L2800 vs. B7800

JohnnyR · Jul 31, 2005

I recently bought a 8.5 acre property with some slow rolling hills and some very flat areas. There are quite a few trees in some parts of the property. My largest previous property lot was 90 ft x 90 ft, so I'll be a 1st time buyer. Basically want to drag a 5ft rotary cutter and do some moderate lifting with FEL, make a few paths, move a few rocks from time to time...

Went to the local Kubota dealer here in Austin and was offered a L2800 HST 4WD and a B7800 HSD 4WD at the identical price ($14950) including FEL. The dealer also pitched Industrial tires as better than farm/ag tires.

L2800 with LA463 FEL + $400 for the Industrial tires
B7800 with LA402 FEL + $150 for the Industrial tires

When I lined the L2800 and B7800 side by side, I noticed the L2800 was slightly larger in all aspects, but otherwise the 2 units are very similar. I drove them both and they reacted similarly, but I thought the L2800 was a bit 'stiffer' and jerkier (I'm no expert so I go with what I know!). Looking at the specs, I don't see a motivating factor either way to choose one or the other.

L2800 has D1403 Engine at 29 HP
B7800 has V1505 Engine at 30 HP

Wonder if there are intageables anyone can share?
Are Industrial tires a good idea? My neighbors don't use them.
Is $14,950 a decent price for either/both of these?
Has anyone experienced problems with a Rhino SE-5 Rotary cutter attached to either of these tractors?

wushaw · Jul 31, 2005

L2800 has position control instead of 1/4 inching on the 3pt.
L2800 has a larger seating area if that is important to you.
Loader is larger and has a little more capacity.
There are some more small differences. Just print out a copy of the specs on both units and compare.
The important thing is which tractor your are comfortable using, both will preform well.

clenhart · Aug 5, 2005

I was faced with exactly the same dilemma. Same amount of property and narrowed down to the same 2 tractors. I actually trialed the B7800 first with a 5' finish mower. Wound up with the L2800 and a 6' finish mower. 40 hrs. on the tractor now and am glad I went with the larger tractor. Added weight of the tractor, loader capacity and larger overall size all seem to be benefits. Any loss of maneuverability is negligible after removing the loader when mowing. The R-4 tires have not disappointed me at all. Very easy on the turf compared to R-1's with a small loss of traction noticed while plowing some wildlife food plots in a very wet area. Probably should have waited for it to dry a little but I was anxious to try her out... Good luck with your purchase.

P.S. If you go with the 2800, I would recommend the 3 pt. lift valve replacement mentioned in the "L2800 lift shudders" thread in the owning/operating forum.

nedhed · Aug 8, 2005

I believe the L2800 does not have a mid-PTO and the B7800 does.

wushaw · Aug 8, 2005

( I believe the L2800 does not have a mid-PTO and the B7800 does. )

This is true and is only good for a MMM.

familyman · Aug 9, 2005

...and a front mounted snow blower, or sweeper....
I'd prefer the size and power of my machine any day, for MY needs. I do alot of dirt work, as well as mowing my few and a few other acres. Bigger is better here for backhoe or loader work. An independent PTO and hydro would be great, but I function ok without. For dirt engagement (boxblading, plowing, tilling, etc.) some people like gears better, and I like 'em just fine.

wushaw · Aug 10, 2005

( ...and a front mounted snow blower, or sweeper....
I'd prefer the size and power of my machine any day, for MY needs. I do alot of dirt work, as well as mowing my few and a few other acres. Bigger is better here for backhoe or loader work. An independent PTO and hydro would be great, but I function ok without. For dirt engagement (boxblading, plowing, tilling, etc.) some people like gears better, and I like 'em just fine. )

I'm sorry Familyman I live in Texas where it snows that one day of the year and melts the next and I don't even know what a snowblower looks like much less what runs it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JohnnyR · Aug 31, 2005

After much deliberation and working the salesman for a month or so to get a modest price break, ordered the L2800 4wd w/ hydrostatic xmission, folding ROPS, R4 tires with LA463 FEL and Rhino SE5.

Since the L2800 and the B7800 are so similar, I basically went with the L2800 since it had a bit more weight to it and I have some uneven ground I need to navigate, plus a bit more room in the seat and slightly more lift capacity all lead me to think I'm getting more tractor for the same price, so I went with it.

Thanks for the input!

wushaw · Aug 31, 2005

The L2800 is a great tractor and should preforme well for ya.
You probably won't appreciate the roomy seating area as much as I do since your getting it from the get go, ask them about upgrading the 3pt valve to the 3010 valve.

JohnnyR · Sep 2, 2005

It just arrived a few hours ago. Went out and gave it a rip. I'm very pleased!
Are folks getting the 3pt valve to the 3010 valve for free, or is this an extra cost?

L2800 HST LA463 and Rhino SE5.