Comparison B3200 vs. 2720 and which size Deck?

[watersniper]

I have narrowed down my search to these two tractors. I am looking at new, either a Kubota B3200 or Deere 2720. Both are right at/almost 32HP.

I will be getting turf tires, as this will be my main mower. My lot is flat, I have about 3 acres of finish mowing (6+ acres total). Some of that is in trails through an oldfield area. I keep the trails mowed regularly. I am getting an FEL, mower deck, and want to add a 6' rear blade for pushing snow. I will be making my own balast out of a drum and some concrete...



I see subtle differences in things like:

Weight- Deere is 200+ lbs heavier
Hydraulics-I know little about the capacities listed but Deere seems like a slight winner
PTO style- Deere listed as Independent and Kubota listed as Live- does that make sense? Which is better? I plan to use a rototiller and brush cutter from time to time.



Deere has the 62" drive over deck. Is that worth it?
I can't decide on deck size, but am leaning towards the 60-62 due to turning around trees, tighter spaces, trail mowing, etc. Does that sound right?
All the dealers seem to gouge on the rear blade pricing. There are tons nearby for hundreds less. I was looking at a Woods RB72...




Best Deere price I have found so far is $21,500 for the tractor, loader, 62" mower.

Best Kubota price is $20,350 for tractor, loader, 60" mower.

I have done no haggling yet. Just out getting quotes. I believe there is a Kubota on the lot and the Deere would be ordered. Kubota financing is slightly better. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[BethesdaEC]

Live vs independent are about the same, the Deere has a electric PTO pull switch where as the Kubota has a clutch pedal. The both can operated independent of forward motion which is really what you want. The Deere has position control which I think is a big deal, the 3PH has a lever which controls height. You can set a stop screw, raise the 3PH and lower back to that level everytime. The Kubota has a quarter inching valve which is more like an up/down switch. If you raise it there is no way to quickly return to the previous level. Also quarter-inching values tend to slowly drift down so you periodically have to give them some lift. The Kubota has 3 speed transmission vs the Deere 2 speed. The 2 speed has served me well, but I don't mow. The Kubota steering brakes are nearly useless since they are on the same side as the hydro pedals. Lastly weight is king, the Kubota is lighter and has smaller wheels. I have the 2520 which is nearly identical to the 2720 except for the engine and absolutely love mine.

 

[watersniper]

I am leaning more and more to the green side. The closest dealer is less than 5 miles from the house. I have had good no-pressure conversations with them. I can't say that about 1 of the Kubota dealers. Although he had the best price.

I forgot about the 2 vs. 3 ranges. That could be a big deal? Do you guys who have used both see a big difference when mowing?

 

[BethesdaEC]

For me high is nearly useless unless I am on a paved road, but I have a backhoe and loader and I am weighing in at close to 4000 pounds. The other day I had moved a couple of implements into the woods were I was working and at the end of the day I had to make a couple of trips into the woods to bring them back. The trips without all the weight I was really flying along in high which I normally can't do. I did have the loader, but no bucket and nothing on the back which would be close to a mowing weight. It really felt more like an ATV then a tractor (well sort of). It was an odd sensation for me since I am always running heavy. Anyways I don't miss the middle gear and I suspect that you wouldn't either as high seems to be good as long as you are not near max weight and low is perfect when you are running heavy on rough terrain.

The dealer is also very important, 5 miles and quality service are a good starting point.

 

[BethesdaEC]

One other thing, I really can't comment on mowing, I have a zero turn for mowing duties.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Not sure how longevity and reliability rate on your scale, but that is the top reason I went with Kubota. The Kubota may be a little less 'refined' but they last forever and are super hard workers. The B3200 (all the B-series really) are a very well proven tractor, with the current design having been in production for many years. Take a look at the structure of the tractor also, IMO the rear end on the 2520-2720 is kind of unusual, not sure how it will hold up over the long run.


Also FYI, the B3200 is really only 30hp, not 32hp. They just rated it at a higher RPM to make it look better than the previous models on paper. The two range transmission vs three range is kind of a toss up. If the JD is geared right it may be ok, the Kubota B7610 we have only has 2 ranges and it works well in both. However, I will say that on my B3200 I use M range the most.

My best advice is to drive both (even if you have to go a ways to drive the JD) and see which you like best. I have nothing against JD, in fact I like them a lot and we have several larger JD tractors, but IMO the B-series Kubotas are hard to beat.

 

[KennyG]

I have a 2320 with a 62D mower. I was a little concerned about only two speeds, especially with only 24HP, but it's never been a problem. I have one really steep place in my lawn where I use low range, but otherwise I'm in high range all the time. Most things I've done either really need low range or I can run in high range and never need to shift.

And it's green, which impresses the in-laws. :thumbsup:

 

[watersniper]

Guys I really appreciate all the thoughts keep them coming!

Good thought on reliability and durability... I just assumed both were pretty bulletproof.

I will go drive them this weekend.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Good thought on reliability and durability... I just assumed both were pretty bulletproof.

Some of the JD compacts are bulletproof, but others in the past have had major issues. We had a 4400 JD compact that was the worst, most unreliable tractor we've ever owned. That experience has steered me away from their compact tractors. Kubota basically 'invented' this size tractor and really have them figured out. Again, I'm not bashing Deere as I love most of their equipment, but I just didn't feel comfortable with their compact tractors. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 3005 or 4005 JD however.

 

[devildog1]

The B3200 is a very strong and perfectly size tractor, lots of power, you'll run out of traction before you run out of power and for me the three speeds were the ticket,had three choices for a range that suited your task.
DevilDog