Upgraditis?

[Nik]

I second Henro's opinion. I would go for a HST L3130 or L3430 for the brushhogging and other duties. I would look into the Ferris ZTR with suspension system for a mower. They claim their supsension gives a smoother ride on bumpy lawn and allows for faster speed on rougher surface. I brushcut with A B2410 but also get to ride my brother's L3710 with 6' medium brushcutter. The bigger tractor gives a smoother ride on rough terrain. Also I love the HST low effort pedal on the grand L series. It is effortless to press on the HST (servo) pedal unlike the resistance on the B-series.

 

[r0GuE]

Freds,

There is a nursury here in Butler with a used ZTR for sale out front. It is a Kubota, but I do not know the model.
P.M. me if you are interested and I'll stop and look at it for you.

 

[Freds]

Thanks for the offer rogue. In order to finance (even used) I need to go through a bota dealer. One place that I stopped had a couple of used ones he just got in. Hmmm, makes you wonder. I'll have to ask him what they were traded in on.

I think the dealer I got my B7500 from steered me away from the ZTR because he said they were heavy and he felt I would have the same "rut" situation with the idler wheels. Plus they are WAY more expensive for the diesel model.

I will look into the other L models as well. I may miss the HST too much, especially for loader work I was told, but the only way to tell is to sit in the seat and give them a spin. I thought I read here before that HST 's weren't the best for lugging type work, plus they do rob a couple hp. I hope to get out today to get a feel for them in person.

Thanks for the input on the different options/choices. It's exactly what I was looking for.

Fred

 

[riptides]

Well,

I have the B7800. AND I have a lawn tractor. I use the lawn tractor for lawn and field work (sometimes). I use the B7800 for field work ONLY. Not sure if this helps you. But there is a fine difference on this board between trying to find the right CUT for a lawn.

When the lawn tractor goes, I'll get another lawn tractor/mower.

Good luck in your choice!
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Freds]

Thanks Mike.
I just took the L3400 for a test drive....it's gonna be hard to get used to a manual tranny, especially when it comes to snow removal time again, but the 3130 is $2400 more and the only difference is you can shift on the fly. HST would be more on top of that. Granted it's a LOT nicer tractor, but I don't make my living with it. I think for the price difference I could get used to the gear driven and once I get some hours under my belt the range and gear levers will be operable without looking or thinking.
The place I went didn't have a B7800 in stock, but he said it was the same tractor as the 2910 only without the bells and whistles and the 3400 looks like a lot more tractor. It has more horses at the PTO, too.
I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

 

[Freds]

Here's the update. I hope to be updating my profile by next week! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I found a thread on gear vs HST (it read a lot like the great debates on dog foods and vaccination protocols on the boarding kennel list I am a member of. Lots of info and opinions and that was good). I drove the L3400 again and also the L3130 HST and decided on the 3130. Aside from the HST that I am used to for inching up to my building and backdragging, it's one heck of a lot more tractor. You never know, but I don't see myself needing the extra few hp at the PTO. I asked the dealer which would win a tug of war and he said the heavier 3130. The 3ph is a lot nicer, the seat and tilt steering wheel more comfortable, I like the digital readout for speed and pto speed, although I wish you could see them at the same time, it seems to go backward at the same speed as forward without changing range. I can't believe it is still considered a compact! The extra $2400 is going for more than just an automatic transmission.
It had a Brush Hog FEL on it that I am having replaced with the nicer Kubota one. The hoses aren't as protected, but they are easier to get to, you can lock it in place, it's a nicer looking arrangement and it dumps a LOT quicker. They should have the G2160 in in a couple of days from another dealer.

I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas or his birthday.

 

[srs]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think for the price difference I could get used to the gear driven )</font>

Freds, you can get used to to any tractor!!!! I'm guessing that you will be keeping this tractor for a long time. So, if you get the 3130 HST (which certainly costs more), in the long run it will be worth it. Figuring the extra cost over 5-10 years it really isn't that expensive. The point I'm trying to make (trying too) is say for example you want to buy a car. You could get one without a/c or power windows and GET USED TO IT, but do you really want one without the a/c and p/w's?? You indicate you are going for the 3130, you'll be glad you did. Good luck!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif