New B7610 vs. used B2910?

[peterc38]

Here is my dilemma. I have been looking into/researching the purchase of a compact tractor for some time.

See original post here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...newbie-w-b7610-questions.html?highlight=b7610

I am finally in a position to buy (I am using cash, not financing). I had pretty much settled on the B7610 as the tractor to best suit my needs. The quote I have is $14,300 w/ 352 loader, loaded R4 tires and hooks on bucket. Kubota now has $400 off on cash sales too. This dealer also has a 2002 B2910 w/ 402 loader, loaded R4 tires and approx 170 hours on it that they are asking $12,900 for (I haven’t tried to haggle on price). This tractor has more features such as position control and 3 range HST vs. 2 range on the 7610, not to mention 30 HP vs. 24. The downside of the used machine would be that it is out of warranty, which is not comforting to me. The attachments I will be purchasing are box scraper and RFM. I originally wanted a backhoe, but it is not in the cards financially. I figure I can rent a mini-excavator once a year or so for any digging projects if I have to.

Since there are a lot of people on this board that have forgotten more about tractors than I will ever know, I humbly ask, what would you do?

 

[Toolguy]

I would get to the dealer as fast as I could before they sell that B2910 to somebody else. That sounds like a good deal. I looked at a B7610 before I bought my B3030. While the B3030 was more money I am very happy I went bigger. There are so many more things that you can do with a B2910/B3030 compared to a B7610. First of all it has a full size cat. 1 3PTH. That means that you can use full size implements. Second is position control on the 3PTH. I grew up driving Ford tractors in the 50's & 60's. Operating a tractor today without PC would be like going back to the stone age for me. Third, the extra size, weight and power will let you get things done faster. If where you are going to use the tractor does not limit you to a smaller machine you will not regret getting something bigger. As far as warranty vs. no warranty, I doubt if you will ever have to worry about it. A Kubota with only 170 hrs is barely broken in. Any warranty issues would have probably surfaced by now. Maybe the dealer will give you a limited 30 day warranty if you ask, just for your peace of mind. If the B2910 looks like it was well taken care of and runs good I would have no problems with it being used. Good luck.

 

[art]

Unless the 2910 was really beat up I don't know what the question is.

 

[8561]

I agree, the 2910 is a better deal. That is unless you think the larger size of the 2910 is a disadvantage to you. If you are not operating in tight spaces, then the 2910 is the way to go. I would like to clarify something posted above, the 3 point hitch on the 7610 is full cat 1, just as full a cat 1 as the 2910. Any implement that will fit on a 2910 will also go on a 7610.

 

[ChuckinNH]

The price on the B2910 is quite good if it is in good shape. I've looked at two of them locally, one was $18,500 with a snowblower, and the other was $21,500 with snowblower, and mmm. They are great tractors, and are well matched to five foot implements. I wouldn't worry about the lack of a factory warranty, and if you are buying it from a dealer, you probably can get him to warranty it for a short time at any rate. Look to see if the loader, etc. seems to have been greased regularly, ask about servicing records, etc.
The smaller size of the B7610 does have it's advantages for smaller areas, and is better suited to 4' implements. I like that size a lot, and may end up buying one myself. Though the B2910 is only a little larger when bare, the loader, makes it quite a bit longer. Though it feels more nimble than an L series, I'm not sure you could get it in places that you couldn't get an "L". I'm fixing up logging roads, and want them to be trails, and not highways, and am managing my woodlands for the wildlife as much as for my enjoyment. Perhaps we both should look closely at the actual tasks we want to perform, and places we want to work, and the room we have for storage of implements, etc., and base our decisions on those factors.
On a side note, I think the BH75 backhoe can be put on a B2910, and is better than the one currently available for the smaller B. The B7510, and B7610 are going to be replaced soon with newer versions, and I sure wish I knew what that will bring. If they add position control, and the option of a well intergrated backhoe, it might be worth the wait for me.

 

[white]

As a reference point. My NH dealer offered me $10500 for my 2000 2910 that includes 60" MMM and FEL all in very good condition. He tells me that they will sell it for $12900. This is toward a new 3030 cab. I went from 10 years on a B2150 24HP to the 2910 with the 30HP and would never go back.

 

[canoetrpr]

The last thing I would worry about would be warranty. The B2910 is practically a new machine.

There is some risk anytime you buy any piece of equpiment - new or used. Warranty is just a short term thing anyway - you will run out of it in 3 years even on the new machine. You can risk getting a lemon on either.

Realistically the chances that a machine with that low hours is going to give you any problems to worry about is minimal. If it would make you feel better - put aside the difference in the $ betweent he two in a savings account and make your own warranty . I'll bet you'll come out ahead.

