B3200 or L3200

badapplefab · Jun 11, 2012

Does anyone have any insight about the 2 models. I don't see a big difference in the capabilties looking at the spec sheet for each, they use the same BH. The FEL has a bit more lifting capacity witht he L. I do understand that the L series is a bigger chassis and has the option of a geared transmission. The price is very similar. I also understand there is no mid PTO on the L series. But from a performance point of view what do you think.

abeal · Jun 11, 2012

The L3200 has position control while the B does not. The position control is nice setting the height for the use of 3pt implements. Just got a L3200 HST and am very pleased with it.

familyman · Jun 11, 2012

abeal said:
The L3200 has position control while the B does not. The position control is nice setting the height for the use of 3pt implements. Just got a L3200 HST and am very pleased with it.

Mr. Abeal,

How well does your 3-pt. lift function? Will it go up in small increments smoothly or does it jump? I'm asking because I'm looking at the L3200 as a replacement for my L2800.

Thanks!

abeal · Jun 11, 2012

familyman said:
Mr. Abeal,

How well does your 3-pt. lift function? Will it go up in small increments smoothly or does it jump? I'm asking because I'm looking at the L3200 as a replacement for my L2800.

Thanks!

It is very smooth. Not sure if the dealer did something with it or that is how it arrived from the factory.

General Lee · Jun 11, 2012

badapplefab said:
But from a performance point of view what do you think.

Having owned a B3200, I would be more inclined to get the L, but that would depend on your uses. What are your primary uses going to be with the tractor? For ground engaging work, the L would be better because of more weight and stronger frame, lift capacity etc. If you want to mow with a middle mount mower, or have a front implement that needs pto, then you would need the B. They are going to be fairly close performance wise.

badapplefab · Jun 11, 2012

Main useages are going to ground work. Digging with bh and moving and grading with fel. No mid mount mower for my needs. I'd also be plowing with during the winter. Your answers have been helpful. Keep them coming.

General Lee · Jun 11, 2012

badapplefab said:
Main useages are going to ground work. Digging with bh and moving and grading with fel. No mid mount mower for my needs. I'd also be plowing with during the winter. Your answers have been helpful. Keep them coming.

I'd get the L then if were me. I'd also consider R-1 tires. They really turn these CUT tractor's into a whole different machine. Just keep in mind the possible jerky 3PH on the L. Lots of discussion on it here, but it may not be something that bothers you.

Stewie1 · Jun 11, 2012

I have the B3200. I started looking at the smaller b's and worked my way up to the L series.

I wanted mine for snow clearance and clean- up work in the forest so I needed to be able to get into tight spots.

The B is great for that and is easy to maneuver for snow blowing. If you are in the wide open, the L is likely the one you need.

One word on the B3200 - there have been reports of some with bad vibrations so you should test one out throughout the rev range before purchase. Kinda like the L3200 hitch......

I'm really glad I did not go for less power!

Have fun finding the right one....

Craig

leonz · Jun 11, 2012

badapplefab said:
Does anyone have any insight about the 2 models. I don't see a big difference in the capabilties looking at the spec sheet for each, they use the same BH. The FEL has a bit more lifting capacity witht he L. I do understand that the L series is a bigger chassis and has the option of a geared transmission. The price is very similar. I also understand there is no mid PTO on the L series. But from a performance point of view what do you think.

The vibration issue is nasty and they will only bandaid it by
adding rubber mats and isolation mounts if you ask them to
fix it and instead of simply restting the timing/shims and
installing a catalytic muffler they will do the following:

To quote them "there is no problem" (looking at you with the straight face)
with vibration BUT what they will not tell you is that the engines were detuned by advancing the injection pump timing fuel delivery to reduce thefuel and thus the emmisions at the tail pipe.

No amount of idling for warm up will cure this issue!!! Dont forget a bad low idle automaticly wins you a bad high idle at all times and the vibration is transmitted all the way back to you at the steering wheel and floor of the tractor.

No amount of weight will ever cancel or solve this issue; There has been plenty written about it here on the forum for all makes that are not direct injected.

Its an easy fix with a Kubota shop manual for the engine.

If you buy a Grand L it will be much less of an issue as the tractor is larger in horsepower.

badapplefab · Jun 12, 2012

What are peoples opinions on the type of transmission, hydro or gear.

LD1 · Jun 12, 2012

badapplefab said:
What are peoples opinions on the type of transmission, hydro or gear.

I really wouldnt ask that question if I were you. It will just turn this thread into a heated debate. There is NO right answer as to which is better. The question is what do YOU prefer. Kinda like asking if you should get a standard or automatic when buying a new car.

As to the B3200 vs L3200, the specs may seem similar on paper but the L is quite a bit beefier machine. You really need to lay eyes on them and test them out.

Here is a good pictorial comparing the two side x side. Well...it is actually comparing the B3300 and L3700. The new L3200 will have the newer styling and rounded hood, so ignore that aspect of the pics.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/179417-l3700su-compared-b3300su-pics.html

kuboman · Jun 12, 2012

LD1 said:
I really wouldnt ask that question if I were you. It will just turn this thread into a heated debate. There is NO right answer as to which is better. The question is what do YOU prefer. Kinda like asking if you should get a standard or automatic when buying a new car.

As to the B3200 vs L3200, the specs may seem similar on paper but the L is quite a bit beefier machine. You really need to lay eyes on them and test them out.

Here is a good pictorial comparing the two side x side. Well...it is actually comparing the B3300 and L3700. The new L3200 will have the newer styling and rounded hood, so ignore that aspect of the pics.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/179417-l3700su-compared-b3300su-pics.html

Those are excellent pictures for comparison. Just one comment though is if the L had ag tires the size perception would be even closer to being the same size.
If I was doing it again and know now I would have bought the L instead of the B. Better value for the money IMHO.:thumbsup:

badapplefab · Jun 13, 2012

So I'm really leaning towards the L3200 Hydro, thanks for your input.

RRX · Jun 14, 2012

I recently bought an L3200 HST, and apart from the jerky 3ph, it has been a perfect tractor for me. The 3ph hasn't been that big a deal hooking up a bush hog.

chasenmojo · Jun 25, 2012

I know this is older, but in doing my research on the l3200, the hydro is the way to go, due to the fact that the 3200 gear does not have a live pto. Just my 2 cents!

Bluegill2 · Jun 25, 2012

chasenmojo said:
I know this is older, but in doing my research on the l3200, the hydro is the way to go, due to the fact that the 3200 gear does not have a live pto. Just my 2 cents!

Live PTO on the L3800 gear, so no need to get HST unless ya just want it.