Buying Advice b2320,b2620,or b2920

[taos]

Hi i'm looking to buy a new b series tractor ,I tried a new demo unit b2920 last night and realy liked it ,I have a bx25 now and wanted something with more ground clearance then the bx 25,the tractor will be used mostly for grass cutting ,1 acre,and I also have another 5 acres of rough rocky wooded area, the b2920 cut the grass fine the only thing notice on hard turns (with the loader on)and turf tires,in 2wheel drive ,slight turf damage, i'm sure there will be less turf damage with the loader off, I would like to also add later a chipper and don't want to fall short on pto power for it. I was thinking of the b2620. is this a new engine (d1105)? in the last couple of years? thanks

 

[TripleR]

When I bought my BX2660 in 2008, I was initially going to get a B2920 for the reasons you mentioned, but went with the BX as I have other tractors for heavier stuff and additional ground clearance. I really liked the additional power as well as increased FEL strength. I now have no need for anything in that size, but if I did, my preference would be for the B2630/3030, but they are quite a bit more expensive.

 

[bp fick]

I also moved to a 20 series B from a BX last fall. I wrote an in-depth review of the process here:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html

Perhaps you'll enjoy reading it.

I can assure you that with the loader off, (an easy task), the front end is so light that no damage will be done to your grass. In fact, for my gardening field work, the front end is too light.

Unless you have some 29 hp specific need, such a running an oversized, front snow blower, you'd never likely be disappointed with the B2620.

I would absolutely agree with TripleR. The extra money for the 2920 would better be put toward the 26 hp 30 series. But then, I'd use the extra features. But, alas, I couldn't cough up the extra funds then, and likely wouldn't now either. :laughing::laughing:

 

[taos]

thanks for the info. Also forgot to mention to step up from b2320 to b2620 the cost $1300.00 aprox and to step up from b2620 to b2920 aprox $800.00 and a bxx20 series is the biggest tractor size I think for my main purpose (cutting grass) . I put aprox 100hours a year on it.

 

[TroyR57]

For a total of $2100, more to go from the B2320 to B2920, correct. Thats a lot, but a
B2620 or B2920 that will keep you happy for a while longer, it will be worth it. If you are even remotley thinking of more tractor, then forgo the B2320, and go for the larger of the three now, and that $1300 to 2100 difference will seam like pocket change, if you need/ want to move up latter.

 

[Evil the Weasel]

I have 170 hours on my B2620 and it's still one of the best things I've ever purchased. Lawn damage has a lot to do with tire selection. I have the bar/turf tires and have minimal issues with tearing up the lawn. My co-worker has the B2920 with R4's and he has had more significant lawn damage. The B2320 would have met my needs, but I bumped up one for the bigger loader and extra HP. No regrets.

 

[kuboman]

I would definitely go with the 26 or 2920. If money is your only concern they go the 2620 route otherwise go for the 2920. You never know when the extra hp will come in useful.
These are a very useful size tractor

 

[Ductape]

I've always felt that the 2620 was the sweet spot with the 2X20 series tractors. 29 HP in that tractor is almost a waste since you will lose traction long before running out of power (so why spend the extra $1000?). The exception would be, if you plan on using a snowblower, brush chipper, or other attachment that sucks alot of PTO HP. Then.... go ahead and get the 2920.

 

[TripleR]

I've always felt that the 2620 was the sweet spot with the 2X20 series tractors. 29 HP in that tractor is almost a waste since you will lose traction long before running out of power (so why spend the extra $1000?). The exception would be, if you plan on using a snowblower, brush chipper, or other attachment that sucks alot of PTO HP. Then.... go ahead and get the 2920.

I have found it to be pretty hard to know what all you will be doing with a tractor especially for a new owner so I try to plan for any contingencies. Now some will know with certainty and know exactly what they need.

 

[bp fick]

Over the years, Kubota, like most of the OEMs keeps offering more models and pushing bigger engines into any given series. For some guys and their tasks, more hp on any given series is what they prefer and always buy the most hp a series offers. Naturally, they recommend others to do the same.

