Is the b7800 right for the job?

[billynphilly]

I am looking at buying a 2005 b7800 and was wondering if is is enough of a tractor to work a 50 acre bush lot? I am looking to drag out my mixed hard and softwood from a hard pack fairly level terrain but with a few large rock outcropings.The trees are averaging 20 inch diameter and was hoping to drag 16 foot logs.Thanks

 

[andrewimbrogno]

Wow 16 ft logs 20 in thick.....i dont know if the b7800 would be able to handle that...i'm pretty sure it wouldn't be able to. You might wanna look for something larger like higher up in the L series

 

[ronjhall]

billynphilly
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I have a B2910. Same size tractor but with a few extras. 20" X 16' hard wood logs may be on the heavy side for this size tractor. I have moved logs this size with my tractor. But doing it on 50 acres would take quite awhile.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I'm with Ron on this one. Although my 7800 could handle something like that, I wouldn't want to do it on a consistent basis. I would step up to the L series.

 

[aloha]

Add me to the chorus of B7800 owners who would advise against it. You would would want a heavier tractor for improved traction. An L3130 may meet your needs for not too much more money.

 

[riptides]

I did this type work on an acre I have with my B7800 this past year.

I could have used a lot bigger tractor. In fact I called in a CAT to expand the job and finish it.

It is tough work, and I did not like beating my B up doing it.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kingyippie]

My B7800 amazes me with it's maneuverability, compact design and amazing power. And the addition of Kubota's FEL and BH make it into a virtual swiss army knife of tractoring fun. That having been said, yeah, you need something bigger.

 

[plaindave]

I'm also amazed by the work my 7800 does, probably more than I should try to have it do, but you never know until you break something.

Personally I'd look at hiring someone to skid the logs out for you. They can usually do it quicker and easier than you can with the tractor.

Then look at what the long term use of the tractor will be. Even so, with 50 acres a 7800 may be small for what you want to do.

 

[kingyippie]

I'd be tempted to "call the man" on this one too EXCEPT for the fact that those jokers never seem to understand that you don't want every standing hardwood in the joint barked and killed in the process. Truthfully, there's not a great deal of proffit in dragging trees out, so they don't have a lot of incentive to *****-foot around your standing timber. This is a tough one...