B7800 vs B3200 and other questions

[Dirk Digger]

Hi everyone, new member here and first post. I'm in the market for a compact or maybe a subcompact tractor and have been reading a lot on this forum trying to learn all I can. Of all the tractor brands Kubota has always been my favorite and I always wanted one (although I am also still considering other good brands like MF, Deere, Yanmar etc too). Today I'm starting to look for one that fits my needs and was hoping to pick the brains of some of you Kubota experts.

First let me tell you my requirements and then what models seems best to me and why I think that. I'd appreciate feedback based on that to help me determine my best path forward in finding a good used tractor.

So here goes: I'm restricted to a tractor that has to fit through my shed's 6ft tall X 6ft wide entrance, with a parking spot inside that's 11ft deep.

I'm also limited on my trailer's length at 12' long and 6' wide. Right now it's only a single axle which I believe is rated at 3500lbs (trailer is probably about 1200lbs), but maybe it can actually handle a little more? I'm considering adding another axle if I had to. I do have electric brakes even though it's a fairly light duty trailer. My Ford Aerostar van has a towing capacity of 4800lbs and it is equipped with a HD hitch and also an electric brake controller (in addition to 4:10 rear and air shocks). I towed a 2300 lb lathe recently and it hauled it no problem.

I would be using the tractor to mow my residential yard which is about 1 acre of rolling terrain. I would be using it to haul firewood, dirt etc for landscaping and firewood hauling jobs around the house once in a while. Nothing too heavy duty at all. I also have a 15 acre mostly wooded lot that I've cleared about two acres on. I have to bush hog that once or twice a year and once in a while deal with fallen trees etc. I would use my van to haul the tractor out there a few times a year.

In about 7-10 years I plan on building a home and will likely make heavier use of the tractor at that time. I do not plan on using it for any serious clearing work. Been there and done that on my 15 acre lot and I know a smaller tractor isn't the right tool for that kind of work (I bought a 1960's 11 ton IH tracked loader for that and even then it was a big job and lots of work).

So with all that in mind, what I'm looking for is the biggest, most powerful compact I can get that fits these constraints. After researching quite a bit it seems the most powerful/biggest compact tractor I could get that might fit my needs are either the B7800 or the B3200. Both have right around 30hp, which is about 5-10 hp more than the typical subcompact (BX23S, MF GC1720, JD 1025R etc) and the chassis weight comes in at about 1700lbs, which is a couple hundred more than the subcompacts. They also seem to have come with larger industrial sized wheels which I like. They appear to be just barely out of the "toy tractor" category which I also like. After owning an 11 ton track loader, I'm spoiled on power and want to get as much as I can that still fits my needs.

A few questions:

1. I definitely want a backhoe. But I have been reading various things about whether a subframe is needed and if you don't have one you might crack your frame or something like that. I'm not sure if that applies to either the B3200 or the B7800?

2. What's the real difference between the B7800 and B3200? I dont understand the differences based on the data available on tractor data dot com. They seem nearly identical except one is the newer model.

3. I assume one with a 5' mower deck would fit into my shed? I assume it won't fit with a loader attached? I know it won't fit with the backhoe attached.

4. Are there any other tractors you think might be similar to these that may also be candidates? And they don't necessarily have to be Kubota, whatever you may suggest.

Ok thanks, sorry to put such a data dump out there so quickly! Any responses/advice welcome.

 

[jeff9366]

It seems the most powerful/heaviest compact tractor I could get that might fit my needs are either the B7800 or the B3200. Both have right around 30hp, which is about 5-10 hp more than the typical subcompact (BX23S, MF GC1720, JD 1025R etc) and the chassis weight comes in at about 1700lbs, which is a couple hundred more than the subcompacts.

I guestimate following:

Subframe Backhoe for B3200 = 650 pounds.

Loader = 600 pounds

Kubota tractor weights are specified WITHOUT fluids, so you need to allow for diesel, engine oil and hydraulic fluid. (100 pounds?)

Many of these tractors will have filled rear tires, adding 300 to 400 pounds.

So, many B7800/B3200 tractors with a Loader and Backhoe will have an operating/trailer weight of ~~3,400~~ pounds, not 1,700 pounds.





Your LOCATION should be part of your T-B-N PROFILE. Your location informs us of your climate, especially snow; growing season, soil and altitude. Tractor and implement pricing and implement availability is decidedly regional.

