Attention B3030 owners & BX

[gdh]

I was ready to pull the trigger on a BX2660/curtis cab today AND THEN I test drove the cabbed B3030. I have "searched B3030" extensively but I would love to hear some testimonials/reviews on the B3030.
Do any B3030 owners feel like you would be better served by the BX? Why??
Do any BX'ers whish you had gone B3030? Why?
My primary use is going to be snow removal with a front mount blower? After the curtis cab on the BX, the B3030 is only 5K more ($83/month more over 60mos). So for me it does not boil down to cash, just utility & happiness with the purchase.
Thanks for your responses.
gdh

 

[Dusty1]

I've used both, the BX is a glorified lawnmower, the B3030 is more of a tractor. The B line is a great in-between size with the 3030 at the higher end so it actually has some power. The backhoe on it wasn't bad either. I use a full-sized loader backhoe and didn't think it did bad moving soil. You would find the limits of either in work, but I think you would be ready to trade up the BX in a hurry because of it's lack of size to aptly handle a decent job. I said before in another post check used tractor listings, lots of BX's for sale but not hardly any B3030's (though they have stopped making them). Lots of people want to trade up shortly after they purches the smaller one. They are not a lot different size wise, but would you actually have a problem with a tractor that was too able to handle a job? That's like being overqalified, much better probem to have than not capable enough. Lots of people here will tell you that any smaller tractor can do what the bigger ones can do it will just take them longer, but I disagree, the smaller ones are much more breakable too. One thing however everyone here agrees on is to get the best tractor you can afford and you won't regret it. Hope this helps.

 

[Ductape]

I've never owned a Bx, but i DO love my B3030 ! :thumbsup:

 

[bw_wis]

I saw in one of your other posts says you have 7 acres. So it sounds like you have plenty of land to play on. Oops, I mean land this will need tending to. If money is not a issue, get the B.

I have a 2005 B2630 350hrs (100+ mine). Same machine, smaller engine, and no cab. And I have only good things to say.

Buddy has BX24 and loves his.

Think about the size, cost, and other uses besides snow.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've used both, the BX is a glorified lawnmower, the B3030 is more of a tractor. The B line is a great in-between size with the 3030 at the higher end so it actually has some power. The backhoe on it wasn't bad either. I use a full-sized loader backhoe and didn't think it did bad moving soil. You would find the limits of either in work, but I think you would be ready to trade up the BX in a hurry because of it's lack of size to aptly handle a decent job. I said before in another post check used tractor listings, lots of BX's for sale but not hardly any B3030's (though they have stopped making them). Lots of people want to trade up shortly after they purches the smaller one. They are not a lot different size wise, but would you actually have a problem with a tractor that was too able to handle a job? That's like being overqalified, much better probem to have than not capable enough. Lots of people here will tell you that any smaller tractor can do what the bigger ones can do it will just take them longer, but I disagree, the smaller ones are much more breakable too. One thing however everyone here agrees on is to get the best tractor you can afford and you won't regret it. Hope this helps.

I've owned several BX's and still own a couple. I've owned a couple of B's and an L. I disagree with so much in this post (just about all of it) that I'm going to not respond to it.

 

[JJZ 109]

Like the man said, go with the B3030 now and avoid trading up later.

 

[keyman1808]

The BX is far more than a glorified lawn mower. I use mine for moving mulch, top soil, wood chips and a bunch of other things. The BH works great and has more power than needed on a tractor that size. I use mine for snow removal with the 50" front mount blower and have no issues with it at all. I like the fact that it is nimble and without the blower or mowing deck will fit through most fence openings I have. Would I like a B3030...at times when time is critical. It will move more at a time and has higher ground clearance but with that it also become more tippy on hills and I do have hills so for me the BX felt better it had a lower COG. It is far more than a lawn mower but certain tasks will take longer such as moving materials with the bucket. Either machine is a great purchase.

 

[srs]

Go with the cabbed B3030. Check this link out, it is a fellow TBN member, Steve Foulks who has a nice web site describing his cabbed B3030 with front blower. Steve, I hope you don't mind me directing gdh to your site!!!!

outhttp://faculty.nmu.edu/sfoulks/personal/Kubota%20B3030%20HSDC.htm

 

[kuboman]

B3030 of course. Just the tire size alone makes the B a more able machine.:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

Like JOHNTHOMAS, I disagree with Dusty1 on too many levels to enumerate, so I won't bother, but for the OP's stated uses, I would go with the 3030 and kind of suspect he is already headed that way.

As someone said on here not long ago, sometimes bigger is better and sometimes bigger is just bigger.

 

[radioman]

Both are great machines. It depends on what you want to do, what do you need to do and what's your future plans? In earlier post, you have 7 acres. Is it all a mowing feild ? forest ? swamp? flat? hilly? Do you do alot of firewood cutting or leaving it au natureal?

 

[Dusty1]

Sorry guys, I didn't think I would be insulting you by putting down the BX. It is great for some uses, like snow, but let's face it, and light soil moving. If you wanted to move earth that has not been delievered to you and in a pile, you would probably end it's life prematurely. This is just my opinion, and in no way did I mean to offend BX owners. OK, it's not a glorified lawnmower, and I have a buddy who loves his, but compared to a commercial piece of equipment sometimes it feels like that.

