Which B for me?

[beamster]

New member here that has learned a ton by lurking, searching and reading posts here for a quite awhile. Thanks for everyones participation. Here is my story: I have only about 1 acre and cut it with a ZTR so I don't intend to cut grass with the tractor. I need it solely for the loader and perhaps a box blade as I need to do a lot of landscaping such as transporting soil, rock and retaining wall block but in addition I would like to be able to transport clean fill which can consist of some fairly large chunks of broken up concrete. Also I need to excavate ground for the installation of a walkway, a patio, a retaining wall and perhaps replacement of a gravel driveway. So potentially a significant area but not very deep (8" max) so I think I can live without a BH. I started out thinking BX but reading this forum and looking at one convinced me I need to go to the B series. I've been leaning toward B2620 with LA364 loader but now I'm wondering if I should instead go bigger to the B3030 with the LA403 or do I need to go bigger than that? If I didn't have a lawn I'm concerned about shredding I suppose a skid steer would be ideal but they are too expensive anyway and the condition of most used ones scares me. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, beamster

 

[mcrame01]

Beamster,

I have a B2320 and love it. I bought it because I built a new house and needed it to box scrape, landscape, move gravel, mow, blade 400 foot drive, etc. I have used it for all of those things and it has worked great. I was surprised at how well it moved dirt with my 54 inch box scraper. I have used the loader to move gravel and dirt, which has also worked out well. The 60 inch MMM mows grass pretty well also. The B2320/2620/2920 series seems to be extremely versatile and I would recommend it to anyone.
With that being said, I would recommend at least a B3030 for your situation. I have found that the B2_20 frame is slightly smaller than I would like for some of my "tractor work". It gets a little tippy and bouncy with a load in the loader and the small size gives it limitations on the size of attachments. It also lacks position control which would have been a really nice feature. I have found the quarter inching valve to be a hassle.
Once again, I love my little 2320 and it has worked great. I bought it because it is able to handle the "tractor work" and mowing. I was limited on budget and garage space so I needed one machine that would do everything. It has done everything I have asked it to do and done it well. On the other hand, I look forward to the day when I can build shed and buy a ZTR for mowing and a B3030 (or something even bigger) for "tractor work". I have a friend who feels exactly the same about his B2920. He loves it, but....

NOTE: I did not load the tires which may have helped with some of my tractor issues. I did not want the extra weight on my lawn.

 

[mcrame01]

Forgot to stress this point. If price is an issue, the B2_20 sounds like it will definitely handle your jobs, but it might just take a bit longer. Good luck with the purchase.

 

[crbr]

New member here that has learned a ton by lurking, searching and reading posts here for a quite awhile. Thanks for everyones participation. Here is my story: I have only about 1 acre and cut it with a ZTR so I don't intend to cut grass with the tractor. I need it solely for the loader and perhaps a box blade as I need to do a lot of landscaping such as transporting soil, rock and retaining wall block but in addition I would like to be able to transport clean fill which can consist of some fairly large chunks of broken up concrete. Also I need to excavate ground for the installation of a walkway, a patio, a retaining wall and perhaps replacement of a gravel driveway. So potentially a significant area but not very deep (8" max) so I think I can live without a BH. I started out thinking BX but reading this forum and looking at one convinced me I need to go to the B series. I've been leaning toward B2620 with LA364 loader but now I'm wondering if I should instead go bigger to the B3030 with the LA403 or do I need to go bigger than that? If I didn't have a lawn I'm concerned about shredding I suppose a skid steer would be ideal but they are too expensive anyway and the condition of most used ones scares me. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, beamster

I do basically the same chores and routine around the house and lake lot as well as cut grass. I like the B7800 (or more so the 30 HP range) for my needs. It seems to be the ticket for things as you described. I have a loader that serves all of the lawn needs and am pleased with the turf tires for everything I have encountered so far, involving loader work. If buying a new machine, I'd have the dealer install a rear hydraulic valve controller as well, just to have the option of it's potential usefulness (as I use the mid-mount mower occupying the single 3-point controller).

Looking back, I am glad I bought on the upper end of the B series (HP wise).

My rear tires are loaded but that is almost essential with loader work.

A tooth bar for the loader will make well for your excavation of a walkway etc.... These gadgets make a big difference in the usefulness of a loader.