But, frankly, there are others who buy the base tractor of the series, getting the features of that series, with plenty of useable hp, at the lowest price.

Still others prefer to split the difference right down the middle of the series and believe they've found the "sweet spot" of the series with the right balance of hp and features.

Which is exactly why Kubota makes three or four choices in every series, at different prices, in every series of tractors they market. Otherwise, they'd just offer a BX, a B-20, a B-30, a L, a Grand L, etc. That was the way tractors were sold in the 50's and 60's. Maybe things were more simple then.

 

[TripleR]

Over the years, Kubota, like most of the OEMs keeps offering more models and pushing bigger engines into any given series. For some guys and their tasks, more hp on any given series is what they prefer and always buy the most hp a series offers. Naturally, they recommend others to do the same.

But, frankly, there are others who buy the base tractor of the series, getting the features of that series, with plenty of useable hp, at the lowest price.

Still others prefer to split the difference right down the middle of the series and believe they've found the "sweet spot" of the series with the right balance of hp and features.

Which is exactly why Kubota makes three or four choices in every series, at different prices, in every series of tractors they market. Otherwise, they'd just offer a BX, a B-20, a B-30, a L, a Grand L, etc. That was the way tractors were sold in the 50's and 60's. Maybe things were more simple then.

Agreed, but I often see people "upgrade" in HP and model while I rarely see people go with a smaller tractor/HP absent changed circumstances.

 

[crazyal]

First off you need to come to terms with why you are upgrading. If you are doing 100 hours a year of mowing then a Sears or zero turn could get the job done. The reason why you want a bigger Kubota is the feeling you get while using it. At first I didn't want to believe this myself but I have come to accept it.

So once you admit that while it may not be a toy it's also not just about getting jobs done around the house either. Some people enjoy boats, others enjoy pulling a lever and seeing dirt move, snow fly, or weeds get pulverized. What attachments could you see yourself owning? A brush hog? A snow blower? Box blade? Something else? Plan your HP requirements around what you might do, after all $800 really isn't that much when the other option would be to upgrade later. Just ask yourself which one is the one you really want.

 

[chriscos]

I'm very happy with my 2920. I looked closely at the 2630 and 3030 as well, but they were just too big for my needs. I wanted something more compact and sat lower (I gots some hills). If I didn't need something small I probably would have stepped up to the 2630. I did look at the BXs, but ground clearance was not enough for me.

When I priced mine I think the 2920 came in about $3300 less than the 2630 and about $4300 less than the 3030.

Only get the extra HP if you need it for the PTO. The 2920 has more than enough power to drive the wheels. You will run out of traction long before you run out of power, especially with turfs. I didn't want to shortchange myself in the PTO power department so I just went with the 2920 (snowblower, tiller, post hole digger, etc). The difference is small, but 2HP over the 2620 is 2HP I also like the option of using the larger R1s if you want to. But I do agree that the 2620 is probably the sweet spot.

I have the 60" MMM and turf tires, loaded rears. With the loader off, in 2WD, I don't have any problems with my grass, even wet, soft grass, and I'm not even being very careful about turning. I was worried at first, but it is a non-issue for me now.

 

[taos]

over the weekend I made my mind up, i'm going for the b2920 ,I don't need the 29hp now but i can see in the near future a chipper for my 5 acre lot,I do agree that the b2620 is the sweet spot in this series, (do to the larger loader) but for $ 800.00 more it gives me peace of mind for future implements.that maybe require more h.p. I know that 29hp is too much for traction alone but for p.t.o .implements the $800.00 dollars i think it good. otherwise I maybe will end up with another tractor next year,and that could cost me more then the $800.00 spent on the upgrade now. oh ya i love the sound of that engine and the tractor feels a lot better then the bx series . no offence to bx owners I think there great tractors

 

[bp fick]

Agreed, but I often see people "upgrade" in HP and model while I rarely see people go with a smaller tractor/HP absent changed circumstances.

