b3030 vs b7800

[bandit67]

I'm going to be moving up to a compact from my current subcompact, as I've realized I need a bigger machine for the work I plan on doing. I've looked at the B7800 and the B2630 & B3030. After using my subcompact without some of the features (specifically the Position Control and telescopic links on the 3ph), I will spend the extra money for the B2630 or B3030 features that I do not currently have on my subcompact, and that the B7800 does not have.

There is no way, after all of the tilling, raking and rear blading that I've done in the last 16 months that my next tractor will NOT have Position Control. For me, it is obviously a very important feature - I didn't know that it would be when making my first purchase after 13 years of time off from owning a small tractor. But I can tell you that it makes your tractor ownership a bit more difficult when you are constantly wishing you had some of the extra features. It would be a lot harder to justify trading a B7800 for a B3030 just for the added features. It's not fun to be cursing yourself in a year for not springing for the extra money of the added features that you thought you could do without, but then realize what a pain it is to not have those features.

 

[Erniel29]

Thank you very much for all your input, This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I spent four hours last night researching this board, and think that even the 3030 may be too small for the amount of property I have. I plan on getting an FEL and a blade of some sort, dont know whether a box or straight since I dont know what the applications for both are. But I need to fill ruts and grade the roads between pastures. I also have a 1/4 mile riding track that I need to keep level and grass free.

Based on the reading I've done 23 acres will take me about 10 hours with a 6' mower. I do have a few areas ( around the round pen) and some trees that I do have to mow around, and the MMM would be handy for that, but I think I'm also going to have to spring for at least a 6' rotary, but I'm considering going to a bigger tractor so I can pull even larger.

To think I started out 2 weeks ago almost buying a $4000 CUB Cadet ZTR, then to a Riding mower, then to a bx2230, then the 3030, and now I might be going to an L series. Please someone tell me when to stop!

 

[cart99]

I own a B3030, but I've had hours of seat time in both, thanks to my neighbor's B7800. For me, it was a no brainer. In order of importance (to me anyway)...

true position control - figure out which height number is correct, set the 3ph position there every time and mow away. With the B7800 you have just an up/down lever, and will have to turn around and eyeball the bush-hog each time to figure out where to move it, and then tweak it occasionally as you mow. This by itself was enough to convince me.

telescoping 3ph - personal experience with both tractors - the telescoping feature will cut your 3ph attach time in half (average for me 10 minutes vs. 20)

independent PTO - with the B7800 you have to stop, clutch and engage/disengage. With the B2630/3030, all you do is push the lever. HOWEVER, if you intend to do post-hole digging regularly, having a clutch pedal is a big advantage. This was not an issue for me.

23 PTO hp vs. 22

8.1 gallon fuel tank versus 6.9 on B7800.

folding ROPS (may be standard on 7800 now, without it I could not get tractor in my garage)

better hydro pedal (all of it is above deck, versus above/below, giving you more options on how to work it with your foot)

sloped head and FEL (LA403) with (I believe) slightly higher capacities.

tilt steering wheel with a really nice little pedal on the floor to lock/unlock it.

better seat

nicer fenders, deck, instrumentation

cupholder and small toolbox

3ph ratchet lift rod

cruise control (also useful for tight turns -- let's you use your right hand to govern speed, completely freeing your right foot to independantly brake the rear wheels without doing an awkward heel-toe move)

And finally, the B3030 just plain looks cool!

 

[Erniel29]

Well guys you're gonna laugh but I ended up with a Grand L3830-HST, LA723 FEL, 72" Bush Hog Model 286 rotary mower, and a 72" box blade for a tad over $25k. I know its not the best price, but I cant stand it any longer, I just decided that I didnt want to spend $5k less and kick myself. Bottom line 23 acres is 23 acres and I have a life other than my wifes horse farm. And for those tight areas......ROUNDUP!

Thanks for all the advice and patience.

Ernie

 

[cart99]

Well that will pretty much pummel my B3030 into oblivion! I've never heard anyone regret buying a larger tractor then they originally intended. Congratulations, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

 

[wushaw]

Well that was quick /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
With your last post I was gonna suggest something in the size of a L3430 and L4330 and it looks like you hit it smack dab in the middle. You will be glad you went with a grand L series, they are great tractors.

 

[indebt]

I wish I could make up my mind that fast ! I have been looking at the grand L series as well. Good luck .
Please post some pictures.

 

[riptides]

Hey, GOOD for you.

With that acreage, I think you made a wise choice. Please share your stories!

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( guys you're gonna laugh )</font>

Yes sir, I sure am. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But I think you did the smart thing. Many of us started small, then traded up later to bigger tractors, so in the long run you'll save money by starting a little bigger to begin with.

 

[Erniel29]

I cant say how much I appreciated this list and all your advice. I've learned more about PTO horsepower vs mower size vs acres mowed per hour, in the last 2 days than I can describe. As my salesman explained to me today, "Its easier to ask for forgiveness, rather than permission from your wife". So with that, I took the plunge.

I'm looking forward to delivery on Friday, and I will post pics.

Stay tuned for more newbie questions on operation, attachments, etc. (I cant wait to justify the need for remotes and TnT /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )


Thanks Again

Ernie

PS. Pic is my real toy.