TC-30 vs. Kubota L2800

Parttimer · Mar 22, 2006

I am considering both the TC-30 and the Kubota L2800, The TC-30 will have the 7308 loader w/ bolt on edge, 758c backhoe, and is gear tranny with turf tires priced at 22,800
The Kubota is a L2800 hst w/ LA463 Loader, BH75 backhoe and R4 tires priced at 23,700. Both are local dealers who have good reps. I will be useing the machine for building my new homestead and in my buisness Tittle 5 insp. and soil exploration holes when needed. Maybe small jobs for money.

I know the TC-30 has the availability of a mid pto, but the other specs look close. Are there any advantages that the spec sheets don't tell you. thanks for the help.

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jbrumberg · Mar 22, 2006

David: Since you are still in the comparing mode between tractors I suggest you look at the NH/F TC29DA especially if you are considering a FEL; power steering and HST make FEL work so much easier. The specs on the "29" compare very favorably with the L2800 especially if the "bota" is HST. I really like my "29". Jay

HRS · Mar 22, 2006

Hmmm... If you were talking gear to gear, I'd tell you why I like the TC, but you are looking at gear to HST. Why not look at the TC with hydro.

jbrumberg · Mar 22, 2006

David: Another thing you should look at is ground clearance. The TC's and L series have similar ground clearance, but if you look at a lot of threads on TBN you have a common theme of the "soft underbelly" of some models of "botas". I do not know if the "L's" have this problem. The TC's appear more solid in this regard. Jay

Parttimer · Mar 23, 2006

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look at the undersides, had not thought of that aspect. Leaning to the TC-30 due to the greater depth capabilities of the BH. I do not need to dig hard just deep some times a foot can count.

Another question, I am leaning towards the turf tires, may need to drive on peoples lawns. Will I be at risk in the dirt, as far as traction goes, I have read alot of different threads about the tire choices.

I don't think the gear vs hydr is a big deal breaker for me, my first truck didn't even have a rear bumper, never mind that it had nothing else in the comfort zones. LOL

Thanks again for the input, back to look again.

Dave

billfires · Mar 23, 2006

Parttimer, I sent you a P.M. Bill C

henryjacobjosh · Mar 23, 2006

( I don't think the gear vs hydr is a big deal breaker for me )
Dave,
Either way you go your tractor will work well but just one thought. I used to have all gear tractors before my TC30 and I will tell you that since I have HST, I wouldn't go back as far as the FEL work. I only say this because the way it sounds, you will be mostly using your CUT for construction type work. You will find that with the HST, any FEL work can be completed allot quicker.
( I am leaning towards the turf tires, may need to drive on peoples lawns. Will I be at risk in the dirt, as far as traction goes )
I was concerned about the tire issue when faced with the decision. I went with the R4's and have been extremely happy with my decision. They float very well and unless it is extremely wet or saturated they work well without tearing up the grass. I know from the past that with the turfs, I would spin whenever I tried to use the FEL or even cut the grass with my 3pt mower when the grass was even slightly wet.
These are just my opinions from past experience. Hope I helped and good luck with whatever you decide.