B7800/B3030 - Large enough for heavy loads?

[aggc]

Like many of you, I am debating the size of tractor I really need. 90% of the time, I will be mowing grass around the house and in the fields. The other 10% of the time I need a tractor and front end loader capable of lifting 600-800 pounds and carrying it a short distant.

I like the B7800/B3030 for their compact size and maneuverability. However, I am not sure they would be up to the loader tasks. For this reason, I am also considering the L288/L3400 tractors.

My question is this: are the B7800 and B3030 large enough and heavy enough to do the occasional loader work I need and do it safely?

 

[p32pac]

I have a B3030. The B3030 is a tremendous machine. However i dont think it is the right machine to lift 800-900 pounds regularly. It can certainly do it but it isnt an easy feeling and i have filled rear tires and a bh. A larger machine can handle that weight no problem.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I use a B2910 which is essentially the deluxe version of the B7800 and was just replaced by the model B3030 in the Kubota line up, but basically has identical specs to both of those tractors.

The Front Loader is capable of lifting over 1000 pounds. It is not the ideal tractor for lifting 1000# loads, and it does require ballast on the rear end to lift a heavy load. However, that being said, lifting 600# to 800# is well within its design limits and I have no hesitation lifting full buckets of soil/sod (or snow in the winter) on a regular basis with the B2910. I suspect many of the bucket loads are 800# or more (its a 60" bucket).

Realize that any tractor must have proper ballast on the rear end when using the Front Loader. I have loaded rear tires and typically have a 60" box blade on the 3pt hitch too. Often people who suggest that a tractor is not capable of lifting loads are not well versed on the issue of ballast. Take a look at the owners manuals (usually the loader manual) and it will typically tell you that you need weights on the rear end AND wheel weights too. Funny thing is that a heavy tractor often requires similar ballast as a light tractor, that is because this is an issue of 'balance' and a heavy tractor can get out of balance just as easily as a lighter one.

 

[KubotaSteve]

My question is, What is the 600 to 800 pounds that you need to move short distances? Is it something that you can make two trips such as moving sand or stone? Is it something that the bucket has to be off the ground fairly high? I've had the 54" bucket on my 7800 loaded completely full of wet sand and moved it around with bucket low with minimal problems but my R-4 tires are loaded and I had a 500 pound box blade on the back. When I went to lift the sand in the air it was fine but when I went to move forward or backward it got a little hairy. If you need to keep that weight up high for some reason and move on some rough ground I would step up in size otherwise the 7800 will handle it fine. The other up side to the 7800 is that it is small enough to get into places a larger machine isn't going.

 

[aggc]

The 600-800# objects in question are giant pumpkins. Seriously. I need a tractor and FEL capable of lifting them and moving them perhaps 50 - 100ft to a truck or shelter. From the replies I've read, it sounds like this might be a risky proposition with the 7800 or 3030 but could be handled much better with an L2800 or L3400. It also sounds like I'll probably lose some mowing flexibility with these larger models though.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

The 600-800# objects in question are giant pumpkins. Seriously. I need a tractor and FEL capable of lifting them and moving them perhaps 50 - 100ft to a truck or shelter. From the replies I've read, it sounds like this might be a risky proposition with the 7800 or 3030

Honestly I don't see that. Any tractor is tippy when carrying a relatively heavy load in the bucket with the bucket RAISED. But there is no reason to carry a pumpkin at any more than a foot or two above the ground. That is the same way you'd carry a bucket of stone, mulch, dirt, etc. When you get to the truck you raise the bucket and load the pumpkin into the bucket. You would want fluid filled tires and a weight on the 3pt hitch regardless of which tractor you chose.

Now if you need to get into tight spaces, then the smaller tractor has the capacity you need and the manuverability you need. If tight spaces/tighter turning is not an issue, then get the larger tractor.

But as you originally said that 90% of your work was grass mowing, I see no reason to pass up the smaller tractors. If the pumpkins get much over 800#, then go for the larger tractor no matter what.

