3203 vs 3320
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tuolumne
Gold Member
Consider the 12/12 tranny option to get the 3320 price back down. Independent braking is a must to reduce turning radius in the woods. If I recall correctly, visibility was better from the 3x20s due to higher seat, and the platform was less crowded, easier to mount/dismount. The 3320 has more hydraulic capacity, larger fuel tank, and more lift capacity for both the 3ph and the loader options. Top speed for a 3320 with R4 (ehydro) is 18.2 mph, while the 3203 is 12.9. This is a big difference if you are moving your equipment on the road frequently. The 3203 is a fine machine; I'm just recalling my own reasoning for paying more and moving up the scale.
RoyJackson
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I think you'd miss that off seat operation on the 3203 (can't run a chipper or generator). That relegates the 3203 to being a big lawn tractor to me.
I'd go with tuolumne's suggestion...look into that power-reverser 12/12 transmission. That's a nice tranny! I looked into the 3320 last year...and the main reason was for that transmission. Every bit as quick as a hydro and I'd guess a more robust unit (looking at it long term).
I'd go with tuolumne's suggestion...look into that power-reverser 12/12 transmission. That's a nice tranny! I looked into the 3320 last year...and the main reason was for that transmission. Every bit as quick as a hydro and I'd guess a more robust unit (looking at it long term).
I have the 3320 with e-hydro. I mostly use the 300 cx loader which does everything I ask it to. I also use a finish mower for which the e-hydro is great, you can ease around ditches, poles and other obstacles while keeping your rpm's in tact yet slowing the ground speed for getting around.
I wouldn't even think about not getting the e-hydro. The only scenario I could think of in getting the regular transmission is if you planned on doing mostly all heavy pulling or tillage work where variable speed didn't make a difference because I do feel you give up a little power with the hydro.
However, for mowing or loader work, the e-hyro, in my opinion, is the only way to go. The 3320 will have sufficient power for any loader or mower work as long as you stay within the recommended range of implements. I have a MX6 rotary cutter I bought for another tractor that will also work on the 3320, but if you get into 3 foot grass, it will slow you up a bit.
I also looked at the 3203 (for about 2 minutes) but disregarded it because it is so stripped down. The 3320 has a few extra horses than the 3120 and for not much extra money, here in south central Illinois it is less than $800. The 3320 is the most popular in this area because it has the largest block and no turbo. You pay dearly for those few extra horses when you get to the 3520 or 3720.
I wouldn't even think about not getting the e-hydro. The only scenario I could think of in getting the regular transmission is if you planned on doing mostly all heavy pulling or tillage work where variable speed didn't make a difference because I do feel you give up a little power with the hydro.
However, for mowing or loader work, the e-hyro, in my opinion, is the only way to go. The 3320 will have sufficient power for any loader or mower work as long as you stay within the recommended range of implements. I have a MX6 rotary cutter I bought for another tractor that will also work on the 3320, but if you get into 3 foot grass, it will slow you up a bit.
I also looked at the 3203 (for about 2 minutes) but disregarded it because it is so stripped down. The 3320 has a few extra horses than the 3120 and for not much extra money, here in south central Illinois it is less than $800. The 3320 is the most popular in this area because it has the largest block and no turbo. You pay dearly for those few extra horses when you get to the 3520 or 3720.
putt_putt_green
Silver Member
Kahuna said:
But you do have variable speed on the 12x12 transmission. Its kind of the opposite the Hydro. With the 12x12, you set the hand throttle to the lowest RPM you want to run, and then you can give boost with a foot throttle, which will increase the RPMs above and beyond the hand throttle. The hydro allows speed changes over the whole range, whereas the 12x12 only allows speed changes over 1 of 4 gears within a range. Lower RPMs consume less fuel and generate less noise.