L2800 performance

canuck50 · Oct 25, 2006

Hi all
I have been reading posts for some time but finally signed up

I am in Canada and have 15 ac of hilly forest land. I want to clear some trails maintain 1/4 mile driveway and clear brush with a rear mower. Will not use a finish mower so probably will never need a mid pto
I want a backhoe and loader. Stability is a big issue.
I am thinking 26 to 30 hp. Have looked at JD, NH and Kubota. Very little choice of dealers here and JD seems higher priced than Kubots for similar features so narrowed it down to:
Kuboda L2800, with bh75 and 463 loder or 2630 with bh 75 and 403 loader
I lean to the more basic L2800 with HST

Questions:
I note the weight of the L2800 is more that 800lbs greater than the 2630 with about 3 more HP (29) and is heaver than the 3030 which has 30hp.
Anyone have any comments on this positive or negative?

Is there anything negative about the live PTO as compared to the independent that is on JD?

Also I read some older posts about problems with the bh75. Is it safe to assume they have fixed that issue. It seems to have better specs than what JD and NH have in the same price range
Any other comments welcome.

Tks

machmeter62 · Oct 25, 2006

Canuck: I have a 2004 Kubota L2800 and use it in a semi- light construction environment, with the loader doing most of the work. I also tow various size trailers around the sites. The only complaints I have read about this L series is the quarter inching valve, which raises with a somewhat jerking motion? It's a non issue for me, and maybe the new ones have the infinite position valve; you may want to check before purchase? Kubota quality and dependability has always been a selling point for me. I still have my first one a L295DT, which is approaching it's 30th birthday, and no mechanical failures with a lot of hard use. The live-continous PTO is a nice feature also. I have the manual shift, which is basically a mechanical shuttle, which you will soon enjoy. Power wise, unless you need it for PTO work that requires > than 24 hp; you will run out of traction before power. Hope this helps with your decision?

acresdozen · Oct 26, 2006

Canuck, I have had my L2800 since Aug'06 and after 42 hours of run time believe I have made the right decision. My tractor is L2800 HST equipped with LA463 loader, BH75 w/16" bucket, Landpride Mower FDR 1660, Tiller RTR 1558-32, and Rear Blade RB 1572. I borrowed a 48" brush hog and used this to cut down rose bush weeds, a variety of 7' tall stuff including 2" dia trees with no problem. The loader certainly helped knock this stuff down on the way in. Tilled about 2 acres, had a problem with disengaging the PTO, my dealer took the tractor back to the shop and repaired a rusted cable. No problems since.
As far as the weight goes, I selected the L2800 over the B7800 for that reason and the position control feature. Since I am a new tractor owner, I read alot about loading tires for stability and traction. Since this is not recommended for backhoe use, I decided to go with the extra mass, which when you look at it, the extra weight comes to 200 lbs/tire.
I still believe this is the perfect rig for my 12+ acres, and have made the right decision over JD and NH. This thing brings a smile to my face everytime I start her up...her name is Mable. Hope this helps.

wickedinhere · Oct 26, 2006

You cant go wrong with the l2800 mine has done more than i could imagine.

machmeter62 · Oct 26, 2006

Canuck: For the stability with the hills, the R-1's will offer greater traction, plus you can adjust the rear wheel width to your comfort level on the slopes! I have several tractors, and for my slopes and traction needs; the R-1's are my choice. If you work in wet and soft soil (mud), the R-4's turn to "slicks," and provide very little stability or traction. The mud will stick to the tires, and will not shed the mud like the R-1's will. Decide what conditions you will spend most of the time before choising your tires. The R-4's cost another $400+ to the bottom line.

tcarter1 · Oct 26, 2006

I recently bought a 2800 HST after owning a BX for 5 years. So far, so good. This tractor offers a lot of bang for the buck. I personally preferred the heavier/larger frame of the L series over the B since I have no intention of lawn mowing with this one. One suggestion: ask your dealer if he handles Bush-Hog loaders. The BH loader offers a little more capacity and lifting height. BTW, I bought a Long 4n1 bucket and love it.

canuck50 · Oct 26, 2006

Thanks for the replys everyone. Now if i could only get one for the prices you guys do in USA. Anyway time to bite the bullet and lay down some cash. I am off to see the dealer today and should make a purchase by early next week.

Canuck

wvmapler · Oct 30, 2006

Canuck,

At most dealers in the US, you can get the L3400 which is the same tractor with 6 more HP for around $ 1000 more if interested. I love my L3400 and I did a lot of research and to me it was the most tractor for the best price over JD and NH.

Dweeks · Oct 30, 2006

wvmapler said:
Canuck,

At most dealers in the US, you can get the L3400 which is the same tractor with 6 more HP for around $ 1000 more if interested. I love my L3400 and I did a lot of research and to me it was the most tractor for the best price over JD and NH.

What he said.

oldgoat2 · Oct 30, 2006

In response to the PTO not being independant. In ways the independant is nicer when running equipment that you would like to turn on and off when you are off the tractor, such as a grain auger or a sprayer while using a hand wand. I've been digging a lot of postholes lately with my L3400 and I love being able to control the PTO engagement with the clutch to ease through tough areas of a hole containing rocks or roots. I think it is just an issue of convienience vs control. Both work equally well.