Basic difference

[forthemostpart]

So Today I went out to the local Kubota dealer. Sorry to say, but it was a complete waste of time. I didn't even sit in a machine. I asked about the B7800 and I don't think the salesman new that such a machine existed...he led me on to believe that it was an outdated machine no longer in production. He seemed more intent on showing me the used B21TLB he had on the lot or convince me that I should want one of his new in stock B2320 or B2920. He seemed uninterested in accommodating anything other than what he had in stock....and that wasn't very much. His prices were MSRP.

I'm still focusing on the B7800. Substancial power to size/weight ratio. Good for hilly terrain I think. Weight can always be added for ballast if required. Decent wheel base for stability. Suitable for FEL and BH work. Manoeuvrable. Reasonably compact. Please correct me if i'm misguided on any of this.

One thing I have read though, is that you sacrifice flexability with it's 3 pt hitch. Would someone tell me what it is that is being sacrificed? Thanks.

Charlie

 

[Evil the Weasel]

If he had no B7800s the closest new model is the B3200 which has 1 additional HP, updated styling, and no crossbar on the loader frame. Too bad he wasn't interested in your needs...

 

[Harvest Moon]

forthemostpart

I've done some work on a small lot similar to what you have in mind and my opinion is that the L3400 is probably the minimum you would want. The maneuverability of a smaller model is a convenience you probably can't justify in time.

At times I've kicked my self for not hiring out some of my projects, what took me 60 hours could have probably been done by a commercial dozer in 4, a decent skidsteer in 8. Ultimately, I enjoy doing the work myself and getting done my way on my terms, so I wouldn't change a thing. But I am glad I did not get the B7800 or the JD 790, my second and third choice.

It's not about size or capacity for the most part, plenty of basements have been dug by hand with a shovel. It's about how much time do you want to invest in your projects.

 

[pa32mays]

I think the difference in manuverability between B series and L series is overstressed in a lot of situations. I am sure there are certain specific needs that one has that must have a smaller frame tractor all the time but in most cases the bigger tractor that fits your needs is better than the smaller tractor that fits your needs. I wouldn't buy a smaller tractor just because it is more manuverable. I can attest from going to a smaller frame 28hp tractor to a L3940 there is a huge difference in the amount of muscle the tractor can produce. From bucket capacity to lift ability to overall stability of handeling the load is daylight and dark. Any scale of earth moving more than moving a few truck loads of dirt here and there is much better suited to a larger loader and tractor. If you do decide to go with an L series tractor dont be swayed with a L3400 or 4400 just because a dealer has one available. The Grand L 3?40 series is a much more capable tractor than the base L tractors.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Although I own one of the smaller B series tractors, and really like it, I am with the crowd that is advising an L series tractor, or something of that size. Moving hundreds of truckloads of material is a job for a larger tractor, and I think you might end up frustrated with the B7800. The B7800 is no longer in production, and the ones you see new are left over stock. The B3200 has replaced it. The 60" bucket on the larger B series is listed as a "light materials bucket", and the heavy duty one is only 54" wide.

 

[forthemostpart]

Well after all this, I have purchased an L3400 HST from Barlows. I still need to eventually acquire a backhoe for it. No delivery date yet as logistics still have yet to be worked out. I'm located in the Canadian Maritimes. Getting it to the US eastern seaboard will be looked after by the seller. Getting it from there to here for a reasonable cost is a bit of a challenge...

Charlie

 

[pa32mays]

Good people to deal with in KY

 

[forthemostpart]

I'm flying down to Kentucky tomorrow. I ended up buying a unit with backhoe and had them install a thumb. It's been a while now since the purchase was made. The shipping logistics were less than simple....I will be driving the unit back to Canada with a Ford 550 and trailer that was also purchased in Ky by a fellow maritimer and needs to come up here. I'm looking forward to the adventure and meeting the Barlows.

Charlie

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Looks like fairly decent weather forcast tomorrow here. Best cheapest place to eat (Buffett) is the Chinese Rest by WalMart here in Somerset. Where are you picking up the truck?
7-Day Forecast for Latitude 37.08N and Longitude 84.61W (Elev. 895 ft)

 

[forthemostpart]

Flying into Louisville and dealing with current truck owner from Prospect. Do you have a route suggestion from Louisville to Somerset? If I stuff myself at the restaurent, I'll become sleepy at the wheel.

Charlie