7510 7610 or what?

[IslandTractor]

I'm doing similar land clearing work with my tractor which is a Kioti CK20 but in the same general size class as the 7510/7610. From my experience over the past year or so in clearing out about 2-3 acres of scrub trees, briar, vines and a few dozen bigger trees, I'd say that the backhoe is very valuable. I find a combination of bush hog, grapple and BH to be ideal.
The FEL on a B series machine is not as powerful as the FEL on my Kioti and while I can push over a fair number of trees less than 3-4 inches in diameter, anything much bigger requires cutting and then digging out the stumps.

My tractor is also heavier so I'd estimate that the 7510/7610 would have a more difficult time pushing trees over which is an important step in digging them out with either toothbar or grapple. My FEL has about the same lift capacity as the LA402 so I'd have a bit of an advantage there too. While I think my tractor has done amazingly well I would not opt for anything smaller. I would therefore agree that the B7800 would be worth the extra money. However, if it came down to B7510 and a BH vs B7800 without a BH, I'd say the BH is worth more than the extra weight and FEL capacity.

If you are doing a lot of land clearing do yourself a favor and get a grapple. Although a toothbar adds something to the ability of an FEL bucket to deal with brush, a grapple is the tool you want. A bucket grapple would suffice but a full grapple is much more versatile.

 

[Northshore44]

Those are some great pics IT... I like the grapple idea. How much for one of those guys?

I would like to keep this purchase under 20k and I may be able to do that with the 7610 with a loader and bh. However, if I choose the 7800 or the L2800 like the dealer wanted me to get into than I will have to settle for just a loader with a toothbar and that's about it. Unless I can find something used with both implements at a great price.

Bottom line fellas is; happy wife...happy life!!

 

[IslandTractor]

\I like the grapple idea. How much for one of those guys?

About $695 but you need to ship it from Ohio and also need a QA adapter and either a diverter valve or a set of rear hydraulic remotes. Total budget probably $1600-1800.

I got my CK20 with 28hrs on the clock, FEL, loaded tires, new BH all for $15K. I'd think you could do the 7610/LA352/BH for under 20K and perhaps have enough left over for the grapple. If the budget it tight, just go the bucket grapple route which will cost about $1000 including diverter valve.

Bottom line fellas is; happy wife...happy life!!

Believe it. There is now scientific data to support that. If mamma ain't happy ain't nobody happy.

 

[Northshore44]

About $695 but you need to ship it from Ohio and also need a QA adapter and either a diverter valve or a set of rear hydraulic remotes. Total budget probably $1600-1800.

I got my CK20 with 28hrs on the clock, FEL, loaded tires, new BH all for $15K. I'd think you could do the 7610/LA352/BH for under 20K and perhaps have enough left over for the grapple. If the budget it tight, just go the bucket grapple route which will cost about $1000 including diverter valve.



Believe it. There is now scientific data to support that. If mamma ain't happy ain't nobody happy.

That's a fact Jack!!!

IT... sounds like you got a great deal!

What happens when you don't need that grapple? Does it get in the way? Can you take it off easily?

 

[IslandTractor]

What happens when you don't need that grapple? Does it get in the way? Can you take it off easily?

The grapple has a universal quick attach mount so it comes off in about 20 seconds. Takes longer to disconnect the quick connectors on the hydraulic lines than to remove the grapple.

 

[Northshore44]

From those pictures you sent... that's exactly what I will be doing and looks like it works pretty slick.

 

[Partsman2]

From those pictures you sent... that's exactly what I will be doing and looks like it works pretty slick.

I agree with IslandTractor. The grapple is the stuff. With that on the front and a BH on the back you can really clear some brush. When I'm working in tight places or really don't need the BH I use the box blade on the back.

Look at my picture at the left and you'll see one of my little projects.

 

[IslandTractor]

When I'm working in tight places or really don't need the BH I use the box blade on the back.

I don't have a box blade so when I am not using he hoe I keep the bush hog on the back. Awesome combo versus lighter brush or for clearing a path to the trees that need to be dropped. Grapple the brush then run over whatever remains. Quick work.

 

[LBrown59]

What do you think about a bh? Is that neccessary for what I will be doing? Dealer claimed it would add another 6k to the price.

I grubbed 6/10 of an acre. Wouldn't wanted to even attempt it without the BH .

 

[LBrown59]

I am thinking the same thing... I am not sure I will be able to drive into the lake and rip the brush out w/ just a loader without getting stuck.
*I would feel better on land and then reach out with a hoe and pulling it all back.

1*What you have to watch doing this is that the BH don't drag you and the tractor into the lake.

 

[Raddad]

What will you do with the loader once you're finnished with this job. Don't forget storage of impliments you hardly use. For the cost of a backhoe you can buy allot of impliments you will use. Rent or hire and use your tractor for other requried work. Is this a toy or a tool? You could sell the back hoe when you're finnished with this job if you insist on buying one.

 

[Northshore44]

Raddad,

Don't we all say that's it's a must have tool? Otherwise it's a bit harder to justify it to the leader of the pack... at least in this household! Besides the nifty giddy up that the Island Tractor has got hooked onto the front of his rig, I am not sure what other implements I would actually own. I need to rent an auger, but that is a one time use. Maybe a backblade for road maintenance.
I went back to the dealer again today and looked at the 7610 then checked out a 7800 and a L2800. He is paying interest on all three units and would give good deals on any of them. I started up and played with the L2800 but I think it's going to be too big for what I want. The 7800 is nice, but I like the looks of the 7610 and it's about the right size too. He told me that Kubota is going to totally revamp their B series tractors in 2008.

Anyway I have until March 31, 2007 when the rebates run out.

 

[IslandTractor]

Loaders and backhoes have a way of being useful even after you finish your primary job. Obviously you don't want to buy them if it breaks the bank but on the other hand I suspect they keep a large percentage of their purchase price when you go to sell or trade your tractor.

Remember that to rent and transport equipment is a hassle too. Rather than try to cram all your BH jobs into one day or weekend, if you have a hoe you can do the jobs at your leisure. If it costs $5000 for a backhoe that you use for a couple of years and then find you don't need anymore, there will be plenty of buyers willing to spend $3000-3500 for a BH like that with homeowner hours on it. Your real cost is therefore more like $1500-2000 and that is what should be compared to the $250/day plus hassle factor for a small excavator.

 

[Northshore44]

Loaders and backhoes have a way of being useful even after you finish your primary job. Obviously you don't want to buy them if it breaks the bank but on the other hand I suspect they keep a large percentage of their purchase price when you go to sell or trade your tractor.

Remember that to rent and transport equipment is a hassle too. Rather than try to cram all your BH jobs into one day or weekend, if you have a hoe you can do the jobs at your leisure. If it costs $5000 for a backhoe that you use for a couple of years and then find you don't need anymore, there will be plenty of buyers willing to spend $3000-3500 for a BH like that with homeowner hours on it. Your real cost is therefore more like $1500-2000 and that is what should be compared to the $250/day plus hassle factor for a small excavator.

And that's why I became a member of the TBN... that's a great point that I would had never thought of!