2410 or 2710

[Cathy]

I am considering a 2410 or a 2710. I have 2 1/2 acres, 1 acre is my yard, the rest is a field including my garden space.I will be using it mostly for mowing the yard & field, & for my 1/4 acre garden in the summer I'll be tilling or disking it. There was approx 600-800 difference in the retail price, so my son thinks I should get the 2710 in case I ever buy more land when we retire. Any suggestions? Someone suggested if I ever wanted to sell my tractor, the 27 HP might be more desirable to buyers. I won't have a loader at first but someday may want one for moving mulch etc. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Bird]

Cathy, I just responded to your other message before I saw this one. I agree with your son. You'll probably be happy with either tractor, but folks do tend to trade up in size (as I did last year) and seldom trade down. The 2710 is probably bigger than you need, but it's better to have more than you need than to wish you had more, especially if you think you may get more land later.

Bird

 

[stvman]

Cathy, One of the things I find is the prices between tractor models (once you get up around 15000.00) tends to be so close that you decide on one but when you look at the next higher model and the added benifits outweigh the extra cost. The issue with me comes down to size, if you can fit it in the barn go for it!!! Tim Allen knows MORE POWER is better, you hardly if ever hear someone say I wish I had bought the lighter duty model. For example I purchased a new truck last year (1/2 ton) I am now in the market for a new tractor and am kicking myself for not paying a few hundred more for a 3/4 ton (1/2 not enough to pull the tractor) As far as a 2410 most people I have talked to go 2710 first but then the 2910 is close enough in price they go for broke. Not one of them including any person on this forum has regretted (that I have seen) And thats my 2 cents.......Good luck Happy shopping /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Steve

 

[stvman]

Another note, a local dealer in my area has 6 2410's in stock. Can't keep 2710's or 2910's in stock /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif 2910 has tilt, cruise (great for mowing) and the 3 point hitch is more simple to use plus 3 more HP/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[JimBinMI]

Cathy,

I have 8 acres and a New Holland TC18, 18.5 hp tractor, HST, 4x4. This is more than enough tractor to do everything you mentioned and more. I don't have power steering but it is available and you could get this unit for around $10,000 with the power steering. Most people seem to want more hp whether they think they'll use it or not.

Another thing to consider, as I did, is if your primary purpose is mowing, how much weight do you want to continuously put on your lawn? I notice some lawn compaction with my tractor at about 1500 lbs. It's really nice to be able to afford a tractor but lots of people do one acre and a garden with a lawn tractor and a rototiller.
My neighbors mow at least two acres with an MTD tractor with about a 42-46" mowing deck, and they rototill a very large garden with a walk behind.

Not trying to discourage you, just think that the smaller diesel tractors will do way more than most people think they will! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

JimBinMI

We boys and our toys!

 

[Bird]

Now JimBinMI, of course you're right that a smaller tractor will get the job done, and walk behind tillers will do a garden. But with walk behind tillers, smaller tractors, and no power steering, you just get to work harder and longer./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif And I know because I had a good rear tine counter rotating walk behind tiller that I sold when I got one to go on the tractor, and I had a 16 hp tractor (without power steering) that got a lot of work done. Now I like using a tractor, but I don't want it to be a lot of work if I can help it./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Bigger is more comfortable and faster.

Bird

 

[JimBinMI]

Bird,

You've heard me sing this song before! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I just can't help visualizing a 24-36 hp tractor on 3/4-3 acres. What a waste of resources! I also believe that new lookers don't know what a diesel engine will do. They see a craftsman tractor with a 20 hp gas engine and don't know that a 16 hp diesel will kick its butt! I also think that the lawn compaction is a good issue.

Don't you use a lawn tractor to mow your lawn and not your B2710?

I think I'll start a topic on "Who honestly knows that they bought more tractor than they'll ever need?" or "Who didn't realize how tough their tractor would be and bought bigger because of it?"! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Wouldn't your old Kubota have done everything that Cathy wants out of a tractor? I just don't think we do new lookers a fair service when we get the "Tim the Toolman Taylor" thing going on!

JimBinMI

We boys and our toys!

 

[Kelvin]

Any of the "B" series tractors (either of the two BX models, the B7400, B7500 all the way up to the B2900) will more than take care of your "needs" as you have defined them.

They are all fine tractors, but I believe that a "value per dollar" cost analysis tend to drive most people to one of the BXs (an excellent value for the money) or all the way to the B2710/B2910.

