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Kubota 3240 or JD 3203

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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-13          159390


Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm considering trading up from my Case IH 245, to the Kubota 3240 for more HP. Have had the Case IH 2435 for about 20yrs now.

I'm shopping around and am looking at the Kubota 3240 with FEL and HST+ transmission for $23,800, vs the JD 3203 with FEL for about the same $$

Actaully, both prices appear to be no great deal, just factory pricing, but I have not negociated with the sales people yet. Any recommendations on how to work the sales people for the best price?

The Kubota HST+ transmission appears to be superior in functionality to the JD. Do I need all these functions that the HST+ provides and do more features equal more potential problems?

I'm leaning to the Kubota machine, because my local JD dealer doesn't give me the time of day. I've tried buying a finishing mower there last year and he was always too busy to sell it to me. Seems to spend his time on the larger accounts farmers / institutions rather than talk to me as a gentelmen farmer. In general, I value the service more than the low price.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your advise





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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2009-01-13          159391


I'm curious what functionality the Kubota HST provides that is superior to the Deere. My 4310 had far more transmission features than Kubota when I bought five years ago.

Anyway, as far as pricing in today's economy I'd offer 20% off factory list. It used to be that 10% off was pretty easy to get, 15% if you were lucky, but with the poor economy you might try for 20% (they can only say NO or come back with a counter offer).

Your last comment probably answers the question of which you should buy though. You need a good friendly dealer to support you, answer your questions, and make things right when they break. I bought JD instead of Kubota for exactly the reason you mentioned, the Kubota guy wouldn't talk to me or return my calls. ....


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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-13          159399


Hi kwschumm, thanks for your advise, especially on the price negociation. Regarding the HST+ transmission, Kubota put a short video on what it's all about. Follow the link and you'll see it near the bottom left corner.

http://www.kubota.com/F/products/GL40/index.cfm
....


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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2009-01-13          159400


Dannw1431,

If you search through these discussion boards, you'll find very little in the way of trouble arising with any of the Kubota products. Kubota makes a very dependable machine. It was because of the lack of maintenance issues found on these boards that I decided to go with a Kubota.

Like you, I wonder about all of the new electronics in some of the newer machines. Electronics, computers, etc... they generally don't mix well with outdoor weather, temperature extremes, dirt, dust, snow, rain....well, you know what I mean. Even so, Kubota has a reputation for putting all of their products through a very rigorous testing period before releasing them to the public.

The new HST-Plus hydro transmission has some very nice features. (I watched the video a few days ago.) It would certainly be a benefit to those who make a living with their tractors. For the average homeowner, however, those features would never pay off. The added price isn't really worth the few hours we'd save each year.

You might be able to purchase a few additional implements for the cost savings you'd have when going with the standard hydrostatic transmission.

Just my thoughts.

Joel ....


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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-13          159405


Thanks Joel

I agree with your comment about the price difference and being able to purchase a few extra implements. Although at this time, I have most of the attachments I can dream up for now, with the exception of a backhoe. But I don't really need one now, and I've often wondered how well these backhoe's work on a small tractor. Is the tractor really heavy enough to effectively use a backhoe with?

But I'm getting off track a bit on that topic. I too have heard many good comments about Kubota in general and thus am leaning in that direction for now.

I am planning on putting a FEL on it as well and this is a must for me but will have to check further into this also

I appreciate your ideas and comments, thanks ....


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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2009-01-13          159408


Dannw1431,

Let's talk about the backhoe for a minute....

You'll really enjoy it.......for about 20 minutes. After that, you'll find it to be more trouble than it's worth.

It would be far cheaper, in the long run, to just hire a guy to come in and do the work for you.

Just a few thoughts from some of the feedback I've received over the years.

Joel ....


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hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 3583 iowa
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2009-01-13          159409


Dannw; Welcome to the board. I have Deere for the same reason as you mentionerd, the dealer. My current 4310 is my third compact and all have been pretty basic, 12/12 transmission instead of a hydro. Having all the latest gizmos sometimes is'nt good when water, frost, or dust overpower the electronics involved. I have a #48 Deere backhoe for my 4310 and you asked about how well the little tractors do with a backhoe. I use mine around the farm for drain tile repair, rock removal, stumps, etc. they aren't meant for the real big stuff, but handle 99% of what I need. Another comment I will make about a backhoe attachment is if you have a Kubota tractor buy a Kubota hoe, John Deere tractor, a John Deere hoe, etc. Frank. ....


