2620 vs. 2920

[YoNiles]

Hi,

New member here. I've pretty much settled on a b2620 with a backhoe and snowblower.

I currently own a New Holland TC33D but have decided to downsize since most of my chores at this point are landscape oriented. Our property required a lot of grading and tree work when we first purchased it. Now that we are done that phase, the NH seems to be overkill. It's also not too friendly to the lawn.

So my questions are:

1. Is it work the extra expense to step up to the 2920?

2. I'm sure it's been asked a million times - front or rear snowblower?

In the past I've used a rear 3ph blade plowing in reverse. We live on a shared paved drive which is quite long. I usually end up plowing my neighbors as well. Spending a couple hours looking over your shoulder isn't much fun. How difficult is it to install the front snowblower? Would it be worth loosing the function of the loader?

Thanks for your input.

Steve

 

[LD1]

Hi,

1. Is it work the extra expense to step up to the 2920?


Steve

That depends on two things.

1. How much the extra cost is.

2. What you plan on using the tractor for.

ANYTHING that requires traction isnt going to make a difference between 26 and 29HP. Things like dirt work, grading, FEL work, plowing, pulling, etc.

But the extra HP is handy for PTO driven things. Like Bushogging, mowing, etc. It just may make the difference between being able to step up one size on implements.

 

[bp fick]

The tractors are essentially the same and most guys like the machine whichever one they settled on.

The extra pto horsepower of the 29 would indeed come in handy when blowing snow. Snow blowers usually can make use of all the hp one has to throw at them. As to whether the up cost is worth it? That you'll have to finally decide. It isn't as if the 26 cannot turn a snow blower. Much of this is dependent upon the depth of typical snow storms and the density of your typical snow.

 

[fredhargis]

I wound up with the 2920, but I'd bet this months SS check that it won't do anything the 2620 would do. As for the snowthrower, I went with the rear, but only so I could leave the loader on. I run into occasional drifting that's (I think) way to deep for the thrower to clear in a few spots on the drive. But without the drifts, just a thrower would work like a dream, and the front mount is a heck of a lot easier to use.

 

[LD1]

I wound up with the 2920, but I'd bet this months SS check that it won't do anything the 2620 would do. As for the snowthrower, I went with the rear, but only so I could leave the loader on. I run into occasional drifting that's (I think) way to deep for the thrower to clear in a few spots on the drive. But without the drifts, just a thrower would work like a dream, and the front mount is a heck of a lot easier to use.

Any for most things, as I mentioned, you will probabally NOT notice a difference. But that added PTO power WILL allow you to work a tad faster with PTO implements like mowers, bushhogs, and snowblower. That is a proven fact.:thumbsup:

 

[YoNiles]

I think I'm leaning towards a rear mount snow blower. I'm worried about loosing my FEL since we've had some serious snow here in past years. Plus, it's a lot cheaper. I can put the $ towards more hp. Fred, did you go with a Kubota blower?

 

[My Hoe]

I think I'm leaning towards a rear mount snow blower. I'm worried about loosing my FEL since we've had some serious snow here in past years. Plus, it's a lot cheaper. I can put the $ towards more hp. Fred, did you go with a Kubota blower?

Hi. I have no experience with this question, or Kubota's (personally) yet. But I'm hoping some of the cognoscenti can comment on a theory I had on this very question. (Though I was applying it to a front mounted blade, not a blower).

Sticking with the OP's question--and assuming the blower would be mounted out on the FEL arms, and therefore, easily raisable to good heights)--can't one simply RAISE the front mounted blower, and "blow off" the top two or three feet, then back up, and blow the lats two down to the ground? (Assuming a 5' drift.)

Couldn't one actually chew down, thusly, through a 10' drift, if necessary?

_______________________________________

Now, to my question: Can't a front mounted blade do the same thing as a blower (i.e., take a "high bite", then back up and push the ground-level snow, when moving deep drifts)? Obviously, not with a 10-footer, nor as high as a blower could, but isn't it a distinct advantage to mount the blower or the blade OUT ON THE LOADER ARMS, so it can be raised, for deeper snow?

Thanks--hope this semi-hijack gets the OP his needed info, too.

