stretch_169
New member
Hi all. I have been lurking here for a couple of weeks and learning a great deal as I make this big purchase decision. I believe I am down to the two models listed above but I will give a brief overview of my research. I am not limited to a particular price but have determined a B7800 is as big as I need. I won't be doing any real grading, precise work so I don't believe that position control will be of much greater value to me.
I plan to use a RFM for about 4 acres which is mostly open but fairly bumpy and a rear blade and FEL for snow removal. I don't have a long driveway but I have 3 entryways to the road which are plowed in with deep snow after storms (snowbank height, and FEL height, is an issue here). I also plan to do some work in my 30 acres of woods, but I don't mean trying to clear it with this tractor. I would like to clean up logs and brush and clear some dirt bike trails for me and my sons. This is the reason I would prefer the RFM, my thoughts are that I will have it off the tractor often for time in the woods. I would also do some light digging and rock removal with the FEL (plan to add a ToothBar). My wife would really like a backhoe but that blows the budget and I don't want to compromise on the tractor to get the backhoe. I am not opposed to adding one down the road. Let me preface this.
I live in Maine, so availability is limited and so is negotiating price. I believe I have found some reasonable prices and helpful dealers but compared to some parts of the country our prices are high.
1. John Deere. I looked into the 2320 but the price exceeds the price of a B7610. I haven't driven one yet but will this week before making a decision. Looked at (but didn't drive) a 2520 but seems too cramped for my 6'2". Dealer says about $16k with FEL and RFM.
2. New Holland. Went and looked at TC30, too old-style and industrial to me. Dealer is asking $16,290 with FEL, another $1300 for RFM (Befco 60").
3. Massey Ferguson. Dealer is further away and although I am interested in a 1523 they don't have one (only dealer in Maine, BTW). Quoted me $16,900 with FEL and RFM.
4. Kubota. 2 dealers in the area, the one I like better is closer. Drove a 7510 ( they have a 7610 but it isn't built). I was comfortable, ergos were good. Also drove the 7800, more vibration but I like the size and the 3 speed HST. Pricing for each is $15,700 for 7610 and $17,700 for 7800, both with FEL and Woods RFM (which I prefer as rear-discharge).
Now that Kubota has aligned themselves in terms of financing they are in the lead. I would like some thoughts as to my reasoning here and if I am overlooking anything. I plan to look at the 2320 and would like to drive the 1523 if the Massey dealer receives one this week (they are expecting one).
I really like the 7510/7610 in terms of ergos and less vibes than the 7800 but the size (and loader height) of the 7800 make sense. And, if I decide to add a backhoe down the road the 7800 is the better choice, but I don't want to make my decision based on that because it may not happen. SOrry this is so long but I appreciate any advice.
Dave
I plan to use a RFM for about 4 acres which is mostly open but fairly bumpy and a rear blade and FEL for snow removal. I don't have a long driveway but I have 3 entryways to the road which are plowed in with deep snow after storms (snowbank height, and FEL height, is an issue here). I also plan to do some work in my 30 acres of woods, but I don't mean trying to clear it with this tractor. I would like to clean up logs and brush and clear some dirt bike trails for me and my sons. This is the reason I would prefer the RFM, my thoughts are that I will have it off the tractor often for time in the woods. I would also do some light digging and rock removal with the FEL (plan to add a ToothBar). My wife would really like a backhoe but that blows the budget and I don't want to compromise on the tractor to get the backhoe. I am not opposed to adding one down the road. Let me preface this.
I live in Maine, so availability is limited and so is negotiating price. I believe I have found some reasonable prices and helpful dealers but compared to some parts of the country our prices are high.
1. John Deere. I looked into the 2320 but the price exceeds the price of a B7610. I haven't driven one yet but will this week before making a decision. Looked at (but didn't drive) a 2520 but seems too cramped for my 6'2". Dealer says about $16k with FEL and RFM.
2. New Holland. Went and looked at TC30, too old-style and industrial to me. Dealer is asking $16,290 with FEL, another $1300 for RFM (Befco 60").
3. Massey Ferguson. Dealer is further away and although I am interested in a 1523 they don't have one (only dealer in Maine, BTW). Quoted me $16,900 with FEL and RFM.
4. Kubota. 2 dealers in the area, the one I like better is closer. Drove a 7510 ( they have a 7610 but it isn't built). I was comfortable, ergos were good. Also drove the 7800, more vibration but I like the size and the 3 speed HST. Pricing for each is $15,700 for 7610 and $17,700 for 7800, both with FEL and Woods RFM (which I prefer as rear-discharge).
Now that Kubota has aligned themselves in terms of financing they are in the lead. I would like some thoughts as to my reasoning here and if I am overlooking anything. I plan to look at the 2320 and would like to drive the 1523 if the Massey dealer receives one this week (they are expecting one).
I really like the 7510/7610 in terms of ergos and less vibes than the 7800 but the size (and loader height) of the 7800 make sense. And, if I decide to add a backhoe down the road the 7800 is the better choice, but I don't want to make my decision based on that because it may not happen. SOrry this is so long but I appreciate any advice.
Dave
