Deciding between Kubota B7800 or L2800 and New Holland TC30

[bgreeley]

About 12 acres of a 12 degree slope, general use and would also need a backhoe, auger, tiller.

TC30 price was 14,999 for tractor with loader which seems a lot less expensive than the B7800 hsd-f for 16,198 or L2800 hst-f for 16,454. The kubota guy was really pushing the B7800 because it was 4 cylinder vs. 3 for the TC30.

Any thoughts?

 

[Bird]

You know we all have our little preferences and if all else is equal, I'd prefer 4 cylinders, and quite frankly couldn't tell you why. I've owned both 3 and 4 cylinder Kubotas; both were very good and no reason to think one was better than the other, except in my particular case, the 4 cylinder was a little bigger tractor overall. My first tractor experience was with a 2 cylinder gasoline John Deere. That worked well, too, And I've cut and baled a few hundred big round bales of hay with a 6 cylinder tractor. So number of cylinders wouldn't be a deciding factor for me; might be for someone else.

In my opinion, you've got one of those decisions I like 'cause you just can't hardly go wrong no matter which way you go. Go ride around on each of them a bit, then decide which one feels best to you, and/or which dealer you like the best.

 

[canoetrpr]

I think you need to carefully consider your application. If you plan on primarily finish mowing and then some other secondary activities like using the FEL and backhoe then the B7800 is a great choice with a MMM.

The strength of the B series is its light weight.

OTOH, if finish mowing is not your primary application then I think you will appreciate the wider frame and extra weight of the standard L series 2800. I would suggest that you consider the L3400 which is not much more $ but gives you extra horses that you might appreciate in a hilly area and if you are using HST.

I don't know much about the TC-30. Like the L2800/3400 it seemed like a no frills machine to me but ergonomically I liked the L3400 better.

Remember that when you are spending this much, a litte extra $ can buy you a lot more. The price difference between the Grand L 3240 and the L2800 is probably not that much and when you consider the LA723 loader, worth it in my opinion.

That said I bought a L3400 and I am happy with it. Do be prepared for the odd issue that you might not be satisfied with as it is an economy tractor. The jerky 3PT is one example - although almost all people have had the valve changed under warranty and it is great after the change. If you accept that the standard L series is an economy tractor and will not have the hyd flow, loader capacity, smoother 3PT of the Grand L then it is a nice little workhorse that really gets the job done.

 

[b33b]

I started out focused on the L3400 because of the extra hp over an L2800. A few months ago I went to a dealer who had Kubota and NH and tried out the L3400 and the TC30 and T1520. Surprised me to find that the NH pair felt smaller and fit me better. Also didn't like the 3400 gear shift location and the flex of the step/fender when I got on (190 lbs). JD and NH didn't flex.

The L2800 and TC30 numbers closely match as do the L3400 and the T1520 numbers. Then NH came out with the 0%/60 months on the T1520 for the end of September.

Another round of dealer visits this week and the prices all fell into a $1000 spread. L3400 was 15,990 plus $1K for R4s and a QA bucket, L3240DT was 17,990, B3030 17,790, JD 3203 17,315, JD 2520 17,299, and the T1520 17,800 with a Woods 102 loader. All gear except for the 3030, 2520, and the 3203.

I have no fields, only woods and smaller helps. The L3240 was just too big and the 3030 size was tempting, but the special financing and pto hp of the T1520 made it my choice.

More subjective, but the rural NH dealer was more pleasant to deal with, and had slightly lower prices, than the larger Kubota/NH dealer. Plus the K/NH dealer didn't know anything about the 1520 special rate and said would find out when I applied for the loan, didn't offer to call and confirm.

Nice thing is that there are no bad choices, just try all and see which one feels best to you.

 

[AndyMA]

To me 3 cyl vrs 4 cyl means nothing. I prefer the heavier weight of the TC30 especially since you mention that backhoe & FEL work will be major.

Andy

 

[Timber]

I can tell you I love my B7800

 

[VAChesterfield]

I'm a very happy camper with my TC 30 gear model (BTW, it's a 3 banger).

Bought it in Jun of '04 and have just crossed 450 hours. It's rugged, reliable, and, so far, I have done all scheduled services myself (simplicity does have its benefits I am not a mechanic by trade).

Choosing between makers is always a challenge, and you should consider the dealership and the support they can and will provide almost as much as the tractor itself.

 

[jbrumberg]

"Choosing between makers is always a challenge, and you should consider the dealership and the support they can and will provide almost as much as the tractor itself."


I definitely agree. Jay

 

[rickster]

Tc 30 is a nice tractor, But I love my B7800 and for any loader work
gear tractors are not near as nice as a hydro.

 

[thcri]

Tc 30 is a nice tractor, But I love my B7800 and for any loader work
gear tractors are not near as nice as a hydro.

I am not sure if your meaning the TC30 is a gear tractor only or not, but you can get the TC30 in a hydro. I also personnally like the hydro for loader operation.

However, the different brands that is being mentioned are all good tractors. I like the idea of going with the one that you think has the best dealer supporting it. Also which one fits your butt the best. All of the brands mentioned will do you right.


murph