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DK35vince
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 689 Western,Pa.
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2009-01-13          159410


I have a Rhino 85 backhoe on my 35 HP tractor.
I really like it. Its here whenever I need it(no need to mess around renting or hiring out).
Good power, good speed, goes on and off fast and easy.
I've used my backhoe to dig/install all the utilities to our house, hundreds of feet of drainage pipe, culvert ditchs and culvert pipe for the drive way, dug the foundation for a pole barn, dug rock out of the bank to build the road behind our house to the barn, Etc. Etc.
....


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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2009-01-13          159412


It depends on your needs, but the 47 backhoe on my JD has proven itself invaluable. I've used it for stumps up to maybe 18" in diameter, trenching and excavating for a retaining wall. Nothing too heavy. Getting it on and off takes about 15 minutes - it can be a minor pain but it's a whole lot less pain than using a shovel can cause.

Can't look at the video from work. What are the useful features of HST+ vs. JD's eHydro? ....


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kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005
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2009-01-13          159415


dannw, I have a smaller Kubota with HST and did look at the video. There are some things about the HST PLUS I like and with no idea the extra cost would not want to say one way or the other on the cost verses the benefit but for my amount of use would not think it worth say $1,000 more. Then I don't have a FEL or tiller. I do use mine with the speed locked for spraying and have used with cultivators some but have found very little need to use the rear brakes for turning. I wonder if there is a electronic control delay in the system between front and reverse to protect the system with the ROCKER set up it has. Understand that is why they went to the spacing where you have to move your foot to give the system a split second between direction changes to prevent the shock of sudden changes. Not throwing off on the JD at all, but very pleased with mine that has HST.

One suggestion on the Kubota if you go that way, I have seen a few complaints on their FEL not sure if just a certain model or across the product line recently as to quality at least in appearance. I certainly would want to see THE machine before it left the dealership and give it a very careful look over for sloppy looking welds and bent metal on the FEL and it's arms. ....


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SamSpade
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 41 Vermont
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2009-01-13          159420


I bought a 48 HP CUT this summer. I talked to five dealers for Kubota and JD. All of them were willing to sell me a machine, but I didn't find much difference in their quotes and was not able to get them donw on the price much. The current economy might help you more than it did me, though.

I got a backhoe with my tractor and am very happy with it.my tractor is for moving material an preparing soil (I don't do any finish mowing). The backoe makes my tractor a lot more useful. I have rented in the past but far prefer having my own. If a body has the work to be done, a body won't regret having the means. ....


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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-14          159445


Everyone, I am really overwhelmed with the support I received from this forum. Being a gentleman farmer, I don't have the experience you folks have with tractors and your advise is invaluable. I will take another look at the backhoe as it seems it truly has more value than I origionally thought. I am also going to look at the HST+ capabilities again. I believe they are a great feature to have, but I want to look at the cost benefit, because I am not a full time farmer with extensive needs. I appreciate everyone's comments, and thanks again for your advise. When the decision is final I'll update everyone on the outcome. I expect it will take a few more weeks. ....


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JOHNWTHOMAS
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 48 SOMERSET, KY
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2009-01-15          159478


About 5 years ago I bought my first tractor. JD was $3000 more and NH $2000 more than equal Kubota. Have since found out it's because my orange dealer does great pricing and delivers Kubotas all over the US. It was a BX2200 FEL, MMM. I have a hill side 5 acres. It did so much that I traded it a year later to a Higher ground clearance B7800 FEL and RFM. Didn't like taking MMM off when doing loader work. Got hung up one time on MMM in some trees/brush so went to RFM. Also bought a BX1500 for wife to help me mow. 3 years later(2008) traded the B7800 to a L3240HST FEL with Quick attach bucket. I also traded BX1500 to a BX2350 and bought a F2880E for mowing at another location. Thought I might buy a BH this year but can't come up with any need for one with my situation. Don't dig water lines and don't have stumps. I've now got 22 hours on my L3240. The HST with FEL is the only way to go. I don't think you have a choice on HST Plus or just HST on the Grand series. I have heard that color TV's are very expensive to repair and to always buy a black and white. Oh! I forgot I thought I was still in the 60's. Each feature of the HST Plus has a purpose just like most new technology. We usually don't use all the features of what we purchase but when the need arises it's there and you don't have to use it. Wish you were in Ky and I'd sell you my L3240 and go back to a B series. Course you could come to Ky and get it and save alot of money over what your saying they want for one. The L is a bit bigger than I need but I love it's features.
....