Observe your responders.

 

[jeff9366]

1. I definitely want a backhoe. But I have been reading various things about whether a subframe is needed and if you don't have one you might crack your frame or something like that. I'm not sure if that applies to either the B3200 or the B7800?

Consider predecessor models to the current BX23S INTEGRATED T-L-B.

With an integrated TLB the correct Backoe plumbing is in place when the machine is delivered to the first owner.

With an add-on Backhoe on a second hand tractor there is always a question if the plumbing is correct or cobbled together by a previous owner rather than an experienced mechanic.

VIDEOS (3): The ONLY BX that gets a backhoe - WHY IS IT ONLY 23 HORSEPOWER? - TMT - YouTube

Kubota BX25 Operation Overview | Messick's - YouTube

Kubota BX25D VS. Kubota BX23s (side by side comparison) - YouTube


Kubota makes a more robust commercial grade INTEGRATED small T-L-B, the B26, but B26 weighs 4,000 pounds including heavy FEL and Backhoe. No fluids.
Introduced 2007.
LINK: TractorData.com Kubota B26 backhoe-loader tractor information

 

[jeff9366]

2. What's the real difference between the B7800 and B3200? I dont understand the differences based on the data available on tractor data dot com. They seem nearly identical except one is the newer model.

Honestly, I do not know. But I will speculate until someone that has owned both writes with more authority.

Origin of Kubota model numbers remains a mystery to me after years of following changes pretty closely.

Major engine changes in the last ten years, for which Kubota often supplies new model designations, often concern emission controls.

I SPECULATE B7800 has zero or Tier I emission technology.

I SPECULATE B3200 has Tier II emission technology.

 

[kuboman]

I looked at both models myself and settled on the B3200. I think the 7800 only has a 2 speed tranny with hydrostat where the 3200 has a 3 speed. I may be wrong with that though. The 3200 had a more open platform which I liked especially if running with big boots on. The 3200 has an integrated loader valve and lever which gives right hand access to platform if desired. And I liked the narrow framed quick detach loader on the 3200. Over all there are numerous improvements with the 3200 which I considered worthwhile.

 

[orezok]

I looked at both models myself and settled on the B3200. I think the 7800 only has a 2 speed tranny with hydrostat where the 3200 has a 3 speed. I may be wrong with that though. The 3200 had a more open platform which I liked especially if running with big boots on. The 3200 has an integrated loader valve and lever which gives right hand access to platform if desired. And I liked the narrow framed quick detach loader on the 3200. Over all there are numerous improvements with the 3200 which I considered worthwhile.

B7800 has 3 speed hydro and loader control valve is located forward so right hand access is usable but tighter than left. 3200 has 2 more HP. My 7800 is more traction limited than HP limited.

 

[sixdogs]

B7800 has 3 speed hydro and loader control valve is located forward so right hand access is usable but tighter than left. 3200 has 2 more HP. My 7800 is more traction limited than HP limited.

I believe they're the same engine and transmission and thought the B3200 was just the improved version of the B7800.

 

[ning]

So here goes: I'm restricted to a tractor that has to fit through my shed's 6ft tall X 6ft wide entrance, with a parking spot inside that's 11ft deep.

Strongly reconsider having to park it in that shed. Even if it fits, you're going to hit it at some point, unless it's a garden "tractor".

I would be using the tractor to mow my residential yard which is about 1 acre of rolling terrain. I would be using it to haul firewood, dirt etc for landscaping and firewood hauling jobs around the house once in a while.

I would - and do regularly - use a riding mower for these duties. I have a small manual dumping (ie tilting) trailer that's pulled by the riding mower ("tractor") more often than the mower itself is used...

Nothing too heavy duty at all. I also have a 15 acre mostly wooded lot that I've cleared about two acres on. I have to bush hog that once or twice a year and once in a while deal with fallen trees etc. I would use my van to haul the tractor out there a few times a year.

It may be cheaper to rent a tractor for this purpose or to hire the job out than to buy a tractor for this only, especially considering your trailer, tow vehicle, and parking requirements.

In about 7-10 years I plan on building a home and will likely make heavier use of the tractor at that time. I do not plan on using it for any serious clearing work. Been there and done that on my 15 acre lot and I know a smaller tractor isn't the right tool for that kind of work (I bought a 1960's 11 ton IH tracked loader for that and even then it was a big job and lots of work).

