B7800 or L3130

[Ewang207]

Well, I've been studying this site since about April and thought I had made a decision. I went in to my local Kubota dealer today prepared to make a deal on a new B7800. Dealer suggested the 3130 was a lot more tractor for just a little more money. I think so too, so I'm seeking the opinions of those of you I've already learned so much from. I'm looking to finish mow a little over 5 acres of open mostly flat but rough yard (not manicured lawn) I also need to maintain a 325 ft. gravel drive and clear it of snow in the winter.

Prices quoted as follows:

B7800 HST, Folding ROPS, Mid PTO, R-4 Tires $12,150

L3130 HST, Ag Tires $13,700

Prices are in Northeast Ohio and do not include sales tax.

Which should I choose for my needs? Is the 3130 so heavy that I should be concerned about mowing over my septic tank and laterals? I thought the B7800 was a better size for my tasks and garage space but it seems the 3130 isn't a lot longer in length and height is not a problem.

Also if I choose a MMM the 3130 will weigh neary 4,000 lbs. and R-4 tires aren't compatible with MMM. Ag or turf tires?

I'll appreciate your thoughts.

 

[wushaw]

Them are two different machines. If I were making that choice I would go with the L3130 for the better/smoother hydro and silky smooth 3pt position control.
Pull up the specs on both units you will see lots of differences besides just weight.
I would get R4 tires to spread the weight better than ag tires and R4s will not tear up the ground like AGs will and get a rear finish mower or a dedicated lawn mower, garden tractor or ZTR for your yard.

 

[texbaylea]

I will echo what wushaw has said. Go with the L3130 and rear finish mower. The RFM will do as good a job as the MMM, cost less and should you have to replace the MMM in 10 to 15 years you probably won't be able to find one.

I started my tractor search with the B7800, then the B2910 and then realized that I got a whole lot more tractor for not much more money with the L3130. If your budget will stand it get the LA723 loader and Quick Attach adapter. It is immensely valuable for getting projects done.

Vernon

 

[poco]

Go with the L3130 ,mid- mount mower, turf tires will work well unless you get into soft ground they fill up fast and become like slicks. The 723 loader make removing MMM a snap.

 

[aloha]

You are right, the L3130 is much more tractor for just a little more money. If bigger is better, go with it. But, there may be good reasons to choose the B7800. Being lighter can be a benefit if you ever need to put it on a trailer (as well as driving over your septic system).

Some L3130 owners indicate that due to the weight of the machine they are dragging around, they are limited to low range for much of their work, especially up hills.

For the work you describe, even the B7800 is much more tractor than you need.

You do not mention a FEL for either machine. If you are going to get one (and you should) figure the cost of that in your price comparison (as well as any additional cost to put R4s on the L3130). Also compare the FEL capacities if you would be doing any heavy lifting.

 

[AntrimMan]

Neither of these machines should be operated over your septic trenches. I have a galley system and I keep my L3130 clear of it.
I dont like the idea of even driving a pickup over the area. Use a push mower.
You will have to let up on the treadle going up hills in M or H, just as the post above mentioned but who mows in those ranges? It's a heavy machine with a small HP engine. Fueling is not easy, worse with a loader attached.
For mowing, the Ag's are a second choice, but any other tire is an additional $ option. Ag's on soft ground in 4WD while turning will create damage more so than R4's which damage more so than Turfs,.
There are a few things I would change related to the loader and backhoe on my machine but in general I like my L3130HSTF.
Other than that, the L3130 is far more substantial than the B7800.
It is a beefy machine and they can fight over it when I'm gone.
All the best,
Martin

 

[aloha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You will have to let up on the treadle going up hills in M or H, just as the post above mentioned but who mows in those ranges? )</font>

I run in M when brush hogging with my B7800, including up fairly steep hills. There are times, however, when I do wish for more weight to provide greater traction. It's a trade off.

 

[rswyan]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You will have to let up on the treadle going up hills in M or H, just as the post above mentioned but who mows in those ranges? )</font>

I mow in M or H with my B2910. I went with it over a larger tractror specifically because of the lighter weight - didn't want anything heavier.

 

[texbaylea]

I operate almost exclusively in M range but I don't have any significant grades to traverse. I don't see that what range you use is important or related to the perceived value of the tractor. You use the range that will keep the PTO rpms up and let you move at the speed you want to mow.

Vernon

 

[Stef]

I think the weight of the tractor is a decisive factor here. Last year I had a BX23 and changed it this Spring for something bigger. I looked at for a L3130 and chose a B3030 mainly because of the weight. I can move it easily with my 16' aluminum trailer (B3030 TLB is around 3500 lbs, trailer is 1200... my truck towing rated capacity is 5000... so I'm ok). I mow (without loader of course) with it and I don't hesitate to pass over my septic installation. No damage at all.

It really depends on your intentions. If weight is not important for you... stop asking yourself the question and go for a L3130 otherwise a B7800 could be just the right machine for you. I must say though that 30hp for a light tractor as a B7800 is a lot. If you don't put implements on it (for instance: loader, backhoe, box blade, etc.) don't think you'll pull big load (logging for exemple). Even on 4WD the 4 wheels will spin (I learned by experience).