Buying my first tractor; 2005 Kubota B7800

z0lt3c · Apr 14, 2008

Hi- New to the forum, first post. I'm about to buy my first tractor from my local Kubota dealer. I've been researching the subject and prices for the past few months and I finally think I found a deal with pursuing. I am hoping I can get your two cents and let me know if this is sound or not?

The tractor is a 2005 B7800 w/ 200 hours. It has the LA402 loader, FROPS, loaded industrial tires and rear remote hydro outlets. The rest of the features I believe are standard. The tractor has been in the dealers rental fleet since new and apparently, since it's never been sold, they are able to sell it to me as new, with the 0%/42mo financing and full new warranty. They are asking $13,500 +tax for the tractor and would not budge on the price. They are included free delivery.

The tractor is in just average condition. Some surface rust from being outside it's whole life, some damage to the tire treads from chains, rough bucket... Otherwise, runs and operates fine. They have all service records for it.

I have about 4 acres w/ a 900' gravel driveway that I need to generally landscape, maintain and desire to improve. My builder only cleared the area immediate surrounding my home, the rest is thick overgrown fields with a small stream running through the property, very flat but wet due to poor water management. Tractor will assist w/ grading, drainage, retaining walls, dry wells, trenches, footings, gravel/mulch spreading etc...

My thoughts are to go with the B7800 + backhoe now and later downsize to a BX size machine after the major projects are done.

I think the price is a little on the high side but with the financing and warranty I don't think I can pass it up!

Any comments appreciated!

machmeter62 · Apr 15, 2008

z0lt3c said:
Hi- New to the forum, first post. I'm about to buy my first tractor from my local Kubota dealer. I've been researching the subject and prices for the past few months and I finally think I found a deal with pursuing. I am hoping I can get your two cents and let me know if this is sound or not?

The tractor is a 2005 B7800 w/ 200 hours. It has the LA402 loader, FROPS, loaded industrial tires and rear remote hydro outlets. The rest of the features I believe are standard. The tractor has been in the dealers rental fleet since new and apparently, since it's never been sold, they are able to sell it to me as new, with the 0%/42mo financing and full new warranty. They are asking $13,500 +tax for the tractor and would not budge on the price. They are included free delivery.

The tractor is in just average condition. Some surface rust from being outside it's whole life, some damage to the tire treads from chains, rough bucket... Otherwise, runs and operates fine. They have all service records for it.

I have about 4 acres w/ a 900' gravel driveway that I need to generally landscape, maintain and desire to improve. My builder only cleared the area immediate surrounding my home, the rest is thick overgrown fields with a small stream running through the property, very flat but wet due to poor water management. Tractor will assist w/ grading, drainage, retaining walls, dry wells, trenches, footings, gravel/mulch spreading etc...

My thoughts are to go with the B7800 + backhoe now and later downsize to a BX size machine after the major projects are done.

I think the price is a little on the high side but with the financing and warranty I don't think I can pass it up!

Any comments appreciated!

I would do some more shopping; I have a fear for anything that began it's life in a rental yard, that has taken a lot of abuse, by a lot of different operators? About the time the warranty expires; so will some of the components on the tractor, canceling out the savings? Have you tried e-bay or craig's list for tractors, or at least price comparison?

Also for price comparison: type in tractorsmart.com, they sell nationwide on consignment with a large selection of tractors of all the major brands too. If you can afford the time, I think you can do better, and never part with the one after purchase? Good luck, and welcome to this forum; you will get maybe more advise here than you want?

For driveway maintenance, you definitely want a tractor that has a three-point, with "infinite position control" to smooth your road. I not sure the B7800 has that; but you will be sorry if it doesn't?

machmeter62 · Apr 15, 2008

I believe the B7800 has the "quarter inching valve" on the three point that I mentioned in the previous post; that will be a PITA for all ground engaging work? Check and verify for your type of future work!

Ductape · Apr 15, 2008

I really like the B7800. I'd call the price in line with other used 7800s i've looked at. A dealer near me has an 04 with 50 hrs. that a tree fell on

(yes.... it looks like a tree fell on it) that they are asking $14,000 for

. Personally, i would shy away from a rental unit because no one i know (including myself) operates a rental as if it were their own tractor. That being said, having a full warranty is a major plus. I'm going to try to talk you out of downsizing to a BX down the road though....... once you have the 7800, you won't want a small er tractor !

z0lt3c · Apr 15, 2008

Thanks for the feedback.

I know the concerns with buying from a rental fleet. I believe I am saving $2000-$3000 over a new B7800? How beat-up could a 3 year old 200 hour B7800 really get given I'm led to believe it's pretty tough to beat up a kubota.

Given the two year warranty I'm tempted to give it a shot and make a change when the warranty expires if i have problems. Also, within two years I believe this B7800 should hold it's value pretty well.

Thanks!

Shantycoke · Apr 15, 2008

I have to agree with Ductape. I had a BX, and while a really nice little machine and a workhorse, I had to sell it to get a B7800. Just be sure to go over the new one with a fine toothed comb before the warranty runs out.
Pat

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 16, 2008

First I traded a BX2200 HST FEL and MMM back to dealer after one year of use for a B7800 HST with FEL and 6' RFM. BX was good, B is great, mostly faster and stronger and higher. Landscape rake would stop BX but not B same with box blade. I know i was digging to deep but was digging to deep with both of them. Second I've had the B7800 for almost 3 years have 130 hours on it and just traded it back to dealer Barlow Tractor sales Somerset, Ky. getting a L3240HST FEL heavy duty with quick attach bucket. I believe you can get it for a better price than the rental one if you act quickly. I still have it and am waiting on him to bring my new one and pick this one up. I am keeping my RFM so it will just be Tractor and FEL. I feel almost certain that it will be at least $1000 less than what your considering.

Sniggle · Apr 16, 2008

That seems like a pretty good price, considering that you get the 0% financing and warantee.

I paid a bit less, but got no warentee, no financing, and no rear remote.

idaguide · Apr 17, 2008

I don't understand the complaints about the quarter inching valve...I have just under 150 hours on my 7800 and have NO problem doing all sorts of ground-engaging work. 35 hours of rear-blade snowplowing this winter...most snow ever in these parts...absolutely great tool!

Landscaped two acres with box scraper and loader last summer...the 3PH worked like a charm. I understand that the Position Control 3PH is a bit more precise, but my dealer (who is AWESOME, btw...handed me the much-heralded replacement seat within three minutes, saying "Merry Christmas") just laughed when I asked him about the difference. His comment was along the lines of "If you're an operator, and not just a driver, there's not much difference...."

Also built about 800 yards of road with the box scraper. No prob, bob.

Just my opinion, YMMV.
grae

bandit67 · Apr 17, 2008

OK, first off, you may want to do a little more research on the whole warranty, selling as new thing.

I had a dealer flat out tell me that they couldn't sell me any of their rental machines, even with only 11 hours on the clock, as new and couldn't give me the financing deal. Apparently, the serial number has to be registered with Kubota, along with the hours. How can the dealer justify with Kubota the serial number with all those hours on it. Sounds to me like they would have to be lying to someone. Something sounds fishy. And guess what, if it all falls apart, you're the one who'll be on the short end of the stick.

In addition, the rental yard I've used told me that they trade in their B7800s every 2 years because rental customers beat on the equipment so badly.

As it is, you can be taking a chance buying a one-owner tractor. You are taking a huge amount of chances in considering buying a many rental-customer tractor. I certainly wouldn't do it.

Oh, and I was very impressed with the B7800 I rented, but it only had 40 hours on it, so I'm not knocking the machine by any means. I seriously considered the B7800 for my next machine.