Looking seriously at Kubota B7800HSD

[Post Carbon]

Hello folks,

You all were so helpful with advice about buying a JD, which changed our minds from sub-compact to a CUT. I definitely want enuf clearance, and the 30 HP won't hurt either.

So now we're zeroing in on a used Kubota B7800HSD. 2003, with 1050 hours on it. Includes a loader (sadly no backhoe for this girl who hates digging holes by hand). It's from a dealer, who will include a 90 day 100 hour major power train warranty.

So tell me.... is 1050 hours too much?

Uses: backfilling a large foundation, tilling 2 acres, turning compost.

We're on an island, so transport back would be problematic....

Any advice / opinions welcome.

 

[s219]

I wouldn't be against 1050 hours if the price was right and the tractor was well maintained. But definitely price up a new B2620-2920-3200 series just to make sure you have good perspective on something new and low risk.

What kind of holes do you need to dig? Don't overlook an auger if digging for posts, plants, or shrubs and small trees.

 

[TripleR]

I am not all that familiar with the Kubota B7800HSD, so I can't say too much about it other than I prefer a position control 3PH to te 1/4 inching on it. http://www.tractordata.com/news/2004/01/kubota-compact-b7800-tractor.html

Our 2003 L5030 has 1300 hours on it and runs like a top with no oil usage and I expect it to last many more years. We have diesels made in the 60's and 80's with no telling how many hours as the electrical systems went out years ago and they are essentially trouble free.

As mentioned, for digging consider an auger. You can also get a spade that mounts to your FEL or pallet forks, but I have never used one. On the rare occasion we need to dig anything of consequence, we rent a backhoe or mini excavator, but that may not be an option for you.

We bought a dedicated back hoe years ago and it now just sits in the shed, we don't use it enough to keep it running.

 

[crazyal]

A coworker's father has a 7800 with over 3000 hours on it now. He also has an older L (don't remember the model). Before I bought mine they let me play around with it. I got to use it to remove snow with his rear blower and skidding logs out of the woods. He taught me how he used the 1/4" inching valve (would just tap the lever to make very small adjustments). He also showed me the advantages of the HST transmission.

After getting a little seat time I planned on getting a new 7800. I looked at the 303 but didn't feel it was worth the extra money for me. Then I did what I usually do and moved up. If the price is good I would go for the 7800. It's a very stout capable machine.

 

[creekbend]

In my opinion, I don't think that amount of hours would influence me in the purchase.The way that the tractor was maintained is an important factor. You stated that the Dealer offered a 100 hour-90 day warranty. I would suggest that it might be it your best interest to check prices on comparable machines in your area. In regards to the backhoe issue, I tend to agree with the other posts. Unless you have a lot of use for a backhoe, an auger would probably suffice. Good Luck.

 

[alltherage]

We looked at a used B7800 as well. I researched the crap out of it.
It's a dependable machine but it really has too much HP for the weight. It's a very light tractor relative to others. The other major complaints you'll find on the internet about it are the lousy headlights and seat. I would agree with those as well from my experience. I think there are better tractors out there in the 30hp range. Remember, you need weight in order to get the power to the ground. Alot depends on price...but I'd look around. We did and found nicer tractors after.

 

[milesaweigh]

I had a B7800 for years, the only reason I traded was that I needed a cab. If I could have found a cab for it at reasonable cost I would still have it. Reliable, strong, powerful and compact enough to go places my 3540 can't even imagine. If the price is right you can't go wrong. As far as headlights are concerned, quartz bulbs make them reasonable.
Like any tractor with a loader, all they do is light up the back of the bucket better.
Weight can easily be added but not so easily removed so traction is a non issue.
Good luck.

 

[Martian]

Don't have any experience with the tractor but I would say 1050 hours would not be bad as long as it was properly serviced, should last way beyond that with proper servicing:thumbsup:

 

[raptor749]

I have an 04' B7800 with FEL , and it has 1309 hours on it now . ? Your price , I've seen a few with 50 to 250 hours with FEL for $12,500 to $14,500 . Good luck , and enjoy what ever you buy...

 

[namesray]

i have a 2007 b7800 with fel and it has 802 hours on it. it runs perfectly with no problems what so ever. i have used it for just about every job imaginable and would not trade it for anything else. if the tractor your looking at was maintained well and the price is right, there should be no concern what so ever. i've seen kubota engines run hard at a golf course i used to work at, and the only one i remember having trouble was a 28 hp engine on a mower that a radiator hose come off and it over heated bad. it had 2500 hours on it and they opted to rebuild it and kept running it. my neighbor has an older kubota tractor (L2350 i think) and it had 5000 hours on it when he bought it from his friend. he is still running it. as far as the hp to weight ratio, yes it could use a little more weight, but i have skidded fire wood logs with mine (a lot) and built a driveway cut out of a side hill, and moved tons of dirt and stone with mine, even leveled ground to build 4 sheds on. get the tires loaded and i think you will be very happy with a b7800. good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[bigbull338]

the hours on that tractor are not high at all as its only less than 120hrs a year.just make sure the tractor checks out ok.

