B3300SU vs. L3700SU or Used?

[jeffmac]

Hey, newbie here. rather lengthy intro....sorry

I am also in the tractor market and am seriously looking at a kubota.

I have 13 acres, 1300 ft driveway in the Northeast (maintenance and snow removal). Just had a three or so acres logged and am interested in reclaiming this land for use. Additionally my property is in serious need of work: retaining walls, drainage issues etc. I am going to put the next few months into researching, kicking tires, test driving, bugging you guys etc.

There is a local Kubota dealer who has been excellent so far to deal with so far. Originally I was thinking used. I have about 10k of cash I could dedicate to the purchase of a small tractor with a fel. There are a couple of used kubotas on his lot in that ballpark.

After talking with him, he started talking about a new machine. I am not adverse to this but don't want to pee away $$ for basically the same equipment. Then he busts this out:

UNDER $15k-brand new B3300Su with a fel, 0% down, 0% interest rate for the loan.

Given an earlier poster, who made a good point about the present value of money, use MY money to do other things (future car w/ no loan etc.).

I truly got the impression that financing was Kubota's deal, the dealer didn't seem too interested in whether it was cash or financing. Seems that the factory $1000 rebate would be my discount for cash

A few questions to start.....
-Am I crazy...and am going to spend more money than I have to? Anyone have suggestions for used around $10k?

-Anyone with experience with the 3300SU? Are there any features that I will miss on the "stripped" down SU version from other tractors?

-Does anyone that doesn't mow, use the mid-PTO on the 3200?

-Is it absurd to consider the L3700SU because it is around $1000 or so more than the B3300SU. I am considering the 3700 just because it seems a bit beefier (700 lbs,Plowing?), more hp (4) at $15/ month more. I know I am wandering into dangerous territory here ( the perpetual if I spend only a little more)........but the price vs. machine capabilities for the future might be at least a thing to think about.

I would appreciate any advice you can shoot my way
jmac

 

[davatk]

Hey, newbie here. rather lengthy intro....sorry

I am also in the tractor market and am seriously looking at a kubota.

I have 13 acres, 1300 ft driveway in the Northeast (maintenance and snow removal). Just had a three or so acres logged and am interested in reclaiming this land for use. Additionally my property is in serious need of work: retaining walls, drainage issues etc. I am going to put the next few months into researching, kicking tires, test driving, bugging you guys etc.

There is a local Kubota dealer who has been excellent so far to deal with so far. Originally I was thinking used. I have about 10k of cash I could dedicate to the purchase of a small tractor with a fel. There are a couple of used kubotas on his lot in that ballpark.

After talking with him, he started talking about a new machine. I am not adverse to this but don't want to pee away $$ for basically the same equipment. Then he busts this out:

UNDER $15k-brand new B3300Su with a fel, 0% down, 0% interest rate for the loan.

Given an earlier poster, who made a good point about the present value of money, use MY money to do other things (future car w/ no loan etc.).

I truly got the impression that financing was Kubota's deal, the dealer didn't seem too interested in whether it was cash or financing. Seems that the factory $1000 rebate would be my discount for cash

A few questions to start.....
-Am I crazy...and am going to spend more money than I have to? Anyone have suggestions for used around $10k?

-Anyone with experience with the 3300SU? Are there any features that I will miss on the "stripped" down SU version from other tractors?

-Does anyone that doesn't mow, use the mid-PTO on the 3200?

-Is it absurd to consider the L3700SU because it is around $1000 or so more than the B3300SU. I am considering the 3700 just because it seems a bit beefier (700 lbs,Plowing?), more hp (4) at $15/ month more. I know I am wandering into dangerous territory here ( the perpetual if I spend only a little more)........but the price vs. machine capabilities for the future might be at least a thing to think about.

