Replacing my B2910

[ltrain]

Hello all,

I've been away from this website for a while after buying my B2910 four years ago so I'm not well versed in all of the new models. I like my tractor so much I've had no need follow the new ones. This tractor has done all I've asked of it with no failure or compromize.

However, after four years I must be honest about my only complaint: I am very uncomfortable mowing or operating on slopes! I am building a home on our acreage and will be changing from occasional/optional mowing with the brushcutter (of thick weeds ) to full time/mandatory mowing of a future finished lawn with a 72" mmm.

The house will be on the top of the slope with approx 6 acres of mowing. I have a tilt meter on the tractor fel cross bar and 70% of the mowing is at 15 degrees. After four years, I just can not get comfortable in this tractor at that slope.

I've done searches on the forum and really don't see this addressed. I presume others would agree that the only flaw with the B2910 may be a narrow wheelbase or high center of gravity?

Now that I'll be using the tractor "full time" for mowing and would like it to feel more stable; I'm considering replacing it with perhaps an L series. I'd like a tractor that I could use to landscape these acres from a semi rough weed field here in Iowa to a smoother finished lawn or pasture. I have a 5' box blade, a Kubota tiller, a 6' king kutter rear blade, a landscape rake and quick attach fel with pallet forks and two buckets (5' and 6') for the LA 402.

It sounds like a Harley rake would be an ideal attachment to rent to renovate my acreage, but I shiver at the thought of trying one on the back of my 2910 on the side of a hill. Maybe I'm just chicken - but like I said it's time to be honest after four years.

If I do this I have a few other options I'd like as well such as rear hydraulics for a hydraulic top and tilt, front hydraulics for a grapple and snow blade directioning, quick attach FEL for pallet forks.

So the question is which tractor is the next step up after a B2910 and will give the most stability on slopes.

LTRAIN

 

[Toolguy]

I would suggest that an L3130 would be the perfect upgrade for you. They have wider turf tires and a wider width as well. It doesn't sound like you need much more power, so the L3130 should do everything you want. Good luck.

 

[ronjhall]

Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I have seen some pictures of L30 series tractor that look very wide. They had some super-wide turf tires on them. Before I would purchase another tractor because of steep hills. It would have to be tested on my property to make sure it would preform to my expectations.

 

[Henro]

ltrain,

I know the feeling. My B2910 scares me too when I am sideways on a slope. On the other hand, my BX2200 does comfortable circles on the same slopes. Both tractors have front and rear loaded tires, and the BX has the MMM which also lowers the center of gravity.

How to separate illusion from reality is a problem most of us have with our tractors, since most of us have not pushed them to their limits, so we really have no clear idea how steep a side slope it would take to cause the tractor to flop over on its side.

In my case, I have concluded that my BX IS more stable than my B2910, and I feel comfortable on it, on a side slope most of the time. But it is narrower that my B2910, and lower. Narrower is countered by lower...and I think what gives me most confidence is the mower deck hanging down under so low, which effectively lowers the net center of gravity, which in my mind makes me more comfortable.

The L3130 IS wider, but it also is HIGHER, from what I remember the last time I saw one. The net affect could be that when it is all over, both tractors may have the same ability to cross a given slope safely. But since center of gravity positions are not published, it is hard to determine which would have the advantage for cross slope use, if either does.

IF I were worried about slope mowing, I think I would get a tractor that was rated for steep slopes, then not worry about flying across a 15 degree slope, mowing at normal mowing speed. Something like a PowerTrac (forget the model number) that cuts up to 45 degrees cross slope.

Most may say that 15 degrees is not a problem, but we do have to worry about something unexpected, like a hole the the down side that I tire drops in, or something on the high side that causes that side of the tractor to jump up...as you know, of course.

As someone may have mentioned above, it may be wise to try out whatever you decided to buy on a similar slope to what you have. Or even better, on your own property.

There was a thread here in the past concerning a guy that needed a tractor for mowing on rather steep slopes near his pond, which would be good reading if you could find it with a search. A dealer came out with a green tractor (I think) and ran cross slope where the poster feared to tread...maybe someone will remember this thread and can point you to it.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I have the 7800 (economy version of the 2910) with a 60" MMM and really like the feel of mowing with it. I did notice a considerable change in how comfortable I feel mowing on slopes when taking the FEL off. Once the FEL is off it seems much more stable. I think getting a 72" MMM for your 2910 would suit you fine, unless you want the larger machine. Before going out and spending a lot more money on a new tractor you may want to consider getting a dedicated mower like one of those that are on a pivot (can't think of the name).

 

[Henro]

Here is one thread that might be of interest(not the one I was thinking of):

web page

Another

B2910 on slopes

Hope these are of some interest. I tried (man, the hunter,
instiinct kicked in /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) but failed to find the thread I was thinking of... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[ltrain]

Thanks for the reply. I think I like what I've read about the L3130. What is the difference between a Grand L3130 and L3130?

Ron - I really like your modifications and I would try to copy some of them, except for my concern on slopes. Since I have hopes of converting this acreage to a smoother lawn or pasture myself, I am thinking of upgrading the tractor instead of adding a dedicated mowing machine. BTW have you ever used a Harley Rake on your 2910?

Steve - I have used the loader a few times to quickly stabilize myself on a slope when the low side rear wheel goes into a hole on a slope; so I'm a little nervous removing it. Does it make a very big difference?

As I research this forum - I would consider the L3130, L3400, L3830, B7800, or L3010. The kubota website doesn't seem to show all of these models so I spend most of my time reading TBN. Do all of the tractors above come in HST? I would eliminate any that are not HST.

Henro - The first thread was very helpful, but I could not open the 2910 on slopes thread.

