About to bite the bullet - L2800?

[simie]

Well, I thought I'd decided on the Mahindra 2615, but just found I could get the Kubota L2800 for 1000 more, so I'm definitely leaning toward the Kubota, which is really what I wanted when I started the process. Just thought they'd be a lot more, instead of a little more.

I have 41 acres, about 5-10 acres of old pasture thats now brushy and grown up I'd like to clear. Rest woods - except I have a 2 acres yard. Build a horse barn, skid logs on occasion. Oh - and I'm in WV, so its a lot of hill, some steep.

I can get the L2800 4wd with FEL for $14.5. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Someone tell me I'm making the right decision!

 

[redvespa]

I was also looking at the Mahindra-32hp. But now will buy
a Kubota due to price & who will be around in the near future.
To many companies in the market now some will not
make it- I think Kubota and JD will be around.
So go spend the money-it`s a good product.

 

[JerryG]

Before you buy, check out what type of clutch arrangement that both tractors have.

 

[simie]

The clutch on the 'Bota looks pretty much like a clutch. I don't have any experience, but it seems pretty simple. What should I be looking for? What could the differences be?

 

[wushaw]

The L2800 is a fine tractor...a few horses less than the Mahindra. I have a little over 100hrs on mine and it's been great.

 

[Humbleto]

Hey simie, you answered your question when you said "what I really wanted when I started." Talk to the dealer, he may even knock off the $1000 difference. The only thing you've got to loose is money.

 

[simie]

Thanks for the info folks - I pulled the trigger today. Should get it next week. L2800 4wd with FEL and 5' International brush hog.

Let the fun work begin.

 

[solo169]

I hate to say this now, but I havn't checked TBN in a while. I bought an L2800HST on Dec 31st last year, one outing and I was scratching my head for the lack of power when running a 6ft. rear finish mower. I immediately called the dealer and asked questions about what could be wrong. They took the tractor back and couldn't find anything wrong with it. It just didn't have the ponies to run the tranny and the mower together. My land is pretty flat and wasn't even cutting grass (middle of winter). Anyway, I had them bring me an L3400 and life is golden. I just feel that the L2800 is underpowered. Check yours out but don't be suprised. I would really consider checking out the L3400 before they deliver the 2800 though. Good Luck!

 

[wushaw]

Solo169,

I ran a 5ft finishing mower (BushHog brand) last year with no problems with my L2800, I ran the same finish mower with a B7500 for a few years with no problems if the grass was under 3ft tall.
I wouldn't have thought 12 more inches would make that much of a difference.

 

[GSP9]

I have also decided on an L2800 HST. The dealer priced out a 5 foot and 6 foot Bushhog finish mower. I asked him if the L2800 had the power to manage a 6 foot mower. He said there would not be a problem. Any thoughts?

 

[solo169]

Like I stated above, do yourself a favor and try out the L3400 also. Here is what happened:
The dealer told me that the L2800HST would pull the Woods RD72 no problem but after taking delivery of the tractor (HST, FEL and filled rear tires) I attached the mower to test the power. With the mower in the RAISED position I engaged the PTO and put the tractor in medium range and pressed the HST pedal. The RPM's dropped to about 1800 and was really having a hard time! This was without even cutting any grass. Even in Low range the tractor would bog. The dealer took the tractor back and did their own test and was baffled. He said he would never recommend the L2800 with a 6ft mower again. I paid the difference and took delivery of an L3400. I have the same mower and FEL, I can mow now even in high gear with NO PROBLEMS. It's amazing the difference in 6HP.

 

[canoetrpr]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's amazing the difference in 6HP. )</font>

Those last 6 horses are the strongest ones

 

[solo169]

Agree!

 

[simie]

Everything I've read on TBN convinces me that 24hp PTO will be plenty to run a 5ft brush hog. I'm pretty confident I bought enough tractor. HOWEVER, I'm also getting my first one, so I'll keep everyone posted. With what I'm doing, I will be testing the limits, which I'd do with any tractor, I guess. I'm also confident I got the right brand and transmission - again, this site has been an immense help, and I do understand that everyone has their preferences - I'm on my 6th GM truck. And I know we'll always suggest more power - considering that I started the process looking in the 16-21 hp range, I did go bigger. But I had to stop somewhere.

One question - I'm mowing some steep stuff (maybe). The dealers around here have shown me some of the stuff they mow regularly - up and down - and I was pretty freaked out at how steep they were using these things - much steeper than I'd need. So - how steep can I go?

 

[JustGary]

I've got an L2800HST and 5 ft brush mower, and the power is fine. I mow a hill on a lake with it, and don't have any problems with power or stability. The steepest part of the grade is about 17% (3.5 rise in 20 run), and you can't drive a 2WD truck up the hill; only 4WD will make it without some other help.

I also have the FEL and water-filled tires, but I did mow once with it before I had the loader and filled tires and didn't notice any difference. You could fill your tires for a little extra stability margin.

In short, keep the L2800 and buy a few implements with the extra $1000.

- Just Gary