Too many questions! 2410 vs 2920

ldim · May 15, 2009

I own a B2410 which I purchased new in 2001. I've put about 300 hours on it and it has been a great machine. Now I find I want a BH. I thought I would just get one for my B2410 until I went to my dealer and they showed me a new B2920 with one already on it. It seems that the difference in price between buying this complete new machine vs a hoe for my machine is about $4K. That's with me selling my machine for say $10K (it's mint)if possible. Is the new B2920 that much better then my B2410? I know the 2410's 3 point hitch will lift more but the dealer tells me there is no comparison and that the B2920 is years ahead of the 2410. I've done nothing but loader work around the house with my machine. What do you think? Zero financing is nice but so is my 2410. Do you think it's time to move up? Is the 2920 that much of a better refined machine?
Thanks
Larry

JOHNTHOMAS · May 15, 2009

Up front I'll confess I like trading and I like new cars and new tractors (8 Kubotas in 5 years). Eight years newer and up graded machine at 0% interest. You know what I'd do!

ChuckinNH · May 15, 2009

Your B2410 is a nice tractor for sure. I think it has things like position control on the 3pt hitch that the new B2920 doesn't have. Adding a backhoe adds another dimension however. It is my view that the backhoes available (Woods mostly since you don't want the Kubota 3pt hitch one) are either a little too big, (BH70X)or a little too small (BH6000). The larger one hangs quite a ways behind the rear axle, and does nothing for the balance of the tractor though many have been installed, and used with great success. They do swing 180 degrees where the one available for the B2920 (BH65) only swings 150 degrees making positioning more critical. Personally, if you have been happy with the B2410 power wise, I would either stick with the B2320, or B2620, or move directly to the B3200 which has a larger, and more useful backhoe. I think the extra reach, depth, and 30% greater digging power is worth it, and it isn't much more than the B2920 your dealer is pointing you towards. So, my choices would be A: keep your tractor, no backhoe B: trade for a B2320/B2620 with backhoe, or C: trade for a B3200 with backhoe. Though the loader will probably lift just a little less than your B2410, the B2320 will do anything you are currently doing with yours.

Ductape · May 15, 2009

Since I have NO problem spending your money................. and opinions are free:

1) If you are thinking about the upgrade to a new tractor, sell yours yourself..... don't atempt to trade it in. You will see a difference of several thousand dollars in your favor.

2) I completely agree with your reasoning that the price difference SHOULD have you thinking about a whole new tractor and not just a new backhoe.

I was in the same position a year and a half ago, sep'n I had a mint B2400 and wanted to add a cab instead of a backhoe. You can figure out the direction I went in.

3) I'm in general agreement with Chuck about the 23/2620 vs. the 2920. I'm going to push you toward the 2620. It has the larger capacity loader of the 2920, and is +/- $1000 less than the 2920...... bringing you even closer in price to buying only a backhoe.

I'm definitely no knocking more horsepower, but the 2620 will do everything the 2920 can do 90% of the time. Where the 2920 will shine is where you are using alot of PTO HP, like running a snowblower or brush chipper.

4) If you are going to spend the money on a 2920, seriously look at the B3200 (again agreeing with Chuck). This will get you more lifting capacity than the 2620 AND more wheelbase to use it.

5) Though there isn't really anything your tractor won't do that a new one will, there are several really nice refinements that would be worth spending a few dollars to have. Probably the most obvious will be the three range hydro, the tractor mounted hydraulic valve, and the integrated Kubota backhoe design.

In my opinion, if you are within a few thousand to upgrade to a new tractor with alot of great refinements........ its a no-brainer !

jambx · May 15, 2009

Thats a tough one since it sounds like you really like your 2400 but As Ductape said - its not my money so if your thinking "new" you got'ta consider a "sizable" jump in size / capacity from the 2400 and I am not sure the 2X20 is the way to go unless its a $$$ issue.

The 3200 is a more "sizable" step up from the 2400 and I would think it should keep you satified for many years to come.

ldim · May 15, 2009

All great points! I went and looked at the B2920, B3200 and a B7800 again this morning. The 2920 was sitting in the middle of the three. BIG difference in size. My 2410 is about the size of the 2920. The dealer has come down to $20K for the 2920 which is good. But my 2410 has a few features not available on the 2920 like position control, the rear wheels can be adjusted in and out and mine doesn't have any PLASTIC around the levers. I think the 3030 and 3200 are great tractors but just too big for in the woods on my property. I went through this size thing when I bought my 2410 and was considering a 2710/2910. I'm glad I went with the 2410. So at this point I'm back to looking at a hoe for my 2410. It would likely be off the machine 95% of the time. The Kubota BH for my machine does not appear to be a real well built tool. It may be but it just looks flimsy. The Woods BH70X looks to be a lot more heavy duty from the cylinder size to the thickness of the steel. From what I can find out they are both about the same weight. Either BH on my machine would hang out the back as I would need the double seat models. Both attach and come off about as easily from what I see. A Woods BH70X for my machine w/thumb would run me about $6500 installed which is plenty but I think cheaper then the Kubota. I'll make a decision hopefully today but I'm still torn. No free money on the Woods.
Larry

Meadowdale · May 15, 2009

I'm looking at my first tractor (TLB) for some light excavation and landscaping at home and have been considering either the BX25 or the B2920. The 20k price for the B2920 you just mentioned from the dealer caught my eye and I was wondering where you are located. I'm up in the Northeast and the best I've seen is $23,000 w/ a thumb on the BH. If I could get a quote like that for the 2920 I'd go for it.

Thanks!

JOHNTHOMAS · May 16, 2009

Meadowdale said:
I'm looking at my first tractor (TLB) for some light excavation and landscaping at home and have been considering either the BX25 or the B2920. The 20k price for the B2920 you just mentioned from the dealer caught my eye and I was wondering where you are located. I'm up in the Northeast and the best I've seen is $23,000 w/ a thumb on the BH. If I could get a quote like that for the 2920 I'd go for it.

Thanks!

Contact Barlows Equipment for a price. They deliver to your door.

Larry: Also contact Barlows and ask how they'll trade.