Given the fact that no dealer can keep a BX on the lot, you should have no problem re-selling in the future if the need arises. Of course you may have a problem finding one yourself.

The problems the BX series may present you is that while its 3pt hitch is supposedly the industry standard category "1", it seems that it's shorter lift arms makes attaching some generic implements very difficult. You would certainly want to check that out before you purchase. Also read all of the owner's BX postings on this site.

You'll also want to check out all of the discussions on "Mid-mowers vs 3pt mowers" since you plan to use other 3pt implements and the mid-mower may get in the way.

 

[Rick Jay]

Hi JimBinMI

I can tell you what a 30 hp B2910 looks like on 2/3 of an acre....BIG!!!. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

~Rick

P.S. I'd take a picture to show you, but I'd have to stand all the way in the neighbors yard to get the tractor to fit in the photo. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

Yep, JimBinMI, the little tractors will do most of the jobs, and yes, my B7100 would do what Cathy says she's going to do, but my B2710 will do it more comfortably. But after a person buys a tractor, I think they usually find other things to do with it that they didn't think of before buying (and Cathy's question included a comment about the possibility of getting more land). If folks bought more tractor than they would ever need, they'd be trading down wouldn't they? And I'm sure that's happened, but more frequently they trade up in size.

The only reason I bought the B7100 in 1995 instead of a bigger tractor was $$$$$./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

And nope, I don't mow the yard with a lawn tractor; sold my 38" cut Cub Cadet when I bought the B2710 which now mows the yard in half the time and a lot more comfortably./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

However, I do think it's good for Cathy (and anyone else) to know of the different opinions. There's definitely a place and need for the smaller tractors, and they are certainly preferable for some applications.

Bird<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Bird on 6/17/00 06:58 AM.</FONT></P>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Cathy >> B2710s

Hi Cathy,
We have plenty of B2710s (B2910s,B2400s,B7500s) ready for sell, demo, lease, rent, or rent-to-own.

A special sell starts next week on all B series and L series tractors with mid mount mowers.

If you'd like additional info.. email >>
wildtrky25@aol.com(Steve Carver)

Best wishes and happy shoping,
Steve

You may click here to see general pricing info on all the B series tractors.

http://www.carverequipment.com/B_Series/bseries.htm

 

[Cathy]

Hi Jim,
I looked at a smaller one/ the 22 HP kobota was what the dealer suggested for my needs.He says he can;t keep them in stock.He got one for me to see & I thought it looked like a lawn mower! The tractor including tiller & belly mower was the price of the 2710 with no implements. Looking at it though, it just didnt look as long lasting & durable as a 24HP or 27HP. It is an entirely different class of tractor. My husband wants me to get the belly mower, he thinks a rear finishing mower would be alot more hastle going around trees. I would much rather spend 10,000 than 12,800, but I want this to be the only tractor I ever buy.I am 47 & hopefully I won't need to buy another tractor. I am really wanting to buy a tractor, today would be nice! But, I have got at least try to get the price lower.I have 3,500 to pay down so I will be making pmts for 60 months, I am hoping to somehow get a dealer to come down on the price from retail list price. I really appreciate all the suggestions from everyone.

 

[Cathy]

Bird.
I have a murray 14HP with 46" deck, however it is 8 yrs old & I don't think it will last too much longer. I do have a tiller, a 6HP craftsman which I am very happy with, but you are exactly right I need something that will get the job done better & quicker w/o wearing me out. My husband has no interest in a garden, so it is my problem,.The walk behind tiller is vital for cultivating between rows, but it is wearing me out plowing my whole garen with it. I did not plant corn because I didnt feel like plowing 8 more rows with the tiller. We have been fighting this 2 1/2 ares for 16 years. First we mowed the acre with a push mower( took 6 hours & about killed us) then we got a craftsman 12HP which was DEAD at 5 years.The Murray 14HP has been a much better lawn mower w/o much trouble but it is getting old now & I cant see spending 1000.00 on another lawn mower when I really want a tractor for my garden anyhow. The dealer thinks I would really enjoy the hydrostatic which will give me 4x4, & power steering & cruise control & I don't remember what else. I am getting brain overload & can't remember all I have been told. I cant even remember the exact name of the 27 HP he quoted me, I know it was a 2710, but he said it came out in 2000 so I dont know if it is the B2710 since people bought it in 99. Anyhow, thanks alot.I am going to like this group! Gotta go look at tractors this morning, am going oover the state line to see if it will help me!

