B7500 Question

KeithV · May 14, 2000

I'm a first time tractor shopper. I have 5 acres that I want to clear and put in some trees and fencing. I have about 3 acres of heavy thorny 5'-10' brush to clear growing in clay soil. Much of the brush is 1"=2" in dianeter. I've been looking at the B7500 and JD790. The JD790 seems like overkill and looks bigger than I really want. Would a B7500 have enough power to help clear some heavy brush and pull a box scraper through clay soil to smooth things out? I'm concerned about not enough power, I know what 20HP can do on the back of a boat but have no idea in a tractor? I'm looking for input to my buying decision?

Bird · May 14, 2000

KeithV, there's not much comparison between 20hp on a boat and 20hp in a tractor. Tractor gearing is such that power is usually not the problem with a small tractor. The problem is getting enough traction to pull hard enough. I've tied onto lots of things I couldn't pull, but I never tied onto anything that kept my wheels from turning. For me at least, you've asked an impossible question. I've pulled 10" trees 20' tall with a 16hp tractor, and I've tied onto 3" trees 10' tall that I couldn't pull with a 27hp tractor. It depends on what kind of tree, what kind of roots, how hard and dry that clay is around those roots, whether the tractor tires are going to be on a hard, dry surface or a slick, wet surface, etc. Are you going to get a front end loader? Sometimes I've found trees that I couldn't pull could still be taken out by pushing them over with the front end loader, then either pulling them back, or digging the bucket in at the roots and lifting while pushing forward. And now, the short answer to your question: most of the things you can do with a bigger tractor, you can do with a smaller one if you don't mind it taking longer to do it./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

MChalkley · May 14, 2000

I think Bird summed it up rather nicely. I'll add that you can use the box scraper as you described without difficulty, but you'll find that from time to time you'll need to take smaller bites than you would with a larger tractor. As Bird said, it'll do it - you just need a little more time. And if you're doing it for yourself, as opposed to commercially, that just means more 'fun time' on your tractor. You may even find that a good heavy box scraper with scarifiers will help you take those trees down easier, too. If you scarify the area pretty deeply first, you'll cut or pull up lots of roots that would otherwise make pulling up or pushing over the trees a lot more difficult.

Mark

Thomas · May 14, 2000

Hi Keith.
I believe a B7500 with its 21hp would handle your 5 acres.
The B7500 HST tractor cost about $10.000.oo,the tractor with LA302 front end loader cost around $12.500.oo to $13.000.oo at our dealer.
Ah yes that thorny bush, if your going to bush hog those area consider useing reverse.

)
May you have fun picking out your new tractor.

KeithV · May 15, 2000

Thanks for the replys. I also have reviewed the Kubota- How Big discussion. I have been monitoring this whole site with great interest, there is great info here!
I am leaning toward the B7500 with a loader. I am reading some very consistant questions and responses about "how big". For my tractor, the hardest work will be in the first 1-2 years, after that probably mowing and some grading. The Brush is more personal between me and them, but I don't mind taking it a bit slower when it comes to yanking them out. Horsepower and pulling some accessories was a concern, but your replys are exactly what others have told me. With that, manuverability is also important to me, so the 7500 is what I am planning to test drive. This sound to be the best match to my 5 acres.

Opiekanopi · May 19, 2000

Great site. I too have 5 acres and am looking at the 7500. I got what I think is a great quote for the DT which is gear drive vs. Hydro. $8650 for the B7500DT. That is with out any other attachments of course. I can buy a nice finishing mower with the money I save over the HST. I just don't mind the clutching and shifting.

I have been looking to see if this was a good deal and from the other prices Ive seen, it does look good.

I only worry if it will pull my old 5' rotory mower that I used to pull with a Massey Fergusen 50. Would anybody know?

Muhammad · May 19, 2000

Yes, that is a good price on the B7500 - I think the B7500 is recommended for use with a 4' rotary cutter - not larger.

Opiekanopi · May 22, 2000

Thanks, I looked at my literature at home and it lists two mowers for the 7500. One at 48" and one at 60". I think they are both finish mowers. I don't know if a rotory brush type mower is easier or harder for a tractor to power. I wish Kubota had more info on the tractor accessorys on their website.

W5FL · May 22, 2000

The information you want is in the owners manual. Ask your dealer to let you look at one.

Bird · May 22, 2000

I wonder if the mowers you say the literature lists are a 48" rear (3-point) mower and a 60" mid-mount. I think you'll find most of them can handle a larger mid-mount than rear. And I believe that you'll find it takes more power to turn the finish mower than the brush hog type. Anyone have a different opinion, or any real evidence or proof one way or the other?

Bird