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retcol
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 109 Barron,wi
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2009-01-15          159482


I bought a L3830 in 2004, however, I wanted a cab. I started looking at the new Grand L 40 series. I drove a L4240 with a cab and didn't like it because I kept hitting my knee under the steering wheel since the brake pedals had been relocated.. I decided I wasn't going to buy another Kubota until I talked with Art White. Fortunately I was able to find a L4330 HSTC that was new and I bought it. I couldn't be more happy with it. I don't know what I will do the next time unless Kubota makes some changes. ....


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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2009-01-15          159483


Retcol,

Fortunately, Kubota listens to their customers! I'm sure Art White will be happy to pass along your comments.

I'm impressed with Kubota's new line of tractors....especially the new B3200. I'm having a hard time talking myself out of one.

Joel ....


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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-15          159490


Here's a description of the HST Plus transmission from Kubota

HST Plus has four innovative functions that create a new dimension of performance and ease of operation:

1. By simply adjusting a dial, the operator selects one of 13 response levels for HST Response Control that appropriately controls transmission response to the HST pedal.

2. Operators can choose automatic or manual mode for the Hydro Dual Speed (H-DS), which allows additional high and low shifting – even while moving – within each hydrostatic speed range, to create a total of six speed ranges.

3. In response to pressing a mode-selection button, the revolutionary Load-sensing Stall Guard automatically manages power to the wheels, preventing engine stall under load. This can be combined with H-DS for the ultimate in productivity and ease of operation.

4. The new Auto-throttle-advance feature simulates the ease of driving an automatic-transmission car by synchronizing tractor speed and engine power with the HST pedal, while reducing fuel consumption.


....


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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2009-01-15          159494


Thanks for posting those features, interesting. 1 & 3 are a copy of what JD did with the eHydro. #3 is nice, not so sure I'd like #4. ....


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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2009-01-15          159495


Kwschumm,

Any of the new Kubota HST-Plus features can be selected or turned off by the operator. It's possible to use any or all features in conjunction with each other, or to simply eliminate all of them, depending on the task at hand.

The controls are simple to operate and adjust. They're also within easy reach and clearly visible on the new dash panel.

I just can't help but wonder if this new stuff works correctly at temperatures reaching 20-30 below zero? I'd like a good look at the operating mechanisms.

Things like push-button 4-wheel drive don't work well in the cold weather.

Joel ....


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Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2009-01-19          159602


Quote:
Originally Posted by kwschumm | view 159494
Thanks for posting those features, interesting. 1 & 3 are a copy of what JD did with the eHydro. #3 is nice, not so sure I'd like #4.


Ken, I learned to drive hydro's without the fluff so to speak and listen to what the engine is doing to max the efficency of engine speed to ground speed.
You are right on your two points! The auto throttle means less fuel burnt! No continual engine noise, when off the go petal the unit idles or depends on where your foot is.

The high low in each range means for those people that don't like to keep reseting the cruise can just reach down with a finger from the steering wheel and take about 1/4 of the ground speed off in that range. That's not the total speed but a mile or two an hour in the middle range which is the most used by operators. It might mean that at the foot of the hill you don't need to drop a whole range just the half.

After two years with the system we have had no issues and for people that don't know how to operate a hydro well it makes everyone look like a pro!

The auto throttle kubota has had for a while and used it on lawn mowers. I loved it as some customers would try and mow at a near idle and then complain about the quality of cut. With auto throttle if they pushed there foot down to go faster, it picks up the engine RPM to near max. I've found it great to use with loader work! ....


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dannw1431
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15 MA
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2009-01-25          159801


Hi and thanks to all who helped with this discusion thread. I took delivery of the Kubota L3240 HST Plus, with 724 FEL. Seems like a real nice machine. I've moved some snow piles with it, but this doesn't seem to test the tractor much. I did go out an start it this morning when the outside temp was 0F. Started a bit slow but it did start right up no problem. Anyway, it seems like a great machine, thanks again
/Dann ....


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