Thanks for the feedback folks!
KiotiJohn -
Thanks for the suggestion on the CK20HST - matches up nicely against the
B7500.
My only issue is dealer location - closest is @ 30 minutes from work / 45 min from home. Next closest is 45 min from home in opposite direction - not convenient from work.
Johnsonauto -
Same thing (dealer convenience) for the Mahindra - closest is @ 50 mins from home / work. The 2015 looks to be pretty beefy though - its a third (500#) heavier than the Kubotas - and does have a more powerful loader... but I think the dealer proximity is a important factor for me.
The JD is literally a "5 minute detour" on the way to/from work - and the Kubota dealer is an 8 minute drive from work @ 30 from home. (Another (large) Kubota dealer is also @ 25 min from home)
I'll be doing the tractor maintenance - but in a pinch both dealers are within a 15 minute drive from my wifes' work as well.
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WiJC / KubotaSteve -
If I was the ONLY one making the decision - and operating it - then I'd lose no sleep going for the 7610 or even 2910 / 7800 - that is what I would ideally like. I am only comparing the
B7500 against the JD 2210 because of the low (used) price - if I compare new to new - then I think the Kubotas are a better value (ex
B7500 vs JD 4110).
However - the afore-mentioned "approval committee" is already balking at the
B7500 price - her resistance goes up exponentially with every extra $1000! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif She's also concerned with manoeuverability - and the 2910 / 7800 have a longer wheelbase.
I think the 7610 with the LA352 loader would be perfect for our needs - for only @ $1300 more - but my wife thinks we can always rent a TLB if we need to do any "bigger jobs". 4 - 5 days of TLB rentals over 20 years and its a wash!
Well - I'll keep working on her! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Dan