 

[psdx]

Can't say this enough. The desirability of a used machine with that many hours is all about proper maintenance. If the owner kept complete records and did everything on time or early you are golden. These are commercial machines meant for thousands of hours of use without major problems....so long as the maintenance schedule was followed faithfully. For me personally, I wouldn't buy something used without credible maintenance records.

 

[Post Carbon]

Dear all,

Well, this has been most helpful. It's particularly so when y'all give me details, such as how many hours other folks you know have on their machines, and also a price spread that seems reasonable.

Now there's one more wrinkle: this is a cross-border purchase. We have been told by the dealer that there is NO duty. I've researched grey-market tractors, and this one does NOT seem to be one. On this forum, it seems that some people think there is a duty on Kubotas, and others don't. So that's confusing.

The dealer said they did $450 worth of work servicing it already (fluids, etc) and there will be a manual. Furthermore, they gave us the phone number of the previous owner, who said that he serviced it every 100-150 hours, but wanted a trade-in because he's retiring and wants a new tractor. Yep, we talked with him already.

Dealer also says that it will be the requisite 72 hours to import, which is fine. Although on this forum I've read about some guys that seem to be able to go right over, no waiting. It's all very confusing.

Love the idea of the auger as a digger. Will consider! Am also thinking about getting the LandPride tiller right away, but not sure if I'd get a discount. Also thinking about getting the tiller here on the island from a local dealer, and then they'd be happier to service it maybe? That's my theory, though. The local Kubota did not have any newer used tractors.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a B7800HSD. It is light for it's horsepower but that is the way I prefer. I would rather add weight as needed. Soaking wet from the factory it weighs 1,700#. Prepped for snow with a FEL, ballasted tires, chains, and a ballast box it weighs 3,500#. That's heavy enough for me.

 

[crbr]

Another shout out for the 7800HSD. I have had mine since 2006, no issues other than the inherent neutral safety switch on the HSD pedal. That is not a show stopper.

I have the owner's manual and operator manul for the B7800 in PDF if you want it. Also the owner's manual for the mid-mount mower. Nothing e-mail can't take care. Send me a private message with your e-mail address.

The hours you are considering would not bother me. My machne is still low hours but has always performed well with the mid-mount mower and the FEL. I have turf tires loaded with fluid and like the entire set-up, center of gravity, etc. My model had a crappy seat (for comfort) and Kubota made a newer seat available. Much more comfortable. I got the new seat free under the recommended dealer support program but they can be had for under US$100.00.

The 7800 is right for me. For an idea, I paid US$18,000 for tractor, loader, and mid-mount mower in 2006, new from a dealership. You could probably find comparable sales and values on http://www.tractorhouse.com/default.aspx

.

.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought my B7800HSD new in 2007. At that time the B7800 was one of Kubotas top sellers. I looked hard for used at first. If I could have found a tractor in good condition with the hours you are describing I would have jumped on it. Good tractors with this kind of hours at that time were simply not there. The B7800HSD is a well proven tractor and a true workhorse for its size.

 

[TURBOLAG]

My Dad has a B7800, no lack of power for tilling with a 72" tiller.

 

[orezok]

I've had my 7800 for 6 years and I concur with the other posters. I upgraded the headlights with a set of auto driving lights which fit perfectly in the existing openings, replaced the rock hard seat with a suspension seat. Loaded the tires which solved the weight problem and finally spent some time adjusting the stops on the 1/4 inch valve to where it works exactly as I want.

In 6 years I have not had a single warranty or performance issue. The only time it's been to the dealer was for the 50 hour service, My dealer went through the entire machine and verified that all systems were working per factory specs at no additional cost.

 

[Jay4200]

So tell me.... is 1050 hours too much?

A 1000 hour tractor is roughly equivalent to a 50,000mi. car. Price accordingly.

JFTR, my L4200 is over 2600 hours, starts up quick down to below 20 w/ no glow plugs, then runs like a top.

JayC

 

[Post Carbon]

Dear Gentleman,

I'm writing to report that the Kubota B7800 has landed on our property. The first task I used it for was to clear some snow from our long driveway with the FEL.

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement. So good to hear that you've had such good performance from your machines.

PCP