Best older model for front mount snowblower/finish mower

[Lancecai]

Hello everybody, I’m new to this forum and to Kubota’s and I need some advice. I guess I’ll start with what I’m looking to use the new/used tractor for. We have a little over 5 acres, mostly woods but about an acre of grass. Our drive way is 600-700 feet long with a decent hill on it and want a front mount snowblower with a back blade on the 3 point. We live in New Hampshire and on the west side of a small mountain, we usually get 100”+ of snow with quite a few 12”+ storms, sometimes up to 30”. My wife and I just went to look at a very nice b7200 the other day, but we both walked away feeling that it may be a bit small and with the size driveway we have and the amount of snow we can get it would work the engine really hard with a front mount snowblower. I know the b7200 will blow snow but feel I’d have to have the motor at max rev’s for the whole time and have to go really really slow to not bog the motor. Ironically the gentleman that is selling the b7200 had a b2910 right behind it, it’s not that much bigger in size but is 30hp. Looks are not a big deal but I do have to say that I like the squared off look of the b7200 better but there are much more important qualifications for the tractor. I started looking for different models that fit the criteria and found the model numbering very difficult to navigate. I know I want a mid pto for the snowblower, heavy/big enough for traction in the snow, but small/light enough for a rear finish mower around the house and on the leach field. I think I’ve decided that a larger b series or smaller L series, 25-35 hp is a good starting point. I’m new to Kubota’s but I have done a lot of research and have a pretty good mechanical background in other areas so not a total newbie.

I’m wondering if my reasoning on all of this is correct or if I’m totally off? I’ll probably be mostly looking on Craigslist so I was wondering if anyone had thoughts on what models numbers would fit what it is I’m trying to do? Is there a larger model to the b7200 in the L series that isn’t to big or heavy that runs a snowblower? I do tend to like less electronics, maybe I’m just old school but less to go wrong. I’m sorry for the long post and thank everyone in advance for any advice and help. Have a great day.


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[North Idaho Wolfman]

A couple issues with an L series and a front mounted snowblower.

New model L, you would need to go with a grand series (60), as the standard L series (01) will not have a mid PTO.

And finding a good Older L is difficult but not impossible, but finding a good L with a front mount snowblower setup, well that's like trying to find a lost gold mine!

And forget buying a older L and getting a front mount blower it's just not going to happen, if it's a very recent model L it's most likely going to be a dealer item.

Avoid the B3350 new or used, they have a history of emissions related issues especially in the cold.

The B's are very strong and capable units and will do a huge amount of work even in the older lower HP class.

Look around and see what's available, then post back for more directed advice.

 

[SDT]

Get as much HP as you can. Snow blowers suck HP like a Hoover sucks dirt.

SDT

 

[SRG]

Slightly older.....
B7800, 30hp, 24-25hp at the PTO, equipped with a mid PTO, HST. Lots of them for sale on the used market.

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listin...n-40-hp/manufacturer/kubota/model-group/b7800

 

[BAP]

What price range are looking to stay in?

 

[Lancecai]

Thank you North Idaho Wolfman for the avoidance advice with the B3350. I’m not really thinking to much about the price at the moment. I was mostly looking for older model advice. Thanks so much.


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[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thank you North Idaho Wolfman for the avoidance advice with the B3350. I’m not really thinking to much about the price at the moment. I was mostly looking for older model advice. Thanks so much.


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Kubota made 100's of good older models In both the B and L series, so to point you in the direction of just one model would be limiting for you.

 

[100 td]

I’m not really thinking to much about the price at the moment. I was mostly looking for older model advice.

Whilst NIW and others will fine tune your direction for good and bad models, something to consider is age. When you buy old, it generally means a little bit more maintenance/repairs along the way, and getting parts for older tractors can be difficult as companies reduce their parts inventory. So if you have some cash, and intend to keep/use for years to come, look for as late model as you can afford, keeping in mind some with pollution control etc can be a headache or costly. YMMV

 

[Lancecai]

Thanks SRG, I have seen a few b7800’s and just found out that it seems they are pretty much the same as the b2910, just that the b2910 has adjustable upper 3 point arms and adjustable steering column I believe. I think there’s a couple of other little things but those were the ones that seemed big to the person writing it.