LTRAIN

 

[rswyan]

Try this link:

B2910 on slopes

 

[rswyan]

We have one spot, the side yard, just east of the house, where I will not run our B2910 ...... the slope is at points just too steep for me to feel comfortable running across it sideways. And it's not really long enough (and there's no flat spot at the top to turn around) to run up and down.

I like our B2910 and feel it is ideal as a dual purpose tractor/mowing machine - I would not want to run anything heavier over my lawn. ...... so my (intended) solution is to regrade the offending area. May not be an option for you - my area isn't all that big - probably 100' x 100'.

I have a bunch of topsoil that was stripped and piled up from installing 500' of new driveway and clearing a pad for the new polebarn and I plan on building up the lowest portion of the sideyard, and the very top, next to house, so that I can drive the tractor from front to back along that side. In center portion, I'll probably excavate it a little so that there is a dropoff between the top and the middle and then install a retaining wall.

 

[ronjhall]

I have not used a Harley Rake on my tractor. Did a lot of research on it though. Still looking for a deal on a T-5. Click Here
You will need at least one remote to run a Harley Rake.
All the tractors on your list are available with HST. The L3010 is not a current model. B3030 is the replacement for the B2910. But I think it has a higher Center of Gravity than the B2910.
Their is one option that may help your B2910. Put wheel spacer on the rear. I have 1 1/2" spacers on the wheels. Click Here B26-3030 have a new part number for spacers.
What tire tires are you running on your B2910. Turf tires are wider.
A TBN'er reversed the front tires on his B2910. He felt it helped the the stability.

 

[AB4D]

[I think I like what I've read about the L3130. What is the difference between a Grand L3130 and L3130?]

LTrain,

Kubota has two lines of L series tractors the Standard L and the Grand L. The L3130 is a Grand L series tractor.

The standard L's are the L2800, L3400, and L4400. The Grand L's are the L3130, L3430, L3830, L4330, L4630, and L5030.

The Grand L's have a more features but both are very good tractors. You can get more information about both series of tractors here


Jim

 

[ltrain]

Ron, Thanks for the advice. Last I knew there were no spacers avail. for 2910's. I actually started off with turf tires but punctured one and the fluid filling made quite a mess. At that point I decided to switch to R4's b/c they're lower (intending to lower the cog). It helped but not that much (and they are not fluid filled). I still have the 4 rims and 3 turf tires. Perhaps with these spacers and reversing the fronts I can get enough stability to keep this machine.

BTW, can I turn the front R4 tires around or is the tread unidirectional?


I have another theoretical question - when working on a slope with a box blade for example; how does the center of gravity change when the box blade lifts off of the ground versus when its weight is on the ground pulling/digging? On the ground the weight is not on the tractor so the cog must be higher - but is the tractor still more stable?

ltrain

 

[ronjhall]

B3030 and B2910 use same wheels. <font color="orange"> Kubota </font>released new part # for the B3030.
R-4's are not reversible. You have to swap front tires side to side.
Loading tires will help to lower center of gravity.
If the box blade is loaded it may be anchoring tractor to the ground. I don't know how to figure how the CG would change. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I am only guessing if the spacers and switching front wheels will help with stability. But they are cheaper than buying a new tractor.

 

[fishhead]

Ron do the 2910 and 3030 share the same frt wheel and axle? Have you switched yours? Does Kubota say not to flip the fronts on a 2910 as they do on a 3030?b I would like to do the spacers and flip the wheels but don't really want warranty issues.

Thanks, Bill

 

[ronjhall]

The front wheels and axle are the same. But steering is different. I have not changed my front wheels. B2910 manual says the same. The rear spacers are a part that <font color="orange"> Kubota </font> allows. I would not be able to put chains on rear turf tires without them.

 

[ronjhall]

I checked the part number for spacers at TractorSmart, they came up
70000-60112 SPACER, WHEEL $320.20 + shipping. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I hope that is for a pair. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[MarkV]

Ltrain, a couple of thoughts as I read through your dilemma. I found that loading the R4’s on my B21 made a dramatic difference in my feeling of stability on slopes. Even in your part of the country spring is coming and a $10 valve plus a water hose would let you see if it made a difference in your case.

One of the things I found when I bought an L series tractor was that all of my B series implement are a foot to narrow. That does add up as you start replacing things.

Given that a Harley Rake is a big ticket item for those who are looking to do a one time project. I saw a tracked skid steer with a power rake that did an amazing seed prep job on some tough slopes. Hiring out the seed prep and finding a mower that could handle the finish mowing might be worth considering. My L series is not very finish grass friendly where the B series does little damage. You all ready have a very good tractor and good complement of implements for the never ending maintenance around the property.

Once you get into this tractor stuff it just never ends. I got so confused I’ve got two of them now. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MarkV

 

[ltrain]

Thanks Ron and Mark and others, I do have a great tractor. I think the spacers are worth a try. I'll ask Townline about the bolts too.

Maybe a dedicated mower is a good idea too, but I have always told myself that if I'm gonna buy another piece of equipment it would be a used skid loader for heavier earth moving and stronger lifting power with the forks. Then I thought maybe upgrading the tractor would still get all my needs satisfied in one machine - mowing on slopes, more lifting power, stronger loader (la 723) for landscaping and mild earth moving, larger capacity 3ph for Harley rakes, more hydraulic flexibility (easier to create a TNT rear 3ph and add a grapple to the bucket)...That's all day dreaming for now since my 2910 is paid for and does everything else so well.

If the spacers work well, I'll look into modifying mine similiar to Ron did - It just seems like a little more trouble to add the hydraulics on the 2910.

ltrain

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> It just seems like a little more trouble to add the hydraulics on the 2910. </font>
There is plenty of information on TBN about how to do it.
Good luck with the spacers.