Here I Go!

HayJoe · Oct 18, 2001

Been lurking here for a while and have learned a lot...thanks all up front.

The boss FINALLY agrees we need a real tractor. I've been limping around on my precious '48 Cub for some time, but It doesn't have what it takes to do what I need....y'all know how that goes!

Anyway....I need some advice...I've already decided on Orange, so that part's out of the way. Awhile back before we moved to our new ranch my neighbor rented a B2410 with FEL and hydraulic box blade. I fell hopelessly in love when I borrowed it to clean some stalls, grade the arena and move a rather large (house) pile of trash. I liked the power, the steering and the HST.

I've since moved to a 4 acre place with a bigger arena. We've added an additional 10 stall barn and a cattle pen, so my manure status has been upgraded.

My dilemna is I got what I think a pretty good price on a B2410 with FEL and box scraper and am ready to go for it, but will it be enough? I liked the size of the 24 and the HST would be good for the girls to use if necessary, but I need to maintain a good size arena and be able to keep the place graded, yet the 24 size is good for getting into horse and cattle turnouts.

Would I gain much by going to a 27 or 29? I was almost tempted by an L4300DT, but I think that pushes it too far.

I have a million other questions I'm sure I'll think of, so go ahead and read my mind!

Joe

Bird · Oct 18, 2001

read my mind!

No can do!/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif The 2410 will get into tighter places in the barn and sounds like a good choice to me. However, would you like 2 or 3 more hp, 7.5" longer, 7.5" wider, 6.6" longer wheelbase, 3 range instead of 2 range HST? A little more stable, a little more power, a little more FEL lift capacity, but need a little more room? If so, the B2710/B2910 sure are nice tractors, too./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

ronjhall · Oct 18, 2001

Joe
There was a thread on buying a tractor that was to large too get into stalls and maneuver around inside barn. I couldn't find it./w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif I don't know the size your barn. But moving up to a 27-2910 may limit your access to barn and stalls./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

fishman · Oct 18, 2001

HayJoe,

The 2410 is a really nice machine and I almost bought one. I decided to go with the 2910 for about $1900 more and have not regretted my decision. I have found, however, that maneuverability can be a problem around my place, and although I don't have any barns or stalls, I think that you are right to consider that issue. If the 2410 you borrowed before did all of the stuff you wanted it to do, you certainly don't need a bigger tractor.

My daughter has no problems driving the 2910, though.

Another question, would 5' impliments be helpful, or a hindrance? The 2410 is small enough that 4' impliments cover the width of the wheels. A 60" bucket is an option with the 2710/2910 tractor, and that might be just the ticket to get rid of manure in a hurry.

Along those lines, if loader work is important, don't be misled by the loader capacities listed in the Kubota brochures. If you look in the owner's manual, there is a much more comprehensive list of forces generated by each loader model. With even a cursory review of this information, one quickly realizes that the larger loaders are much more capable than the brochure would indicate. If you are buying the tractor and have a need for lots of loader power, go with the 2710/2910 size.

If someone asks, I will post those loader capacities under a seperate heading tomorrow.

HayJoe · Oct 18, 2001

Thanks all for your input. I just got back from the local dealer and checked out his inventory. I put the 2710 through the paces. Boy, what a machine! Unfortunately he didn't have a 2410 on site to compare size...the next size down was a B7500. This particular dealer is $2K higher than out of state quotes, plus I would have to pay taxes.

Fishman: point well taken...I would probably be using this for mostly loader work and dragging an arena, so the loader stuff is important. And now that I really give it some thought, even in my next barn, the stalls will still be 12 X 12 with 6' gates, so I don't think a 2410 would even be too useful in such a tight spot. And after spinning some donuts in the dealers lot on the 2710, they are pretty maneuverable and would get me down the barn aisle for picking up manure and dropping shavings.

When I had the use of the 2410, I had a different place...that's why I'm trying to decide if a little bigger would be better.

The 5' implements might be a little more useful. I'll think about that.

By the way, the salesman went on a little about how the 2400 which was the predecessor to the 2410 had some problems and wasn't as reliable....he also indicated that the 4 cylinder motor in the 2710 versus the 3 cylinder in the 2410 is more reliable and stronger in general....any comments?

See how easy this is! Talking myself right into the bigger machine!

I still need to get a good look at a 2410. I'll have to find another dealer.

Thanks again to all.

Joe

Bird · Oct 18, 2001

Joe, I had a 3 cylinder (B7100) and now have a 4 cylinder (B2710). There has been some discussion in the past as to which one is better and why (and some differing opinions). I prefer the 4 cylinder and couldn't give you any logical, objective reason because they both worked well and I've had no problems with either. But as the folks who know me on the forum already know, I say buy the biggest one you can afford and have room to maneuver where you need to work with it. Lots of folks trade up in size; very few ever trade down.

Bird

hayden · Oct 18, 2001

I've used both a B2400 and a B2910. I don't think the 2910 is less maneuverable in any meaningful way, but the loader capacity and lift difference IS noticable in my experience. I'd recommend a 2710 or 2910 and be sure to get the 60" bucket for maximum capacity. It makes a big difference when moving piles of "stuff".

Wheeldog · Oct 18, 2001

the salesman went on a little about how the 2400 which was the predecessor to the 2410 had some problems and wasn't as reliable

What a coincidence - a salesman talking down a model that he just doesn't happen to have in stock/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif. From what I've read on TBN it doesn't seem like the B2400/B2410's have any more problems than the B2710's or B2910's. I like my B2410 but if I had the need and the real estate I could have easily gone with the B2710. Sounds like a demo would help you a lot to see what size tractor would be the right fit.

Good luck.

Rob

ronjhall · Oct 18, 2001

Joe
Now that you have tried the 2710, give the 2910 a look./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif The added features can be well worth the extra $1000./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Some on this forum have gotten these features for less than that. The extra 3 horsepower can be very useful when using 5' attachments.