 

[Timber]

It does sound like these tractors will be fine for what your doing, I have the B7800 and I am thrilled with it. Ballast is going to be important regardless of what you choose. You said it was going to do a lot of mowing. One of the biggest reasons I chose my tractor was size and wt. I need to be able to drive into my stalls and I want a soft shoe on the ground With a ballast box I can move very large stone and I use my forks all the time. If I were you I would consider a quick tach and a fork set up and customize it for your purpose and your wt issues will be more than solved. You want a soft shoe on the ground most of the time and heavy lifting is an easy conversion with fork and ballast and you still have maneuverability as well, You can tailor a tractor to be very specific to your needs

 

[KubotaSteve]

For what you described, I agree with Bob, the B7800 or 3030 would suit you fine. I really like the nimbleness (if that's a word) of the 7800 mowing. I only got the 60" MMM instead of the 72" due to storage problems and I can get close enough to my above ground pool that I don't have to push mow around it.
Here's an idea for you to on your pumpkins. You could get a carryall for the 3pt hitch and take an old skid and put some short sides on it. Use the FEL to load a pumpkin in it and hook it to the back for a real nice counter weight plus move two pumpkins at the same time (one on carryall and one in bucket).

 

[The Gardener]

You could get a carryall for the 3pt hitch...QUOTE]

This sounds like a great item to own. I really like the benefit of doubling up on loads by using the "carryall" as ballast.

Can you provide and image of a "Carryall" and/or a link to a source. I have never seen one.

Thanks,
The Gardener

 

[JLoaf]

I have a B2710 (same size as B7800 but 27 hp) w/ a 6' RFM. I love it for mowing. It is very manueverable and fun to operate. I've pulled the 6' RFM behind other tractors (L3830 and an L2201 gray market) and the B2710 is by far my favorite for mowing.
I don't have an FEL on the B2710 but I sure wish I did!
Good Luck!

 

[mike69440]

I have carried too many 800lb boulders in my weighted, reinforced and hydraulics screwed to the max B7200 so if you only do this occasionally a B7800 should be fine. If the smaller machine makes more sense, do it, but I do not see any cost saving. Be carefull about tip over!

 

[Bob_Young]

Will you be moving the pumpkins with the bucket the comes with the loader? You might want to check the dimensions/shape of the bucket to see how "pumpkin friendly" it is. Even with my L4300, I can't visualize picking up an 800# pumpkin without the bucket gouging the sides or the pumpkin tumbling out...but then I don't know giant pumpkins.

If you were planning to use clamp on forks with the issue bucket, keep in mind that they will put the weight of the load further out from the loader's pivot pin and pose a greater challenge to the loader's lifting ability and the tractor's balance. In that case, I'd lean toward the L2800 or larger.

The B3030's LA403 loader lift capacity is rated at about 1100 lbs. AT THE PIVOT PIN. But your load will be forward of the pivot pin. At 19.7" forward of the pivot pin the lift capacity drops to around 780 lbs....kinda marginal if you have an 800# pumpkin that's 40" in diameter.

The loader on the B3030 has 'Quick Hitch' capability as an option. This will allow you to swap the bucket for pallet forks. Your load would then be closer to the pivot pin than with the bucket and clamp-on forks but may still fall near the upper limit of the loader's capability.

The B3030 will make a better finish mower than the L-series and mowing will be 90% of it's work. As suggested above, the best approach might be to get the B3030 and move the pumpkins with a fork arrangement on the 3 pt. hitch.
FWIW
Bob

 

[lawn_king]

The B3030 will work fine for your needs, The 403 fel is strong And its a nice light machine for mowing, quiet,good on fuel, turns on a dime! Lots to like about the B3030.

 

[Timber]

The B7800 and the 3030 have quick tach set up options but they are specific to those machines. You can look into other brand quick tach systems that are More universal to other equipment like skidstear otherwise you will have to use there pallet fork set up. This will be the way you want to go regardless of the tractor you decide on

 

[white]

I have a B2910 6 years old with 60" bucket and 60"MMM. You can do all you need and more with far more ease than the larger L size. I have tried both and always come back to the B2910/3030 size for an all around tractor.

