3203 vs 3320

[Jksnvly]

Looking for fact based opinions/experience on the merits of both units. The 3203 loks like a nice unit, what you give up, doesn't look like it is important to me. But the powertrain specs look very similar to a 3120, which I've read here is underpowered. I'll be using the unit for rotary cutting, finish mowing and loader wrok. Thanks for the help.

 

[ducati996]

Looking for fact based opinions/experience on the merits of both units. The 3203 loks like a nice unit, what you give up, doesn't look like it is important to me. But the powertrain specs look very similar to a 3120, which I've read here is underpowered. I'll be using the unit for rotary cutting, finish mowing and loader wrok. Thanks for the help.

You will find the 3203 has some real limitations (depending on type of work), and I dont beleive it has a mid PTO - I could be wrong ?

3320 seems like a good choice if you need the PTO power because I think its close to the same otherwise to the 3120 - hydrolics and loaders are the samed rated

 

[McRancher]

I test drove a 3203 and you are right it is a nice machine, but it does have some limitations. My impressions of it against the 3000 series tractors was that it was not as comfortable, the controls did not feel as good, the hydraulics were weaker and the kill switch in the seat was a bit if a pain. Also, it was cold that day, and my coat kept getting tangled up in the controls near the seat (a bit crowded). I finally decided on the 3120. The only difference I could see between it and a 3320 was a few hp's and about $1000 (with e-Hydro on both machines). Granted the 3320 has 25 pto hp, which seems to be a minimum requirement for some pto driven implements, while the 3120 has only 22 pto hp. I don't do much mowing or tilling, so I chose to save the $1000 for implements. So far have not found anything that the tractor can't do. Think about what you want to do and check out what the implements you will be using require.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I had a 3320 (now a 3720) and looked at the 3203's but didn't consider them due to lack of a Mid PTO.

I think the HP on the 3203 is the same as the 3320 (1/2hp diff), not the 3120 so From a HP perspective both machines (3320/3203) are similar.

You won't get ANY of the electronics on the 3203 (no load match, no cruise, etc.)
You CANNOT get a Mid PTO on the 3203. No MMM, no Snow blower, etc.

It has only a 2 range tranny vs a 3 range tranny on the 3320.
It has a mechanical vs e-hydro. (In all honesty, I prefer the feel of the mechanical hydro (like on my 2305) but you don't get any of the electronic features but I would miss the 3 range tranny.

The 3203 only takes the 300 loader (not the 300X or 300CX) The 300X and 300CX lift quite a bit more than the 300. (Was a biggie for me).

You cannot get a third SCV, Power Beyond (I think), divert valves, etc. on the 3203. Although
I'm sure a dealer could put things like power beyond on it.

And as mentioned, the seat isn't as comfortable, etc.

I also think the Tires available on the 3320 are bigger than those available
on the 3203 but I'm not sure about this.

There probably are a few things I forgot to mention.

 

[Jksnvly]

Orlo. Thanks for the information. You pointed out a couple of differences that I was not aware of, one being the 3 range trans.. I do think that the power of the 3203 is closer to the 3120 than the 3320 however.

 

[HuskerInVA]

I noticed the 3203 only has a the single brake and not the independent right/left brakes the 3x20's have. Must have for doing donuts in the snow.

 

[orlo]

From the specs the 3320 is 32.5hp, the 3203 is 32. The 3120 is just 29hp.

 

[Jksnvly]

Orlo you are correct. 3203= 32.1hp 3120=29.5 3320=32.5

 

[mnbowhunter1960]

I also test drove the 3203 and then the 3320 which I ended up purchasing, I needed more pto power for the MX5 brush cutter and I just liked the 3320 alot more, much more comfortable,also think it will have better resale down the road with mid pto capability and all the other bells and whistles.

 

[JDFANATIC]

The 3203 doesn't have position control on the 3PH and there is no Deere BH option.