Which Kubota should I buy?

[boxr_fan]

Hey, I'm new to the forum and to the tractor world. So far, I have found interesting threads on this forum.

Anyway, I've convinced my significant other that "we" need a utility tractor. With that major hurdle tackled, my problem is I don't know which model to buy. I'm currently looking at the B7610, B7800, and B2630. Issues such as quarter inching valve vs position control valve; independent PTO vs live/continuous, 2 pedal HST control vs 1 rocker pedal...all these variables has me perplexed. I'm like a kid in a candy store!

Bio of usage: I own 6 acres (dead flat) and will be finish mowing approx 4 / rough cut 2. I am building a house so will be using for a lot of landscape work and ground prep for the yard. Will have a 400' gravel drive. I plan to buy with a FEL, mid mower, and box blade to start with.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance...Randie

[JDFANATIC]

boxr fan,

Welcome to the forum! :fing32: I'm not enough of an expert on Kubota tractors to steer you one way or the other, but I did want to commend you, and your significant other, for the foresight that caused you to arrive on a CUT for your needs. They will do everything you want of them and more, and, you will look forward to doing your chores. Also, if circumstances were to change, you will get most/all of your investment back.

[HydroHarold]

Welcome to MTF Boxr Fan!! Which weight class of boxing do you like most? :D

[jdkubotamurray]

I'd suggest an L, but the biggest BX would also work for you. Never thought much of the B's, though noting wrong with them.

[boxr_fan]

Welcome to MTF Boxr Fan!! Which weight class of boxing do you like most? :D

My alias screen name "boxr_fan" is not because I love the sport of boxing (in fact I could care less about it); it's because I raise and show boxers. That's why we have elected to move to a more rural area with some land (all for the love of dogs...aren't we insane).

Anyway, for you techy guys and gals; my major concern about the B7 series is that the 3 point hitch is controlled by a quarter inch valve. Supposingly, this valve is to control the lift arms in 1/4" increments. I had a dealer fire one up (in the showroom) so I could play with the control. IMO, the modulation of this valve was poor, and did not perform as advertised. However, it seemed that if you moved the lever "outboard", and then moved the lever to raise or lower, you had infinite control. Is this an accurate observation?

The B2630 utilizes a position control valve for the 3 point. I have not operated this model but suspect that you have infinite control of the 3 point and modulation will be superior. I also have never seen a B2630. By specs it is much larger than its' B7610 counterpart (length, width, weight, etc.). Based on my usage of the equipment, I suspect the B7610 would be more than enough tractor. It looks like it will "eat dirt" and is less expensive than the B2630.

Other minor issue is tires. I'm having a hard time deciding whether I want turf tires or industrial tires. Initial use, I would think, industrial tires would be better but will they tear up grass when mowing?

For you JD fans, I have looked at the 2520 and it appears to be a very good machine. The problem is that my local JD dealers are overly proud of their equipment and therefore have priced it out of my range.

Again, thanks in advance for your responses.

[DYT4000]

What a wonderful problem to have!! =-)

[Michael]

Even tho I mod the Kubota forum I have to wonder if you have checked on the New Hollands. I would highly reccommend that you check all brands that available in your area. If you have a Case dealer I would also check there also. You might really check the ads in your area also for used equipment that might be only 1-5 years old and save some money there. My Kubota is old, a 1979 or 1980 model so it is no way as modern and it is a basic tractor that is tight fit for me (I am 6'6" tall) .


I really never cared for the quarter inch valving on a tractor and find the infinite adjustment a lot useful but for some folks they really like them.

One important thing I do like is a front end loader as this really makes the tractor useful and you find yourself using it alot more then you ever realize when you buy it. The only disadvantage with a FEL is it gets in the way sometimes if you are mowing but if you landscape right it becomes a non issue.

BTW I just love having a large lot for my dogs to play in and they just love having 2 and half acres to run and play on of the 5 acres I own along with the bank.

As far as what tires to get I would say to get the industrial tires they really do not affect the grass, you MIGHT get a little compaction but if you detratch and areate every year it should present no problem.

[JDFANATIC]

boxr fan,

If you are going to be doing a lot of 3PH work, then go with position control. You won't look back. As for the 2520, it is a model Deere is awfully proud of; in fact many go right into the 3x20 series for almost the same $ (assuming the mid-chassis size isn't too large). You might want to take a look at the Kubota B3030. It's a lot of tractor for the buck!

[Wingnut]

We could argue brand loyality all day! I have industrial tires on my Mahindra and they don't tear up the grass.

Go with the industrial tires!

I don't know Kubota very well but it is one lightest tractor in its class, that is great if you only plan to mow the yard and do light landscaping.

You plan to use a boxblade you will need traction for that. I don't know if the the B-series is 4WD, for me any tractor under 1900 lbs. has to be 4WD especially plan to use a boxblade.

If its 2WD at 1900 lbs. or less your tires will be spinning and your not moving, when trying to use a boxblade. A 4WD tractor has 30% more traction than a 2WD tractor.

