Kubota B2639 HSD, B7800HSD vs L3400HSD

[Volnavy]

I just got a quote for a new B2639. It lists for 15102 and the quote was 12890 (15% off list). with a LA 403 loader (list 3517 price 2830) a BH75 backhoe (list 6822 price 6090) and 60 MMM (list 2422 price 2190) it came to an even 24000.

I have narrowed down my buying decision to one of these three tractors (Kubota B2639 HSD, B7800HSD vs L3400HSD). I will mow 2-3 acres, do some backhoe, loader, tilling (garden) work and expect this to last until I can no longer move.

It seems you get a lot more tractor with the L3400 than the others. You lose the mid PTO and MMM but what else am I missing? It is now coming in HSD, which is what I want due to the hills on my land. The loader has much more capacity and clearance than the B7800. I don't need the cruise and other fluff? I'd appreciate any suggestions and or comments.

I've found this web site extremely useful and informative, but I still have a little more to learn before I take the jump.

Thanks

 

[ArkCivEngr]

If your mowing area doesn't have a whole lot of trees, I'd take a long look at the L3400 with a 3-pt finish mower. Even if you do, the L3400 is so much more tractor (for the same, if not less, money), that it might be worth it anyway. I got a quote a couple of months ago on an L3400DT with R4 tires, loader and backhoe for $21,300. And I wouldn't think prices in your area would be a whole lot higher than over here.

 

[Volnavy]

Thanks for the feedback, that's exactly what I thought and I have a 48" hydro walk behind for the little stuff.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Wes, just out of curiosity, with 5 total acres of land, do you really need a tractor the size/capacity of the L3400? No doubt you get more for your money as the size goes up, as you noted some of features go away, but capacity goes up. The question you need to ask yourself is does that added capacity help you accomplish things in a useful and productive way on your piece of land, or does that added capacity fill the need to strut and grunt around like Tim "the toolman" Taylor? Only you can answer those questions. But if your projects are modest landscaping chores and mowing around trees, then the smaller machines with MMM might be better suited. If your projects are more ambitious, and if you are mowing wide open spaces, then a larger tractor will suit you needs well and may be the perfect size. I've got lots of stuff to mow around and find that I can mow faster with a slightly smaller tractor due to the reduced turning radius, I can also work in the woods easier due to lower ROPS height, narrower track and shorter LOA. If my land was wide open, I'd probably use my larger tractor more often, or even trade it in for a larger unit. I'd suggest you really sit down and think about your tasks, figure out what the right tractor is for those tasks over the long run, and buy the right machine. Personally, for mowing only 2 to 3 acres, I think you could easily go smaller. Now the whole concept of backhoe work is one I don't like with small tractors, but many here will outvote me on that issue. I tend to rent track-hoes (mini excavators) because they will do the job in far less time ... especially the big jobs. Now if pulling stumps up out of the ground is high on your list of tasks, a BH will do that nicely, even the small units that fit on the size tractors you are considering. But seriously think about your tasks, 5 acres, 3 of which are yard. How much will you be tilling? Maybe a 1/2 acre to 1 acre? That won't take long. 3 acres of mowing is a quick job with any of these machines, but complex landscaping will complicate the task for the larger units, open field will go faster with the larger units. If I was you, I'd be going for the B2639HST.

 

[Volnavy]

Good comments, and something I need to think about.

In the short run I will be doing quite a bit of construction type work with it: large garage footer, drain field, moving dirt for landscaping, cutting in a driveway, etc. But I have an alterior motive too. My father in law lost his job of 25 years with an environmental company due to cutbacks. He is a true east Tennesseer and has limited education and skills, except being a hard worker and very tractor savy (you should see his antique tractors and watch him in tractor pulls).

He is doing lots of odd jobs, I have an old john deere bulldozer that I gave him and he makes some cash light clearing for people and I got a 1 ton dump that he can use too. I thought a compact tractor with FEL and BH would give him the opportunity to do a wider variety of jobs and make a better living. He has lots of BH experience from his past job.

One of my concerns is that of insurance. I'm a little worried of him getting a little job digging something for someone and cutting a buried gas line, water line, or causing some other damage. One mess up without insurance would negate everything I am trying to do for him. Maybe I should just stand clear but I feel like it could be a win/win situation.

 

[v8dave]

If he is using YOUR tractors for this work, you need insurance now. Lawyers will find any connection to any source of money. Want to give up everything you own?

 

[Volnavy]

Good point! I gave him the bulldozer two years ago, so it is no longer mine (he is great at maintaining it and lets me borrow it when I want). I haven't bought a tractor yet, this would be something to consider, maybe the good deed is just too risky.