B....BX....or L Series?

[LBrown59]

1 of each of these would be nice. B....BX....And L Series?

Trying to narrow my search down and I think I have come to the conclusion that a BX is going to be to small for my needs. It will do the job, just take a long while.

I then looked into the B series which gets me a bigger frame, a lot more lifting capacity, etc.

Then there are used L series, which may be overkill, but you guys tell me.

Property: 15 acres, about 1/2 acre around house will be mowed with my 48" Bobcat walk behind. The rest of the land is split as 1/2 grass (finish or MMM) and 1/2 pasture (brush hog + cows at some point).

Property is pretty much level all around. Some orchard trees on the grass field.

Needs: I absolutely need a FEL and I would REALLY like a backhoe. I could either do the finish mowing with a pull behind or a MMM, and would need a brush hog for the pasture.

In looking at the BX series, I really think it will be too small. I don't want to pull a 48" brush hog, as it will take several hours to do the 7 acres. I would like to do a 60". Lifting capacity of the BX FEL is only 500lbs which is a few large rocks or whatever. Doing a project can be done, it will just take forever.

The B series will allow for a FEL load of a 1/2 ton, and should easily allow for a 60" hog. It is a more robust unit and I don't think I would feel "underpowered"

The used L series would certainly do any job I would need, but would probably be overkill, no?

What say you?

Edit to add: More than likely I will go used with either a B or an L just because of the fact that there are so many fine tractors with super low hours out there. I am trying to keep my budget as far under $20K as possible.

B....BX....or L Series?

 

[robertwhite]

now we know you a bit more, are you in the market for 2 tractors ? Get a BX with turfs and 60 inch for mowing and L with cab/FEL for farm, land work ?

Can't afford both, not at this time anyway.

Problem with getting a BX for now to mow both lawn and pasture would be that it couldn't pull a decent size brush hog (it does max 48" I believe) and would take all day to do the acreage.

If I could get away with the biggest BX for all the mowing with say a 60"MMM or RFM and a 60" hog, I might do that and then just get a small purpose built excavator with FEL when I could afford it and delay my plans. The mowing parts obviously take priority.

If I was to go that route, I wouldn't even need a FEL on the BX. I do still feel however that the BX is too small.

Thoughts?

 

[Brent C.]

I have a GL3240 with 72"mmm and FEL and it does everything I wish it to do on my 5 acres. 80% mowing; 10% gardening; 10% brushhoging. I have turf tires and don't let anybody kid you they don't leave a track in normal conditions and in wet conditions very, very, very little track. I couldn't be happier with my machine. I haven't had anything but good to say about my tractor. Go with as big a machine as you can afford and justify for your application. good luck. Brent

 

[ChuckinNH]

There are many folks that put large attachments on small tractors, and are perfectly happy with them, and recommend the practice to others. Rotary cutters in particular get very long, very quickly as you move up in size. Personally, I wouldn't really enjoy a 60" cutter on anything smaller than the larger B's. (B2630/B3030/B3200), and if the land were rough, I would prefer an "L". If I wanted that size cutter on a smaller tractor, I would look closely at flail mowers.

Now, that is me, and only me. My advice would be to choose the size implements you want, and go look at them in person. If possible, get the dealer to mount one of the implements on the tractor / tractors you are getting serious about, and drive around with them a bit. Raise, and lower them, and get a feel for just how they handle. You are talking about spending a lot of money, and it will be good to be more confident that you have the right thing. It is a very pleasant feeling to get on a tractor with an implement mounted, and feel that you have something that is just right for what you are doing.

It is your situation, and your personality that is the deciding factor in your choice. Some folks like to "putter", and some folks like to "get er done!" Be honest with yourself about that, and your choices will be much easier. Remember too that there is a big difference in just maintaining land, changing land, and dominating land.

