B2910 or B3030?

[mousedoc]

Which would you consider the better machine/deal? From the photos I’ve seen, both machines appear to be in good condition for their age/hours.

2004 B2910, LA402 fel, RCK60-27B mmm, BL4690B backhoe, R3 tires with 75 hrs $17,500 (dealer)

2005 B3030, LA403 fel, BH75 backhoe with 12” and 16” buckets, R3 tires and an extra set of R1’s, bucket forks with 215 hours $17,500 (private)

I didn’t intend to spend this much on a tractor (and still not sure I will) but the best used machines I seem to come across have backhoes. I’m starting to think I can use the backhoe for the projects I have in mind and then sell it.

 

[Bob_Young]

Good morning doc,
What are your plans for the tractor, doc? Which tasks were at the top of your list when you started looking? Both look like bargains on paper. Which is the better deal depends on which best meets your NEEDS.

Your comments seem to indicate that a backhoe wasn't on your list at the outset; but that you are now intrigued by the possibilities and want to give one a try.

The B3030, as set up, is the superior machine for digging, moving material, and working in the muck. If that type of work was at the top of your list then the B3030 is the best deal.

If mowing was at the top of your list, the B2910 is the best deal. It'll cost you an additional $2K to put a MMM on the B3030. Yet, with the B2910, you will still have a 'hoe to look into those possibilities without spending more $.

Your original plan will tell you what the better deal is. Don't let your wants derail your NEEDS.
FWIW
Bob

 

[art]

It depends on your uses as to which is best for you. The mower is a plus for the B-2910, the four point hoe on the 3030 is a plus if digging is important to you. They are both good tractors but your base needs over the life of the tractor are what's most important. If you are going to be using the hoe 5% of the time and mowing for 75% of the time then the 2910 is the best for you.

 

[mousedoc]

Hmmm… needs vs wants, I was afraid you guys would say that.

I really need a machine to handle mowing, snow, driveway maintenance and firewood. I have a JD 318 garden tractor that can handle the mowing, but I’m not sure if I want two tractors.

Initially, I figured for the times I needed a backhoe I would rent one. Since I have absolutely no experience with one, I’m guessing I would need one for 10-15 days (Garage footings, 750-1000’ of drainage/utility ditches, a dozen or so 12-16” stumps removed and buried). I know I would find more uses for one if I had it at my disposal.

I started to look for a used machine seriously about 6 months ago with a budget of about $12,000 or so for a tractor loader mower. An example of what I keep finding are things like a B2710 tractor loader 255 hrs for $13,900, add a mmm and I’m already up to $15,900. For $1,600 more I get a backhoe. Another example is a JD 4115 tractor loader, 275 hrs for $13,900 vs a TLB and rear blade with 325 hrs for $16,900. So far I haven’t been able to find a nice tractor loader mower at a reasonable price.

 

[Toolguy]

I have a B3030 with FEL and 60"MMM and I think it is a great machine. I don't have a BH because I don't need one very often. Too much money to set around 364 days a year. For the one time I needed a BH, since I bought my tractor, I rented a Kubota Mini-excavator instead. For $300/Day it will far outperform a small TLB. On paper it looks like the B2910 might be the best deal for you. You are getting the mower you can use and after you get your major tasks done that require a BH you could sell the BH and get some money for it. For any future BH needs I would rent. Much better ROI, IMHO. Overall condition of the machine is a factor, too. 75 hrs is practically new. 275 hrs is not much, either. Looks can tell a lot. If the machine looks good then it was probably not abused. If it is bent and scratched then it may have been worked hard and could have some hidden damage. Tough choice. Good luck.

 

[Henro]

What am I missing here?

I have a B2910 and don't see much difference in the choices, except that the B2910 has a MMM with it, and the B3030 probably has an extra bucket for the backhoe and the extra set of tires that you will not change out anyway.

You just don't change tires on a regular basis...too much of a pain. I don't even do it with my smaller bx2200, for which I have two sets of tires. So this is experience speaking. I really doubt I would want to change my B2910 tires, especially since they are loaded, but even if they we not, I know it would not happen once a year, if that often.

As far as moving dirt, I think the two choices are equal. The backhoe issue just boils down to the BH75 being a bit easier to put on and off. The 3PH backhoe on the B2910 is not a big deal putting on or taking off once you get used to it. I have one. The B2910 is MUCH easier than the B7800 to deal with, with regards to the back hoe, as the B2910 has the extendable lower links. I assume the B3030 has them as well, but that is not an issue there as the backhoe mount is different (4 point).

One important difference between the B2910 and the B3030 is that the B2910 has a foot clutch, while the B3030 is more like my BX2200 and does not. If you plan on using a post hole digger in the future, the foot clutch is the way to go in my opinion. I would not want to have to keep pusing the hand lever in and out when using the PHD. Can be done, I know. But the foot clutch is just better in my opinion when it comes to controlling the PHD. Otherwise probably not an issue.

