Another which tractor thread

[DanR67]

I've got a B7610 and love it for mowing around trees. The small size makes it quite agile. However, I think it's a bit small for what you've got planned.

On the other hand, when you get into the L2800/3400, there's enough weight to do serious damage to a damp lawn....though they'd be ideal for the other work.

Best compromise, if you're restricted to one tractor, would probably be the B7800/B3030 machines. Heavy enough for some tiller work without being too heavy for the lawn. The B3030 will give you position control which corrects the 3pt. hitch issues raised by DVR. The B7800 still has quarter inching which can be a pain...though you do get used to it with use.

Welcome BayouBengal!

I'll throw my hat in with Bob as well - with 6 acres to mow - I think the extra PTO HP of a B7800 / B3030 makes sense to run the biggest RFM / have the shortest mowing time....unless you like like to mow (some of us do! ) ....

In which case a B7610 is a great little tractor!

Like you - I NEEDED a mower first and foremost - but WANTED a tractor to make life easier with other tasks.

With a 54" MMM - I can mow my 2- 2.5 acres in @ 1 hour...so I would guess it would be safe to say you could mow your 6 acres with 60 - 72" RFM in less than 3 hours....(although the B7610 may not have enough PTO HP to run a 72" RFM...the others I think would be fine - but then you have to keep the weight / soil compression in mind...)

So with the mowing question being answered (all the models are *more or less* the same) - it boils down to "what else do you want to do":

- What do have in mind for "landscaping"? Are you digging a foundation for a new house - or just moving mulch / gravel / fill from a pile and speading it out? How big are the trees you are thinking of planting?

- For creating / maintaining your dirt bike trails do you have a sense of "how much" (ie yards) soil you need to make a certain jump / ramp? Does this have to be "made from scratch every year" - or rather - once finished - then simply regraded / resloped from time to time?

************************************

The simplest way to think of the "jobs" your tractor needs to perform:

- Weekly (ex. mowing)
- Monthly (ex. dirt track maintenance?)
- Seasonal (hmmm?? you don't have snow in Georgia I'd guess - leaf pickup in the fall, perhaps?)
- "Project"

The "project" - means - in my opinion - a "single use / single project" usage - llike excavating a foundation for a new home - or using a backhoe to stump clear a lot.

The challenge for you (and I think for all 1st time CUT buyers) is to find the right *balance* of size / capabilities - so that you can use your CUT for MOST - but not necessarily all - of your possible jobs.

In my particular case - after making great headway after I first got my B7610 - there were certain jobs that really required a backhoe (ex. rock and stump removal) - and I carefully documented every possible job that I could think of that I could use the BH for. In the end - I couldn't even justify to myself the added cost of a BH - so I ended up renting a large TLB on several occasions. As it turns out - some of the stumps I pulled used EVERY bit of power that the larger, rental machine could muster - meaning that even if I'd sprung for a BH - I still would have had to rent something bigger.

******************************************

I hope that helps frame the question: what do I NEED my tractor for?

as opposed to WANTS (ie big tractors / more attachments etc).... (but I still WANT a BH )

Hope that helps & happy tractoring!

Dan

 

[BAYOUBENGAL]

Again thanks for the input. One quick question. Kubota's brochure lists the 72" mower as an option for the 7610. Will it handle that much mower?

Like I had mentioned the only requirement is mowing 5-6 acres. It is slightly rolling but not very rough. I plan to buy a tiller and a box scraper to work on rut removal etc... I am not involved in the construction of my house. At least not directly. I will be doing lawn leveling and light lanscaping. Mulch, fill, moving small plant container etc ... No digging footers. I have access to a couple of TLBs in local rental stores if need be. As for as the dirt biking I have a small track now and just mainly want to maintain. Nothing heavy duty.

I went back and reviewed the L2800 and agree that their is far more value available. I don't really need the capability but I can see it is clearly there. My father wants to play on my new little orange pull toy and he thinks he and my 15 year old son would do better on the smaller tractor also. Maneuvering in the woods is also a possible issue. I've undercut most of my wooded property with my DR field mower and may buy a rough cut 48" later to keep up with it. BTW ... if any of you have considered a DR it will do everything they say it will and more. I feel like for the $2700 investment I got 6 more acres. No buyer remorse there.

