What is the difference between B3030, B7800, B2910

vjcunr · Feb 21, 2005

All-
The more I look, the more confused I get. Not too long ago I was all set to get the L3130. Then I became fearful that it would be underpowered for its weight, and I began considering the L3430. After considering what I would use it for, I thought maybe I could step down to the B series, save some serious money, and get a tractor that could squeeze between the trees. Mostly, I'll be snowblowing, running a PTO chipper, and light materials work.
I've looked at the specs for the B2910 and B7800 and they look very similar, as does the new B3030. How does one choose between these three? Why are there three models so similar?

BRAVO_WHISKEY · Feb 21, 2005

The B3030 is replacing the B2910. Both have options that the B7800 does not. While they all share the same engine HP, the 7800 lacks some of the "bells and whistles" of the 2910 and 3030. I'm sure the B3030 has some other improvements over the 2910 as well. One of the most significant features that the B2910 and B3030 have is position control of the 3PH. The 7800 has only the quarter inching valve.

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

Here is a link to Carver Equipments pages on differences between B7800 and B2910.
B3030 is replacement for B2910.
It has some added features over B2910 like cup holder and 1 more PTO HP.
403 FEL does not have a cross bar over the hood, 100 lbs increase in lift and 6" added lift. Check out B3030 specs at Kubota.com

Rolando · Feb 22, 2005

The B3030 also has an offset mid-point PTO, which makes connecting a belly mower easier. Also the 72" mower is drive-over, and you can get a cab version of the tractor. The hood is sloped down a little more, which might give a better view ahead.

Henro · Feb 22, 2005

and get a tractor that could squeeze between the trees. 

vjcunr,

I can identify with that! This attachment shows why I like having a 54" bucket over the 60".

My B2910 was ordered with a 60" bucket, but I changed to a 54" before delivery and for my needs I am totally satisfied with that size and would not want the 60".

If I had had a 60" bucket, my tractor would have gone where it is in the attached photo... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif If you have a lot of trees to get between/past/around the 54" is the way to go.

Enjoy the buying process! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

Also the 72" mower is drive-over 
The current RC72-27B is a drive over. The new RC72-30B will fit older model tractors with 402 FELs.

jvgann · Feb 22, 2005

Would Position Control or Quarter-Inching Valve be better and why?

vjcunr · Feb 22, 2005

I too, am interesting in the difference between the positioning valve and quarter inching valve. Also, what do the extra features of the B3030 cost over the B7800?

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

Position control will return 3PH to the same adjustable (movable stop) lowered position every time 3PH is raised and lowered again. With 1/4"ing lever is held down until 3PH is where operator visually thinks it should be.
When doing landscaping with a Rake or rear blade it is advantages to return attachment to the same position every time a pass is made.
I have attached a picture of position control against lowered stop.

BRAVO_WHISKEY · Feb 22, 2005

The way I understand it is Position control works on a direct relationship between the 3PH control lever and the 3PH position. -The higher the lever is positioned, the higher the lift of the 3pt arms. This allows the user to lift the 3pt and return it to a determined position easier than using the quarter inching valve. The quarter inching valve has basically 3 positions - up, down, and neutral. Pull back on the lever an the 3pt comes up. Push forward and the 3pt lowers. The position of the 3pt is set by moving the valve in the direction desired and then returning the lever to neutral. You can stop the travel of the arms at any position in between full up and full down by returning the lever to neutral position. You can move the arms in small increments, but it is a little harder to get the arms back to a predetermined position as quickly as with the position control.

( Also, what do the extra features of the B3030 cost over the B7800? )

$2281 list price also gets you:

Lever type cruise control feature,
Tilt and Telescopic steering wheel,
Softgrip steering wheel,
Adjustable seat suspension,
Extendible lower links on the three point hitch,
Ratchet type right link adjusting on the three point hitch,
Mid PTO as standard equipment.