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[Lancecai]

I don’t know if there are many out there that have used or are still using a front mount snow blower on a b series Kubota but I was hoping to see if any of them have any advice as to tractors they either really liked or didn’t like using for that. I know there are a lot of different b series tractors out there and I was hoping to hear from different people about there experiences so maybe I can make the best decision hopefully the first time I buy a tractor. I’m not really looking for a 1970’s tractor but I don’t like the idea of a brand new one either, I think some where in the 90’s through early 2000’s is a good time. Not to old but doesn’t have to much electronics or emissions extras. But I’m open to hearing differently if someone has more information of newer ones that are better of one reason or another.


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[chim]

If you're going to blow snow, you'd be best off with a cab. I made a cab for mine with a good heater and all has been well. Now I'm considering a factory cabbed tractor to get A/C so life is nicer in Summer. I'm torn between something like a B2650 (it'll fit in the shed and the primary role is mowing and snow removal), or something in the 40-45 HP range for elbow room / comfort.

My point is try to look ahead. I was fairly sure each of the last two tractors I bought would be the last

 

[200mph]

I've used an L3130 with 6' front snow blower for 5 years without issue. Even with the typical Nor'easter dropping 18" or more. Yes it would be nice to have more HP, but with HST it's simple to adjust ground speed. More recently purchased a L4740 with cab and it is a much better experience blowing snow. More HP and the comfort of a heated cab!

One nice aspect to the front snow blowers on grand L's is they use a quick hitch or subframe that is adjustable for the various models and at most only a different driveshaft (from mid PTO) is needed. This can make finding a used one a bit easier as it is not so model specific as the B's can be.

Except for the newer very expensive 4 link system optional on the L60's, most Grand L's will use the same quickhitch.

Mid PTO's can be added to Grand L's rather easily if not already equipped. Be warned though that some combinations of higher HP and ROPS require a mid Gear to be added in addition to the mid PTO kit. This Gear requires considerable labor to install.

My Dad has had very good luck with a Cab B3030 and 5' front snowblower.

Personally the L-series blowers look more commercial use compared to B's. Thicker metal, beefier bearings, etc...

 

[SRG]

Thanks SRG, I have seen a few b7800’s and just found out that it seems they are pretty much the same as the b2910, just that the b2910 has adjustable upper 3 point arms and adjustable steering column I believe. I think there’s a couple of other little things but those were the ones that seemed big to the person writing it.


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No problem. Sounds like you know more about what seperates certain models than I do.
I was throwing out the 7800 because I see alot if them for sale, which usually means more parts availability.

 

[torch]

I bought my 16hp B7100 from my uncle, who used it with a 50" wide front mount blower for about 20 years, up here in Muskoka where the total annual snowfall can reach 18' and there are usually several individual storms of 1' to 2' each season. Bigger tractors can mount wider blowers, and if I was clearing snow commercially I would want one. But the small one will get the job done, albeit with more passes.

My driveway is over 700' long through the bush and I have a large parking area between the garage and house. I used the front mount here a couple of times when I had been away and there was an accumulation several feet deep. Eventually the front mount blower rusted through and he replaced it with a 3ph model of similar width, which is what I used for the two seasons since I bought it.

The front mount blower is nice because you are facing forward instead of looking over your shoulder. That is a huge plus, but that aside, there are some drawbacks:

1. the front mount blower is 2 to 3 times the price, and is pretty much custom to a very limited number of models. Sourcing parts for an older one may become an issue.

2. Some front mount "blowers" for smaller tractors are really single stage throwers -- of limited use especially in wet snow. Much more prone to clogging than a 2 stage blower. Whatever you buy, make sure it has a separate impeller.