[LEOLAV]

Don't underestimate the BX series. I have the puppy of the bunch (the BX1500) and it is great for moving, moderate bucket work (the 450lb limit is BS) and some pretty good raking with the landscape rake. If you got with the BX23, it should be more than plentiful for your use.

[mhb@ufe]

:Welcome1: The position control hydraulics will make useing the box blade and other three point hitch equipment much easier. Also notice the extendable lower links on the B2630 that will make it much easier to change implements on the three point hitch and it also has a better adjustable lift link and more comfortable seat which can be important if you spend alot of time on your tractor. R4 tires are a happy medium between the turfs and ags and damage to property won't be a big concern unless you are on wet ground making sharp turns. Take the time to drive different tractors and see how they feel to you. You want the tractor that feels most comfortable for you to operate so that when you go out to do work with it it's relaxing not a chore.

[Volfandt]

From your description the B series will be the the right machine for your needs. Now which one is the question.
The B2630 or a step up to the B3030 has all the creature comforts that folks with the B7610 & B7800 owners wished they had. They are the premium B series tractors with all the bells & whistles. The were just introduced in 04.

What makes the B series a good fit for you is that you mentioned finished mowing approx 4 acres and rough cutting 2. The B series tractors are light enough to not damage your turf whilst having more than enough lift and PTO power to take care of your building construction needs.
While the L series has more weight and power, that additional weight isn't as desireable when you want to maintain a nice finish cut lawn. The L series would be nice during construction but not as nimble when finish mowing.

While theres nothing wrong with the B7610 or B7800, if you can swing it I'd recommend looking seriously at the B2630 or B3030.

My BX23 does a very good job of finish mowing and general estate maintenance but I could see a B3030 w/the super quiet heated and air conditioned cab in my future one of these days.

Good Luck and enjot the process. Test 'em all out as many times as it takes.
Volfandt

[JDFANATIC]

My BX23 does a very good job of finish mowing and general estate maintenance but I could see a B3030 w/the super quiet heated and air conditioned cab in my future one of these days.

Volfandt,

Amen; a B3030 with a cab would stir even the deepest desires of this JDFANATIC!

[boxr_fan]

First, thanks for all the posts...they are all great!

Thought I would give everyone an update. I went with the sales rep to operate a 2630 at another one of his dealerships (he didn't have one in stock at his local store). The position control valve is much nicer, the operation of the tractor was more user friendly, and there are some creature comforts that are nice; but...the overall appearance of the unit does not seem to be as "stout" as the B7 series; especially the B7800.

I was also able to operate a B7800 as well and the quarter inch valve seemed to work great. There seems to be variation of how well this works from machine to machine. Talked to the dealership mechanic and he said it is a matter of having it adjusted properly. While the B7800 is most definitely more than I need, it seems to be a "man's tractor".

BTW, I got everyone scratching their heads on the B7610 as to why there are 2 speeds for the rear PTO; traditional 540 and also 960. What the heck would 960 rpm be used for?

Will be making a final decision in a couple of days...my "significant other" has layed the law down and told me to either sh%# or get off the pot!

boxr_fan

[mhb@ufe]

Some direct drive wood chippers can be run at the higher RPM and with a cord wood saw you can run the engine at a lower RPM and have your PTO at 540. I think you will find the main reason though is that the mid PTO is connected to the rear and that position is used mostly to get the mid PTO at the proper RPM. If you try to operate a rear mower at that speed the engine won,t turn up to.

[boxr_fan]

Mark,

Thanks for the post. :thanku:

Let me see if I understand the operation of the rear and mid PTO operation on the 7610...and I beleive this is what I observed when operating it.

The rear and mid is operated by one lever. When the lever is at the center position, both PTO's are dead. With the lever at the rear position, the rear pto is running at 540 rpm and the mid is dead. When the lever is in the forward position, the mid pto is running at 2500 rpm and the rear is running at 960 rpm. In other words, the pto's are not independent (you can't run the mid pto with the rear pto being dead -or- you can't run the rear pto at 960 w/o the mid pto being live).

Wouldn't there be some applications where this would be a problem?

Contrary to the 7610, the B7800 has independent pto's. There is a lever for the mid and a lever for the rear.

Given the pto differences between the two models, which pto set-up is better? :trink15:

Randie

[mhb@ufe]

There could be times when you have something on the back you don't want turning while you were operating the mid PTO. With the B7610 you would need to remove the PTO shaft from the rear implement.

[glenn27]

From your description the B series will be the the right machine for your needs. Now which one is the question.
The B2630 or a step up to the B3030 has all the creature comforts that folks with the B7610 & B7800 owners wished they had. They are the premium B series tractors with all the bells & whistles. The were just introduced in 04.

What makes the B series a good fit for you is that you mentioned finished mowing approx 4 acres and rough cutting 2. The B series tractors are light enough to not damage your turf whilst having more than enough lift and PTO power to take care of your building construction needs.
While the L series has more weight and power, that additional weight isn't as desireable when you want to maintain a nice finish cut lawn. The L series would be nice during construction but not as nimble when finish mowing.

