B7500 vs. B7800

[JRF]

I'm close to purchasing a new tractor. Current use would be for 100% finish mowing with a FEL & other
attachments coming in a few years. I had decided on the B7800HST w/ turf tires (worried about tearing
up the grass) after comparing the spec's between the B7500HST & the B7800HST. Just returned from my
local Kubota dealer where I test drove a B7500HST w/ R4's and also a B7800HST w/ R3's. After driving
both, the B7800 (which is 4 cylinder) had a considerable amount of vibration (from idle to 2600RPM).
(The vibration reminded me of a lawn mower.) While the B7500 (which is 3 cylinder) was a very smooth
running tractor. Also testing it on a grassy area beside the dealership, I was surprised to learn that the
R4's did not dig up or damaged the grass on a tight turn. Now I'm leaning toward the B7500HST w/R4's.
My question is " is this vibration normal in all B7800's?" I would like to hear from B7800HST owners that
could tell me if this vibration is normal for this particular tractor. Just wanted to know if I should go to
another dealer and drive another B7800. Your answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, JRF

 

[theboman]

Let the size of your place also help factor in the decision.
A B7800 is physically larger tractor than the B7500 (besides the HP).

Any tractor tire will chew up the turf on tight turns and it depends upon turf conditions and the degree. Some times you'll not harm a spot then take a bite out of the lawn. I've did this with riding mowers too.

 

[GAKubotaFan]

I just bought a B7800 and didn’t feel the vibration that you are talking about. The four cylinder should be smother than the three cylinder. I haven’t picked up the tractor yet, still waiting on the backhoe and loader to come in. I did drive it around the 7 acre lot a good bit and also drove the 7500. The B7800 seemed to be very smooth. The B7500 also seemed to be smooth. Maybe the B7800 had bad gas. If the B7800 isn’t too large, I would go with it. It is a lot more tractor than the B7500

 

[frank_f15]

DIFFICULT TO ANS. YOUR QUESTION. don't know the size of the property u will be maintaing, nor the type of ground, not the climate. keep in mind that the 7800 is about 3 sizes up from the 7500. and u will be talking quite a big diff. in price.
no matter what tractor u decide on , i would go with R4's course this is just my opinion.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

JRF, interesting you should mention vibration. I was also looking at the 7500, 7800 and the 2710. I noticed the 2710 (also 4 cylinder) had a horrible vibration, from idle to 2600rpm. At 2600 you could feel it shaking the steering wheel, deck and pedals. The 7500 and about 4 other 3 cylinder tractors I drove did not have this vibration. Two dealers said 4 cylinders vibrate more than 3 and another dealer said 4 cylinders should be smoother than 3 and there might be something wrong with that particular 2710. The vibration was really, really strong! I didn’t get a chance to drive a 7800, as I settled on the 7500 as being right for me. If I were you I would test drive another 7800 or ask the dealer to check the one you drove.

One suggestion on the FEL would be to get it now. The general consensus of this board is that it is a very valuable tool plus you can take advantage of the 0% financing if you buy now.

Turf/R4’s – it depends on your property. If it’s all pretty finish mowing probably turf. If you have any land moving/reshaping work then consider the R4’s. My 7500 with R4’s was delivered last week and I have a real nice St. Augustine lawn, drove right across it with FEL and RFM attached and no marks at all (although the ground is nice and dry now).

7500/7800 depends on your property size, conditions and what you are going to do with the tractor, if you give more info on this you may get more suggestions.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have only 14 hours on my 7800, but I have not felt any vibration that I would consider near abnormal. Sounds like that one you drove was a lemon. I am very pleased with the 7800, in fact just called the dealer to thank him for steering me to it.

I have turf tires and I have ripped up my lawn on tight turns.

I would highly recommend getting the bucket now. It will prove to be too useful, I love having it. Also it can be financed now at the low rates. If you get it now the dealer can give it the once over before you take delivery and make sure everything else will support it.

LOL, Frank