? difference between B3030 and B7800?

gchova · Feb 20, 2006

Anybody help me with the difference between the B3030 and the B7800? Thanks.

Av8r3400 · Feb 20, 2006

Although they are both 3-speed hydros, the B7800 has a clutch peddle and the 3030 does not. the clutch is needed to engage the PTO or to change ranges on the hydro.

The 3030 also has position control on the three point where the B7800 has a 1/4 inching valve. The position control has an adjustable stop that will allow the 3 point to return to the same height (position) when you move the lever to the same spot. The 1/4 inching valve has an up, 1/4 inch up, neutral, 1/4 inch down, and down position. Meaning you 'step' the 3point to a position with no way of indicating a repeat spot.

Size and power are the same for both, though.

gchova · Feb 21, 2006

Thanks very much. That clears up my confusion.

ronjhall · Feb 21, 2006

There are a few other differences.
The ones that the B7800 does not have are:
Better Seat. With adjustable spring suspension and armrest.
Rear Hydraulic output port.
Tilt Steering Wheel.
Telescoping Steering Wheel.
Telescoping Lower 3PH links.
Pin type anti sway adjustments for lower links. These 2 items make it a lot easier to hook up Attachments.
More sheet metal around operator station. Do not know if this is a plus or not.

Toolguy · Feb 21, 2006

The B3030 is the latest model, The LA403 loader does not have the crossbar across the hood and IMHO is a better looking machine. The hydrostatic steering is unbelievably smooth. It has a better cruise control. It has a better tilt steering wheel that make climbing on and off the tractor much easier. It also has adjustable 3PTH arms to help make attaching implements easier. It has adjustable sway bars on the 3PTH arms instead of turnbuckles. The postion control feature is far superior to the 1/4 inching valve. It should also have better resale value in the future. It costs a little more but you also get more. All these factors added up to help me make the decision to buy the B3030. I am glad I did. It is an amazing machine.

riptides · Feb 21, 2006

Price should be a differentiator, if you can live without the "extras", you may be able to make it up in the attachments.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Henro · Feb 21, 2006

I have a B2910, which was the "delux" version of the B7800 before the B3030 came out. I also have a BX2200.

The BX has a hydraulic PTO and no clutch. I think this is similar to what the B3030 has. Frankly, I would NEVER want this setup when using a post hole digger. Other than that, perhaps it would be OK.

The PHD is my hang up. With my larger tractor, I can operate the clutch with my foot, and the directional pedal with my other foot, while being twisted around and watching the auger. If the auger grabs a root I can quickly (if I am lucky, that auger goes down REAL fast when it grabs a root) push the clutch and stop it.

I just think it would be pretty hard for me to use a PHD on the BX, as I could not sit there with my left hand on the PTO lever, the right foot on the directional pedal, and still be able to twist around and watch the auger.

On top of that, with the hydraulic clutch, it just SEEMS to me that stopping the auger at the hole bottom, then lifting it while stopped, and then spinning it again to throw the dirt off, and thereby cleaning out the hole better, would be cumbersome to say the least with the lever operated hydraulic clutch.

Other than using the PHD, I suppose there are no issues...

Anyway, I concluded the B3030 could never be my "cup of tea"...

I may be off base here so take these comments with a grain of salt. I still dislike the hydraulic clutch on my BX, each time I engage it to start the MMM blades turning...too sudden and quick for my liking. I prefer to feather the starts...

gchova · Feb 22, 2006

Thanks very much, guys. It's hard to pick up the differences from the literature, and your comments are very helpful.

kingoflawns · Feb 23, 2006

The 3030 also has 1 hp more at the pto. The 3030 is an awesome tractor worth the extra $ IMHO and i laid out the big dollars for the factory cab. This tractor handles like a luxury automobile, the pto engagement is smooth and quiet, the cruse works very well, it turns on a time, it's good on fuel,well balanced, easy to service and easy to trailer. The factory cab is super quiet, with strong climate controls, nice mirrors and a real nice panasonic am/fm/wb/cd. Kubota engineers got it right on this machine! The 7800 is also a fine tractor, you get a workhorse for less $ on the 7800, for me it was not about the $. I make my living (year round) with my machine so comfort was one big factor for me. There are some fel issues with the 3030's, some of the early models have off center & crooked 403's. If i could change one aspect of the 3030, i would build it with adjustable rear tread. I love my 3030, i shopped around & operated many brands & models, in the end it came down to the B7800 the B3030 and the L3010!