 

[broncosfan]

My vote would be to see what upgrades will be out next year to the new 7610. You can put your property size in your profile so folks can help you out better. Take care.

 

[peterc38]

My vote would be to see what upgrades will be out next year to the new 7610. You can put your property size in your profile so folks can help you out better. Take care.

Property size is about 6.5 acres (please see link to in OP for more detail)

 

[peterc38]

Thanks for all the input so far and please keep it coming. I want to make up my mind by the weekend.

 

[Timber]

No question in my mind, The B2910. take the extra doe and buy some implements or a grapple or just have all the rear remotes installed for you

 

[ronjhall]

That B2910 will not last long at that price. Do not take very long making up your mind or you will have to buy the B7610.

 

[Northland]

I'd buy the B2910 for sure...particularly at that price.

As much as I love my B7800 I wish I had bought something (2630/3030) with position control, the telescoping bars, ratcheting leveler, drink holder etc., Changing and adjusting implements is a nightmare on the B7800/7610's. I'm looking forward to TSC bringing out their new quick hitch in a few months-then my issues will no longer be a problem.

 

[BubbaJr]

I will go along with the rest. I bought a new 2001 B2910 and now have over 940 hours on it. After the initial 50 hour adjustments by the dealer, I have had exactly "0" problems with it. I've used it hard and often from tilling 5 acres with the temps in the 90's, to plowing 28" of snow in 0 degrees, and everything in between.

I have absolutely no regrets what-so-ever regarding the purchase of my B2910. I consider it the single smartest purchase I have ever made.

I case you couldn't tell, I really love my Kubota. Buy it quick!!!!

Good Luck,
Joe

 

[canoetrpr]

I'd buy the B2910 for sure...particularly at that price.

As much as I love my B7800 I wish I had bought something (2630/3030) with position control, the telescoping bars, ratcheting leveler, drink holder etc., Changing and adjusting implements is a nightmare on the B7800/7610's. I'm looking forward to TSC bringing out their new quick hitch in a few months-then my issues will no longer be a problem.

Northland, I purchased a Pat's.. It is probably the best money I've ever spent on any thing.

Northland brings up an excellent point about position control. Heck I'd go with the B2910 even if it was the same price or a bit more money because of just this one point.

 

[8561]

I voted for the 2910, but I would like to offer a different opinion on an earlier post. I have a B2410 which is a B7610 with the 2910 features (position control, etc). It is very well suited to 5' implements. I have a 5' box blade (heavy duty at that, weighs 541 lbs), 5' rear blade (wish I'd bought a 6' instead), 5' snowblower, 5' rear finish mower (I'm sure it would run a 6" RFM, many do on this tractor), and a 6' York rake. The only implement for my tractor that I would even consider dropping below 5' is a brush hog, and I don't own one of those. My understanding is a 5' brush hog is too much for this tractor. For everything else, I would buy 5' and above. By the way, I also have a 7' backhoe which seems well matched as well.

 

[Northland]

Northland, I purchased a Pat's.. It is probably the best money I've ever spent on any thing.

Northland brings up an excellent point about position control. Heck I'd go with the B2910 even if it was the same price or a bit more money because of just this one point.

I hear you canoetrpr. I recently bought a SpeeCo QH along with a new carry-all from TSC but they were not compatable with each other or my KK rear blade-so, I returned the SpeeCo. The TSC product mgr in Nashville told me they would have a new QH out soon. Apparently like the Pat's but better and only US$100. He promised to send me the tester when it's approved for sale

 

[ChuckinNH]

8561.... I stand corrected on my implement size statement. It was wrong of me to make a generalized statement like that in a forum where people are looking for advice. I was thinking about rotary cutters when I made it since they seem to be a very common implement. You are most certainly correct about the other implements. The B2410 is a great tractor with the position control, etc. I hope that Kubota has a version of that in the upcoming new small "B" series!

 

[peterc38]

It seems as though it is pretty unanimous to take the B2910. I am going to look at it Friday afternoon. The guy said he would call me first if anyone else expressed interest.

Here is the ad, you have to scroll down the page to the 2910 (s/n 54521).

Chappell Tractor Sales Inc.

It seems to be in good shape from the pictures as far as I can tell.

In the front view does the bucket wear look normal? At the bottom, it seems to touch the ground in the middle, but not at the edges.

 

[hazmat]

I just upgraded to a B3030 from a TC18 (similar to B7500). It is a world of difference.

For Reference - A new B3030 with loader would be ~$17,500 +/-

Chappell will treat you right - I've bought 2 tractors from them.

Your best bet is to try them at home. If you have the means to transport - they might be willing to let you demo (at the very least the used one).