Looking seriously at Kubota B7800HSD

[Post Carbon]

Hello folks,

You all were so helpful with advice about buying a JD, which changed our minds from sub-compact to a CUT. I definitely want enuf clearance, and the 30 HP won't hurt either.

So now we're zeroing in on a used Kubota B7800HSD. 2003, with 1050 hours on it. Includes a loader (sadly no backhoe for this girl who hates digging holes by hand). It's from a dealer, who will include a 90 day 100 hour major power train warranty.

So tell me.... is 1050 hours too much?

Uses: backfilling a large foundation, tilling 2 acres, turning compost.

We're on an island, so transport back would be problematic....

Any advice / opinions welcome.

 

[s219]

I wouldn't be against 1050 hours if the price was right and the tractor was well maintained. But definitely price up a new B2620-2920-3200 series just to make sure you have good perspective on something new and low risk.

What kind of holes do you need to dig? Don't overlook an auger if digging for posts, plants, or shrubs and small trees.

 

[TripleR]

I am not all that familiar with the Kubota B7800HSD, so I can't say too much about it other than I prefer a position control 3PH to te 1/4 inching on it. http://www.tractordata.com/news/2004/01/kubota-compact-b7800-tractor.html

Our 2003 L5030 has 1300 hours on it and runs like a top with no oil usage and I expect it to last many more years. We have diesels made in the 60's and 80's with no telling how many hours as the electrical systems went out years ago and they are essentially trouble free.

As mentioned, for digging consider an auger. You can also get a spade that mounts to your FEL or pallet forks, but I have never used one. On the rare occasion we need to dig anything of consequence, we rent a backhoe or mini excavator, but that may not be an option for you.

We bought a dedicated back hoe years ago and it now just sits in the shed, we don't use it enough to keep it running.

 

[crazyal]

A coworker's father has a 7800 with over 3000 hours on it now. He also has an older L (don't remember the model). Before I bought mine they let me play around with it. I got to use it to remove snow with his rear blower and skidding logs out of the woods. He taught me how he used the 1/4" inching valve (would just tap the lever to make very small adjustments). He also showed me the advantages of the HST transmission.

After getting a little seat time I planned on getting a new 7800. I looked at the 303 but didn't feel it was worth the extra money for me. Then I did what I usually do and moved up. If the price is good I would go for the 7800. It's a very stout capable machine.

 

[creekbend]

In my opinion, I don't think that amount of hours would influence me in the purchase.The way that the tractor was maintained is an important factor. You stated that the Dealer offered a 100 hour-90 day warranty. I would suggest that it might be it your best interest to check prices on comparable machines in your area. In regards to the backhoe issue, I tend to agree with the other posts. Unless you have a lot of use for a backhoe, an auger would probably suffice. Good Luck.

 

[alltherage]

We looked at a used B7800 as well. I researched the crap out of it.
It's a dependable machine but it really has too much HP for the weight. It's a very light tractor relative to others. The other major complaints you'll find on the internet about it are the lousy headlights and seat. I would agree with those as well from my experience. I think there are better tractors out there in the 30hp range. Remember, you need weight in order to get the power to the ground. Alot depends on price...but I'd look around. We did and found nicer tractors after.

 

[milesaweigh]

I had a B7800 for years, the only reason I traded was that I needed a cab. If I could have found a cab for it at reasonable cost I would still have it. Reliable, strong, powerful and compact enough to go places my 3540 can't even imagine. If the price is right you can't go wrong. As far as headlights are concerned, quartz bulbs make them reasonable.
Like any tractor with a loader, all they do is light up the back of the bucket better.
Weight can easily be added but not so easily removed so traction is a non issue.
Good luck.

 

[Martian]

Don't have any experience with the tractor but I would say 1050 hours would not be bad as long as it was properly serviced, should last way beyond that with proper servicing:thumbsup:

 

[raptor749]

I have an 04' B7800 with FEL , and it has 1309 hours on it now . ? Your price , I've seen a few with 50 to 250 hours with FEL for $12,500 to $14,500 . Good luck , and enjoy what ever you buy...

 

[namesray]

i have a 2007 b7800 with fel and it has 802 hours on it. it runs perfectly with no problems what so ever. i have used it for just about every job imaginable and would not trade it for anything else. if the tractor your looking at was maintained well and the price is right, there should be no concern what so ever. i've seen kubota engines run hard at a golf course i used to work at, and the only one i remember having trouble was a 28 hp engine on a mower that a radiator hose come off and it over heated bad. it had 2500 hours on it and they opted to rebuild it and kept running it. my neighbor has an older kubota tractor (L2350 i think) and it had 5000 hours on it when he bought it from his friend. he is still running it. as far as the hp to weight ratio, yes it could use a little more weight, but i have skidded fire wood logs with mine (a lot) and built a driveway cut out of a side hill, and moved tons of dirt and stone with mine, even leveled ground to build 4 sheds on. get the tires loaded and i think you will be very happy with a b7800. good luck with whatever you decide to do.