Of course. People go up and down, according to their needs. Don't have enough hp? Gotta get it. Need to downsize? Gotta do that too. Since the average TBNer does not keep 4 or 5 tractors, it means they have to make a change. JohnThomas once had an L and B3200 and has since downsized. Well, ok, JT isn't a good example.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Some guys here say they've "upgraded" from a BX to B or from a B to an L and "they'd never go back". I'm certainly not prepared to say that at all.

The OP stated up front he runs a chipper. That tells me he flat needs the PTO hp. He hasn't "bit" on the 30 series baiting.

 

[kuboman]

over the weekend I made my mind up, i'm going for the b2920 ,I don't need the 29hp now but i can see in the near future a chipper for my 5 acre lot,I do agree that the b2620 is the sweet spot in this series, (do to the larger loader) but for $ 800.00 more it gives me peace of mind for future implements.that maybe require more h.p. I know that 29hp is too much for traction alone but for p.t.o .implements the $800.00 dollars i think it good. otherwise I maybe will end up with another tractor next year,and that could cost me more then the $800.00 spent on the upgrade now. oh ya i love the sound of that engine and the tractor feels a lot better then the bx series . no offence to bx owners I think there great tractors

A 2920 is just a 2620 with more hp, I can't see how you will regret the extra hp.:licking:
I went to the b3200 and it is a hot rod for the size. I added some weight to the 3pt and now when I want to push with the loader I got some real grrrr, and it will really push. I hardly use 4wd.
You will be very happy with your 2920. They are an ideal size.

 

[TripleR]

Of course. People go up and down, according to their needs. Don't have enough hp? Gotta get it. Need to downsize? Gotta do that too. Since the average TBNer does not keep 4 or 5 tractors, it means they have to make a change. JohnThomas once had an L and B3200 and has since downsized. Well, ok, JT isn't a good example.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Some guys here say they've "upgraded" from a BX to B or from a B to an L and "they'd never go back". I'm certainly not prepared to say that at all.

The OP stated up front he runs a chipper. That tells me he flat needs the PTO hp. He hasn't "bit" on the 30 series baiting.

No, JOHNTHOMAS isn't the "average" TBNer and I guess with tractors from a BX to a M8540 I'm not either, but there are quite a few of us.

It is probably just me, but I don't much care for the term "upgrading" as it is often used here as I believe they are all good for what they were intended. Our L will do things our BX or M won't and vice versa. I have no idea what my next tractor will be, but won't be upgrading or downgrading, just what I need at the time and in the future. While I have always bought for the long term, I am becoming more open to John's philosophy. For many this may not be practical and they have to think and plan for their long term needs.

I don't own a B Series and probably never will, but think highly of them.

I may have lost my train of thought, so keep that in mind.

 

[crazyal]

over the weekend I made my mind up, i'm going for the b2920 ,I don't need the 29hp now but i can see in the near future a chipper for my 5 acre lot,I do agree that the b2620 is the sweet spot in this series, (do to the larger loader) but for $ 800.00 more it gives me peace of mind for future implements.that maybe require more h.p. I know that 29hp is too much for traction alone but for p.t.o .implements the $800.00 dollars i think it good. otherwise I maybe will end up with another tractor next year,and that could cost me more then the $800.00 spent on the upgrade now. oh ya i love the sound of that engine and the tractor feels a lot better then the bx series . no offence to bx owners I think there great tractors

I think you'll be happy you decided to go with the bigger engine. I think you wanted to go with it so if you handn't you would have always had that little doubt in the back of your head. We wait to see pictures once you get it.

 

[taos]

I did it! ordered it today(b2920) should get it in couple of days, can't wait, thanks for all the info you guys have given!

 

[46andtool]

Well, I'm happy with my B2320 - which is not mentioned much in this thread. I guess it comes down to your mission requirements...