Looking for next step up from B7800

blainecf

New member

Equipment
B7800
Dec 26, 2023
2
1
1
Portland Oregon
Lots of digging and dragging things around. The B7800 is slightly less than what I need. Looking at LX2501, LX2601, LX3301, LX3302 - prices in my price-range. LA525 or LA535 loader should be better than the LA402. Thoughts, favorites, recommendations? 4WD and Tractor Tires are a must for my PNW property.
 

PaulL

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,441
1,365
113
NZ
Think you have some mixed models there.
- B2601
- LX2610
- LX3310
- L2501/2
- L3301/2

The B7800 is a 30HP machine with a 1.5L 4 cylinder engine. It weighs 1741lbs/789kg. https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/003/3/8/3386-kubota-b7800.html
  • A B2601 is much less machine at 26hp and 740kg.
  • The LX range is similar in capability to your B7800, newer and better, but not enough bigger to make a difference. The LX3310 has 30hp and 2,072lbs. https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/010/7/1/10716-kubota-lx3310.html A bit heavier but not enough heavier, and basically the same HP. The main reasons to get an LX are if you need to trailer it (and can't trailer an L with your existing trailer/truck), you're mowing with it (and want less weight on your lawn or want a MMM), you're blowing snow and want a front blower, you want some of the more luxury features on the LX, or you want a cab. Otherwise the L is better buying.
  • The L2501 is basically a similar tractor to the old B7800. It's a 1.5L 4 cylinder, but detuned a lot to squeeze in under the emissions limits (and therefore 25 horsepower, but big horses, and no emissions equipment). It's good buying, and you'd notice the difference in weight and probably capability. But it might be a bit down on HP compared to your B7800
  • The L3301/2 is probably what I'd do if I were you. It's 33hp and 2700lbs. In weight it's a bit of a step up from your B7800, however a heavier tractor with about the same HP as you have today may feel a bit slower. https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/011/3/9/11395-kubota-l3302.html
  • I'd be tempted by the L3902 https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/011/3/9/11396-kubota-l3902.html or even the L4802, as they'd give you more of a HP lift, and similar or better performance than what you have today (given the extra weight)
  • Or maybe stepping into a Grand L, which are fine machines, it'd be hard to go wrong with a Grand-L. They also give you front snowblowers, cabs and all the other fruit, including a pretty funky transmission. The L4060 might be the sweet spot https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/007/4/1/7417-kubota-l4060.html, you can go up to 60HP though. The older 40 series are also great buying https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/for-sale/kubota/l5240/farm-equipment.
If you're looking at the L, I'd personally go HST and therefore the 02 series rather than the 01. The biggest changes were moving the split brakes to the left (so you can use them on an HST machine), and removing the clutch and replacing with a button for the PTO, which is quite a bit more flexible.

If you have the money though, get a Grand L. It'd be hard to regret that.

You mention digging. Do you mean a backhoe? That's a whole different discussion with lots of good arguments pro and con a backhoe.
 
Last edited:

DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,237
4,816
113
North East CT
I would look for an older machine that has what you want less the modern emissions equipment.
 
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Smokeydog

Well-known member

Equipment
M59, B26 grapples, backhoes, tillers, graders, diesel atv
Jun 2, 2020
669
623
93
knoxville, Tennessee
Consider TLB. B26, L38, L48, M59. Can’t beat them for digging and lifting in their class.
 

PoTreeBoy

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L35 Ford 3930
Mar 24, 2020
2,815
1,532
113
WestTn/NoMs
I would look for an older machine that has what you want less the modern emissions equipment.
Yeah, the L3430 or L3830 would be the same vintage as OP's B7800. The L3540 or L3940 would be their newer replacements. All were available with hydrostatic transmission. They would be better pullers.

I'm not sure which side the brakes are on. If they're on the right that would be a - for me.
 
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CAPT Seabee

Member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Grand L5460
Dec 28, 2022
72
68
18
Bonners Ferry ID
I offloaded a JD1025R with a bunch of implements and upgraded to a Grand L 5460. If you think you'll pick up 1 ton pallets, this one or the 6060 will do it. The LA1055 loader can do it if you pivot the load back. One thing for sure, the extra power means you can get into trouble sooner so you really have to pay attention. Love my tractor. It can keep me blowing snow for many more years.
 

old and tired

Well-known member

Equipment
L2800 HST; 2005; R4
Really appreciate all the feedback. Gives me better direction to research. Very best wishes in the new year!
Something to read about the old way your LA402 vs. how the new loaders, LA525 are measured...

Basically, the old LA463 became the new LA524.

 
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PaulL

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,441
1,365
113
NZ
Something to read about the old way your LA402 vs. how the new loaders, LA525 are measured...

Basically, the old LA463 became the new LA524.

Yup, and they're pointing out that the LX3310/LX2610 are kind of the same machine as the old B7800. So not much of an upgrade there. They're newer and a bit bigger, but really in the same class. An L or a Grand-L is what you'd need to make a material difference.
 
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