Buying Advice To "B" or not to "B"

Trailfarmer · May 8, 2016

Hi all: Have been looking to buy for way too long...had a couple I thought were going to work out and didn't.

Always thought I'd buy an L model, but now wondering if I should go with a B instead

**Looking at used. Around here if you go financing dealer won't budge on price, usually about $1000 off for cash (I can't pay all in cash at this point). Not sure if that is good pricing or not.... Willing to travel some distance for the right deal.

**Used for: maintain gravel driveway, harvesting firewood, pushing around downed trees, moving dirt, trail building, cutting about 2 acres of grass (not pasture)

**I tend to use stuff fairly hard.

**Need a loader, strongly want hydro, I have a pull behind finish deck but if deck comes with B model that would be fine. I know L usually don't have midmount deck--not sure if offered or not.

**I know the L is a bit more durable but the B models around here go for at least a couple grand less and often include mower deck. Price wise I'm talking 13.5-15.5k for B vs 16.5+ for L depending upon models, hours, etc. Some of the L's at this price do have a couple more horsepower than some of the B models I see.

**A couple of grand is a lot to me, but I'll spend it if I need to.

**How do mid mount decks compare to Land Pride pull behind finish deck? If I end up with B and mid deck is good, could sell mine and help recoup some money.

Currently a 2011 B 2620 near here for 13.5 with 250 hours, hydro, loader, deck. Looks in good shape.

Will a B fit my needs or should I hold out for an L?

Both my trusty DT245 and I are getting older, and I need something newer to give me a break.

Thanks for the help and opinions.

sea2summit · May 8, 2016

You need to email Barlows and get a price from them. I drove over 500 miles to get my last one from them and still saved thousands over the nearest quote I was getting locally.

If you can justify an L you probably need an L. Not saying a B won't get the job done but four-five years down the road you'll be buying a bigger tractor

trihounds · May 8, 2016

Hard to say specifically because "trail building" can be easy or need dynamite!

I have rocky, forested soil and my B3300 does all the things you describe. Chip 4" hardwoods, plow snow with a 64" blower, use the Fransgard winch to move cut trees around, and dig out the stumps with the backhoe.

I considered the L series but thought for my needs a) it was a little too big for the forest, b) was a few thousand more I couldn't justify spending.

If your trail building is in easy terrain, the B series will do all of your requested tasks. I have a grapple to help with downed trees / logs for firewood. Works great!

varmint · May 13, 2016

A B would probably work fine for you... but I used to have a Grand L 3130 with the LA723 loader- a big 72" bucket, and it sure could hold a lot more firewood than my L3400's 60" bucket does. Bucket size and not just weight lifting ability sometimes makes a difference when you are not challenging it weight-wise. Just a consideration?

oldballs · May 13, 2016

That 2011 B2620 sound like a good price for that low hour model. At 250 hrs, it is hardly broken in yet, even without any maintenance. If it looks good to you from a reputable source, I'd go for it. That "B" model should do all that you mentioned, in the volume that you mentioned. My 2012 B2620 just turned 465 hours without a hitch in performance. It tills, plows, grade roads, moves tree debris and logs. It is good in the snow chores with the FEL and the rear blade. On my three acres as well as helping neighbors in need, it serves me well.

The MMM works fine, even in my neighbors 2-3 foot tall, weedy neglected grounds. A pull behind would actually be better, I suppose.....but don't have one.

It starts in our coldest temps and never overheats when mowing long hours.

Good Luck,
Mike

Al Mac · May 14, 2016

I am very happy with my B 2920
While I don't do woods work with it I am always shocked on how much heart the little tractor has.

Al

rswyan · May 14, 2016

Very happy with our (early 2000's) B2910/LA 402/6' MMM ... 1800+ hours, definitely been worked hard, no significant problems just normal routine maintenance.

The MMM's can be a little more trouble hooking up vs. a RFM ... mainly from having to hook up the PTO underneath ... but it isn't that bad if you are young(er) and spry.

We have the 60" "Light Materials" bucket for the loader.

xring · May 14, 2016

I have a B2320 HST that I bought used with about 35 hrs on it paid $12,000 and included FEL, Landpride Tiller and a middle buster. Have been impressed with the unit for my purposes. I did have a loader valve issue that Kubota covered part out of warranty with some encouragement.
I love the HST the Loader 304 could be more powerful but sure beats not having one. I went with the B instead of BX because of size BX has little ground clearance and our wet weather and slippery clay soil would stick a BX faster. The L wont get under some of my buildings as easily and extra weight again would get stuck more often. I don't finish mow with it but I do run a 4 ft rotary shredder and it does well with that ( I have a ZTR for mowing) if a good bit of your work is pushing very heavy things than a heavier tractor with more HP would do better than a B weight seems to be at least half of the ability to push due to traction issues.