I would appreciate any advice you can shoot my way
jmac

Hello, and welcome,

A lot of it depends on what you want to do with the tractor. Reclaiming the 3 acres specifically. If you plan to do a lot of excavation work, the bigger tractor may be more useful. Also remember that the B3300 SU has no mid PTO, so if you ever want an attachment that uses that (MMM-Front Snowblower) you'd be out of luck.

Regarding finance over cash - I would always recommend cash, since I find it a good feeling to "own" rather than be in debt. Even if you have to wait a few extra weeks/months. It does sound like the dealer quoted you a pretty decent deal on the B3300.

Finally, since it appears you are doing a lot of research, I suggest you talk to Brady Barlow with Barow Equipment. First and foremost he will help to educate you on Kubota's and how to best meet your needs. Secondly, if you don't mind buying out of state, he will quote you a good price - so you at least know whether another dealer is giving you a good price. They also have some used tractors within your initial price range.

Barlow Equipment - Home of the Kubota Tractor Package Builder

Hope that helps, and keep us informed as you contemplate your purchase.

 

[LD1]

For starters, I'd fill out your profile better.

Knowing a general area where you live could help us to give you better insight. 13acres and 1300ft in the mountains is definatally a lot different than in the plains.


As far as buying new vs used, that is a matter of personal opinion. If you are fairly handy, can look a tractor over mechanically, and can do work yourself, you will probabally get a better deal on used, especially buying with cash.

If you aren't very good mechanically, want the warrenty, and just like not having to worry about how someone else treated it, then buy new.

To the tractors, first, test drive both of them. The 3700 is the same as the 3400 which I have and am very happy with. They are both compariable tractors. The 3700 is just a little bigger and heavier, which will get you done a little faster on most ocassions. The added weight and lift capacities may come in handy for reclaiming your land and maintaining the drive. If you plan on mowing with it, the weight may be a hinderance.

As to missing features on a stripped down version, that depends on what you have had before. Mine 3400 is a very basic tractor. Kubotas economy line. It was still a large step up in features frome an 8n. If this is your first tractor, I doubt you will miss anything.

 

[JAE 3400]

Just from the what you say needs to be done, and the size of your property and the length of the driveway, I would say the L series is the smallest machine you should consider. Good hunting.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've had B's and an L. The L is a heavier tractor and you sit higher off the ground. On flat land that's great. I don't live on flat land so my trade of a B7800 to a L3240 soon became a trade back to a B3200. I believe either machine will do your jobs but as mentioned the hydraulics and weight may speed things up a bit, but a very little bit between the B and L.
I've bought 11 new Kubotas in six years. Go for the 0% financing always unless you have cash buried in jars or stuffed under the mattress. The feeling of not being in debt when it's costing you money doesn't compute for me as it does for some of my fellow Kubotaers. If you have any other debt with interest borrow the max at 0% and pay off the other debts and that's what makes me feel good.
I'm also the guy that says match the HP for your needs or known future needs but get more machine than you need for some may happen in the future doesn't work for me. If it happens, then work out your needs. If it doesn't happen you've got a machine that's costing you extra money for no purpose. Most times the may happens don't for most people. You know your life and the probability of your future needs more than some unknown person in cyber space. You decide.

 

[DiezNutz]

Is it absurd to consider the L3700SU?

Not at all!
Based on the work you described you want to do and the size of your property, between the two options the '3700 makes the most sense.
Doesn't sound like you're going to use either one for mowing, so I would opt for the larger tractor and take the 0% financing (money in your pocket).

Anybody know if mid-PTO kit is an option on the '3700? In case you're ever considering a FM blower. FYI rear 3PH snowblowers are available and tend to be less expensive, if you don't mind driving backwards alot.

but the price vs. machine capabilities for the future might be at least a thing to think about.

Your own words, and totally on point.
As has been said many times, *with very few exceptions* (I had to put that in there for the peanut gallery ), "nobody ever wishes they had bought a smaller tractor".

Consider all opinions but at the end of the day it's your money and your choice.

Good luck!

 

[montelatici]

Don't think a MM PTO is available. At least there is no option for it in the configurator.