B7800 Vs. L2800HST

[Carl Bill]

Ok, I had started a thread in the main area, but decided to move this discussion here in the Kubota area. I has been looking for a step up on a new tractor from my BX1500. I was not really considering Kubota as the only way to go, but was thinking B7800 low end and L3400HST on the high end for comparision. Mahindra had been a consideration, but due to a lack of local dealership interest, I have decided to keep looking at Kubota.

Someone on the other thread also mentioned that I should not rule out an L2800HST.

So, what do I get in an L2800HST over the similar HP B7800?

I think the L series is a bit heaver and may have a few more standard features, but will I see the beneifit for the extrat cost?

Position Control vs. Quarter Inching Valve? I have read that position control is superior and I will be doing mostly dirt work with an FEL and box blade.

What about FEL difference? Is there a an advantage with the L2800?

Any other things to consider? They seem like they are very close on power, so what do I gain for the extra $$$.

Appreciate any input!

Thanks,

Carl

 

[machmeter62]

CARL: This is tough to answer to give you help on your choices of tractors. If you are just rough grading, the inching valve will do the job, but for fine smooth work, spend the extra money for the infinite position valve to reduce the frustrations. HP is usually related to rate of time completing the job. The guys here would like to know maybe all the future implements (mower-bush hog-plowing-landscaping-future snow blower, etc.?) before giving you good answers on HP/transmissions. Terrain and acreage is also a factor, if operating on steep hillsides. Tires should also be an issue for your decision for stability. I haven't read your prior post? Very few trade down in size on this site.

The HP usually comes into play with the bush-hog, which requires 5 hp/ft. of width, and how fast you want to get the job done? If you are mainly doing loader work only, weight can be an issue for traction, and you will run out of it before losing HP. These are just basic answers, we need more info?

 

[machmeter62]

CARL: This is tough to answer to give you help on your choices of tractors. If you are just rough grading, the inching valve will do the job, but for fine smooth work, spend the extra money for the infinite position valve to reduce the frustrations. HP is usually related to rate of time completing the job. The guys here would like to know maybe all the future implements (mower-bush hog-plowing-landscaping-future snow blower, etc.?) before giving you good answers on HP/transmissions. Terrain and acreage is also a factor, if operating on steep hillsides. Tires should also be an issue for your decision for stability. I haven't read your prior post? Very few trade down in size on this site.

The HP usually comes into play with the bush-hog, which requires 5 hp/ft. of width, and how fast you want to get the job done? If you are mainly doing loader work only, weight can be an issue for traction, and you will run out of it before losing HP. These are just basic answers, we need more info?

 

[art]

There is roughly 400 dollars difference in the price of the two tractors not counting loaders. I'd think that the extra weight for the excavating work would be a benifit that would be hard to not want unless the unit is to big for your needs.

 

[Carl Bill]

I guess, what I am asking is, what advantages do I get with the same HP in an "L" series that I would not get in a "B" series?

The B7800 and L2800HST are almost identical in HP, however the B is a 4 cyl and the L is a 3 cyl. I wonder if the 4 cyl is a smother engine over the 3?

If I can get by on the HP, which one would be the better value?

I am looking at doing mostly box blade and FEL work. Minimal mowing, unless I decide to trade the BX1500, which is not being considered at this time.

 

[Carl Bill]

Quotes so far:

Kubota B7800 HST Tractor w/ R4 tires
Kubota LA402-1 Loader $15,500.00

Kubota L2800 HST Tractor w/ R4 tires
Kubota LA463 Loader $15,900.00

Two different dealers....

 

[mjarrels]

I think the B7800 would be like a Ford F150 XLT while the L2800 would be more like a Ford Custom or XL... fewer bells and whisles!

mark

 

[DmansPadge]

Quotes so far:

Kubota B7800 HST Tractor w/ R4 tires
Kubota LA402-1 Loader $15,500.00

Kubota L2800 HST Tractor w/ R4 tires
Kubota LA463 Loader $15,900.00

Two different dealers....

If doing mostly dirt work I would definitely go with the L..... heavier, bigger tires, longer wheelbase... all that will make a big difference.

 

[Carl Bill]

I supose most people here already knew that the B7800 has been discontinued.... It has older styling similar to my BX1500. The L2800HST has newer styling and more power this year.