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

There are some other added items on B3030.
Rear hydraulic output.
Cup holder.
Seat arm rest. I sat on a fellow TBNer's NH a few day ago. No arm rest. It's the first thing I noticed beside his tractor was larger than mine.

Rolando · Feb 22, 2005

A question springs to mind. How does Position Control figure in if you get Top and Tilt for the 3PH? I was thinking that I would add TnT to the B3030 I want to get.

Rolando · Feb 22, 2005

Even though the mid-point PTO is offset on the B3030? I was also reading that the FEL controls remain with the tractor when you remove the FEL. Is that the way it is on the B2910 also?

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

Position control adds more adjust to the attachment being used. Tip will add side to side adjustment, Top will add the ability to change length of top link. Both of these adjustments may require the position control stop to be set at a different position.

ronjhall · Feb 22, 2005

FEL controls remain with the tractor when you remove the FEL. 
402 FEL controls remain on tractor also.

Tom_H · Feb 22, 2005

( The B3030....you can get a cab version of the tractor.)

Rolando answered a question for me recently re. the B3030, but didn't point it out here: the B3030 can have a cab, or a backhoe, but not both.

vjcunr · Feb 22, 2005

( $2281 list price also gets you:

Lever type cruise control feature,
Tilt and Telescopic steering wheel,
Softgrip steering wheel,
Adjustable seat suspension,
Extendible lower links on the three point hitch,
Ratchet type right link adjusting on the three point hitch,
Mid PTO as standard equipment. )

Hmmm. I know I need the Mid-PTO, and the valving seems like a nice feature, but does anyone know what these two separate upgrades on the B7800 would be? I think the mid PTO on an L series is about $400. Also, does the offset mid PTO affect the number of front implements I can use?

aloha · Feb 23, 2005

( I know I need the Mid-PTO, and the valving seems like a nice feature, but does anyone know what these two separate upgrades on the B7800 would be? )

For about $300 more than the basic model you get a B7800 with mid-PTO and folding ROPS.

I find the quarter inching valve is easy and precise, although there is some sag in the 3PH which varies by the weight of the implement, how rough the terrain, etc. To the best of my knowledge, there is no economical upgrade to position control.

Another difference is the B7800 has a cheesy turnbuckle style "check chain" on the 3PH lower arms. Mine failed after about 130 hours of use. I replaced those with the B2910 bracket and pipe stabilizers for about $140 in parts from tractorsmart.com.

For me, the B7800 is the right machine. I sometimes wish for a heavier machine, and sometimes for smaller, but never for a more expensive or luxurious one.

ronjhall · Feb 23, 2005

$2281 list price also gets you: 
The price difference is not that great when all options are considered.
It's less than $1900. Still a lot of money. There are many items that make the B7800 cheaper than the B3030 that is not in the literature. Visiting a dealer to compare them is about the only way to see the difference.

I looked through all your post. I do not see what your previous experience is with tractors. I do see where you were looking at the L**30 series tractors. The B3030 and B2910 have most of the features that the L**30s do. If you are not experienced with attaching 3PH attachments, I would suggest that you make sure that you know what you are giving up before you decide that the premium features of the B2910 and B3030 are not worth the extra money.

I have changed FEL and 3PH attachments several times a day. The chain stabilizers for lower links are pain to adjust for removing and installing attachments. Telescopic lower link ends make it much easier to line up heavy 3PH attachments.

There is no offset PTO that I have found in B2910 or B3030 literature. I have removed and installed my MMM many times. The easiest part is hooking up the Mid PTO from rear of tractor.

Please take the time to check out all the features that the premium tractors offer. In the end you may end up with a B7800. At least you will know what you gave up for $1900.

Rolando · Feb 23, 2005

If you look in the Deen Implement web site, on the B2630/B3030 page, about half-way down, is the following statement:

"Offset mid-PTO
Being offset to the side, quick installation and removal of the mower is now possible."

I'm assuming they got this from the yet-to-be-seen Kubota brochure. Can the dealers that have seen the actual tractor confirm?