Bottom line is I'm leaning to the 7610 and hope to make a final decision this evening. All the advice has been very help. This is just not a subject I'm very smart on but you guys are helping me get thar....

bayoubengal

 

[fishpick]

short memory?? the main issue was covered in a thread you started!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/88849-fan-uner-bx24-mid-section.html?

Here's the thing - my "rubbish" comment is based on your use of the word "poor"... We just bought 35 acres - about 6 "lawn", a bunch swamp, some old field and some new woods... and I really don't see myself upgrading anytime soon - because the BX24 is more than capable of pulling the plow (see other posts), tilling the soil, bush-hogging the filed, skidding the logs, grading the nearly 4/10th of a mile driveway...

If the majority of the use is going to be mowing - search threads on finish mower quality - my reading told me that the BX24 does a nicer job than the CUT's with a belly deck...

Sure - size does matter - but in the case of the BX24 and the other models listed here in this thread - the only real difference is time to task completion... buy the tractor that "fits" with what you will be using it for 80% of the time.

And don't underestimate the usefulness of the BH... honestly - if I didn't have the BH I might be looking for an excuse to get a bigger tractor... but I will never live without a BH again (nor will the wife allow it).

And DVR - to set the record straight - I never bought the plate because I think the odds (although there are people here who had it happen) are very slim... I have also put a LOT more time in the seat since that post - have mowed a lot of stubbly field - traversed a lot of woods...

 

[DanR67]

One quick question. Kubota's brochure lists the 72" mower as an option for the 7610. Will it handle that much mower?

BB -

Maybe I was thinking about a bushhog - in which case I am fairly certain the B7610 would NOT run a 72" Hog - but I see on the Kubota B-Series website something a little confusing:

Kubota Tractor Corporation B7410/B7510/B7610 Compact Tractors Attachments

Scroll down to "Rear Mount Mowers" - and for the RFM-72 it states:

Application: B7800 / B2910

but THEN says:

Compatible with: B7610

I honestly can't give you a clear answer - and the Kubota info does seem confusing. My gut tells me that a 72" RFM *may* be do-able on a B7610 - but probably not if you have tall or wet grass to mow. I only went with a 54" MMM because I have a 5' gate to pass through - else Iwould have gotten a 60" mower.

Anyone else here have some "real world" input?

**************************

Otherwise - your additional info gets me thinking (probably biased! ) that a B7610 can meet your requirements nicely - and would likely be more manueverable in the woods as you say....and of course easier on the wallet.

Look through some of my B7610 pics (link in signature at bottom of post) - and you can get an idea of "what else can I do with my tractor" . When I was trying to make my final decision - a couple pictures of a similarly sized B7500 with a huge load of wood on a set of 3PH forks instantly crystalized my decision for a B-Series - whereas my *CFO* wanted to spend less on a subCUT...

Hope that helps,

Dan

 

[BAYOUBENGAL]

BB -

Maybe I was thinking about a bushhog - in which case I am fairly certain the B7610 would NOT run a 72" Hog - but I see on the Kubota B-Series website something a little confusing:

Kubota Tractor Corporation B7410/B7510/B7610 Compact Tractors Attachments

Scroll down to "Rear Mount Mowers" - and for the RFM-72 it states:

Application: B7800 / B2910

but THEN says:

Compatible with: B7610

I honestly can't give you a clear answer - and the Kubota info does seem confusing. My gut tells me that a 72" RFM *may* be do-able on a B7610 - but probably not if you have tall or wet grass to mow. I only went with a 54" MMM because I have a 5' gate to pass through - else Iwould have gotten a 60" mower.

Anyone else here have some "real world" input?

**************************

Otherwise - your additional info gets me thinking (probably biased! ) that a B7610 can meet your requirements nicely - and would likely be more manueverable in the woods as you say....and of course easier on the wallet.