 

[amigauser]

The reality is a BX with a FEL and toothbar along with a box blade would probably do what you want to do depending on the weight of the concrete chunks. It would just take a little longer. The BX24 or new BX25 is a good all around machine with both a FEL and BH and similar in price to a "B" with just a FEL.

That being said, I only have 1-1/2 acres myself and I have the B3030 (cab model ). I have and had similar projects to yours. The B3030 has done everything I have asked of it. The three speed hydro is fantastic vs. the two speed hydro on the BX models. I do most work in medium range. The size is right to for a small property like we both have.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[lawn_king]

I would go with a 26-30 hp machine. All the B models are great tractors. I owned several of them over the years & they are capable of serious work.

 

[beamster]

Guys,
Thanks for the feedback. I had a dealer recently recommend the L2800 over the B3030 but I'm concerned that it is too big for my property, if that is possible. I failed to mention in the original post that I have one rotten retaining wall which needs to be replaced and it's in a bit of a tight spot right next to the house plus of course I'm also concerned about storage space in my garage. He is offering the L2800 for $1300 less than the B3030 and feels I would prefer the positioning control to the quarter inching valve.
After reading more posts comparing the B3030 to the B2620, I now have a better appreciation for the tough choice between these two. Same dealer is offering the B2620 for $3500 less than the B3030 which makes the B2620 more appealing price wise but frankly they are all expensive. I guess I need to go see them. I'm struggling to justify the investment necessary for these machines and I don't even have a wife to argue with. I have been shopping the used market and as you all know that is challenging. I just called on a locally advertised older B8200 with just under 500 hours for $6500 and it was already sold so they certainly hold their value much better than most things most of us purchase. Thanks again for your suggestions.

 

[Sully2]

Guys,
Thanks for the feedback. I had a dealer recently recommend the L2800 over the B3030 but I'm concerned that it is too big for my property, if that is possible. I failed to mention in the original post that I have one rotten retaining wall which needs to be replaced and it's in a bit of a tight spot right next to the house plus of course I'm also concerned about storage space in my garage. He is offering the L2800 for $1300 less than the B3030 and feels I would prefer the positioning control to the quarter inching valve.
After reading more posts comparing the B3030 to the B2620, I now have a better appreciation for the tough choice between these two. Same dealer is offering the B2620 for $3500 less than the B3030 which makes the B2620 more appealing price wise but frankly they are all expensive. I guess I need to go see them. I'm struggling to justify the investment necessary for these machines and I don't even have a wife to argue with. I have been shopping the used market and as you all know that is challenging. I just called on a locally advertised older B8200 with just under 500 hours for $6500 and it was already sold so they certainly hold their value much better than most things most of us purchase. Thanks again for your suggestions.

I looked over the Kubota line when I bought my B3030 and saw the added features that the "delux" version tractors came with so I decided to run with it. I THINK I could have gottten by with the 2630 and saved myself $1000...but I was only buying 1 tractor and basically said the heck with it and went for the 30 HP version.

Its all the little features that sold me...such as the extendable lift arms...etc..etc. and it is the BIGGEST I could get into and around my house and woods to shove over dead trees...build flower beds...etc. Im more than satisified EXCEPT their "cup holder" is an utter JOKE!

If you get a 2630 or 3030 have the dealer install the 40 amp alternator before delivery. The "dynamo" thats factory is another joke!

 

[lawn_king]

The combined features of the B3030 make it well worth the extra $$$. From the increased fel power to the PC valve, its worth it!

 

[BizDoc]

I had a smaller unit, 21 hp, then wanted more power and the dealer was moving me towards the L7800 because it had the hp I was looking for and it was one of their best sellers, that way he was competitive with anything else I would be looking at. I did look at the L series, it was just too big for my liking. I finally decided on the B3030 after much anguish and waffling. I havn't been sorry since. I really like all the features of the B3030 and wouldn't do without the cab. Mowing on a hot day with the AC on and plowing in the winter in my shirt sleeves with the heat on. I mow 7 acres weekly, the driveway is about 300 ft which has been no issue with the front blade, the 6 ft MMM has handled the mowing quite nicely. Power has not been an issue with any chore to date. I would tell anyone considering a B3030 to go for it. I think you'll find anyone who owns one to be happy with their unit.