B3030 and B7800

rroos · Sep 21, 2005

Ok, I've been reading all the posts, test driving all the contenders, haggling over prices, and I need it to end!!! Strange happenings today. I had previously tested a B3030 and L2800 side by side. That time I just moved them back and forth about 10 yards and worked the bucket, kinda got a feel for the layout of each. I liked the bigger feel of the L2800. I was looking for an L3400 to test but none are available close.
So today I decide to test them again, also have tested a JD3520, 3320, 3120, 955, 790 and 770 since then as well as a Kioti LK3054XS and CK30 aaannnddd TC30 (way too much testing). Anyway, this time I gave them a long test ride starting with the B3030, drove around the lot, building, in and out of parking spaces, over the flower bed, worked the loader, had some fun!!! Then I got on the L2800 and started the same manuevers and realized right away, hey, I like the B3030 better by far. It wasn't the seat or controls, it was just the view, how much better I could see close to the tractor and how much more nimble it felt.
The salesman said the B7800 would feel identical driving wise to the B3030 but doesn't have one to test drive. He did however have all the paperwork to sell me one without a test drive.... I have them down to $14,932 for the B7800 with R4 and no folding ROPS or Mid PTO, won't need these. I am going to go to another dealer further out to test drive one tomorrow.
I read Cart99's post on the upgrades on the B3030, but for this price, if the B7800 is as close to feeling like the B3030, I think I'll have to go with it.
They want another $2000 for the B3030.
Anyone operated both for an extended period of time? I'll update tomorrow on the test drive.

BandDcabinet · Sep 22, 2005

I haven't operated both for an extended time, I did try the B7800 but I do own a B3030. I picked the B3030 because the BH75 was not available on the B7800. Despite the issues some have reported needing to upgrade their dipper cylinder I like the hoe, the way it digs, the way it mounts. I have approximately 30 hours on the tractor now and would buy again. I don't remember your primary use if you mentioned it but I'm sure you will enjoy either tractor.

DandB

cart99 · Sep 22, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I read Cart99's post on the upgrades on the B3030, but for this price, if the B7800 is as close to feeling like the B3030, I think I'll have to go with it. )</font>

Glad I could help. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask here or PM!

dentaltractor · Sep 22, 2005

I alson considered theB7800. I did not test drive one. I bought the B3030 and I am very happy. I was out today clearing some brush and doing light dirt work. I can tell you that it handles very well in tight spaces and you can see very well. The 2000.00 difference won't seem like much down the road if your not happy with the B7800. Plus there are other differences. Position control for 3pt, independent pto, easier to conect 3pt implements.

rroos · Sep 23, 2005

Well, finally inked the deal. Drove the B7800 today and got that same warm and fuzzy feeling the B3030 gave me. I really wanted to stay below $15,000 and it came in at $14,932 with FEL and R4's (no folding Rops or mid PTO). I know any of the machines I tested would have been great but CK30 and the B7800 were the only two hydros under 15K and I really liked the smaller B7800 better. It will be plenty for what I will use for.
I did learn a trick on the hydro pedal that I hadn't tried before. Instead of using my heal to reverse the hydro, I simply put my toes under the front petal and lifted up, worked easy and smooth to transition between fwd and rev and was faster than shifting my whole foot back to hit the back petal. On the B3030 it was even easier with that style of above floor petal transition you toes from above to below without lifting your heel off the deck.
Anyway, I pick it up Tuesday...

Deere3120 · Sep 23, 2005

Do you know if you can get a cab for the 7800? How much more is it with a backhoe also? I am tooing arounf with the idea of maybe getting a smaller tractor like the 7800. Did you get the 60" bucket o the loader?

rroos · Sep 23, 2005

Not sure on the cab option for the b7800 but I know the B3030 comes with a sweet cab and backhoe. I'm guessing if you can afford those two options you may be able to afford the B3030. No doubt the B3030 is has some nicer features and has a better backhoe setup than the B7800. Since I wasn't looking for the backhoe I went for the cheaper price. I think the backhoe is somewhere in the $5000.00 to $6000.00 range but I never priced one myself. Search around on here and your find the prices.
I got the 54 inch bucket figuring I could get into smaller places with it.

ronjhall · Sep 23, 2005

You can get a Curtis or Sims cab for the B7800. They run around $3000 depending on options.
At this time a B3030 cab model is not compatible with a BH.

rroos · Sep 23, 2005

Ron,
Thanks for the correction on that, didn't realize the cab couldn't be used with the backhoe... Just goes to show you.
Two Ron's do make a right!!!

Ron R.

Deere3120 · Sep 23, 2005

I just got a price from my dealer on a 7800 loader, Backhoe, And Soft cab for a grand total of 26300.00 I said holy cow. For 4000.00 more I could get the l3030 with loader, Backhoe and soft cab. Decisions Decisions /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif