Driveway/Road maintenance

[Jay4200]

I currently have a Kubota L4200 w/ FEL and Woods 9000 BH, which is getting pretty old and ratty. It's time for me to downsize - I'm going to keep the big machine anyway, since the BH is second to none, but I need a machine to use for maintaining my 750' gravel driveway and similarly constructed road. The old beast can handle any FEL and/or digging tasks, so I'm thinking a dedicated 3pt/PTO tractor w/ PTO snowblower, grading blade(s), and york rake or a small power rake (if I win the lottery). I don't think I need a whole lot of power, although the snowblower will require some oomph. I plan on using the machine for grading, smoothing, resurfacing, spreading new material, and (of course) snow removal. I'm looking for the biggest bang for the buck, and don't need a big tractor (already have one of those).

I think a little BX series could work, at least from a power standpoint, but I don't like the little wheels. I have a lawn tractor that I'm currently running with a snowblower, and I find the biggest problem with it are the little tires spinning then digging in and getting stuck in the holes. A big-wheeled B-series may be what I'm looking for, but I'm having trouble figuring out what is what. I have found, unfortunately, that the Kubota marketing packages (web site / brochures) are extremely poor in regards to easy comparisons of various models. For example, I've been familiar with the brand for years, yet I still can't figure out how the B2 and B3 models compare to the B7 models.

At any rate, any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

JayC

 

[TripleR]

I truly love my BX2660, but bought it over the B Series as most of my use was to be mowing with tractor stuff secondary. For what you are going to use one for I would think a B Series would be ideal. I was looking at getting the B2920, but there are a lot of B owners here that can give you some real good information on the various models in that lineup.

 

[bp fick]

Jay4200
Yes, the website at Kubota isn't all that, much of the time. The guys here can fill you in on the B series, which btw, appears to be Standard B and Bigger B in type. Not so unlike the L series where there appears to be L and Grand L???

 

[timswi]

I maintain a 250ft driveway and a 600 ft private road with a BX...Don't let the size fool you, it'll do better than it appears. A B is a nice machine as well..

 

[Tom_H]

This thread might give you some help. It mainly discusses many kinds of grader/scrapers, however there is also a lot of discussion of what tractor is being used to pull the implement.

I think you could do well with a larger B and a 5' Land Pride for your specific situation. I have a BX and a 4' Land Pride, but I have a 450' drive and no road. (You didn't say how long the road is.) My BX and 4' LP work fine for my situation.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/138952-land-pride-grading-scraper.html

 

[BigD23]

I maintain my 1,000 foot gravel driveway with my BX23...Box scraper works very well.

Don

 

[Ace3]

I maintain about a mile of road/driveway with my B3030. I use the loader, box grader, rear blade, and york rake. It does a great job. Its set up for snow plowing now with chains and front mount plow mounted on the quick hitch. Over all I am very pleased with everything the maching can do.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Follow this link for a side by side on the B and BX. The B has higher ground clearance and a bit bigger bucket than the BX. Not to sure one would have better traction than the other with appropriate weights. I prefer the BX for mowing and some FEL work. I prefer the B for FEL, boxblade and landscape rake. When I purchased Ratchet Rake I bought it for the B so I have to use B for Ratchet Rake but the BX would probably do RR work as well as B but a bit slower.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html

 

[ChuckinNH]

The B2X20 series replaces the B7500,B7510, and B7610 series, the B2630, and B3030 replace the B2710, and B2910 respectively, and the new B3200 replaces the B7800. I have the B2620, and have been happy with it for my tasks. I have a snowblower on the way for it. With R-4 tires I found that I needed chains for my conditions, and they are on the way too. I like the size, and have been in many places in the woods, etc. that even a larger B would have had some difficulty.

 

[radioman]

Going down from a L to BX is a huge change. I think BX will do the job, But digging in? I don't think so. Instead of looking at exclusively a BX or B why not look for something with a cab within your price range ? even if it a BX with a cab, it will feel like a huge upgrade from the L with a cab for heat and snow blowing conditions. I think a B will give you some of that L feel and capability to swap implements just in case. The BX is a VERY nimble machine and can do things a B or L can't do in terms of maneuverability and tight spots and less foot print.

 

[SuperDave]

I maintain a 1 mile long gravel driveway, with plenty of snow removal in the winter. While the B7800 more than adequately does the job, there are times when I wish I had 10 more hp and a little more weight. I have rarely heard of anyone complaining of having too much tractor, and more often than not, not enough tractor. The B7800 with front snowblower and chains(industrial tires) will handle almost anything. As well, the B7800 is still light enough to do the lawn without causing turf damage. Get something that you will be sure will be more than enough tractor. IMHO

 

[JTPass]

Jay,

I have a B3200 with the Kubots B2782A front snowblower. It is an awesome combination, while not being too big. I live in Sandown and would welcome you to come up and take a look at my Kubota/snowblower setup.

 

[Jay4200]

Jay,

I have a B3200 with the Kubots B2782A front snowblower. It is an awesome combination, while not being too big. I live in Sandown and would welcome you to come up and take a look at my Kubota/snowblower setup.

Hmmm, Last time I was out your way, I think was when I picked up my L4200 (bought it in Atkinson). Thanks for the offer - I just may take you up on that. Don't hold your breath though - I'm looking to get this rig together for next season. Though I'm starting my research now, winter isn't for tractor shopping, it's for sitting in front of the TV, drinking beer, and getting fat. Oh yea.

I assume the blower mounts onto the FEL arms? Can you lift it up and run the blower way up in the air?

JayC

 

[JTPass]

Jay,
Actually, the loader is removed before mounting the blower. The blower runs off the mid PTO. A quick hitch is required along with a driveshaft to the mid PTO. The quick hitch comes on and off relatively easily and can accomodate other front mounted implements (sweeper or plow blade). The snow blower up/down works from the loader valve, which stays on the tractor when the loader is removed. If you get the hydraulic chute rotate option it is also controlled from the loader valve (curl/dump). It is a well thought out design, although a bit pricey. My snowblower, with the quick hitch, drive shaft, hydraulic chute rotate and electric chute deflect (all installed) was about $5800.

 

[JTPass]

jay,
One other thing...The snowblower will not raise "way up in the air". It comes 6-8" off the ground. A bit more if you change the attachment position on the cylinder.
By the way...I agree with your thoughts on how to spend the winter. I make my own wine (Dry red Italian wine just like my grandfather made) and enjoy a glass now and then. (now and then means every night...LOL)

 

[Jay4200]

My snowblower, with the quick hitch, drive shaft, hydraulic chute rotate and electric chute deflect (all installed) was about $5800.

GAAK! I just had a heart attack. On to the red wine...

JayC