My Hoe

 

[My Hoe]

I think I'm leaning towards a rear mount snow blower. I'm worried about loosing my FEL since we've had some serious snow here in past years. Plus, it's a lot cheaper. I can put the $ towards more hp. Fred, did you go with a Kubota blower?

Hi. I have no experience with this question, or Kubota's (personally) yet. But I'm hoping some of the cognoscenti can comment on a theory I had on this very question. (Though I was applying it to a front mounted blade, not a blower).

Sticking with the OP's question--can't one simply RAISE the front mounted blower, and "blow off" the top two or three feet, then back up, and blow the lats two down to the ground? (Assuming a 5' drift.)

Couldn't one actually chew down, thusly, through a 10' drift, if necessary?

_______________________________________

Now, to my question: Can't a front mounted blade do the same thing as a blower (i.e., take a "high bite", then back up and push the ground-level snow, when moving deep drifts)? Obviously, not with a 10-footer, nor as high as a blower could, but isn't it a distinct advantage to mount the blower or the blade OUT ON THE LOADER ARMS, so it can be raised, for deeper snow?

Thanks--hope this semi-hijack gets the OP his needed info, too.

My Hoe

 

[bp fick]

A front snow blower is run, using a drive shaft, off the low mounted front PTO.
There is no where near the length or flexibility of that PTO drive shaft to move up and down, far enough, to do what you envision. If it were somehow cable driven, this sort of utility might be possible, I suppose.

My Hoe, on a side note. When you are editing, (I'm guessing) you seem to be double posting as a result. Just a head's up.

 

[kiotiken]

An inverted rear snowblower is the way to go in my books, you get the advantage of not having to back up all day, you can get right up to the garage or house without leaving a big pile of snow and you get to keep the FEL.

 

[Ductape]

In my opinion, the 2620 is the sweet spot of the 20 series Kubotas. Plenty of power for it's size. In 80 to 90 percent of most peoples uses, there would be little notice of the extra HP of the 2920. As others have stated, you would lose traction in most situations long before you run out of HP with the 2620. But....... as others have stated before me, PTO HP robbing attachments such as snowblowers, brush chippers, etc will welcome the few extra ponies.

I'm on my second tractor with a front mounted blower, and don't ever forsee me going back to a rear mount. I have had a rear mount in the past, but sold it. Unless you are using the front bucket for something like cleaning horse stalls or something all winter, I can't see a need to worry about keeping the loader on once snow season arrives. My front blower will easily eat any snow in it's way.... all while I comfortably drive forward.

My free advice: If the extra money isn't going to put you in hardship, get the 2920 with the Kubota front blower. Second choice..... get the 2620 with the Kubota front blower. Third choice, if the first two are out of the budget, get the 2620 with a rear mounted blower.

 

[fredhargis]

I think I'm leaning towards a rear mount snow blower. I'm worried about loosing my FEL since we've had some serious snow here in past years. Plus, it's a lot cheaper. I can put the $ towards more hp. Fred, did you go with a Kubota blower?

Yep, but if I was doing it over I might look around at some of the other brands (cheaper, maybe). I understand the Kubota blowers are made by a Canadian co. that also manufacturers several other well regarded name brands (Blizzard is one I can remember).

 

[mcrimm]

I purchased a 2920 a year ago and have really really enjoyed it. Ihave plowed snow with a 9N loader and back blade. That was a pain. I then bought a B7300 with a loader and back blade. That was better but still a pain. I used my ATV with a blade more often.

Then came the 2920 and front blower. Now that's serious snow removal. We had one of the toughest winters last year and my blower walked right through it - no problems. I never put the back blade on as the blower worked soooooo good.

Easy, Easy decision - get the front blower (wish I had a cab).
Mike

 

[GPintheMitten]

I have been looking at the same tractors. (I'll probably wait til spring to purchase because my social security will start next year and the payments will be less painful.)

You should price the difference in cost on the front and rear snowblowers, as well as price the difference in 26 vs 29 Hp. I haven't priced new snowblowers but I think the Hp cost difference is about $800. If that $800 will buy you a front vs. rear, I recommend putting that money on the blower rather than Hp.