 

[medicshawn]

Barlows has 2 with a backhoes

L3400DT w/ Kubota loader and backhoe - 208 hours, 2007 model, $20000

L3400HST w/ Kubota loader and backhoe - 174 hours, 2007 model, $21000

Used Kubota Tractors

 

[Harvest Moon]

Go for an L. If it's tearing things up too much, get turf tires. If they are too slick for some work, get some good chains. If you must pick only one machine for all your needs.

The L3400 is a great value and looks like you can pull it off within your budget.

Sooner or later with a lot that size, you'll find some projects that will reaffirm your decision to go with a larger machine.

 

[radioman]

Hmm- like I said before, 15 acres? you gonna want to get a larger tractor anyways. you can always either do a compromise of getting a B and have some patience with it. My father has a massey w/ turfs with size of B and has a RFM on it. No ruts in the lawn. He does have one of the el cheapo lawn tractor he uses when the soil is really wet to mow in the spring. He only needs it for a month then switches over to the large tractor for rest of the year. Perhaps you could do the same thing.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

L series, definitely not BX with what you want to do.

I am one that mows my yard with L3130 and has never left any tire tracks, but my lawn isn't swampy.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

With having two properties to take care of one being 3.8 acres and the other being 23 acres it is hard to do everything from lawn mowing to brush hogging with one tractor.

Started out with the GL3130 and it does the loader and backhoe work. Had to go with a rear mount finish mower as a belly will not fit with 723 loader and backhoe mounts. Found that while the RFM was quick that the large tractor was hard to get around trees and slowed things down in the corners and was hard on the soft wet grass with imprints from the loaded tires needed for the backhoe. So it was either get set of turfs and change out for mowiing or get a second machine as I had 4 hours mowing each week. Ended up with the BX2230 and 60 inch mower with bagger . The BX is excellent for mowing and bagging and doing landscape grading work.

Now if you had limited resources for only one machine I think a larger B series is what you need, otherwise two machines like a L and a BX is what would be the best setup.

David Kb7uns

 

[JJOConnor]

Mr. JOHNTHOMAS
Saw your post in this thread; you have or used to have tractors that I am interested in. New guy to the TractorByNet crowd, hope you don't mind a question. I have had my BX2200, FEL, MMM, box blade since 2002. I live on 6 acres, mow about half of that. I now want to work the land and I am craving a bigger machine, since projects include clearing trees, digging out a ground-water wet retention pond, driveway extension, and some hillside tier making to channel ground water into the retention pond. I have self-determined that I should go to a cab tractor (at my age, I'm seeking creature comforts). I saw that you owned a L3240, but traded that for a B3200. I am lusting over a L3240 HST-C, MMM, FEL machine, maybe with back hoe. I'm about to pull the trigger with Kubota's no interest, 60 month financing offer. So I'm wondering why you ditched the L3240? Not enough HP/weight, or just too heavy, or consumed too much fuel, or something else? Comments about other Kubota options would be welcome, given my intended uses. Thanks.

 

[crbr]

Trying to narrow my search down and I think I have come to the conclusion that a BX is going to be to small for my needs. It will do the job, just take a long while.

I then looked into the B series which gets me a bigger frame, a lot more lifting capacity, etc.

Then there are used L series, which may be overkill, but you guys tell me.

Property: 15 acres, about 1/2 acre around house will be mowed with my 48" Bobcat walk behind. The rest of the land is split as 1/2 grass (finish or MMM) and 1/2 pasture (brush hog + cows at some point).

Property is pretty much level all around. Some orchard trees on the grass field.

Needs: I absolutely need a FEL and I would REALLY like a backhoe. I could either do the finish mowing with a pull behind or a MMM, and would need a brush hog for the pasture.

In looking at the BX series, I really think it will be too small. I don't want to pull a 48" brush hog, as it will take several hours to do the 7 acres. I would like to do a 60". Lifting capacity of the BX FEL is only 500lbs which is a few large rocks or whatever. Doing a project can be done, it will just take forever.