 

[The Gardener]

New Kidz: '04 L4300, '06 B7610 Old Pros: '75 Ford 4000, '67 Ford 2000, '54 JD40

Q: Do you own all of these tractors at the present time?
..... If so, how do you delegate jobs among the five tractors?

Q: What kind of property do you maintain for such a diverse collection of tractors?

I could already imagine owning several Kubota machines for our varied needs and project ideas. In fact, we're thinking in this manner as we approach our first Kubota purchase. If possible, we'd like this to be 1 of 3 in ten years time.

The Gardener

 

[Bob_Young]

Gardener,
I own them all currently. The older ones have been in the family for decades. None of the old ones had an FEL. When I retired and moved back to NY in 2002, I found the oldtimers in an unreliable state.

I bought the L4300 as an Ag machine to take over brush clearing, plowing, discing, light haying (haven't done it for awhile) and mowing work on my 50+ acre farm while I straightened out some issues with the 4000. I got the 4000 fixed and it's back to its mowing chores and available for most anything else. It looks kind of rough but runs good and only has about 3000 hours on it. Both the L4300 and the Ford 4000 are strong tractors. The 4300's 4WD does give it an edge though.

Due to the FEL and the brush claw I have on it, the L4300 really shines for brush clearing, moving firewood around and any heavy lifting. So far it's done as well on the Ag type work as the 4000.

The 2000 and the JD40 are currently in need of repair and not working. The 2000 has about 2200 hours and was a very reliable tractor in the past. I think it's worth fixing and keeping as it was a tough little critter.

Because there's only me to work the place, I know from experience that having more than one tractor is a help. No unhitching and rehitching everytime conditions change and call for different work to be done.

When the place was being hayed regularly, having 3 working tractors on hand was perfect. One on the baler, one on the haybine and one for raking/wagon drawing. Mow enough for 100 or so bales in the morning, rake yesterday's 100 and maybe the day before's in the afternoon and bale 100 or so around suppertime. I'd like to get back to that.

So, when I get the JD running again, I'll probably sell it. The Ford 2000, like I said, may be around for awhile.

About 12 mi. away from the farm, I maintain my Dad's place and my own....about 2.5 acres total with maybe 40 trees. The mowing and landscaping chores fall, primarily, to the B7610. In the winter, the L4300 gets moved to the homestead for snow removal work. Nothing happens on the farm in the winter so the Fords and the JD sit...and sometimes provide homes for mice unfortunately.

Oh yeah, I'm single (never married) and never been in debt...so I can afford it/get away with it. I've heard there are worse ways to spend money.

Sorry this took so much space...maybe should've been a private message.
Bob

 

[The Gardener]

Thanks for sharing. It was a great read.

I can certainly appreciate your comments regarding the convenience of not having to change out attachments for each job. Owning different machines for very specific tasks likewise maximizes their individual strength.

Best of Luck on your expansion of production on the farm.

The Gardener

 

[WayneW]

I'll chime in here about the Carry All (3 pt)

here's a link to the one I have from TSC.
Tractor Supply Company - CARRY ALL

I use mine to move pallets of cut, split & stacked firewood. I cut & split it, then stack it once. I leave it in the field, in the sun all summer, then cover it with tarps for the fall. Then in late fall I use the carry all to pick up the pallets in move them into the barn for winter.

I have a B7610 which has a 1060 lb lift capacity for the 3pt (24" out)

Even though the carry all is rated for 1000 lbs, it has never flinched at a full load...the hydrolics quit first. (won't lift the pallet & I'll have to take a little wood off) With the loader on the tractor moves it fine & quite safely. I have to move them about 600 ft up a steep driveway.

Like someone else said, you could lift 2 pumpkins, 1 on the carry all and 1 on the loader. That will balance you out.

-best of luck

 

[aggc]

Thank you all for the replies and advice. They gave me some things to think about. I never considered using the three-point hitch to carry them before.

I think I am going to wait until I see what the next generation of L-series tractors looks like as I hear they are going through a redesign. I like the L2800 and L3400 but the current models are a little light on bells and whistles. I rented an L3130 for the weekend. Sweet! A little heavy on the wallet though...