So...with the B2910 you get a MMM that you may want/need. With the B3030 you get a second set of tire that you probably will not want/need, and which you will have to store somewhere (or sell, a positive).

I decided a while ago that I would not buy a B3030 because of the lack of a foot clutch. I don't like the lack of a clutch on my BX and I would like it less on my larger tractor that does the heavy work. It is easier to feather things on start with the foot clutch. The mower on my BX just bangs in on start. The brush hog on the B2910 can be started smoothly with out the jerk I get with the BX.

In the end, either tractor is about equal to the other. Buy the one you feel best about. Either will serve you well and become a long time friend if you wish it to be...

In my case the MMM on the B2910 would push me in that direction...

Edit: Don't sell the back hoe until you have had it for a year. No doubt that an excavator can do more, has more reach and is all around better. But the backhoe is there for your use all the time so you get things done that would not get done if you have to rent something, even if it were for 100 bucks a day. The hassle factor comes into play. If you have the tool, even if it is smaller, you use it. If you have to go get it, it is often not worth the trouble...

Did I mention that I love my backhoe...???

PS...

"but I’m not sure if I want two tractors."

I love having two tractors, especially for mowing duties. The larger one is there to do the heavy work with the loader and backhoe, and I just park it and jump on the smaller one to do the mowing. I can take the mower off the smaller one and use if for things if I want to, and I do that sometimes. But I would have to keep putting the mower on and taking the mower off if I had only one tractor. The mower likely would get in the way when doing dirt work with the B2910...I know I have to take it off my BX when I use it in the dirt, as the clearance is too little...

 

[mousedoc]

Your not missing a thing, I am. Little things, perhaps subtle things that may make one or the other a better choice for me. Like the BH75 4 pt mount on the B3030, or the foot clutch on the B2910, or swapping out the tires.

I’m unsure about the turf tires in the wood, which is why the second set of ag tires sounds nice. I have turf and ag tires for my 318, but didn’t remember that once the ag tires went on, they never came off.

I’ve only seen photos of both machines, the B2910 looks in excellent condition, the B3030 looks very good, perhaps even excellent considering it has more hours.

In my own mind, I started out leaning just a bit towards the B2910, now leaning a little bit more.

 

[acresdozen]

I also was new to the backhoe world. But once I started using it, I find more uses...trenching, planting trees, removing stumps, dragging out brush and wild roses in tight areas, lifting things, and when your good it can smooth dirt like a rake. If you plan on digging, the backhoe is what you need. The FEL is just not designed for this purpose.
Also, since I am now experienced with the BH75 which is frame mounted to my L2800 HST and I find it to easy to remove and install. Installation does take a little practice since tractor alignment to the BH and low RPM's are critical. Unsure how other BH's mount and dismount, but I would certainly ask the question and be comfortable with the process before making your decision.
Best thing is that you'll have a blast operating it...kind of therapeutic.

 

[Volfandt]

Keep the BH, there are very handy uses for it that don't even envolve digging.
Add a thumb to it, be it a simple inexpensive one or a more complex and expensive hydraulic one, and you've added another diminsion to it's usefulness. If you are going to be cutting up tree's or large limbs the BH will grasp and hold them at your most comfortable cutting level. Talk about ease of rendering wood! It's the STRONG helper you wished you always had
If you have large rocks and/or other debris you want to remove and discard in some other area you won't find a more useful implement than a BH w/thumb. You cab dig it out, grasp it and transport it where yo want it without leaving the seat AND without hurting your back.........

i.e. tractor choice.
On the one hand you have a tractor in it's last yr of manufacture with VERY low hrs that includes a 60" MMM vs a newer tractor of the same series in it's 1st yr of manufacture with somewhat high hrs for it's age (high in regards to yrs in use, not in it's lifespan) and it's without a MMM.

IMHO, the clutch isn't that big a deal to me personally as I'm used to not having one on my BX23 so that is a wash.
I like the subframe mounted BH MUCH better than the 3PH mounted BH so +1 for the B3030.
I like the lower hrs on the B2910, it's barely broke in. +1 B2910
I like the 60" MMM. IF you use it you'll probably never go back to a L&G tractor for your finish mowing. +2 B2910
The extra wheels are probably a wash as I'd want the R4's over R1's so I'd probably sell them. Wash
I like the additional buckets for the BH, +2 B3030.

Looks like it boils down to the condition of the tractor, i.e. general appearance of both the outside and engine/HST and how ones seat fits in the seat.
Either would be a good choice but the MMM would swing me to the B2910 if both were in similar general condition.
This is of course my personal opinion and should not be construed as a knock against either machine or machne owner as I'd take either