Relative to HP, either one will run your snowblower. Here's why I say that. I currently have a B6200 HSD 4wd Kubota that is 27 years old, and only has 15HP engine. I have a rear 60" snowblower that I bought used for cheap a few years ago. I have to go slow but it handles deep snow. Sure, it is over rated for my engine, but it gets the job done. But I don't recommend this setup, but it does go to show you the 26HP will do it no problem.

I want to get a rototiller for the new tractor when I get it. I suspect that will be more tasking on HP than anything else I will do. So I will be getting the 2920. But for mowing, snowblowing, brush hogging, I'm sure the 26 would be fine.

Backing up snow blowing is a pain in the neck, shoulders, back and everything else. And you are more likely to run into something that you shouldn't and that could be expensive and dangerous. But it is cheaper. I find that being 61 years old, I just can't turn my neck around like I used to.

But for me, I will probably keep using the old rear mounted blower because I will only use it at the cabin up north a couple of times a year and I can't justify the expense of a new front blower. At home, I have a short driveway that I can use a blade and loader on without the need for the blower.

Good luck on your endeavor. Let us know what you do.

 

[YoNiles]

I purchased a 2920 a year ago and have really really enjoyed it. Ihave plowed snow with a 9N loader and back blade. That was a pain. I then bought a B7300 with a loader and back blade. That was better but still a pain. I used my ATV with a blade more often.

Then came the 2920 and front blower. Now that's serious snow removal. We had one of the toughest winters last year and my blower walked right through it - no problems. I never put the back blade on as the blower worked soooooo good.

Easy, Easy decision - get the front blower (wish I had a cab).
Mike

Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback.

Mike, which front blower did you go with? The 50" or the 51" heavy duty?

 

[Evil the Weasel]

The 51" has nicer skid shoes mounted on the sides vs the L-shaped ones on the back side of the BX2750.

 

[echoman]

Buy the b2920 you will never regret the extra hp and torque.

 

[donn12]

I went with the 2920 (for an extra $700 or so) because I bought a PTO chipper and I am always happier when I overbuy than when I underbuy.
I highly recommend the QA and 60" bucket from the B3200. I also have the forks and I switch all the time. The wheel spacers also make it feel much more stable. For grass I would get the turfs, if you are not mowing grass I would get loaded ags.

 

[mcrimm]

Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback.

Mike, which front blower did you go with? The 50" or the 51" heavy duty?

I actually went with the 63" 2782 as my dealer was out of the smaller ones. I certainly have no regrets as this is a big, heavy unit that my 2920 handles effortlessly. I was initally bummed when I decided to pull the trigger and the dealer said he'd sold his last smaller one the day before. Then he asked one of his service techs if the 2920 would handle a bigger unit. The tech said sure so he sold it to me at the same price. Big Win.

Kubota B2782 Snow Blower | LOCHEN EQUIPMENT NEWBURG, WI has a nice picture of the blower

We are projected to have another heavy snowfall winter again this year in NW Montana - Last year was huge - record snowfall in Glacier National Park and I live about 10 miles from the west entrance. I'll be ready. In fact I plan on taking my loader off this weekend and putting the blower on - even though it was 80 yesterday.

Mike

 

[My Hoe]

A front snow blower is run, using a drive shaft, off the low mounted front PTO.
There is no where near the length or flexibility of that PTO drive shaft to move up and down, far enough, to do what you envision. If it were somehow cable driven, this sort of utility might be possible, I suppose.

My Hoe, on a side note. When you are editing, (I'm guessing) you seem to be double posting as a result. Just a head's up.

bp,

I am forced to admit that I just assumed, with all the emphasis placed here on having multiple front and rear remotes, that the snow blowers were drive by hydraulic motors. So I just ASSumed :laughing: it would be no problem to "chew down" through huge drifts, if the blower were mounted to a QA on the FEL arms, and driven by hydraulic pressure. Thank you for the correction.

Thank you, as well, for the heads up on the double posts--I don't know how I'm doing that, and was not aware of it. I believe your "guess" is correct--I do edit frequently--could I be doing that wrong somehow? In any event, apologies to all. I will try to watch for it, and delete any doubles I see.

How does one delete a post--just write "duplicate post--deleted?" Or is there a neater way to do it (if you know)? Thanks.

On a side note, bp: I find your posts to be particularly well written, thoughtful and I especially enjoy them, as (IMHO) they stand out, even among the many great posters here.

Best,

My Hoe