B7610 help!

FlameFighter · May 3, 2006

I've been researcing CUT and SCUT for months now. I seem to find myself searching this site daily. The help from just reading these post has been tremendous. That said. I have been searching and researching for a new tractor. This will be my first purchase so I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. I have 3.5 acres of which around 3 acres is mowing. 500 ft of gravel driveway to maintain and keep cleared of snow. I also have an endless list of landscaping jobs to be done. I built the house 2 years ago and have barely touched the landscaping. I've been test driving the sub compacts. JD 2305, kubota 2350, I currently have a MF gc2300 sitting in the barn that the dealer dropped off yesterday to test out. Today I came across a Kubota B7610, with turf tires and loader. the tractor has 39 hours on it. The dealer will sell me the tractor with loader, put a 60" MMM on it, Back it with a new tractor warranty ( 3 year, first two bumper to bumper ), for $13,000 plus tax. He will also throw in a back blade for an extra hundred bucks. With everything that I have read. This seems like a pretty fair deal. What do you guys think? I think the SCUT's will do everything I need. But I like the ground clearance a lot better on the B7610. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
Dan

KiotiJohn · May 4, 2006

I sometimes tire of answering these kinds of posts simply because it's going to turn into the same old thing, this is that, and the other isn't any good.

That said, I think you would be happier with a CUT than most subs that have limits in clearance, limited cat. I hitches, and limits in lift capacity etc.

Whatever brand, I think a small CUT is a much better investment and I would recommend that if you want the MMM, go for the 7610. I personally wouldn't want the hassle, and I do believe it's a hassle, of a MMM over a rear finish mower (RFM).

The price appears to be pretty good, and I know you say you're going to do a lot of mowing, but for many other tasks that you may want to do, I'd rather have the heavier tractor, but don't like the 1/4 inching 3pt hitches.

I think you owe it to yourself to check out some of the other small CUTs, and yes, I'll recommend the Kioti CK20. It's heavier, but the difference isn't critical to rutting, but will help some in other tasks, has a full position control hitch, not 1/4 inching, comes with loader valve and joystick as standard, has a fantastic air suspension seat, cup holder, cruise control etc. and has a 4 year warranty, good financing opportunities.

John

53gravely · May 4, 2006

I have a 7610. Love it. Load the tires...adds 500 pounds which really helps with turfs and loader work.

I agree with KiotiJohn. The 1/4"ing valve leaves a bit to be desired...but you get used to it...draft control IS much better.

Whatever you do DO NOT go MMM..espesially if you're doing a lot of loader work and landscape construction.

See my rant in "tractor vs. zero turn" on this same page of discussions for the miriad reasons why a REAR Finish mower is better (and it's cheaper)

DanR67 · May 4, 2006

Dan -

KiotiJohn is right that you can make endless comparisons - but basically it amounts to: bigger CUTs get more "stuff" done in the same unit of time: bigger FEL means less bucket trips, more power to move ex. landscaping stones, and in addition to the extra ground clearance - higher / taller 3PH capacity - in case you want to do some post hole digging for example. In my opinion - the B7610 has a very nicely matched "power-to-weight" ratio - it's a tough little beast - that doesn't tear up your lawn (unless you want to! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

My B7610 was purchased as a "mower first" - but I had specific needs for landscaping as well - and I chose the B7610 over a less-expensive "left-over" / demo B7500 - because I was sure I was going to need the extra power of the LA352 FEL over the LA302 that came with the B7500 model - as I have plenty of rocks to deal with here in New England. Time has proved my choice an excellent one!

In addition - I specifically chose a MMM because of the "obstacle course" that my yard is: tress, shrubs, gardens and rocks dot the yard - and I find my B7610 - with the HST - is actually incredibly nimble after you get your "sea legs".

If you have a "wide open" yard - then 53gravely's point about getting a RFM would be great advice - and you could likely save some $$. But I don't think you should discount a MMM altogether: I can mount / remove my unit in @ 10 minutes - add another 5 for mounting / removing the FEL. Browse through my website pics (link in my signature) - and you can see how I mount / remove my MMM.

Lastly - the $13K price - and the dealer is giving you an "as new" warranty - can't be beat! I paid @ $16.1K for my B7610 / LA352 FEL / 54" MMM 2 years ago!

Last point - in regards to removing snow - the FEL is ok for clearing a small area - but not longer driveways. I found a used 3PH snowblower last fall - and it kicked butt! Just something else to ponder.

