First Tractor

Chris W. · Aug 8, 2009

I am getting ready to purchase my first tractor. Last year my wife and I purchased six acres. Approximately half of it is flat, the other half is from a gentle grade to steep. I am raising fir and cedar, both for timber and Christmas trees. I have been reading posts on this site for several months. I have read about how to navigate on steep slopes, safety, and maintenance. Four of my friends have Kubotas. THey have all been great tractors, and have me sold on them. I will mostly be using the tractor and brush hog to cut blackberries, clear brush, mow, and for landscaping.

I am mostly stumped on the tracor to buy. I know that I want 4wd, automatic tranny, a bucket, brush hog, and probably need between 20 and 30 HP. I would like to buy new. Especially with the 0% financing. However, I am not made of money. What Kubota would you recommend? What is the difference between the B and L series? Which series is less expensive, but will still do what i need to do? Any and all information is appreciated. Thank you very much.

Thomas · Aug 8, 2009

Welcome to TBN Chris.
Lot great advice been given over the years..use Search and set back w/hot cup enjoy.

JOHNTHOMAS · Aug 8, 2009

I've had BX's, B's and an L. The L3240HST weighs around 1700 lbs more than the B3200. The L sits higher on the ground. I traded my L back to a B since I have some what steep hillside property. I felt less secure on the L. I prefer the B over the BX when there are ground clearance issues and I prefer the BX over the B for straight out mowing. I currently have a B3200 and a BX2660 so I have no B/BX is "better than the other because that's what I own" bias. Always look at what someone owns or has owned when you consider their recommendations. Money is not always the difference between these tractors. The adds/subtracts can make one of either model about the same price.

rpraymond · Aug 8, 2009

Hi Chris,
Yes it can be quite daunting trying to figure out what tractor to buy with all the models available. You might want to visit a dealer and be able to view many different models just to give you an idea of there size and capabilities. You'll also start to get an idea of price ranges. If you're still thinking new then the Kubota site is good for pricing with the Build your Kubota option. By then you'll probably have many more questions and that's where this site will really come in handy.
Good luck and happy shopping.

Ace3 · Aug 8, 2009

I have 12 acres of wooded, steep land. I also went throught the same process before buying my tractor. After much research both at the dealers and on TBN, I decided on the B3030. I initially looked at the L3240 thinking that the larger frame and horsepower was what I needed. I did like the HST+ transmission and the many deluxe features of the 40 series but the added size and weight made it more difficult to transport to my son's property not to mention working in the woods. The dealer suggested that I look at the B series. For me it was a no brainer to go with the 3030. Lots of horsepower, strong loader, great 3 point hitch, mid pto, etc. I really like the features, especially the ease of attaching implements to the 3 pt hitch. If you end up with a B, I would recomend that you add the wheel spacers to the rear and load the tires for added stability on the slopes. All in all I couldn't be happier with my B3030. Its a real work horse. Hope this helps.

art · Aug 8, 2009

I'd look at the B-series 2320 at a minimum. I love three range transmissions.

Chris W. · Aug 8, 2009

Thank you for the information. It is great. I went to the build your tractor section of the Kubota website. I noticed that the L series are less expensive than the B, yet the L has more horsepower. Why is that? Do they have fewer features?

With my hills I think that I will need the wheel spacers and the agricultural tires. Does anyone have any experience with this, and are they available on both the B and L series?

Are the prices on the Kubota website close to what one can expect to pay for a new tractor? Or are they an MSRP like buying a new car or truck that is significantly higher than one will actually pay?

laen64 · Aug 8, 2009

Hey Chris I'm in alabama and going thru the same dilemna, I will most likely go with the B3200 I was really sold on the BX2660 since my normal use will be mowing 5 Flat acres. I will learn to plant a little something so I will move up and with the great Kubota deals like 72 months 0% you can't loose.

I don't know if I'll pull the trigger B4 Sep 30 as this is the limit to the current pricing as my dealer share with me. But so far that's my choice.

Good Luck! HooAh!

MarkV · Aug 8, 2009

Chris W. said:
Thank you for the information. It is great. I went to the build your tractor section of the Kubota website. I noticed that the L series are less expensive than the B, yet the L has more horsepower. Why is that? Do they have fewer features?

With my hills I think that I will need the wheel spacers and the agricultural tires. Does anyone have any experience with this, and are they available on both the B and L series?

Are the prices on the Kubota website close to what one can expect to pay for a new tractor? Or are they an MSRP like buying a new car or truck that is significantly higher than one will actually pay?

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum.

I think the price difference has to do with which of the B or L series tractors you are looking at. There is an economy L series and a Grand L series. It has to do with features and you will have to decide how important they are to you.

It would be good to know what the definition of "hills and steep" is on your place. Not many of the tractors are going to be to good on a side slope that exceeds 15 degrees. The spacers, ag tires (R1's) and having the tires ballasted with liquid are all good things for slopes. Some tractors offer the ability to widen the wheel stance also. You see that more in the larger tractors though. Do keep in mind that R1 tires are not very friendly to finish yard area if that is part of your plan.

I think it would be fair to say you will be able to get a better price than that shown on the web site.

MarkV

sandman2234 · Aug 8, 2009

Just because money is a major controlling item in a new tractor purchase, remember one thing. It is cheaper to buy the right tractor now, then to trade up to the right one a few months later. There are countless posts where owners have gone back and traded in their tractors for one to two sizes bigger. I may be wrong, but there are a lot less that bought too big a tractor and are considering going smaller. (I did that one, bought too big, but refuse to spend more money buying smaller)
Do a lot of research, and look around. See what your neighbors have that are doing the same jobs you expect to be doing and ask if they wish they had done different.
David from jax