which tractor to buy

gotrocks · Jan 9, 2002

Ed,
I have an old Satoh 25HP that I did not want to upgrade with a FEL. I started looking a long time ago and drove Green, Blue, Cream and Orange.
My 2910 with FEL and 5 ft. Howse and middle buster were delivered in August and I am very happy with my choice. There are plenty of "oldtimers" on this site with more experience that me but I notice it has already been mentioned about the size getting into tight places. That is probable the main reason I went with 2910 instead of 3010. I already had trails cut thru the woods with the old Satoh and a 4ft. brush cutter. There are a couple of places that I had to widen just to get the 5 ft cutter thru.
I'll stop rambling now and let you put this in your ever increasing "change purse". (for all the .02 you'll be receiving) /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
I'll ad my welcome to this fantastic gathering place.

john_bud · Jan 9, 2002

Ed,

Once again, Welcome to TBN!

I have a L3410 (same as the L3010, just 4 more Hp). The L3010 and 3410 are both 1000+ pounds heavier than the B2910 and are typically better suited to commercial conditions with more "beef" to absorb the abuse of constant use. BUT, if the B2910 is just right for your property, it is also probably just right for potential customer properties in your area. It could be for the type of hire out work you are contemplating, the B series may be better. Smaller turning radius, able to get thru tighter spots and it will be easier on the ground for tracks and compacting. (It's also cheaper, so you can buy more attachments)

As for tailoring, I bought an 18' 10,000 pound capacity trailer to haul my tractor with FEL and Woods BrushBull rotary cutter or box blade. I use a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 truck to tow it. I "over bought" on trailer capacity for future need. You can go to the Carver Web site for some great comparisons between the various Kubota tractor models with listings of weights for each.

No matter what you buy, when loading it on the trailer, be sure to block the back of the trailer with heavy duty stands to keep the back of the trailer from going down as you drive onto the trailer. Otherwise it raises the back of the truck off of the ground, allowing it to roll, with you only 1/2 way on the trailer. Don't ask how I found that out, but the vinyl seats do clean up real nice! As for trouble loading alone, I have done it both with and without help. Easy as can be either way if you can back up straight. But I did find that with the rotary cutter on, it is better to back on to the trailer to center the weight (due to the FEL being heavy and in the front). Parking the tractor with attachment next to the trailer before loading helps in determining which direction to load it.

My opinion is that a smaller tractor may be best for your applications. It sounds like you could fill the niche between what a homeowner with a lawn tractor can do and what a typical landscaper can do.

Best of luck,
John Bud

1660 · Jan 10, 2002

John thanx for your comments. Your right about my neigbhors, they all have about the same acerage as I do. If the B series fits my place, then it only stands to reason a B series will "fit" their places as well. The more I study, read, and examine the B series I'm sure a 2710/2910 will do what I want. I just want to make the right decision while choosing my Kubota. I don't plan to buy another. Thanx again. Ed

frank_f15 · Jan 10, 2002

have u actually driven and tried the models u are considering? i would suggest u do that and see what u think. u know your conditions and requirements better than we do. but i think u might want to stay at upper end of B SERIES

shade2u2 · Jan 11, 2002

You may want to check the Carver sight. They somethimes put together some good package (like tractor, fel, mower, trailer) that may help you out.

GlueGuy · Jan 11, 2002

The only task that you have that may be out of line for a B series is the pond work. If you're going to be doing that digging, you would probably want an L series.

Considering that that task is maybe only a one-time deal; a (perhaps) more economical choice would be to rent a heavy piece of equipment for the pond work, and get a b series for the ongoing stuff. You can do light road work with even a B7500 (I do it on a 4300' driveway with Lucy!.

1660 · Jan 13, 2002

I've decided on the B series. I'm going to hire out my pond work. Any B series will do anything else I want to do around here. Even a BX will probably do. I'm looking at over 19,000 for a 2710 with the impliments I want and tax on top. The 7500 is looking better all the time. I've got at least 4 dealers within an hr or so and I have been talking to only one dealer. I may be able to get a better deal with one of the other dealers. Steve Carver is an option too. I E mailed him and he was very prompted and answered me within one day. I haven't asked him for a quote yet because I haven't decided on which model yet. Thanks for all your comments, its like having lots of guys you know all giving you their honest oipinion on a subject, and that helps. Like all of you I want to make the right decision buying my kubota. I've waited a long time and I want to make the right decision. Ed

Jeff396 · Jan 13, 2002

Even a BX will probably do.

Them's fightin' words!!!!

Seriously, I got the B7500 and am very happy with my choice. One thing I would consider is whether you will be using a lot of 3pt implements. The 2410, I believe, comes with the position height control adjustment and is something I wished I had gotten for the future. Definately a must for grading.

Jeff

GlueGuy · Jan 13, 2002

Definitely a must for grading

Actually, I have T&T, on my B7500, and find that that is what's important for grading. I usually just set the 3PH on "float", and modulate whether I'm "cutting" or "laying" with the top link. Once I got used to this, it became very natural. The trick is learning to eyeball the road ahead to see whether it's too high or too low.

TresCrows · Jan 14, 2002

This may be an incorrect observation and/or true only for the 'bota 7548 boxblade (swing back) but I have found it seems that when the box is set for "digging" in the forward direction then it is set for "laying" in the reverse direction and vice versa.
I also note that on my new 2410 the 3-point can float up as there is no applied downforce but there is a down limit which is controled by the Position control which is exceedingly useful though I managed quite well and still do without it on my BX. My BX is so happy now that the boxblade has been removed and installed on the newbie 2410 that I swear it wags it's--ah--loader! I sure hope it ever rains again as we three are looking forward to much mowing and dirt work in the coming Summer. Picture is of trees recently liberated by an attack against Home Depot (70% off). My wife cleaned them out. They, with the help of the mity BX, are now Wintered happily away, banked in one of my mulch/dirt piles.
J