The B series will allow for a FEL load of a 1/2 ton, and should easily allow for a 60" hog. It is a more robust unit and I don't think I would feel "underpowered"

The used L series would certainly do any job I would need, but would probably be overkill, no?

What say you?

Edit to add: More than likely I will go used with either a B or an L just because of the fact that there are so many fine tractors with super low hours out there. I am trying to keep my budget as far under $20K as possible.

L series to meet the needs comfortably, however the budget will have to be readjusted up a tiny bit (maybe?).

B series will barely keep you under $20k (attachments not necessarily included in the price).

I have a B series and it serves me well on a smaller piece of ground. I am an overkill kind of guy and shop on the side of "if I were to need this extra capacity." L series will do the trick regardless. The upper end of the B series is capable. However, shopping used will dictate a lot of options that selecting a new machine would allow.

L.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Mr. JOHNTHOMAS
Saw your post in this thread; you have or used to have tractors that I am interested in. New guy to the TractorByNet crowd, hope you don't mind a question. I have had my BX2200, FEL, MMM, box blade since 2002. I live on 6 acres, mow about half of that. I now want to work the land and I am craving a bigger machine, since projects include clearing trees, digging out a ground-water wet retention pond, driveway extension, and some hillside tier making to channel ground water into the retention pond. I have self-determined that I should go to a cab tractor (at my age, I'm seeking creature comforts). I saw that you owned a L3240, but traded that for a B3200. I am lusting over a L3240 HST-C, MMM, FEL machine, maybe with back hoe. I'm about to pull the trigger with Kubota's no interest, 60 month financing offer. So I'm wondering why you ditched the L3240? Not enough HP/weight, or just too heavy, or consumed too much fuel, or something else? Comments about other Kubota options would be welcome, given my intended uses. Thanks.

I started with a BX2200 and after 1 year traded it to a B7800 and also bought a BX1500 for wife to use to help me mow. Done a bunch with the B7800 and after 3 years and last payment traded it for a L3240HST+. My property is hillside and for whatever reason I felt like the L was going to tip over and it may not have but I still felt that way and used it very little during the year I had it. I also had BX1500 paid off and traded it to a BX2350. This year I traded the BX2350 to a BX2660 due to my belief that the reverse stop of the BX2350 was going to cause me back/neck injury and I just didn't want the aggravation of dealing with it for years. I realized the B7800 had been my favorite working tractor and felt more stable to me than the L on the hillsides and life is to short to own a tractor that I would rarely use when for some money back I could trade it for one I will use with a smile. I traded the L for the B3200. No regrets. The B3200 has about the same HP as the L but at about 2000lbs lighter so it wasn't a move back in power but mostly in weight and stability or the lack there of. Now on flat ground the L rode great with the seat it has and the HSTplus is a great transmission when I figured it out and set it for my needs. The L had a bigger front bucket and the skid steer QA so it had some pluses but my biggest reason for trading was my feeling of tipping on hillsides. If my ground was flat, I would not have traded. Transporting the L was also at my max with my 16' dual axle trailer but it's (the trailer) is great for my BX, B and F. Flat land then L. To me, hillside the B. Another big point to consider between sizes is many of them will do most of the jobs but the requirement for more time comes with the smaller tractors. Hugh rocks can be lifted with a L but you should see my B half lifting while pushing and the BX's pushing them all over my yard. My F is just for mowing and it's the best for that.