I'd buy a larger tractor at this point as you're going to have a lot of things to use it for. You'll also be able to build a proper shed for it, and won't need to haul it.

1. I definitely want a backhoe. But I have been reading various things about whether a subframe is needed and if you don't have one you might crack your frame or something like that. I'm not sure if that applies to either the B3200 or the B7800?

I empathize here. I wanted one, and I got one. But I use it regularly. Do you have a use for it before you build the house later? If not, this adds to the "get a bigger tractor later". If so, your requirements previously stated aren't complete.

3. I assume one with a 5' mower deck would fit into my shed? I assume it won't fit with a loader attached? I know it won't fit with the backhoe attached.

Are you talking a 5' brush hog? If so, width-wise it would fit, but tractor + brushhog is too long.
If it's a mid-mount mower deck, it may fit, but for an acre I think there's a much better machine for mowing.

 

[Dirk Digger]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I also have another thread going on talking about similar things in terms of what I plan on using the tractor for. This thread I was hoping to get more Kubota specific knowledge because that's the tractor I like the best.

Ning you provided a pretty detailed/specifc response so I'll respond:

Strongly reconsider having to park it in that shed. Even if it fits, you're going to hit it at some point, unless it's a garden "tractor".

Not sure I follow. Why would parking it in the shed be a problem? I've been parking my Gravely and the Craftsman tractor before that without issues. Never hit the wall or damaged the shed. I know it'll be a little tight, but that's ok. And I would only be parking the tractor in there without the loader, backhoe or bush hog. I would store those implements in a separate shelter built specifically for them. I would like to park the tractor in the shed with the belly mower installed during the summer and maybe with a snowplow blade in the winter if it'll fit.

I would - and do regularly - use a riding mower for these duties. I have a small manual dumping (ie tilting) trailer that's pulled by the riding mower ("tractor") more often than the mower itself is used...

Yeah I realize a 7800 or a 3200 is overkill for mowing an acre. But I don't want to own, store, shelter and maintain multiple tractors. I want one unit to handle everything. Plus the fact that a 30hp professional grade tractor with a 5ft mower could blitz through my yard that much faster than what I have now appeals to me. I tend to let my yard get pretty shaggy before mowing it, which requires either slower speeds or more power to keep cutting at the same "normal" speed. Hopefully that makes sense?

It may be cheaper to rent a tractor for this purpose or to hire the job out than to buy a tractor for this only, especially considering your trailer, tow vehicle, and parking requirements.

I've considered hiring someone to bush hog my lot every year. In reality, that may be the most economical solution....maybe. There are other property maintenance things that need to be done from time to time too.

I'd buy a larger tractor at this point as you're going to have a lot of things to use it for. You'll also be able to build a proper shed for it, and won't need to haul it.


I can haul a 1700lb tractor + a 600lb attachment without any issues. I've used my towing setup to haul a 2400lb metal lathe already and it worked fine for that (and is legal with the 4800lb towing capacity of my van). I just couldn't haul the entire TLB all at the same time. But even if I needed all implements out at my lot, in a pinch, I could get everything out there in 2 trips. Plus my 15 acre property is not far from my residence. Not optimum, but definitely doable.

I empathize here. I wanted one, and I got one. But I use it regularly. Do you have a use for it before you build the house later? If not, this adds to the "get a bigger tractor later". If so, your requirements previously stated aren't complete.

I would use it regularly in the same sense I use my Gravely garden tractor to mow my grass all summer. Plus the other things I mentioned and also minor logging on my property (I heat my house with wood). Plus the new tasks I'd be able to do like install drain tile around my foundation (with the newly acquired backhoe helping with that task).

Are you talking a 5' brush hog? If so, width-wise it would fit, but tractor + brushhog is too long. If it's a mid-mount mower deck, it may fit, but for an acre I think there's a much better machine for mowing.

No I just mean with a belly mower used for my lawn. And I'd be happy with a 4ft tow behind bush hog as long as the tractor can move at a reasonable speed through the 3ft+ brush.

 

[orezok]

I believe they're the same engine and transmission and thought the B3200 was just the improved version of the B7800.

The engines are the same size, but the bore and stroke differ.