Yet another advice question 2920 vs 7800

[CaptPat]

I'm looking to upgrade from my BX2200, it's primary use will be mowing, though I want an FEL for spreading mulch, fill dirt and general chores around the house.

These two models are priced within $500 of each other at a local dealer, both equipped with a 60" MMM and FEL. In my view the 2920 as the advantage of being physically smaller thus easier to fit in the garage. The 7800 has more horsepower, ground clearance and seems to offer more potential for future attachments etc. The 7800 also uses a ground contact mower vice a suspended one, I'd be interested in hearing how much clearance there is with the mower lifted, I don't change the mower height very often so the easy height adjust of a suspended deck is not a huge advantage.

To complicate the question some another dealer says he can match the price of the 2920 with a similarly equipped 2630 (it's been in inventory awhile and he wants to move it). I'm thinking that if I am going to commit to the physical size of the 2630 I might just as well go with the 7800 and get the horsepower--am I missing something here?

thanks in advance

Pat

[ChuckinNH]

Pat, if the primary use is mowing, I think you will be happier with the B2920 though you may not need that much horsepower.... really. The drive over deck looks like it is much easier to R&R and I think you will find that very important if you want to do other things with the tractor. You don't say how much land you are maintaining, and that could make a difference. The larger B's are actually quite nimble without the loader on, but the loaders do stick out quite a bit more, and that is important in tight places. I'm the odd duck, and like the B2630 the most of the large B's because it runs so smoothly, and is a pleasure to operate. It is no where near as popular as the B7800, or B3030 though. I do like the position control, front quick hitch, and 3pt hitch setup much better on the B2630. I can certainly see going to the B7800 if you are at some altitude, or want to run a 5' rotary cutter in thick stuff, or hilly terrain. The larger B's have a somewhat more stable footprint, especially with the wheel spacers. I think you need to evaluate the size of implements that you want to run, and the amout of land you need to cover, and then size the tractor accordingly. Have fun!

[CaptPat]

Chuck

Thanks, I'm tending to the B7800 right now, seems like it has more room to grow. Drove it yesterday and was impressed with how smooth it was as well as its maneuverability. I looked again at the 2630, the dealer has had it a long time and it really looks weathered--hard to justify $18K (cash only) for it when it looks like it does, especially since the B7800 looks "new." At this point I don't see the creature comforts as being that important to me--the 7800 feels like more tractor.

Pat

[ChuckinNH]

The B7800 is more tractor! It is stable, and the loader is powerful, and smooth. I looked at one again today, and might be leaning that way myself. I guess that I feel that most things that can be easily done with a B2x20 size tractor can be done with the lower hp versions.

[crbr]

B7800

Done deal.

[Timber]

I do love My B7800, It really depends on your lifestyle. I need a 1000 pounds of lift at the fel. actually 2000 would be nice. I have to have a 4 wheel drive forklift. Life would be such a drag without it

[bialecki]

Originally Posted by ChuckinNH

Pat, if the primary use is mowing, I think you will be happier with the B2920 though you may not need that much horsepower.... really. The drive over deck looks like it is much easier to R&R and I think you will find that very important if you want to do other things with the tractor.

Let me add my two cents, By B7800 does everything that I have put it to the task of. I find the 60" MMM a great attachment, very neat and uniform appearance of the cut. The deck takes me about 4 minutes to hook up, so hooking it or removing it is no problem. When mowing I do lower my ROPS since I do have a few trees on essentially flat land.

My next project is to dig up my 30 year old 1,000 gallon oil tank and replace it with a propane tank. 30 HP does have its advantage when you need it!

Best wishes,

[machmeter62]

If you can live with the "quarter inching valve" for the three point; I would opt for the B7800. It is definitely a trade-off for ground engaging implements, especially spreading material or fine grading!

If possible, and a test area at your tractor dealers is available, I would check it out so buyers remorse is avoided. :Position control was a big factor in my decision. You have infinite positions with the B2920.

[ChuckinNH]

Both the B2920, and B7800 have quarter inching control of the three point.

[N1ST]

Originally Posted by ChuckinNH

Both the B2920, and B7800 have quarter inching control of the three point.

What does 1/4" mean? Do the lower arms move in increments of 1/4" or does the control? If it's the arms, I can't imagine that being an issue. If it's the control, what increment does that equate to for the arms?