 

[stevess]

hello john, just wondering about your trading? how were you treated come trade in time? i realize every dealer is different but i'm new to this and just curious.
steve
bx25
ratchet rake

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

hello john, just wondering about your trading? how were you treated come trade in time? i realize every dealer is different but i'm new to this and just curious.
steve
bx25
ratchet rake

It's just like trading a car. The newer it is the more you lose or the more it cost you per month. But also like cars I figure a cost per month for ownership. I have monthly payments and the 0% interest is a tremendous incentive. In 6 years I've never paid for any service. I do my 50 hour services and if I keep any for 100 hours I do those to. I keep my tractors covered and serviced and use them to do the jobs I need done. I've done all my trading with Barlows and most of the time I give him money and some times he gives me money. I explained to him the first time I traded that I had traded over 100 cars but never a tractor before and was it done and if so, how. He told me how much he wanted for his tractor and how much he would give me for my tractor and even used his calculator to figure the difference. Sometimes I took cash back to spend somewhere else and told him to finance the new tractor to the max at 0%. I've bought 9 from him in 6 years. One I sold myself and currently have 3. I'm also 62 and have decided I've got less time left than I've had up to this point. I would rather pay some extra money than be "vexed" with something that's a daily irritation or won't do what I need done. I like "more power" but bigger isn't always better and when I say that, it riles those that have "bigger" except LB who has littler x 3. If your considering a trade, call Barlows or another dealer, give an honest description of your trade in and they should give you a price depending on your trade in being as described. It's only money and you can't take it with you.

 

[bp fick]

John has another advantage in trading that not everyone has. Sales tax. As he kindly explained it to me, Kentucky only charges sales tax on the difference, whereas in my state, the sales tax alone on 6 or 7 trades like this would finance a new wing at the Governor's mansion, or something.

 

[swmpbgy1]

Mr. White:

I never heard back from you......My 3030 is now down to $17,500.

Swmpbgy1

 

[Charlesaf3]

Weird thing is that most of us feel the Ls are more stable on hills - wider stance = lower center of gravity. Its my chief issue with the b3030.

OP - how hilly is your property? If its flat, get an L with turfs. As per others, my b3030 r4s will work on dry turf if I baby it, but they will trash a wet lawn, and will do a lot of damage to a dry one if sloppy (ask me how I know... ). Grass does grow back...

I was given the advice when I bought to go with a dedicated lawnmowing machine and a big tractor for my needs. It was good advice, I should have listened to it. Though if I had an L to start I don't think I could have justified moving up to the m59

Since you said you were going to mow around the house with a dedicated walk behind, get the L. I like the bxs, but they have a definite role to my mind, and its not what you want to do. The b is a compromise size, with the benefits and limitations that come with compromises. Great for some, I actually probably wouldn't buy another myself - I'd either go bx or go L. But it all depends on your needs/work/terrain.

If you are at all mechanically inclined, skip the backhoe and buy a used mini-excavator instead. That advice is on here a lot, and I think its good advice for most - wasn't for me, so I bought a TLB, but I see the reasoning.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

John has another advantage in trading that not everyone has. Sales tax. As he kindly explained it to me, Kentucky only charges sales tax on the difference, whereas in my state, the sales tax alone on 6 or 7 trades like this would finance a new wing at the Governor's mansion, or something.

The even better key to this is dealer in Ky trading/selling out of state doesn't charge any sales tax. If I had an out of state address I could have bought from Barlows and never paid any sales tax.

 

[bp fick]

I almost began to type the "yeah.. but.." because I have bought in one state and licensed in another and had to pay because of reciprocity agreements between states, but then... it occurred to me that unlike a motorized vehicle, a tractor brought into Michigan would mean what? Nothing. They'd never know. Am I on track?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I almost began to type the "yeah.. but.." because I have bought in one state and licensed in another and had to pay because of reciprocity agreements between states, but then... it occurred to me that unlike a motorized vehicle, a tractor brought into Michigan would mean what? Nothing. They'd never know. Am I on track?

I think that they would never know since you don't record or license it just like a tiller bought out of state or even a dvd player. Some states charge for anything if you pick it up in state but usually not when "shipped" out of state. Amazon charges me sales tax on anything I buy from them since their warehouse is in KY but doesn't to other states unless they have warehouses in those states. Barlows does not have any dealerships other than the one in KY, yet. Settle down Steve/Brady!!!