B2710 OR B2910 ???

[Newtractorguy]

Hello everyone! I've been checking out this site for a couple of weeks now, and have really enjoyed the information and occasional comedy

Well, you may not know it but all of you posting here have sold me on a Kubota. The pricing and quality, based upon all of you real users, appears to be the best.

So, given this I am deciding between a B2710 and a B2910 to buy within the next two weeks. Here's my situation: 6 1/2 acre property, 4+ for mowing (slight inclines), 1/5 mile long driveway to plow. I intend on getting a FEL to grade some soil around the house amoungst other duties, and a post hole digger for replacing lots of horse fencing.

My question is, other that 2 hp and some bells and whistles, is there that great a difference between the two models? Does two horsepower make THAT MUCH of a difference in running implements like a 72" MMM and FEL?

For those of you who have experience with either/both models, I would really appreiciate some input on this. I like both models, but $1000.00 more (roughly) for the 2910 does not really seem worth it unless there's something special about this model I don't know about. Realistically, the 2710 appears sufficient enough, but for the money being spent I don't want to screw up and buy the wrong one.

Thanks again in advance for any input!

 

[Bird]

Since my B2710 will push or pull strong enough to spin the wheels (even though the back ones are filled) and neither of my mowers ever slow it down, I really doubt that you'll notice much difference in the power. However, the better seat, telescoping lower links, tilt & telescoping wheel, and the lever on the right for the cruise are all nice features that you may or may not consider to be worth the extra cost.

Bird

 

[glennmac]

The 2910, confusingly, is 30 hp, so it is 3 more gross hp than the 2710. (You see, they couldn't call the 2910 the 3010 because there already was a 3010, which actually happens to be 32 gross hp, all of which makes perfect sense to someone.) The 2910 is 2 more pto hp and 91 cc vs. 81 cc.

I thought the price was worth it for two primary reasons. First, I knew I had to do a lot of heavy brush cutting. I wasnt sure whether the extra power would make a difference but I thought it was better to err on the high side. After the fact, I guess I can say that it may have helped a few times, but I still have trees to skid, so I still really dont know.

Secondly, I liked the 2910 seat a lot better. Still do.

People say the extendable links make a difference in hooking up 3ph implements. I dont know cause I also thought was worthwhile to spend $800 on Freedom Hitches. Still do.

 

[Alan L.]

I'm the one having the heat related power steering problem with my tractor. I'm mad at Kubota and still await their witnessing the actual failure.

Having said all of that apparently the problem is pretty rare. I'd probably do the 2710 again if I had it to do over. Its such a perfect size for me, and is a workhorse.

For only $1000 I might go for the 2910 because of the complete package of improvements.

Alan L., TX

 

[Joeinindy]

I can understand where you are coming from, when I bought my L3410 I was sold on the L3010 but for the extra dollars I gained just 4hp and I plan on owning this tractor for the rest of my life, so over time the price differeance didn't seem bad. Most people don't trade tractors every few years like they do cars, and think of the bells and whistles most people pay big dollars for on their autos just for looks. I'd go for the most tractor you can afford and use. My two cents.

 

[Haroldv]

Well when it came right down to last minute I opted for the 2910. I did like the seat much better. The exetendable link arms pushed me over the top. The final cost was $750 more. I think worth every penny as well as a coupel of extra hp.

 

[Rick Jay]

Hi,

Personally, I don't think the HP differences should be the deal maker or breaker. If you think the extra bells and whistles on the B2910 are worth the extra $$$, go that route.

For me, it was the extendable links on the 3 pt. hitch that caught my attention, so I went with the B2910.

Good Luck,

Rick Jay

 

[toddler]

I also don't think the HP variance is enough to really make a difference in normal use. If you go 2910, do it for the extras. I don't like the lever next to my leg on the 2910, but love the seat. If you're property is rough, and you plan on cutting that area a lot, you might find the seat is the biggest issue. You could drive/cut faster without getting quite as beat up by our lack of shocks.
Todd

 

[Newtractorguy]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Regarding the seat, I've heard there are aftermarket seats available that should bolt right on. Does anyone know if they would be comparable to the 2910 seat as far as comfort goes?

Also, am I correct in understanding that the 60" mmm can be installed / uninstalled on either tractor without having to jack-up the front end with a FEL?

Finally, can anyone confirm if the B2710 has cruise control? The brochure text says cruise comes on both models, and then there's a small picture of the B2910 at the bottom of the page saying its available on that model only.

Thanks again!

 

[toddler]

The "cruise control" on the 2710 is a lever below the steering wheel. You push down the hydro pedal to where you want it, and the push and hold the cruise control lever and take your foot off the pedal. It keeps the pedal about where you pressed it to.
On the 2910 you push the lever to the right of the seat forward which depresses the hydro pedal proportionally to how far forward you push it. It's clearly the better system, but I doubt I'd use it any more than the one on my 2710. I like to speed up on straits and slow down to turn. Cruise control seems like a stupid idea on a hst compact tractor. I don't even use it tilling, just use the low speed range. Maybe the designers are trying to appeal to people coming from gear or gst tractors?? It would be a nice feature on the NH TC146 or JCB fastracs though, since they are hst farm tractors.
Todd