Look through some of my B7610 pics (link in signature at bottom of post) - and you can get an idea of "what else can I do with my tractor" . When I was trying to make my final decision - a couple pictures of a similarly sized B7500 with a huge load of wood on a set of 3PH forks instantly crystalized my decision for a B-Series - whereas my *CFO* wanted to spend less on a subCUT...

Hope that helps,

Dan

Thanks Dan,

May have pics by the weekend....

BayouBengal

 

[DVR]

Here's the thing - my "rubbish" comment is based on your use of the word "poor"...

And DVR - to set the record straight - I never bought the plate because I think the odds (although there are people here who had it happen) are very slim... I have also put a LOT more time in the seat since that post - have mowed a lot of stubbly field - traversed a lot of woods...

fishpick- to set the record straight. i don't really care what you think about my choice of words. i still stand by my comment.

you seem you have your manhood insulted b/c i do not think your tractor is a good match for the original poster. get over it.

he was looking for opinions- i shared mine- you don't have to agree with me and neither does he.

i like all kubota tractors, i happen to have a great deal of experience with off-road motorcycle riding. i think the bx has several limiting factors that another model (in the same price range) will overcome.
i have no interest in debating with you about your beloved bx. hopefully he will buy a bx and you will feel validated. it won't bother me either way.

 

[Podunkadunk]

Hey BayouBengal,
It looks like these guys are all over your question. I won't chime in on that specifically.

I just wanted to know when/how long you were in the Military?

I picked up right-away on the: "I once bought an airplane and brought it home....then called your wife the CINCHOUSE

Funny. I sometimes call my wife:

The War Department

The Pentagon

CINCLA (Commander in Charge Lower Alabama).

I just thought it was funny.

Good day, good luck on your purchase.

Podunk

 

[BAYOUBENGAL]

Hey BayouBengal,
It looks like these guys are all over your question. I won't chime in on that specifically.

I just wanted to know when/how long you were in the Military?

I picked up right-away on the: "I once bought an airplane and brought it home....then called your wife the CINCHOUSE

Funny. I sometimes call my wife:

The War Department

The Pentagon

CINCLA (Commander in Charge Lower Alabama).

I just thought it was funny.

Good day, good luck on your purchase.

Podunk

I'm a pilot for Delta Air Lines currently on military leave serving a 2 - 4 year AGR tour. That's what the Navy calls a TAR. I've got 20+ total. I was a SAC Warrior originally flying tankers at Barksdale. Moved to Meridian flying R models and eventually to Kelly in San Antonio flying C-5As. I'm currently at Warner Robins flying a desk. My "CINCHOUSE" is the Support Squadron Commander. What about you?

David W. Hutchinson, Lt Col, USAFR
Chief, War and Mobilization Plans Branch
HQ Air Force Reserve Command

"bayoubengal"

BTW ... thanks for all the input guys. My B7610 is being delivered Saturday morning.

PS - Speaking of Lower Alabama First time I was in a Delta simulator my instructor told me to set up for ATL to LA. Being a rookie of course I programmed the NAV systems for ATL Hartsfield to LAX. When he got in he laughed and said "No, I meant Mobile. LA. Lower Alabama. Also, the bayoubengal is my ID as an LSU Tiger. You Tide or War Eagle?

 

[Podunkadunk]

I'm a pilot for Delta Air Lines currently on military leave serving a 2 - 4 year AGR tour. That's what the Navy calls a TAR. I've got 20+ total. I was a SAC Warrior originally flying tankers at Barksdale. Moved to Meridian flying R models and eventually to Kelly in San Antonio flying C-5As. I'm currently at Warner Robins flying a desk. My "CINCHOUSE" is the Support Squadron Commander. What about you?

David W. Hutchinson, Lt Col, USAFR
Chief, War and Mobilization Plans Branch
HQ Air Force Reserve Command

"bayoubengal"

BTW ... thanks for all the input guys. My B7610 is being delivered Saturday morning.

PS - Speaking of Lower Alabama First time I was in a Delta simulator my instructor told me to set up for ATL to LA. Being a rookie of course I programmed the NAV systems for ATL Hartsfield to LAX. When he got in he laughed and said "No, I meant Mobile. LA. Lower Alabama. Also, the bayoubengal is my ID as an LSU Tiger. You Tide or War Eagle?