I think my B7610 does a really nice job as a mower (granted I'm not looking for a "putting green" lawn either) - and it's done just about everything else I've thrown at it from a CUT / FEL work standpoint - which I think I can now safely say - that a subCUT simply would NOT have handled.

Hope that helps,

Dan (another one! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

WayneW · May 4, 2006

I will also 2nd the 7610 as a little workhorse and a great mower.
Like you, I started looking at the BX series. I was concerned that the 7510/7610 was too "big" of a machine to be around my yard mowing near my flowers and house. So I got the bar/turf tires. So far no major complaints.

Have about 3-3.5 acres of field to mow.
1 acre of lawn.
1000 ft driveway I snowblow (front mount blower) VERY hilly.
Pick up leaves.
Move dirt.
Dig up rocks.
Pull out brush.

it's cool.

8561 · May 4, 2006

I will chime in that I think a small frame CUT like a 7610 is a good choice for you. John's recommendation of the CK20 is also a worthy choice. In the short term, you might be better off with the CK for many of the reasons John mentioned. It's a heavier tractor and it has position control on the hitch. In my opinion, it's a crime that Kubota sells the 7610 without optional position control. For your landscape work, I believe you need PC. In the long run, the 7610 may be a better choice. More horsepower, and the lighter weight will be kinder to your lawn when it is in. I was in a similar dilemma a couple of years ago (new house, many jobs, landscaping, etc), and I bought a B2410 which is the same tractor as the B7610 with position control, bi speed turn, and a few other nice features. Unfortunately, it was discontinued last year. If you go 7610, get the tires loaded for the additional weight. You can always unload them later if your eventual lawn requires it. I'll wager you could get the dealer to retro on position control and take a rear finish mower instead of the mid-mount for about the same money, it would solve all of your issues. Good luck.

Henro · May 5, 2006

<font color="blue">Whatever you do DO NOT go MMM..espesially if you're doing a lot of loader work and landscape construction. </font>

MMMs and RFMs have their advantages and disadvantages. I would not write off one or the other until I looked at my personal needs. If one is cutting around a lot of things, the MMM may be better.

For me, taking my MMM off and putting it on is not a major issue. I remove it when I want to do things in the dirt.

Aside from the bit more difficulty of removal and installation, as compared to the RFM, I'm not sure why one would not want to have a MMM (OK, cost could be an issue, MMMs tend to cost more than RFMs).

WayneW · May 5, 2006

Removing my MMM was a pain in the butt. I hated doing it. Until, I got a system down.

1. I built 2 small ramps. Each made with 2 pieces of 2X8 lumber. One piece (top) is about 8 inches long is screwed to a longer piece (bottom) about 11 inches long.

2. I made a small dolly with a 1X10 piece (about 10 inches long), some scrap 1X2 lumber, and 4 dollies.

I drive the front wheels on the 2X8 ramps. Lift the deck, move the lever to adjust the rear trailing wheels of the deck to theit hight position), Place the dolly under the wheels (the scrap "trim" around the 1X10 keeps the wheels on the dolly). I then lower the deck, disconnect the 2 pins, the front lever and the shaft, and slide her out. Piece of cake, especially on pavement.

Install it in reverse order. Takes less the 5 minutes.

Actually takes me longer to put on and take off the 3pt Box Blade, so I can't imagine a 3pt Rear mower would be any quicker.

Gravely is right though. I RFM is def cheaper to buy than a MMM. However, I've never seen a grass catcher (bagger) for a RFM.

-enjoy

FlameFighter · May 5, 2006

Hey, I appreciate all the input. I can see there are pros and cons with both the MMM and Rear finish. I do have several obsticles to work around. With the deck dolly advice from WayneW. I am leaning towards the MMM. I did some checking on the CK20 that KiotiJohn mentioned. However, the only researce I can do at the moment is on the internet. The closest dealer is 50 miles from me. Taking all into consideration. I don't see where I could go wrong getting the 7610 that I have mentioned. Wether I stick with the MMM or go with the RFM and possibly another neccesary tool. I think I will be happy and get the chores done. That's it. I've made up my mind. I'm pulling the trigger. I gotta tell you. I'm actually looking forward to moving some snow with this thing. I'ts sure gonna beat using the 14 year old craftsman rider that I have been using. And the 2+ hours it takes me to do it. Thanks again for everyones input on this and all the other threads. It has been a tramendous help. I think the first thing I'm going to do when it arives is make one of those Deck Dollies. I have plenty of scrap wood.

Thanks
Dan