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

 

[KennyG]

One other answer - I'm really sold on the drive over deck. It's easy enough to take off and put on, I never think twice about it. The level adjustment is a different story. I had to straighten it out myself because the dealer couldn't get it right. However, I think the 2720 system is different than my 2320. I don't know how the Kubotas work.

As far as getting around things, the 62 seems like a good compromise. It will extend about 4 or 5 inches beyond the wheels to get close to things without running over them, but get through tight spots a larger deck will not.

 

[newt92]

Another thing, the quick tach bucket. Thats a huge advantage for the Deere IMO!

 

[cmhyland]

Watersniper,

For me, If I was looking there are a few things I would compare.

Frontloader height.... Which machine can dump at a higher level... To give you an example... My B2910 can dump into a pickup truck bed but not F550 sized dumptruck or a 30 yrd roll-off dumpster while it's on the ground.... in the case of the dumpster about 10 inches in height would make the difference. Also lift capacity and cycle time to lift and dump the loader are things to compare....

Engines..... I think the Deere is 3 cyl vs a 4 in the Kubota... Which one runs smoother....
the 4 cyl in My B2910 is very smooth, but I have operated some very smooth 3cyl JD machines...

Operater station.... The ergonomics have to be right for you.... and spouse if she will use it.... do the hydro pedal positions feel natural? Kubota puts brakes on the same side as the hydro pedals.... Not sure what they were thinking there....

Suspension seat? if either one has that over the other it is a nice to have.

instrumentation... having a temp gauge is a must... not just an idiot light.... also back lit instruments at night. It may not seem like a big thing but where I live more than half of my snow plowing gets done in the dark....

Mower decks..... I'm sure the drive over deck is nice.. and it must be tough.... but when I put my deck on my Kubota I position the deck in front of the front tires, I use the loader and roll the bucket down and lift the front wheels off the ground and roll it under... takes a couple minutes...

Also 60 to 62 inches is plenty.... Unless you have a golf course lawn a bigger deck will scalp a lot....

Regards,
Chris

 

[BethesdaEC]

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.

All mainline tractors are very reliable, if anything the Kubota is a little high strung. The Deere puts out the rated HP at 2500 RPM vs. 2700 RPM and the Deere is very smooth and quiet. Deere doesn't play the game of overrating HP by over revving the engine. If anything they tend to underrate there specs, case in point, my loader is rated to lift 800 lbs, but I have been able to lift 1070 lbs.

The axle setup is a little unusual but very strong. I am only aware of one post where a guy broke it and the general consensus was abuse. I believe he had the old style 3PH arms, narrow tires and a loose implement that drove the arms into the tires. Classic immovable object and unstoppable force.

 

[devildog1]

All mainline tractors are very reliable, if anything the Kubota is a little high strung. The Deere puts out the rated HP at 2500 RPM vs. 2700 RPM and the Deere is very smooth and quiet. Deere doesn't play the game of overrating HP by over revving the engine. If anything they tend to underrate there specs, case in point, my loader is rated to lift 800 lbs, but I have been able to lift 1070 lbs.

The axle setup is a little unusual but very strong. I am only aware of one post where a guy broke it and the general consensus was abuse. I believe he had the old style 3PH arms, narrow tires and a loose implement that drove the arms into the tires. Classic immovable object and unstoppable force.

Bottom line here is both tractors are up to the op's outlined tasks. I mean "Kubota being a little high strung", come on just look at sales between the two. As far as FEL lifting capacities, they are both pretty close depending on where each one measures from. But on B3200 three point hitch 1,655 @ ends vs 1,433 for 2720. Buy what you want, try them both.
DevilDog

 

[BethesdaEC]

Bottom line here is both tractors are up to the op's outlined tasks. I mean "Kubota being a little high strung", come on just look at sales between the two. As far as FEL lifting capacities, they are both pretty close depending on where each one measures from. But on B3200 three point hitch 1,655 @ ends vs 1,433 for 2720. Buy what you want, try them both.
DevilDog

Honestly the 3PH lift capacity is ridiculous on the Kubota, both of these tractors will be at their maximum realistic and usable lift at around 1000 lbs. That 3PH lift is almost the entire weight of the tractor and the front would have to be so heavily counter weighted that the tractor would be coming in at 5 or 6 thousand pounds and probably blow out an axle.

 

[watersniper]

Next step has to be a test drive!

 

[BethesdaEC]

For those of you who are not familiar with 2520 and 2720 rear end axle set up here is a picture. Instead of an axle coming out of the transmission the axle is attached to an external housing with a reduction gear.

 

[charleyfarmall]

I have a 2720 with the 62D mower. The 2720 has more than enough power with the two speed range so three is going to be superfluous. I mow in high and am able to climb hills when mowing.

It has a pretty tight turning radius and I don't have trouble around trees and the well head.

I love mine.

 

[Verticaltrx]

All mainline tractors are very reliable...

Not sure how long you have been around tractors, but take a look back at history and you'll see this is far from true. All manufactures have had models that were 'problem childs', a few that come to mind for Deere would be the 2010, 2840, and early 4x00 series compacts. I'm not saying the 2520-2720 are bad tractors or unreliable, but they aren't as proven as the Kubota's. With that said, not all Kubota's are without fault. They've had their share of growing pain as well, but tend to stick to a design for a long time which helps to work all the bugs out.


And it is no secret the Kubota's often run at a little higher RPM and weigh a little less than the JD's. For some tractors this doesn't make a difference, for others it does. The weight was a big reason why we went for the JD 5045e over the Kubota MX4700. In that size the JD is just a lot more tractor for about the same money.