Upgrade time - Confused on 2320 or Kubota B3030

[2305JD]

Hi Folks,

I've always been lead down the right road here and need some advice. I've been doing my homework and was ready to pull the trigger on 2305 trade for a 2320. I recently came across a Kubota B3030 with factory cab which is really messing up my thoughts. I realize that Kubota is more comparible to the 2520 but it has an amazing factory cab.

I know that I will eventually put a cab on the 2320 anyway so I'm trying to weigh out the option properlly.

My biggest problem is My father first and I have only ever bought green. Even my wife and 3 year old son are looking at me funny when I say Orange Kubota.

Someone please give so good advice to a confused purchaser.

thanks,

Mario

 

[plastikosmd]

i would have to agree, the 3030 really specs lot closer to the 2520, and when i was pricing..the 3030 cab priced much closer to the bigger no-cab 3xxx series..so that is what i went with as it is bigger machine. if you gotta have a cab, the factory cab 3030/jd 3xxx (pricy) are sweet tho..

 

[FastPauly]

One thing that always cofused me with the orange HST tractors....the HST pedal and the brake pedals are both on the right side. Seems that would make it somewhat difficult to pedal steer with the brakes....your right foot can only do so much at one time. I think there is a PTO clutch pedal on the left side...so I guess that is why they do what they do. If I were a Kubota engineer and wanted to stay with that type of PTO clutch, I would consider a lever instead of a pedal.

I seriously looked at orange before making my decision to go with a green 2520...the above mentioned had a lot to do with my decision.

As far as my wife was concerned....they were all $-GREEN-$...?

 

[Toolguy]

I am a green guy that went orange. A B3030 at that. It is the perfect tractor for me. Bigger and more full featured than a JD2520 but, smaller and lighter than the even more deluxe 3X20 JD. I mow a lot so weight is important. The lighter the better. I also use it for plowing snow and loader and landscape work around the yard. With Rimguard in the rears it has all the weight needed to keep the wheels on the ground under almost all conditions. With a cab I doubt if loaded tires would be needed. The brake setup on Kubotas is a little strange. However, I don't recall ever needing to use them to help steer. The 4wd does that well enough on it's own. Kubota's recommended way of using them as steering brakes is to use the hand cruise control to operate the HST and then use your right foot on the brake pedals. I have tried that method and it does work.

I know what you mean about John Deere Green. It is generally about as good as it gets. The same can be said about Kubota Orange. Currently, JD has nothing to compare directly to a B3030. It fills a niche that is in between what JD offers. As far as a status symbol, your neighbors will be envious of the orange as much as the green. You're going to spend a lot of money if you buy a new tractor. Just make sure you get the one that makes you happy. That is what I did and I have no regrets. Good luck.

 

[JiminGa]

Mario, I can't even fathom a reason to drive anything but Green tractors and Ford trucks...but that's how I was raised. any how, I have no idea on pricing of the Bota, but I have to ask, what is the need for more than the 2305? I have been contemplating trading mine for a 2320 as well, but I'm really not convinced to do it for any reason other than position control, which is quite annoying.

 

[ohio 2320]

For what it's worth I traded in my 2210 on a 2320 in summer of 07 and have not regretted it one bit. Think the 2210 and 2305 are real similar. Nice to know I don't have to worry about the fan blades for tranny cooler getting broke on the 2320 like I did on the 2210. Ground clearance and bigger tires plus the other upgrades was worth it to me. Can't say much on the Kubota cause orange was never a consideration. I'm sure whatever way you go you'll get many hours of ("fun") work out of it. My 2 cents worth.

 

[2305JD]

Thanks for all the replies folks...

As Ohio 2320 said I too am concerned about hydro fan, ground clearance. I also feel the bigger tires and size would make it more stable for loader work. the 2305 is a great little machine, but maybe a bit overpowered for its size.

I just really like the ideal of a factory cab on a smaller machine which is why I was looking at the Kubota.

I'll keep you posted...

 

[ChuckinNH]

The 2305 has a better power to weight ratio than the 2320. You might want to look at the 2520 if you think the 2305 is underpowered? The wheel spacers that JD sells for the X700 series works on the 2305 too, and I've heard that they make the tractor feel much more stable.

 

[2305JD]

chuck,

In my post I said that I think the 2305 is overpowered for its size.

I guess mean that you can tackle alot with the loader specificaly and it feels unstable. I drove the 2320 at the dealer with a loader and it felt alot more stable.

thanks...

 

[ChuckinNH]

Sorry! I did missread that statement. I like the JD 2320 a lot too, and may end up with one.