How Much "Tippier" Is a Hard Cab?

My Hoe · Nov 2, 2011

Hi all,

I've been torn between these two tractors--the B2630HSD and the B3030HSDC.

I didn't think I'd ever want a cab, but I'm rethinking that issue.

My main concern, presently, is how much "tippier" is a the same tractor equipped with a hard cab?

I use this site frequently to compare models, such as the two I'm considering now:

Kubota vs Kubota 2010 vs 2010 B2630HSD vs B3030HSDC

Weights

B2630HSD B3030HSDC
1,786 lbs. (810 kg) with ROPS 2,271 lbs. (1,030 kg) with ROPS

I believe they are the same frame size, with just the extra cylinder and cab to account for the B3030HSDC's greater weight (a difference of 485 lbs.).

I'm concerned that this will make the tractor significantly "tippier" than it's little brother. Comments and discussion very much apprecated!

To counter-act this concern, I would like to get Kubota's 1.5" wheel spacer kit, so that the rear track can be increased by 3"--is this not possible to do, for any reason?

I plan on having a (heavy) Woods BH-80 X "Groundbreaker" hoe installed, which I understand is the "hoe of choice" for the B3030HSDC, as it's long enough (it has it's own seat) to allow for the additional distance taken up by the cab. I will have an FEL, too, of course.

I intentionally have omitted any info on my intended environment for this tractor, as we are moving and do not yet know how much land we might get-certainly no more than 8 acres, and probably much less, I would imagine.

Does anyone feel this is a "tippy" combination? I will have an FEL, too, of course.

Will the wheelspacers completely offset the added weight, in terms of the dreaded "pucker factor" or not?

UPDATE: I think I answered ONE of my own questions--I didn't realize they made a B3030HSD withOUT a cab--I thought they were all cabbed.

Kubota vs Kubota 2010 vs 2010 B3030HSD vs B3030HSDC

The weight difference is 419 lbs., between these two.

Still concerned that that additional 419 lbs. will make a significant subtraction from stability....

Thanks again,

My Hoe

JOHNINMA · Nov 2, 2011

I think if you get a cab model you will not have any regrets. My first tractor was a B5200 open station model and I used it year round in all weather. I upgraded to a L3540 cab model about a year and a half ago and I love being able to have AC in the summer and heat in the winter, as well as not being exposed to wind and rain. In my area we got a small accumulation of wet slushy snow the other day so I decided to just use the B5200 to plow my driveway as well as the neighbors and I don't know if I'm spoiled now, but the whole time I found myself wishing we got more snow so I could rationalize using the L3540 for the cleanup instead. You could have the rear tires filled to add more stability, but I can tell you on my L3540 my tires are not filled (rear ballast box attached) and I have not had any stability problems with it versus the open station tractor. I think whether its a cab model or not the biggest thing is just excersing good safety when operating. Hope my input helps.

ruren · Nov 2, 2011

I have the B3030 with a cab. My property doesn't have many flat spots on it and I have had zero issues with the tractors stability. Mine came with the rear wheel spacers and filled rear tires. If you are concerned about stability I recommend you get both. After snowblowing in heated comfort out of the wind and grading the driveway in July in the air conditioning you couldn't get me to give up the cab.

KennyV · Nov 2, 2011

Get the Cab... I have an L4200 with cab...LOVE it. Never any problems or concerns...KennyV

boggen · Nov 3, 2011

if backhoe was being used a lot. for a good amount of projects. i would be more interested in finding a TLB (tractor loader backhoe) that allowed me to just pivot the seat around to operate the backhoe. vs getting off tractor and getting on seat of backhoe. i would then make sure i could remove backhoe, so i could gain access to 3pt hitch and a PTO shaft. there may be a cabbed version, but more than likely on larger tractor.

if your wants for a backhoe are for this and that. and the couple projects that do require a backhoe, the extra time getting off tractor walking around to backhoe seat to use it. might be better spent on a "cab" tractor" and what ever backhoe you went with.

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as far as tipsy, backhoe alone when raised up and in lock position for moving, will more likely redo center gravity more than a cab would change center gravity of a tractor.

rbargeron · Nov 3, 2011

My Hoe said:
......concerned that that additional 419 lbs. will make a significant subtraction from stability....

Your instincts are right - a cab adds 15%-20% more weight and it raises the center of gravity somewhat. But their advantages are worth fighting for.

Among the countermeasures: wheel ballast is a good idea - and your Woods BH will have a subframe that should add a couple hundred pounds down low where it will help. Wheel spacers are a plus too. And get in the habit of keeping your front bucket low whenever possible. You'll be fine.

MHarryE · Nov 3, 2011

The cab holds your arms and head in when you roll. Seriously it does make a difference. Comes from my accident investigations. People with open ROPS tend to reach out when they roll and hurt themselves. People with cabs just walk away cussing themselves out.