B7800 or L3130

[badboyod]

Hi everybody,
I'm new to the site but have owned a '55 600 series Ford for some years. Before that I had a Ford 8N with a loader. I loved the loader, but on an old Ford they are just too heavy, no p steering and poor steering componenets on the front for the weight. I love my old Ford's but they are horrible with a loader on and I'm ready to move on. I only have an acre of land with a 700 foot gravel driveway. My principle need is snow removal in Southeast Michigan, but I'm always working on something and also have some landscaping coming up. I also like the help of being able to lift something heavier than I should be playing with. I know the pulling capabilities of the 7800 are probably better than the old Ford's, but the Fords had a good bit more weight and I've been known to pull neighbors vehicles out of the mud, ditch, etc. I have also found it nice to be able to lift with a loader higher than 6 feet. Will I be happy with the 7800 or should I move to the 3130? Is snow removal good with the 7800? (It's always the money)Should I just let my neighbors stay in the mud? all the best, john in michigan.

 

[DieselnHooters]

I know exactly what you mean about those old-gassers with FEL and no p.s.. I used to own an old INTER W-4 with a huge MF industrial loader on it. Ineeded to have a big breakfast to steer that thing around and it was impossible with a full bucket, but boy that loader was powerful,had a huge independant pump^, it could lift tons literally. If I had 1 acre and needed a tractor for the tasks you mentionned, I would be more than hesitant on spending $20,000 bucks on something, a CUT, that might not even fit the bill. Why not go for a used utility tractor, something like a MF 135 or 165, Ford 3000 or 4000, JD 510 710 1120 or countless others, tractors from 1965 to 1975, those are diesel and p.s., for a fraction of the cost. I cant believe you will use it more than 100 hrs a year on such a small property, if you are lucky and properly maintain it , the tractor can outlast you, in addition it has no depreciation left unlike a brand new CUT, it is stronger, can lift heavier loads and lift them higher too and will stand a much better chance of towing that odd car out of the ditch /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ronjhall]

John
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I have B2910 (same as a B7800 with extra's. For the money I would look at a L3130 and a LA723 Since you did not mention the need to mow it will give you the extra lift and towing that you want. You may want to consider a GST transmission for the type of work you want to do.

 

[Theowegian]

Hello John,

After months of deliberations, I purchased a L3130 w/ an LA513 loader.
I have about 8 acres and the fit for me is perfect.
If I had three acres or less then I would have opted for the B series Kubota, like the B7800 or B2910.

Im suggesting the L series is too big for one acre unless you need the towing capability or the loader capacity more than just tooling around with mowing, maintaining the driveway, yard, garden etc.

Good luck.
dwight

 

[DAP]

An L3130 on 1 acre of land? Is there a house/buildings on this 1 acre also?

Repeat.

An L3130 on 1 acre of land?

Um ... that's like usin a jackhammer to push in a thumbtack.

Any grass on the 1 acre?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Whoa ...

 

[To20Chris]

The L3130 really doesn't cast much (if any) bigger shadow than a B7800, ceratinly in regards to an acre of land. It just weighs more. While it seems like a lot of tractor for an acre, it really depends on the jobs you are going to do, not how big your lot is. Take a look at the dimensions.

 

[Trailblazer]

It might be helpful to hear more about your intended uses for the tractor. Just snow removal and occasional towing? For a landscaping project or two, renting what you need would be way cheaper. There might be some use for a large CUT on that size plot of land, but I don't know what. I'm not even sure the B7800 isn't overkill - how 'bout a BX? On the other hand, if you like to help your neighbors a lot, bigger would be better.

 

[Bellville]

I was reading your post and have to ask, 1 acre of land is 43,560 square feet, if you had a 700 foot driveway your property would be extremely narrow even if the driveway was in a u shape. Not trying to be a smart alec /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif just wondering what the dimensions of your property are.

Thanks

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> The L3130 really doesn't cast much (if any) bigger shadow than a B7800, ceratinly in regards to an acre of land. It just weighs more. </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Well I have a B2910, which is the identical size as the B7800, and all I can say is believe me there is a huge difference between the two tractors...

That being said, when we had our "local" TBN lunch on Saturday, Bigblock joined us (visiting from Florida) and he has a JD 4310 on 1.25 acres...and RickJay has a B2910 on 2/3 acres and loves it.

Personally I have concluded for my needs on 3.7 acres, a L3130 would be more tractor than I need. Need...not want!

The real problem is that the 3130 only costs a little more and you get much more tractor for that couple thousand dollars. But it is a much bigger tractor...

 

[badboyod]

Hi all, thanks for your thoughts. I guess what I was mostly concerned with was whether a 7800 would really move the snow as well as I need. A bigger, heavier machine always does it better. And of course I end up plowing 2 of my neighbors driveways every year, also with 700 foot driveways. The snow can get pretty heavy and yes you can plow it out with most anything given enough time but when it's cold and dark who wants it to take forever?

I want a loader back so that decision is made. In my mind the tractors are essentially the same size only the L series is taller and heavier and overall a better made stronger tractor. Now fastforward 20 years and I'm ready to sell it. Which one is going to command a better price? I think the L will do better there. Also if you think about what I'm used to, a good sized heavy tractor. I look at the B series and they seem just a bit small. Now of course there are many improvements to consider(4 wheel drive etc) but since I've never plowed snow with one how would I know how good they do?

Finally, I could buy a utility tractor like a Ford 3000 but if you take a look at what prices used tractors are commanding it just doesn't make any sense. Too much a percentage of new price (especially with 0% financing) with more risk. Not to mention the fact that they have no style compared to my 600. So I'm going to spend the B price but I may also spend a bit more and 20 years from now I think I'll be happy I did. all the best,
john