I was in the Navy, active duty, for 20 years and 10 days. I was a Flight Engineer on the P-3C Orion (about 6k hours), with my last assignment as an instructor. I went on Fleet Reserve* status in June 2004.

I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and received my B.S. in Aeronautics.

After I got out, I immediately went to work for a company called CACI, (Welcome to CACI) and I'm a Business Systems Analyst. We have been trying to land a contract with the Air Force at Warner Robins for the last 3 years...red tape with Dayton, Ohio, that's all I can say. Can't go into details, you understand, I'm sure.

Wife (CINCLA) and I just moved to Lower Alabama last October. My family is here and I grew up in this general area. Wouldn't trade it for anything, although the taxes SUCK. Whew, don't get me started, as there have been many posts on this topic before and it opens pandora's box.

Since ERAU is private and relatively small...ie... no football team, I pull for FSU (wife went there) and I think Bobby Bowden is an awesome coach. I like both the Tide and the War Eagles, which around these parts is like being the anti-Christ.

C-5's are huge. Amazing that a P-3 would fit under the wing. I've always been curious, with an average load, normal rated power, what is Vro? It just seems like they are in slow motion when taking off or landing.

Good talkin' to you Col. Hope to see you around TBN.

*Fleet Reserve component is only done with the Navy and Marine Corps. In the Army or Air Force, if you leave service with 20 years, you are retired. Navy/Marine Corps puts you on Fleet Reserve for 10 years, subject to recall by SecNav, unless you want to forfeit your check each month! At the 30 year mark, you officially retire.

Podunk

 

[BAYOUBENGAL]

I was in the Navy, active duty, for 20 years and 10 days. I was a Flight Engineer on the P-3C Orion (about 6k hours), with my last assignment as an instructor. I went on Fleet Reserve* status in June 2004.

I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and received my B.S. in Aeronautics.

After I got out, I immediately went to work for a company called CACI, (Welcome to CACI) and I'm a Business Systems Analyst. We have been trying to land a contract with the Air Force at Warner Robins for the last 3 years...red tape with Dayton, Ohio, that's all I can say. Can't go into details, you understand, I'm sure.

Wife (CINCLA) and I just moved to Lower Alabama last October. My family is here and I grew up in this general area. Wouldn't trade it for anything, although the taxes SUCK. Whew, don't get me started, as there have been many posts on this topic before and it opens pandora's box.

Since ERAU is private and relatively small...ie... no football team, I pull for FSU (wife went there) and I think Bobby Bowden is an awesome coach. I like both the Tide and the War Eagles, which around these parts is like being the anti-Christ.

C-5's are huge. Amazing that a P-3 would fit under the wing. I've always been curious, with an average load, normal rated power, what is Vro? It just seems like they are in slow motion when taking off or landing.

Good talkin' to you Col. Hope to see you around TBN.

*Fleet Reserve component is only done with the Navy and Marine Corps. In the Army or Air Force, if you leave service with 20 years, you are retired. Navy/Marine Corps puts you on Fleet Reserve for 10 years, subject to recall by SecNav, unless you want to forfeit your check each month! At the 30 year mark, you officially retire.

Podunk

Sounds like a great career. One of my best buddies was a P-3 guy at Brunswick and seperated and went to Delta in the 91-92 timeframe. FRED (C-5A) can have a Vr of 106'ish if light and approaching 150 if heaveyweight (GW 769.0 peacetime, 840.0 EWO). WIth all the lift devices it does have slow speeds but what makes it look that way is the size. Our brain calculates spped by how fast an object covers it's own distance. So an F-18 at 300 KIAS would look like it's screaming and FRED would look like it's floating. Little known and even less cared for fact: you can take a C-130 at max gross, turn it into fuel, and pour it into the tanks of a C-141. Take a C-141 at max gross, and you can pour it into the tanks of a C-5 Galaxy. Then you can burn it in 12 hours. Max fuel around 332.5 #. I'll post about my new Kubota on another thread. I got my Master's thru ERAU. Good stuff.

hutch