30 HP CUT Comparisons

[dbutsack]

Hi All. I'm looking for a 30 HP CUT. I'll be using it for Post Hole digging, brush cutting, finish mowing, loader work, and want a front mount snow blower. My 20 acre farm is used to raise alpacas, I realisticly work about 8 acres and a real farmer works the rest... I curretly have a Kubota BX23 which gets the job done but changing the deck and other implements is a pain in the neck and I'd like a little more size, HP and speed to get things done...been looking at Kubota 3200 and JD 2720....I open to suggestions. Thank you

 

[IslandTractor]

...been looking at Kubota 3200 and JD 2720....I open to suggestions. Thank you

You might look at the equivalent Kioti CK30 and Mahindra models. I'm sure NH has a model in that range too. For pricing also check out Bobcat (same as Kioti but sometimes different incentives)

 

[Gittyup]

Changing implements a lot can be a pain. In that light, you might want to keep the BX for finish mowing and light stuff and get a used 30 hp machine for the heavier chores. As good as the JD designs are for implement changing, anyway you cut it, it's still can be a chore to have to change all the time.

 

[ChuckinNH]

You might look at the equivalent Kioti CK30 and Mahindra models. I'm sure NH has a model in that range too. For pricing also check out Bobcat (same as Kioti but sometimes different incentives)

The OP said that he wanted a front mount snow blower, and I don't think that Kioti offers that.

For finish mowing with a MMM, I would look at the B2920 as well. It has a drive over deck that folks say does make intallation, and removal easier. Both the Kubotas are a little more difficult to regulate the height of a rotary cutter with, but it can be done, of course, and lots of folks including me use them for that. The mower deck for the larger B3200 is a ground riding mower, and is more difficult to install, etc. I also see quite a few of those mmm's used. I don't know if folks trade in the tractors with them, and the next owner doesn't want them, or if somehow they have been dissatisfied with them. The JD 2720 is a good tractor for your needs too, and I would surely consider one. They are somewhat more pricy in this area, but that isn't true everywhere.

 

[IslandTractor]

The OP said that he wanted a front mount snow blower, and I don't think that Kioti offers that.

The CK30 comes standard with a QA adapter for the loader so you could use any skidsteer mount front blower and run it off a rear remote. None of the CUTs can run the high hydraulic flow implements but I don't think snow blowers are in that category.

 

[scoutcub]

Gittyup has a good point...more than 1 machine. Makes it much easier for setup of chores. I have a Subcompact 23 HP I use for mowing/blowing/blading, and 2 compacts 28 & 32 HP for larger jobs. Cub uses a delta-hitch setup for the blade and blower, I can have one off and the other on in under 5 minutes.
All 3 are Cub Cadets, and I've had nothing but good luck with em. Mine are 2007's, but the new Cub Cadet Yanmars are supposed to be even better, and they're coming out with a new model that has a drive-over deck. (SX3100, 31 HP)
Don't know the cost difference, but I'll bet they're as low or less expensive than the Botas, JD's, NH, BC, Kioti, etc. and they also have the 0% financing.

Good luck and happy shopping!

 

[lawn_king]

If you decide to go kubota, i would choose the 3030 over the 3200, position control and telescoping lower links & sway bars makes operation much eaiser!

 

[dbutsack]

3030?..my dealer hasn't even mentioned a 3030. It's been 2920 or 3200. I like the "size" of the 3200...it just seams changing the implements is no less conveinent than my BX. How much trouble is putting on a MMM on the 3200 or the JD 2720? Any do it?

 

[ChuckinNH]

The CK30 comes standard with a QA adapter for the loader so you could use any skidsteer mount front blower and run it off a rear remote. None of the CUTs can run the high hydraulic flow implements but I don't think snow blowers are in that category.

Sorry, I did not think of the hydraulic option, or of the rear PTO front mount option either. You are right about the flow rates too. Bobcat shows 8.5 GPM to 12 GPM depending on the size of the blower.

The B3030, and B4300 decks are easiest to install if you can raise the front of the tractor with the loader, or a lift, the JD2720 has a drive over deck as does the B2920. The 3 PT hitch is nicest on the B3030.

 

[OCD]

3030?..my dealer hasn't even mentioned a 3030. It's been 2920 or 3200. I like the "size" of the 3200...it just seams changing the implements is no less conveinent than my BX. How much trouble is putting on a MMM on the 3200 or the JD 2720? Any do it?

More knowledgable veterans or Kubota dealers please correct me if I am wrong in my comments about the B3030.

I recently ended a rather exhuastive search for the perfect 25-35HP CUT and looked at the kubotas a good bit. Looked some for a new B3030, but did not see one in over a year, but then again I did not look very hard. There are a handful of newer used ones available on tractorhouse and places like that. I believe that Kubota has discontinued production of the B3030 and B2630 series last year or so. I see that it is still on their website, but the recent literature I got in the showroom did not include them in the B series. The Bxx30 series was a fancier version of the "regular" B series, telescoping links, independent PTO, position control on PTO vs 1/4" valving to name a few.

I got a used JD 3000 series that came with a mmm. I really did not care for the mmm, but since it came with it, I got it. Plan on wrestling it off in the future once I a get shop set up to work in. From what I have read on this site, it is not that removing/attaching mmm is hard, it is just a pain to have to do it.

