B21 vs B2710

[Paul_in_CT]

Hi everyone I`m considering a purchase of a tractor for awhile now. I`ve gained alot of my present knowledge in these forums. (thanks). But I`m still unsure about what to do. I have 8 acres on a lake in Ct. About 2 acres are landscaped (grass,beachfront,paths,flower beds etc.) Another 2 acres is grass field. The rest is wooded with some hills. I also maintain a private road (right-of-way)that runs thru the property. My one manpower machine with wheelbarrow and shovel attachment is getting finicky. Doesnt always start right up and when it does start it doesn`t always remain running long enough to complete the job quickly. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I`m not sure of the differences attachment wise between the 2 machines. I will definitely need a backhoe on either machine, maybe a york rake (rake the beach sand,help grade the road) I will do some loader work (gravel in trenches for drainage , sand/mulch spreading every spring). I would also like to reclaim the edges on the field (overgrown with saplings/brush)I will keep my ingersoll graden tractor to do the mowing (except for the field maybe). Any input will be appreciated. I tried to provide most of the details of my situation without indulging my habit of rambling on /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Rick Jay]

Hi Paul,

I was in a similar situation about a year ago, trying to decide between a B2910 or B21. I was fortunate in that the solution was that whatever I bought had to fit through my garage door as I couldn't let me new "baby" stay outside. The B21 with its rigid ROPS/FOPS wouldn't quite fit. So I went with the B2910, LA402 loader and Woods 7500 backhoe with sub-frame...and the folding ROPS. I bought it mostly as a digging machine and it has continually amazed me with it's capabilities. I have a small riding mower that takes care of the lawn.

If you were going to do extensive backhoe work, I would probably recommend the B21, as the machine was designed as a TLB from the ground up. I'm not knowledgeable on the major differences between the 3 pt. hitches on either machine, but that might also figure into the equation depending upon any other implements you'll be attaching.

Good Luck,

Rick

P.S. My guess is that once you get a tractor with a loader, you will be using it (the loader) much more than you anticipated.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Rick,
Does the Woods backhoe let you use a mid mower on your 2910? Any other incompatibilities with the Woods subframe? I am trying to make a similar decision. Thanks.

 

[MarkV]

Paul,

I have a B21 with about 650 trouble free hours on it. I sure would not say it is a better tractor,for your needs, than the 2710 although I think it is a great tractor. There are somethings you will lose with the B21 over the 2710, besides the horsepower difference. There is no mid PTO, which means a mid mount mower can not be used. The front loader cannot be removed like you can on the other B models. There is not a cruise control or a tool box.

On the plus side, the B21 will give you a bit more loader lift capacity and has a self leveling bucket. The slant hood and grill guard is a nice set up for loader work. The 4 point ROPS with metal canopy is great in the woods for protection against falling limbs. The backhoe is very easy to remove and put back on. The whole unit was designed for commercial use so even I can't break it./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Sounds to me like whichever one you choose it will more than do the job for you. Good luck.

MarkV

 

[frank_f15]

paul: u have a bunch of different thing u want to do. my choice would be the 2710 as best for overall use. but if u are going to do a lot of backhoe work then mabe the 2100 is way to go.figure out what u are going to use the machine for 75% 0f the time and buy accordingly. either way , u get a nice machine./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Rick572]

I don't know anything about the B2710, but I have a B21 with less than 200hrs, and know a little about it. Mine is with a backhoe and it looks pretty easy to remove and re-enstall because of the spring loaded handles and such. I have not removed mine. As a backhoe, it is a very nice machine, and thats all I use mine for. It has a lot of power for its size and is very good especially in wet conditions. I do my own service and it is pretty easy to work on.

My biggest complaint, and it is a major one to me, is the stupid seat. It doesn't twirl. At the end of each hole, the operator has't to stand up, twirl the seat around and then climb over the seat, reposition the tractor, stand up, twirl the seat, climb over the seat, and continue with your work. That may seem like a pretty petty complaint, especially considering how nice the tractor is, but It is time comsuming. I just finished doing a septic system with a very sore back injury, and trust me, it is a painful experience and maybe something you might want to consider before making a choice. If, and when I buy another backhoe, the seat will twril, with my butt in the seat. Very poor design in my opinion. Even my B7100"s seat twirled and it is, or should be a requirement for backhoe operation.
Just my $.02

Rick

 

[Paul_in_CT]

So the biggest down fall of the B21 (in my application) would be the lack of mid pto and not be able to remove the loader. The only implement that would use the mid pto is a belly mower correct.? The downside of the 2710 is that have to go alittle easy on the backhoe operations

 

[Rick Jay]

In response to the MMM with subframe: I don't use a mid-mount mower (or 3 pt. mower for that matter), but my understanding is that the bracket that the subframe mounts to remains on the tractor, and it interferes with a MMM installation.

I suppose if a MMM was a concern of mine, I would have gone with the 3 pt. hitch Kubota hoe. But with my rock laden hard-pan soil, I figured I needed all the strength I could get.

~Rick

 

[toddler]

Not being able to remove the bucket might be a bigger problem than you think, simply because of the length issue. For maintaining one private property, I'd go with the B2710 over the B21. You'll have more options when it comes to implements. If you think the 2710 is too light for the backhoe work you plan on doing, you could look at the L3010. It's only a few more HP, but it's a lot more tractor. I have the 2710, and love it, but I contract out any excavating. It would be a lot of years before I could say I saved money with a backhoe on my toy. For $600 I can get somebody with a B325 that can do in two hours what would take me a week, and save wear and tear on my equipment.

Todd