While theres nothing wrong with the B7610 or B7800, if you can swing it I'd recommend looking seriously at the B2630 or B3030.

My BX23 does a very good job of finish mowing and general estate maintenance but I could see a B3030 w/the super quiet heated and air conditioned cab in my future one of these days.

Good Luck and enjot the process. Test 'em all out as many times as it takes.
Volfandt

Volfandt--That sounds good about your dream, but what about the little Wheelhorse sitting over in the corner, all dejected, lonely :sad_02: :sad_02: , forgotten...He wants to COME OUT and play with his Big orange brother!!! :bannana:

[boxr_fan]

I actually made a decision a couple days ago as to which tractor I am buying. The dealer is currently getting it ready; but I'm not going to tell you what tractor I selected...at least not until we have a "straw poll".

Here are your choices:
JD 2520, Kubota B7610, Kubota B7800, & Kubota B2630

But first, before you jump the gun too quick, here are a few commercial facts you might be interested in knowing. If we make the Kubota B2630 price as the baseline, then the price differences are as follows:
B7610 is $1150 less
B7800 is $25 less (almost the same price)
JD 2520 is $1500 more

All come with a FEL and MMM.

Also, I can get any of these tractors at 3 yrs / 0% interest financing.

Please let me know which tractor you would pick and why. :goodl:

[mhb@ufe]

I would pick the B2630 :bannana: the money saved on the B7610 would not be worth what you give up in operator ease and comfort and the extra horse power of the B7800 wouldn't be worth it for the same reasons.
I wouldn't buy the JD because it's green ROF

[jdkubotamurray]

Check out the smallest L and drive it if you don't like the biggest BX.

[Volfandt]

ROF
Well now with the time change, they'll be more seat time for 'em both :D

I'll venture that it's the B7800

Volfandt

[itsgottobegreen]

I do a lot of grading and trust me a postion control 3pt is your best friend.

B2630 in my book. Its got all the goodies. If I traded in my B7500, thats what it would be. Anything bigger and I would be looking at a L series. Since the B3030 is a little to top heavy for my taste with the cab on it. Got to have A/C. :trink40:

[jdkubotamurray]

If you are going to get a box blade and loader, I'd get the R4's. I Prefer R1's but you do plan to cut the grass with it. Get 4wd, and ballest, the B's are light on the #'s

[mhb@ufe]

I actually made a decision a couple days ago as to which tractor I am buying. The dealer is currently getting it ready; but I'm not going to tell you what tractor I selected...at least not until we have a "straw poll".

Here are your choices:
JD 2520, Kubota B7610, Kubota B7800, & Kubota B2630

But first, before you jump the gun too quick, here are a few commercial facts you might be interested in knowing. If we make the Kubota B2630 price as the baseline, then the price differences are as follows:
B7610 is $1150 less
B7800 is $25 less (almost the same price)
JD 2520 is $1500 more

All come with a FEL and MMM.

Also, I can get any of these tractors at 3 yrs / 0% interest financing.

Please let me know which tractor you would pick and why. :goodl:
:fing20: We can't wait much longer :woohoo1: which one did you buy :wwp:

[boxr_fan]

:fing20: We can't wait much longer :woohoo1: which one did you buy :wwp:

My apologies for keeping you all in suspense for so long. I had to deal with some house construction issues and got preoccupied.

Anyway, I'll tell you what I DIDN'T buy.

I didn't buy the JD2520. Why?; because green clashes with my complexion.

I didn't buy the Kubota B2630. Some can argue with me, but I viewed this model not quite as "commercial grade" compared to the other B models. However, it did have all the bells and whistles. I believe the B2630 is meant to compete head on with the JD2520.

So that leaves the B7610 and the B7800. But first, before I tell you which one I bought, I also thru the Kubota B2710 and B2910 into the "mixing pot". Seems like not too many of these units are sold because the few that I were able to find were units setting at the dealer for 1.5 plus years. Both these units are basically B7800 equivalents with all the "bells and whistles". Why Kubota makes so many models is beyond me. Both are rather pricey, more than I could swallow.

As most of you probably can guess, I ended up buying the Kubota B7800. I felt is was well worth the extra money over the B7610.

So this "beast of a tractor" will be equipped with a FEL with 54" bucket, a 72" MMM, and a 60" Box Scraper. I also went with industrial tires. I should take delivery within the next week. It will set in my garage till about late June when the new house gets done. Until then, maybe I'll take it out every once in awhile for a spin around the block. :eck21:

Thanks for all your help, :fing32:

Randie

[mhb@ufe]

:fing32: The only thing that matters is that you are happy with your choice and any Kubota Is a good choice to me :congrats: May you have many happy years of use :bannana:

[Argee]

Well boxr fan...it appears you did your home work and researched your tractor purchase before you took the plunge. I like your analogies for how you arrived at your final decision. You answered all the questions that were important to you and made your final decision. Great choice! :fing32:

[Michael]

:wwp: :wwp: :wwp: Now how about some pictures of your new ride.

[glenn27]

:ditto: Yep--don't tease us MTF nuts....PICS?PICS?