PS: would not say I found the "perfect" CUT, but a "good enough" CUT. they all have there strengths and weaknesses.

 

[IslandTractor]

I haven't been in a Kubota showroom for a while but I'd be surprised if Kubota dropped the B3030, especially since it was their smallest cab version and I believe was quite popular as a cab estate mower. That was the least expensive factory cab with A/C and heat on the market as I recall. It is true that the newer Bxx20 range moved much closer to the features of the 2630/3030 but none come with a cab so if Kubota did drop it they've abandoned a lucrative niche market.

 

[OCD]

Called my local Kubota dealer this am to ask about the B3030....went straight to the source. The B3030 IS still available as new. Sounded like it would have to be ordered/brought in. They did not have one in stock, but apparently there are four cab B3030 within about 250 miles. IMO the B3030 is a really nice machine and would be worth asking your dealer about it.

Sorry for the near "rumor".
Good luck in your search.

 

[taborekle]

I have the B2920 and also found that changing the 3 point hitch attachments was a pain. I then bought a Land Pride quick hitch, and I can now hook up my 3 point attachments fairly easily, all by myself.

So I don't think that you should associate getting a bigger tractor with being able to put implements on or off any easier. It's more a question of how you accessorize you're tractor.

I was comparing my K2920 to the JD 2520 series. Their comperable I think. The K was a little cheaper and had 3 ranges in HST mode and the JD only had 2, so I went Kubota.

I'd consider selling or trading in the BX. If you're next tractor can do the work of both, why have two? Also you would have to have twice the maintence costs, and have to have twice the storage space for them. Finally the BX trade in or sale could offset the cost of the next tractor and implements.

If you do decide to mow with the K2920, their 60 inch mowing deck looks very nice. For a bagging option I'd stay away from a traditional bagger but look at a tow behind cart (Troy Built) or a PTO driven one.

 

[dbutsack]

I wanted a 30HP range to handle implements better. My BX works fine, but sometimes struggles. Thats one reason I'm comparing the JD 2720 and K 3200 so the HP stays the same. The biiger stance of the larger tractors apears to me to be able to switch implements easier....I really have to cram myself behind the smaller tractor to attach the PTO.

I also wanted more machine to handle snowblowing and post-hole digging, the lighter BX gets tossed around a bit if you hit a rock.

 

[lawn_king]

Called my local Kubota dealer this am to ask about the B3030....went straight to the source. The B3030 IS still available as new. Sounded like it would have to be ordered/brought in. They did not have one in stock, but apparently there are four cab B3030 within about 250 miles. IMO the B3030 is a really nice machine and would be worth asking your dealer about it.

Sorry for the near "rumor".
Good luck in your search.

The B3030 & B2630 are in year 5 of their run, I would expect the 3030 to be around for a while as its sold very,very well?

 

[lungdoc]

The CK30 comes standard with a QA adapter for the loader so you could use any skidsteer mount front blower and run it off a rear remote. None of the CUTs can run the high hydraulic flow implements but I don't think snow blowers are in that category.

Almost no CUT can run a hydraulic blower, the pressures aren't high enough even when the flows are. There is a recent threrad on this on the attachment forum. Hydraulic blowers for CUT's require a PTO powered pump and reservoir and quickly get very pricey.

 

[IslandTractor]

Almost no CUT can run a hydraulic blower, the pressures aren't high enough even when the flows are. There is a recent threrad on this on the attachment forum. Hydraulic blowers for CUT's require a PTO powered pump and reservoir and quickly get very pricey.

I suspect you are correct. In the case of the CK30 I think the max hydraulic output is a little over 12gal/min with pressures in the 2500psi range. That would certainly be borderline or below for a six foot snowblower but I wonder if it would be enough for a five footer?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I suspect you are correct. In the case of the CK30 I think the max hydraulic output is a little over 12gal/min with pressures in the 2500psi range. That would certainly be borderline or below for a six foot snowblower but I wonder if it would be enough for a five footer?

I think that the 12.7 GPM is a combined figure. Probably more like 8-9 GPM? Or does Kioti only have 1 pump?

 

[IslandTractor]

I think that the 12.7 GPM is a combined figure. Probably more like 8-9 GPM? Or does Kioti only have 1 pump?

I think it is one pump but not sure. That is the total hydraulic output though.

 

[JJOConnor]

The B3030 & B2630 are in year 5 of their run, I would expect the 3030 to be around for a while as its sold very,very well?

Hi LawKing
I've been reading this and other threads as I too am in the quest for the perfect 30'ish HP CUT. Noticed that you have the Grand L3540, wondering if you considered the Grand L3240 as a candidate. My dealer said the price difference btwn the B3030 cab and the Grand L3240 cab was small, but performance difference were big, so the 3240 is a contender for my dollar, but the step up to yourr L3540 or even the 3940 is not out of the question. I'm thinking of HP to the PTO with HST+ and air conditioning, etc. Currently have a BX2200 that I'm trying to sell before I commit to dealer's trade-in offer. My uses include about 70% mowing, and 30% other implement use - but I have some heavy dirt work projects tp get through. Anyway, in my area, central Texas, the cab option with A/C is a priority for me...I'm digging the creature comforts these days... Your comments, others are welcome.