped in a way that will work the machine longer, and harder. It's not uncommon to see issues on a non-emission tractor caused when the tractor is not worked hard- oil dribbling from the exhaust as an example. So buying the smaller tractor is not necessarilly going to drive reliability. Also, although there is some expense associated with all the additional sensors (and DPF canister) once the unit is out of warranty, diagnosis should be easy for the electronic failures. Despite the additional fuel consumption for cleaning the DPF, you should expect to still see a 15% gain in fuel economy compared to the non-emission indirect injection engine. Cold starting ability isn't much of a consideration in FL, but that's something to consider if you live elsewhere, and is a strength of the direct injection engine. Since the Tier 4 engine is larger, compared to it's non-emission brother, and electronically-controlled, the expectation should be that the life cycle of the engine will be > or = the indirect injection engine.
The point being- not all of the news is bad associated with the Tier 4 engines- there are some good things to look forward to.
Can't help but wonder how hard it would be to put SIMs in and remove the aftertreatment altogether.... or better yet, is anyone here running EFILive yet?
I bought a non-emission tractor for a number of reasons- you should definitely get what you want- it's your money.

Work safe, have fun,

LongGone

 

[Deesil]

I appreciate the replies, this forum seems to be be very friendly and informative and I'm sure I'll be around here a good bit no matter which one I get as it will be orange.

The one wrench I've thrown into the mix I wasn't really planning when this all started is I've decided to hang a 5-6ft finish mower on the back of it and use it for primary mowing duty. Will probably sell the <cough> green <cough> tractor I'm using now. This would give me a couple hours of week seat time at 2400 rpm running the dog schmo out of it pulling a 6 ft finish through the yard. If I stay with the 33 I'd run a 6 ft if the 26 then a 5 ft I think.

I think that would negate at least some of the inherent conflict I would have between my intended use and what's best for the tractor.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Mo-horsepower be mo-bettuh!

If you are mowing at a good clip, I would think that would lengthen time between regens. If you are talking regen every 20-30 hours, its not that big of a deal actually. The utility the tractor provides over the 20-30 hours between regens is what you will like the tractor for.

Another question: If you look at any car, the emissions equipment on the car has like a ten year warranty. I bet the same is true for the tractor equipment. The electronic circuitry is pretty simple and is like the oil interval modules in BMWs and a lot of other cars. I have never heard of them failing. Might be a temp sensor that goes away after 15 years but those are not too expensive. The exhaust regen catalyst cooker-oven thingie is probably pretty stout and if it makes it the life of the emissions warranty, it will probably make it many years after that. Manufacturers don't want to engineer in an Achilles's heel to their product.

I have 37hp on my machine. There are times when I wished I had just a few more ponies. Will I get by? Sure. But, with many less, I might be less than satisfied. HP isn't everything but there sure isn't substitute for it either.

Chose wisely.

 

[Deesil]

They changed my order and are sending me 2650 on Friday. I'm very happy to not have the dpf to worry about along with all of its extra computing and sensors. It will be plenty of power for my intended use and I saved a nice chunk of change to boot.

 

[skeets]

OUTSTANDING,,, now when she get to her new home we want pictures,, we loves our tractor porn,,,lol

 

[Ezlife45]

Another 2650!

May I suggest taking some of that savings and get the quick release bucket and factory 3rd function valve. You will love it.

 

[djm1204]

If you bought it from your local dealer, one of their people is actually a member here, great people to deal with. Great prices, I drove down from Ocala for a graple, they saved me 35% overall. In addition, due to some confusion, they provided me with extra hoses and fittings so I wouldn't have to run around when I got home looking for that stuff.

Great people to deal with all around.

I agree - going without the DPF stuff is best. I went to Virgina in November to get an L4600 in order to avoid the DPF crapola. I use my tractor and have just about 200 hours so far this year.

Dan

 

[Deesil]

Another 2650!

May I suggest taking some of that savings and get the quick release bucket and factory 3rd function valve. You will love it.

Already got the QA bucket. Not sue of the need for the 3 rd function valve. Gonna have to see what other goodies I'll get for it. Grapple bucket could be fun on the front.

 

[Deesil]

If you bought it from your local dealer, one of their people is actually a member here, great people to deal with. Great prices, I drove down from Ocala for a graple, they saved me 35% overall. In addition, due to some confusion, they provided me with extra hoses and fittings so I wouldn't have to run around when I got home looking for that stuff.

Great people to deal with all around.

I agree - going without the DPF stuff is best. I went to Virgina in November to get an L4600 in order to avoid the DPF crapola. I use my tractor and have just about 200 hours so far this year.

Dan

Triple D equipment is the dealer and they have been great to deal with so far. Slade smith is my contact there.