 

[Tom_H]

I've used both, the BX is a glorified lawnmower, the B3030 is more of a tractor. The B line is a great in-between size with the 3030 at the higher end so it actually has some power. The backhoe on it wasn't bad either. I use a full-sized loader backhoe and didn't think it did bad moving soil. You would find the limits of either in work, but I think you would be ready to trade up the BX in a hurry because of it's lack of size to aptly handle a decent job. I said before in another post check used tractor listings, lots of BX's for sale but not hardly any B3030's (though they have stopped making them). Lots of people want to trade up shortly after they purches the smaller one. They are not a lot different size wise, but would you actually have a problem with a tractor that was too able to handle a job? That's like being overqalified, much better probem to have than not capable enough. Lots of people here will tell you that any smaller tractor can do what the bigger ones can do it will just take them longer, but I disagree, the smaller ones are much more breakable too. One thing however everyone here agrees on is to get the best tractor you can afford and you won't regret it. Hope this helps.

I don't want to be unkind, but my own experience differs so vastly from this that I have to wonder whether this man has ever really used a BX or whether he is just expressing an opinion of what he thinks the reality is. Even the smallest BX ever made is capable of doing all the tasks a utility tractor can do. If you don't believe it, read through this thread of blackmajicwoman and look at the pics of his BX1500 and all the boulders and stumps he dug up with the Woods BH6000 backhoe on his little workhorse:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/54527-bx1500-woods-bh6000.html

BXs are real tractors, not glorified lawnmowers. That being said, the bigger the machine, the greater its capacity. As far as the B3030 having no issues, do a search on B3030 and vibration. Though the reports are not as many as re. the B3200, the B3030 has the same 4 cyl. engine and the problem has been reported by a number of members. Why are so many BXs resold? Could it be that it's because so many were sold new in the first place and perhaps the percentage resold is not significantly different? I have had mine 10 years and have not resold it. It meets my needs well.

 

[gdh]

Thanks for the input everybody. I have come a long way. In the beginning I was even considering an F with a snowblower. I am almost there. I am not trying to initiate a BX vs B debate. Just trying to get owners of B's who might have been better served by a BX and vice versa. I am trying to avoid making a mistake with my upcoming purchase. I and a few lurkers would continue to appreciate your input on BXs and Bs.

 

[Muhammad]

B3030 reviews:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/reviews/Kubota/b3030.htm

BX reviews:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/reviews/manufacturers/SubcompactTractors/Kubota.htm

 

[Will_C]

I have had both. I did alot of work with my BX, installing a 300' driveway, maintaining it every spring, and plowing it. I repairied a lawn after a septic installation, dug and built two perennial gardens, and other projects too numerous too mention. In addition, it mowed 4.5 acres for 9 years.

I traded it for a B2620 last year. I also now have a ZTR for my mowing, and have bought 10 additional acres. The B is a better tractor for my circumstances now, just as the BX was better before I had the ZTR and the additional property. You just have to analyze your requirements, and make the choice that's right for you.

Will

 

[DelSc]

Hi I owned a BX24 (no cab) for two winters, then traded to a B3030HSDC last fall primarily to get a factory cab for snow blowing (in New Hampshire), but also to get more loader lift capacity and a stronger backhoe.

Much has been said on the B vs BX comparison, so I wont be adding too much. Having owned both let me make a few comments.

The BX is a fine machine and much more than a glorified lawnmower. It is surprising how much you can do with it. Its smaller and lighter than the B and that can be a benefit or a drawback depending on your use.

People have commented on vibration issues with the B3030 and B3200, but I have not experienced that. The B3030 is just as smooth to me as the BX.

Overall, I am really glad i traded up. For my needs, the B is a better fit. I have about 15 acres of mixed fields and woods with about 2 acres of that being "lawn". The B is more capable machine for most chores. It has higher ground clearance, and although it is a bit bigger than the BX, it is surprising to me how maneuverable it is and how tightly it turns. With the turning brake, it feels like to turns tighter than the BX. Even without using them, it feels very nimble.

I like the position control on the B's 3 pt hitch a lot. I bush hog and use a landscape rake often and I have found it much easier to work with with the B than the BX. I also really like the tilt steering wheel on the B3030. It sounds like a gimmick, but I found tilting the wheel closer to me makes long hours in the seat much easier on my back. One thing to consider also is the B3030HSDC is just over 7 ft tall, so it wont fit under a standard garage door without modifying it.

Since your main chore is snow blowing, let me comment on the B3030 with factory cab. It is a GREAT snow removal tool. The factory cab has plenty of heat, and stays fog free. I cant comment on the Curtis cab as I have never seen or used one. I was happy with the blower on the BX, but the blower on the B is heavier duty (and more expensive) and seems to work better for me than the one on the BX. I have a gravel driveway and the skids on the B's blower seem to keep it out of the gravel better and allowed me to use float more. Once there is a packed base on the driveway its not an issue and I can adjust the skids so the blower rides closer to the surface of the driveway. The BX is shorter and the blower is narrower, so its easier to maneuver into tight spots around the garage, bit overall it takes me less time to clear snow with the B. I also think its easier to put on and take off the blower on the B. Its a lot heavier on the B, but i use a dolly to move it around once its off so its not really an issue. However, the B has more room to connect shaft couplings and overall is easier to work with for me than the BX.

Hope this helps.

 

[LQPAPPY]

Traded a Bx2200 for a B3030 and have been happy with both tractors. It is almost like trading cars, trucks,etc. personal opinion. You are the person using the unit and have a better idea of uses and what you really need. It is usually cheaper over the long haul to make the best choice first toime around even if it's the more expensive.

 

[gdh]

DelSc,
Thanks, you gave me info. to consider. Do you use a front blower?
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LQPAPPY,
Thanks for the insight.
gdh