Any Green to Orange Converts ?

[randyvl]

I am looking for a green to orange convert to give me thoughts on buying a Kubota. Why did you do it?

I am torn between a Kub 3030 w/ FEL/60" bucket 60" MMM and a JD 2520 (or possiblly even a3120) w/ FEL and MMM. Cost is not the issue.

90% use will be for mowing 3 acres.

I am leaning towards the 3030 over the 2520 because of HP; 3 spd Hydro etc. but I like the lines/look of the 2520 better.

What will the 3030 do that the 2520 won't. Is there really an advantage of the 3spd Kub over the 2 spd JD

I don't need the size of the 3120 but I might look at it. Any problems with tracks in yard b/c of weight?

any thoughts would help

 

[ToadHill]

Do you count Oliver to Kioti?

 

[wolc123]

I used Allis Chalmers for a few years before going back to JD. Does that count?

 

[DreaminGreen]

I heard you can get tossed in jail for going from green to orange!!! ....

But if it works for you I suppose it's ok, I never liked the fact the 2x20 series was 2 speed myself.

 

[ChuckinNH]

As long as there is a range that works well for mowing, and one that works for heavy work, you really don't need more. They can be the same range, Low in the case of JD, and that is fine. High range seems to be more of a transport thing with all these tractors. Personally, two ranges are fine by me, and I would prefer a slower high range that had the oomph to do some hills with myself. I like the drive over mower deck idea, but folks say that the decks are no problem on the B series. The other option there, of course, is to wait for the new 2920 which will have a drive over deck. For your uses, the one that makes you smile the most when you operate it is probably the best deal........ whatever the color.

 

[Lindy]

I was in the exact same position as you a few weeks ago -- making comparisons between the B3030 and the 2520.

They're both very nice tractors. I'm sure I would've been very happy with either one of them.

Be sure you take them both for a test drive. As everyone always says, dealer is very important too. That's part of what won me over to orange in my area.

Here's how it turned out for me:

The prices were about the same, but the Kubota just felt like more tractor for the same $$. And in your situation (lots of mowing), it's a fairly light tractor with a fairly high HP for it's class. Something to consider.

Good luck!

 

[Toolguy]

I was/am a green guy that went orange. We had a lot of Deere stuff on the farm when I was a kid. I have always had JD Garden tractors and still do have one, a 318. When I was shopping for something bigger than the 318 I looked at Deere and Kubota. At the time the only Deere that interested me was the 3120 or 3320. The 2210 was not a big enough jump to make it worthwhile. I ended up with a B3030 because the Deere 3X20s were bigger than I need and too heavy for lawn mowing, IMHO. About 1000lbs heavier, in fact. I was always happy with my purchase of the Kubota B3030 but, for a while I still had second thoughts about the Deeres. Especially when the 2520 was introduced. Now, after giving it an unbiased comparison to the B3030 I am convinced that the B3030 is a step ahead. While the weight is about the same, the B3030 or B2630 is bigger and better for what I do than the 2520. The 3 speed trans is just one thing. It is better for mowing in that the medium speed is faster than low on the Deere. You may be able to use Hi on the Deere for mowing on flat ground but, from what I hear, Hi is useless on hills of any size. The Kubota will spin the tires in M so hills are not a problem. With that said, H is still usable for real work, I typically plow snow in H and it has all the power I need for pulling a 6' RB. The other things I like about the B3030 is the larger rear tires, more ground clearance, a better arrangement for the FEL hoses, a better designed 3pth that has plenty of clearance around the tires, The mower is easy enough to R&R with all of the ground clearance available, the FEL is about as simple as it could get to R&R even though it takes getting on and off the tractor one more time. Speaking of that, the B3030 is very easy to get on and off of with it's wide, flat operators platform. Before you buy check them both out carefully. Drive them around the dealers lot and see what you like and don't like about each of them. The 2520 is a good tractor for sure. I just don't think it is designed to be the premium tractor in it's class like the B3030. There are some little things that Deere could have done to make it better. But, that is a reason for people to move up to the 30 series. If mowing lawn and doing other light to medium duty yard chores are your main uses for a tractor, I don't think you will be disapointed with orange. Good luck and buy something you like. It's all good.

 

[Lindy]

I have always had JD Garden tractors and still do have one, a 318.

Nice summary, TG.

Same here about moving from green to orange -- forgot to say I currently have a JD 325. That's a JD lawn tractor, 54" deck, with an 18 HP Kawasaki V-Twin. Bullet-proof. Gonna keep that around for the narrow spots (and the wife, before she gets any ideas about my new B3030 ).

 

[IslandTractor]

Is there really an advantage of the 3spd Kub over the 2 spd JD

I've owned both 2speed and 3 speed HST tractors. I'd never get another 2 speed if I was mostly mowing. Low speed is great for FEL work, bush hogging and ground engagement. High speed is fine for transport. Mid range is best for finish mowing.

 

[gemini5362]

HMM by green are you only referring to John Deere. My montana is a green tractor. and I have noticed that There are some nice Blue tractors in the size you are talking about.