The L2800 would stay a "current" model longer and may hold better resale, so I am now really leaning that direction.

My wife thinks I need to trade the BX1500, but I really want to keep it for mowing. Once my many dirt projects are over, I might consider selling the new tractor as the BX1500 does just about everything I need, and it only has 180 hours!

I will be thinking about what to do the rest of the weekend and see what next week brings!

 

[davitk]

Have you driven both tractors? The extra size of the L makes it much smoother and more comfortable IMO. If you don't need the smaller size of the B, I would definitely recommend the L.

 

[Bob_Young]

What davitk said. The larger tires on the L2800 will make for a smoother ride over rough ground...at least I think they're bigger. This usually translates in being able to move faster on rough ground while staying comfortable.

The L2800 will also weigh more. Weight is important, particularly with a large heavy implement on hills. Too light a tractor and the tail will wag the dog. For my hilly land, an L2800 would be about the lower limit of what I'd want to pull a 5' brush hog. Rereading your post, however, I see brush hogging isn't among your plans.

One thing you'd give up with the L is the center PTO. So better plan on keeping the BX for mowing if you go with the L.
Bob

 

[Carl Bill]

What davitk said. The larger tires on the L2800 will make for a smoother ride over rough ground...at least I think they're bigger. This usually translates in being able to move faster on rough ground while staying comfortable.

The L2800 will also weigh more. Weight is important, particularly with a large heavy implement on hills. Too light a tractor and the tail will wag the dog. For my hilly land, an L2800 would be about the lower limit of what I'd want to pull a 5' brush hog. Rereading your post, however, I see brush hogging isn't among your plans.

One thing you'd give up with the L is the center PTO. So better plan on keeping the BX for mowing if you go with the L.
Bob

I wil keep the BX1500 for mowing. Thanks!

 

[Carl Bill]

Have you driven both tractors? The extra size of the L makes it much smoother and more comfortable IMO. If you don't need the smaller size of the B, I would definitely recommend the L.

No the B7800 appears to gone.. ...

 

[art]

Keeping the BX for mowing and light duty chores would give more reason for the L-series. The added size and weight will get your other work done faster that must be to much for the BX!

 

[Lil_FarmerJim]

Carl, I was in the space place you are several months ago as I was evaluating which to go with, the B series or the L. For me it came down to practicality, For the money with the L, I got more horse power and just a rock solid piece of hardware. The B series had way more bells and whistles than I really needed. From the tilt steering to the rubber mats in the operators area.

Now that is not to say the B series whistles aren't nice to have, but I really just didn't need them since it would be used for more dirt work & material handling then anything else. If down the road I see the need to add a finish mower to it I can always add a pull behind.

So my suggestion to you is to really evaluate what it will be used for and purchase based on that.

HTH,

 

[Taiser]

No the B7800 appears to gone.. ...

??? Kubota website still has it, dealers still have them, it's one of their best sellers, search on google said nothing about it being gone! When did this happen??

 

[Carl Bill]

??? Kubota website still has it, dealers still have them, it's one of their best sellers, search on google said nothing about it being gone! When did this happen??

One dealer that quoted a price on the B7800 said once his are sold, he will not be able to get more from Kubota.

Another dealer would not quotebecause he did not have any and said he couldn't get anymore from Kubota.

Another dealer said he would have to locate one from another dealer if I was still interested in getting a B7800.

One did mention that there would probably be a replacement soon as it he said it was a good seller.

Right now, the L2800HST is looking like the way I should go. I am waiting on a Kioti dealer to send a quote before I make the final decision, but so far, the other brands (Montana) do not seem to have any better deals than Kubota.

And I didn't even bother with New Holland and John Deere. They were way higher when I was shopping for the BX1500 a few years ago, so I didn't see need to go there this time.

 

[Carl Bill]

I also remember hearing that the BX1500 had been discontinued a long time before Kubota took it off of the current products on their web site.

 

[BlacknTan]

Sure glad I got my B-7800 before it was discontinued...

 

[Carl Bill]

Is ther an aftermarket back hoe for the L2800? I may be also interested in a back hoe in the future. I saw at my local Kubota dealership, that Landpride attachments are the new Kubota approved and financed implements.

So I guess I should ask my delaer for a landpride quote?

What about Woods and other aftermarket brands. It would only get light use and cheap is nice...