Buying my first tractor; 2005 Kubota B7800

[z0lt3c]

Update: I asked the dealer if I could demo the used B7800 at my home for the weekend and they agreed to provide it to me as a free rental. This will give me a good amount of time for me (and my mechanic) to go over it and test it out and see what kind of condition it's actually in. I guess we will see after this weekend if I still don't mind buying used! Also, dealer has agreed to put full warranty in writing and claims any Kubota dealer will honor it. I'm a little skeptical about the used as new thing too but they have all the right answers so far...

On another note, I went down to the JD dealer today to price out a comparable machine. They first suggested the 2305 which was way to small, more like a BX machine. The next step up was the 3120, man is that thing a monster. It just looks much bigger and beefier then the B7800... the 3 point arms are MASSIVE in comparision. I guess thats what you get for the extra 1000lbs of weight. I just don't see how the B7800 and 3120 could be compared, the 3120 seems like a much more heavy-weight machine, maybe better compared w/ B3030 or an L series. I walked away very impressed w/ JD but I still think I like the Kubota better.

 

[riptides]

I just want to say, that you and that dealer are working smartly together.

Having it on your property is very good.

The relationship looks to be off to a good start for both of you.

I think 30hp on what you have described as your land and planned engagements if spot-on.

In the future when you get to just cut grass with your machine, that size and weight will be perfect.

Good research on your part.... keep it up!

-Mike Z.

 

[bandit67]

The 3120 and B7800 are two totally different machines. The 3120 should be compared to the L3240, or old L3130. By the way, did you price out that 'comparable' 3120? I'd bet you'd have some serious sticker shock.

Sizewise, the JD 2520 compares closer to the B7800, but the 7800 is a basic, no frills machine, and the 2520 would be considered a deluxe model.

You should contact a couple more dealers and ask them about buying a rental with however many hours, and if you would get the warranty. Since your dealer claims any dealer would honor the warranty, then you may as well ask a couple of others.

 

[z0lt3c]

Thought you guys might enjoy some more pictures. Just took delivery!

 

[rickster]

I wish you the best of luck! I remember what I did to the Kubota I rented when I had ZERO tractor experience Warranty on a rental tractor sounds kinda fishy to me.

 

[Turtro]

Other than the Folding steering wheel, and other luxuries of the B3030, is
there any big mechanical advantages the 3030 has over the B7800?

 

[riptides]

If memory serves, I recall two major differences that may matter in your intended operations.

7800 has no quarter inch valve control.

7800 has no independant clutch for PTO engagement.

-Mike Z.

 

[idaguide]

7800 has no quarter inch valve control.

Yeah, it does. (At least my '07 does...)
g

 

[riptides]

There is quarter inching, and there is quarter inching with position control.

Perhaps a poor choice of words on my part. I know my 7800 cannot return to an exact position without me taking care to eye it.

-Mike Z.

 

[z0lt3c]

I picked up the all the paperwork today and warranty looks legit enough to me. The bill of sale lists the tractor as a NEW-DEMO and shows full coverage warranty expiring 2010. They also included the completed Kubota warranty book which they say I can present to any dealer for proof of warranty for service.

I asked them about filing the serial number w/ Kubota and they confirmed that they do, in fact, file the serial number w Kubota but Kubota only checks to see if the serial number has previously been registered and they do not ask for hours, or record hours, when issuing the new warranty.

I played around w/ the quarter inch valve control over the past few days and it seems to meet my need well enough. So far I am very happy with the machine, has handled everything I've tried so far with ease! Only complaint is it's pretty easy for me to get those big rear wheels to spin, probably something a heavier tractor would improve.