 

[Cathy]

I looked at a 36HP Kubota, used only 375 hours for 12,500, but it couldnt use a belly mower & it looked kind of big for my yard! I liked the price though & no sales tax,The tax is awful on the new ones at the dealer 7% on 14,700 is 1029.00! Plus the big one would take up more room on my carport.I plan to build a shed off the side of my storage bulding when I get my tractor.So you dont feel like it to big. I guess as long as the ground is not wet it won't make ruts in the ground!

 

[Thomas]

Good morning Cathy.
The B2410 is a fine model,but for little more $$$ the B2710 sounds better.

You mention you might buy more land also a front end loader,and with the extra horse power it would be handy.

I would pick the belly mower over the rear finish mower any day.

Reading your post it seems your thinking in the lines of an investment, and I like your way of thinking.

If you get a chance to skip down to your local Kubota dealer,and spend time asking question....try out both models....take a booklet on both models and compare.

Take care and have a great weekend. /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH

 

[Bird]

Cathy, the B2710 came out in 1999 (of course, the new ones now would be called 2000 models), and the B2910 just started in 2000. Same chassis, more power, tilt wheel, and better cruise control, I've heard. I would strongly recommend whichever tractor you get, be sure it has the hydrostatic transmission, power steering, and 4WD.

I had the walk behind tiller before I bought a tractor, but when I bought the B7100, it was 40" wide and I bought a 40" tiller for it, sold the walk behind tiller, planted my rows 5' apart, and could till between the rows with the tractor (so much easier for a lazy old man). A lot of wasted space, perhaps, but easy to work and a big enough garden that it's always produced far more than we could use and give away. Then I got the B2710 which is about 54" wide, offset the tiller to cover the tracks on one side to till the garden, but moved the rows in to 4' apart and used a cultivator plow, straddling the rows, instead of a tiller until everything got too tall to do that. And I've been overwhelmed by the quantity of produce, so next year I'm probably going to spread the rows farther apart again.

Good luck with your tractor shopping, and I think you're looking at the right tractors to last a lifetime.

Bird

 

[tractorman]

Hi Cathy, If you are in the northeast feel free to giv eme a call regarding your tractor purchase, I offer competetive prices, personal service and lots of advice (which is free of course) I agree, the BX2200 is an overgrown lawnmower, note the poor location of the hydraulic filter dead nuts on the bottom of the tractor. The B7500 and B2710 are the two best buys in Kubota's "B" series. Good Luck-

 

[JimBinMI]

Bird,

The question of the year seems to be "How much does a Kubota actually weigh?". Do you know how much your B2710 weighs? Does it leave impressions on your lawn?

I think that Cathy probably looked at the BX, but don't know and thought that they looked small for her needs, and since they are 18 hp to 22 hp thinks that she has to go more horsepower to get a bigger tractor. If only she could go look at the pretty BLUE tractors, like the New Holland TC18 or TC21, she would find tractors in the size she wants with the ability she needs.

In addition, CATHY ARE YOU READING THIS? NEW HOLLAND I BELIEVE RIGHT NOW HAS LOW INTEREST OR ONE YEAR SAME AS CASH!

You know, I think when I retire from teaching at 53-55 years old, I should go in partners with the New Holland dealer! Then I could have fun all the time!

If Rick Jay is happy with 30 hp, a loader and a backhoe on 2/3 of an acre, then I can't make sense of any of this! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif I'll be shocked if Rick Jay doesn't someday say that he bought way too much tractor. Or maybe it's that in Orange you need more horsepower than BLUE! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif (Joking here people...well kinda anyway!

JimBinMI

We boys and our toys!

 

[David USMC]

Dont overlook the weight issue. I dont know where you are located but here in NC the red clay in my garden will compact. If you are seriously into soil improvement dont overlook the long term damage a huge tractor will do. Ive been deciding on my next purchase for months. I started on a bx2200, the evolved to a b-7500, then a progression to a JD4400 , took a breath ...read the posts of these guys and am now back on Kubota. If you step back and visualize what you will be doing on a daily basis , the B-7500, or small New Holland will become a real friend in your garden. See Bird, after all these months you do have an impact.

 

[David USMC]

Forgot to mention that maybe your state offers an Agriculture tax break if you are going to use the tractor to produce income. Here in North Carolina they cap the tax at $75. Of course, you must sign a form saying that the tractor will be used for agriculture purposes.As a side note Im still picturing those five foot wide rows in Texas. Bird that is a real Texas size garden. Wish I had that much room, boy it would be great.