What mid 20 HP to buy???

tractorguy2 · Jul 6, 2006

I'm interested in buying a lightly used Kubota but have a problem deciding on the model. I have an acre lot in Ma and 50 acres (mostly woods) in NH. I would like a tractor small enough for the MA lot, but large enough not to get lost in the woods of NH. I plan to trailer the tractor between the two locations (100 mi each way), so weight is a consideration (with 1/2 ton PU).

I've been looking at B2410, B7800. 3030, each with FEL. I like the extra HP of the 3030 and the working weight. 2410 woul be good for MA but small in NH.

Any thoughts on a model selection?

Bob_Young · Jul 6, 2006

Normally I advise going as big as you can afford, tguy2; but the little B7610 (standard version of the B2410) I bought in May is teaching me things. Its maneuverability for working around trees is a real asset. You may have big acreage in NH, but if it's tree studded you've got some small places to get into and tractor dimensions and turn radius take on added meaning. The longer B7800/B3030 chassis may just affect turn radius enough to limit your access to a few places. If you've located a lightly used B2410, I'd say jump on it. It won't be so small as to get lost in the woods and the 3 pt. hitch position control makes it superior to the B7610.

What might be better, in your case, is to assess the work you intend to do with the tractor and determine whether 24HP is enough or if the extra power of the B7800/B3030 can be put to work. I really like the B7800/B3030 size but maneuverability was a prime concern, so I went one size smaller and am glad I did. HP wasn't an issue as I have larger machines for grunt work.

Yesterday I finished site prep for a wheelchair ramp at my Dad's place. He's got lots of trees and, to date, I've only got blades (RB and BB) that work on my larger tractors. The grading I had to do was a stretch that extended between two trees and ended about 8 or 9 ft. from each. More trees were off to the sides. The 45HP L4300 practically did the job in two passes but, because of its length and the trees, couldn't really finish the task. If I'd had blades sized to the B7610, it would've taken longer but the tractor would've finished it.

Now the B7800 isn't as big as an L-series, but the point is that for most CUT type work, a smaller tractor WILL be able to do the job of a larger tractor, it'll just take longer. However, for jobs where a small tractor is NEEDED, the large tractor just won't cut it.
FWIW
Bob

DanR67 · Jul 7, 2006

TG2 -

Hear-Hear! to what Bob said regarding the B7610 - it has done everything I expected it to do - as well as move a few rocks that I thought it wouldn't even budge! Browse the pics I have on my weblink in my signature of what I do / have done with my B7610 to get an idea of it "at work". For sure it's enough for your 1 acre here in Mass...but your 52 acres in NH

If you could list what you expect to do with it on the larger property (road clearing / logging-stumping - whatever) - whether you plan on getting a backhoe / attachments etc. - that would be helpful in being able to *guesstimate* better what size tractor would best fit your needs.

Not one to tsk-tsk the idea: you also may want to consider a *small* (ie subCUT or "garden tractor") for your "yardwork" here in MA - and get a really good sized unit - and leave it there in NH - or at least have it trucked and left there after finishing the major tasks here in MA - rather than try to "split the difference" between needs (ex "bigger") versus the ability to tow it back and forth (ex "smaller")

Just something to think about...

Dan

tractorguy2 · Jul 13, 2006

Buying two tractors? I don't think the wife will approve - we have agreed that I'll sell the two in order to get the "new" one. Also, I'm not sure the NH land is secure enough to leave a tractor.

In any case, I've also looked at the orange guys - and see that they have two similar sized units (B2630 & B3030) and a slightly larger B3030 which is very similar to their B7800. I don't understand why manufacturer's (kioti also) make such similar models. Other than a few HP, and 3pt lift, other specs are nearly identical. It sure makes narrowing in on a tractor that much more difficult.

53gravely · Jul 20, 2006

I have a 7610 (24 HP) for my 8 acres in VT. PERFECT.

I would think you be better off picking up a lawn tractor for Mass and getting someting in the 27-35 HP class for 50 acres.

A new lawn tractor will cost you less than a trailer that would be suitable to haul a tractor back and forth.

RobJ · Jul 25, 2006

If you think you can handle a larger tractor on the property don't overlook the L series. Little bigger, little wider, litter heavier (about 2500#) but a bigger feeling tractor. With 50-acres you may eventually outgrow a smaller tractor.

tractorguy2 · Jul 26, 2006

I think I have narrowed my search - based on cost and feasibility of trailering: B7800, B2900 or B3030. They seem to offer the mid-size that can more easily be trailered (lighter weight), available used, and reasonably high 3-pt and FEL capacities. Most of the "work" will be in NH with some fire wood gathering, back yard mowing (??) and some snow pushing in MA. In NH; fire wood, tree dragging, trail making, driveway grading (200') and what ever else I can come up with. Comments?

tractorguy2 · Jul 27, 2006

I've noticed that the weight of the B series tractors is approximately 800-1000 pounds less then the weight of the L series (and of Kioti tractors of similar size). Although the lift capacities are close (3 point and FEL) between the light weight guys and the heavy weight guys. How does Kubota reduce the weight of the B series by nearly 1/3 while maintaining the overall toughness of the tractor?

Limecuda · Jul 28, 2006

There is a 7610 for sale locally I have thought about, but with a fel I think I would want a little more weight to help balance the loads. I guess it really depends on your intended purpose.

RobJ · Jul 30, 2006

tractorguy2 said:
I've noticed that the weight of the B series tractors is approximately 800-1000 pounds less then the weight of the L series (and of Kioti tractors of similar size). Although the lift capacities are close (3 point and FEL) between the light weight guys and the heavy weight guys. How does Kubota reduce the weight of the B series by nearly 1/3 while maintaining the overall toughness of the tractor?

That is a an interesting question. Rating are sometimes overrated as in motors, etc. I haven't compared these models but the lift capacity has a rating so far behind the 3pt. Maybe there is something there.

AS far as the toughness, I have looked at the smaller tractors, then mine, then bigger. As the tractors get bigger, the parts, castings, gears all get bigger to, thus adding the weight to the tractor (also bigger tires, wheels, frame, etc). So IMO (and I dare), I would say that my 26hp L2500 is built a little tougher than a 26hp B series. Stripped down tractor my L is about 800-1000# heavier. Just like my friends TL90 is bigger and tougher than my L2500. At least on paper that is.

Rob