Questions About B7500 Purchase

[Anonymous Poster]

I am zeroing in on a purchase of a new B7500 to be used for landscaping, grading, clearing undergrowth from a woods, and light excavation work (first project is a retaining wall) around my 2 acre homestead. As the landscaping and clearing work takes shape, I may also use it for mowing, but probably not this season. I live in SW Ohio. Before I purchase I would like to get some feedback on a couple of issues.

1) I plan on buying a FEL but not sure which. The B7500 can use a LA272 or LA302. I've heard some talk that the LA302 is incompatible with a belly mower. Any comments?

2) I was planning on getting industrial tires. One dealer suggested that I get industrial tires and a second set of turf tires & wheels to use if I decide to start mowing. He said I would need the industrial tires if I were to do any snow removal or excavation work. Comments?

3) I know I need a ballast weight for the FEL. One dealer suggested filling the rear tires with calcium, one suggested using a rack and weights on the TPH (300# was the suggested amount). A friend who owns a B2710 said to use some sort of rear implement (box blade, rake, etc.) as ballast. Comments?

4) Do I need a grille guard with the FEL?

Thanks in advance for all the good advice. I'm new to this website but I have found it to be very informative.

Masch

 

[Bird]

The model number (272 or 302) is supposedly the number of kilograms it will lift, but I don't know anything about the compatibility with a mid-mount mower.

I'm not sure I understand a dealer telling you to get industrial (R4) tires and turf (R3) tires. Ag (R1) tires for traction, R3 for lawns, and R4 is a compromise. Of course, the R4 is also a bit tougher for puncture resistance. At any rate, I'd say R4 if that's all you're getting, but R1 and R3 if you're buying two sets.

I have my rear tires filled with water and antifreeze AND use an implement on the 3-point like your friend.

As to whether you need a grill guard, I guess that depends on what you'll be doing. My LA401 loader included a grill guard and I sure like it.

Bird

 

[GlueGuy]

I have a B7500 with the LA302 loader. It includes the grill guard (or at least I wasn't charged extra for it). I don't have, or plan to get a belly mower, so I can't help you on that. My tires are filled, and I use the heaviest box blade I coud find (Woods). I estimate that my B7500, fully loaded (filled tires, FEL, box blade, & me) tips the scales at a little over 3200 pounds. With the R4 (AKA industrial) tires I can churn up soft soil like nobody's business. Depending on your soil conditions, your mileage may vary.

The other stuff that Bird mentioned about the tires is the same as I would say.

The GlueGuy

 

[Shad]

I have ordered a very similar setup, with the FEL and belly mower, the dealer made no mention of any compatibility problems.

Also, I had him plumb in a rear hydraulic outlet, off of the FEL circuit.

 

[frank_f15]

i agree with bird and glueguy, if u are only getting one set get the r4(u can always get a different set if/and when u need to) as for ballast, i would not do anything till u see how your rig works. i use rear implements, but somtimes they can get in the way if u are in close quarters. everything has its ups and downs. i personally like the ability to add/or remove weight as the conditions or job require.

 

[HR_Mutt]

masch
You're right about all the information on this site/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.
I'll pitch in a couple comments in on a couple of your questions.
#2)Both of my tractors are equipped with turf tires and work very well with excavation and snow removal. the B-7100 tires are loaded w/ water, anti-freeze, and lead shot. The L-4610 is equipped w/ Galaxy o.s. turfs loaded with rim guard.I think conditions around the country and operator techniques will affect which tire works for you and your conditions. One observation on the large o.s. tires, don't drive into deep snow without clearing your way in, she'll ride up on it and sink! However, if you drop your FEL or blade and shove, I've been able to push
until reaching the end of the line.I've never had trouble plunging FEL or attachments into the dirt and coming away full. Would buy the turfs if I ever bought another tractor.
#3)The first 50 or so hours put on the new tractor I used the rear blade for ballast. The last 100 hrs. I did not use anything on the rear, mainly to shorten her up for working out in the woods. Bear in mind those big o.s. tires (based upon a knowlegeable poster) weigh up to 1000 lbs. each. So, some counterweight is necessary. Be careful not to raise a loaded bucket higher than necessary like this!
#4)Absolutely have a grill guard! All that pretty front end stuff is expensive when something leaves the confines of the FEL.
The B-7500 is a nice looking rig and it sounds like you'll get lots of enjoyable seat time working on your projects/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
regards
Mutt

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have the LA302 and a 60" belly mower - they are compatible. I left the FEL the first time I mowed
(3.50 acres) because the former owner had piles of rocks around and I stuck the rocks in the FEL as I mowed.

Leaving the FEL on while mowing makes it a little bouncier though; I took the FEL off the second time
I mowed and the ride was much better.

I have the R4 tires - the don't leave any marks on the lawn. Can't even see the tire tracks when I'm
done. I got the R4's because I was more concerned about good snow traction. I would assume that
they are much better than turfs when digging into piles with the FEL. With the R4's, I can easily spin
the tires; have to be careful because the spinning tires can dig a nice whole into the lawn.

I haven't put anything on for rear ballast yet, but it would help. If I leave the belly mower on,
its added weight helps when the FEL is full and the mower really doesn't get in the way if I'm
working on relatively level surfaces. If the mower is off, the tractor tends to bounce around more
if the FEL is full; I intend to get a back blade which should help stablize it.

The grill guard is part of the FEL kit.

 

[kawallace]

When using a mid mount mower on the 7500 the rear tires need to be moved in. This is not a problem if your land is level but if not you would want the tires mounted for max width. I operate a 7500 on fairly hilly land and have opted for rear finishing mower. The other negative for a mid mount is that you don't have a lot of clearance so if you are planning on doing other work you will be removing the mm deck often. The 7500 is a great machine. Wally