3. The front mount blower, at least for my B7100, is of much lighter construction. All the metal from the tub to the auger is 1/2 the thickness of the equivalent part in the 3ph version. Even so, it needed counterweights hanging off the back to keep enough weight on the rear wheels for traction.

4. Deep snow makes steering much more difficult when the blower is in front of the steering axle. Turning a corner may require reversing a number of times to nibble away at the radius. The same is true of a 3ph blower, but the effect is much less pronounced. A bigger, heavier tractor would likely have less difficulty.

5. Mounting and removing the front mount blower each season is much more involved (especially since I added the quick hitch). There's a whole subframe to deal with and an extensive linkage running from front to back to raise the blower via the 3ph.

6. The front blower, as designed, is incompatible with a FEL. This is only an issue if you want a FEL. I actually rebuilt the original rusted out front blower and designed things to hang it from my FEL arms instead of it's original subframe, but I haven't got all the bugs worked out yet

 

[KeithG]

I bought a front mount snowblower for my B2710 2 years ago and am glad I did. I also have a larger type driveway with a 40'x70' parking area at the top of the driveway. One thing that is a slight problem is traction when it is snowing that slippery type of snow or there is any type of freezing rain. Don't know if tractor size will have anything to do with this, maybe chains would...

You will not regret getting the front mount snow blower.

 

[majorwager]

Just for comparison, I have a 1992 Ford compact equipped w/ a 64 inch snow blower, rear mount, though tractor has a mid PTO. It is 22 hp at the PTO and it will attack a four ft drift, and remove it. Several passes may be required in some cases but the point is that this Iseki built machine will throw snow 25-30 ft all day long.

Whether you select front or rear mount, plan on "wearing" a % of the snow contacted. Nature of the beast. I do use the little ford at times for drifts but snow removal is now handled from the comfort of a heated cab.


The rear mount is a PAIN IN THE NECK, Literally, but I am all done being covered in snow and beaten by harsh bitter winds. We receive 80 in. +/- per season.


Advice is this: consider the value of a cab as a first priority, a blade on the front, I use a snow pusher (no hydraulics req.) and a rear snow blower for the 3 point, less expensive, more common.


NIW is correct from this market perspective, a used front mount blower seldom sees the used market unless it is REALLY USED!


There are exceptions, estate sales, people move to warm climates, dealer trades because tractor tasks change significantly, but as a rule, follow
NIW advice!

EDIT: Likely not common in small communities, BUT CL does attract an element selling STOLEN TRACTORS CK SN before deposit and purchase.

 

[Tughill Tom]

Look for a B3200, if you can find one. I run an 2012 bought it with 145hours on the clock 4 years ago.... don't know how I did things I did without it. front mounted snowblower, FEL, Curtis cab and heater for $18k, bought it sight un seen. No electronics or emissions, simple as you can get,
Good luck with your hunt!

 

[Donystoy]

I clear a 4000 foot driveway with a 1985 B7200 hst 4wd 17hp and front mount 50" blower without any issues. With the hst I just slow down a bit with heavier snow. Most of the time I just hammer down a path with my 4wd truck and only occasionally have to use the blower.

 

[KeithG]

Footnote about cabs... I don't have the ability to retrofit a cat to my B2710 so I put a canopy on it and used a clear heavy plastic shower curtain cut to match the contours of the tractor and wrapping around the sides a little. It keeps all the snow off of me and it was only $6! I did have to put some grommets in the bottom of it to keep it in place but that was simple.

Just another option instead of a cab.

P.S. I am in Rindge so I get just about the same amount of snow...

 

[NoJacketRequired]

I don’t know if there are many out there that have used or are still using a front mount snow blower on a b series Kubota but I was hoping to see if any of them have any advice as to tractors they either really liked or didn’t like using for that. I know there are a lot of different b series tractors out there and I was hoping to hear from different people about there experiences so maybe I can make the best decision hopefully the first time I buy a tractor. I’m not really looking for a 1970’s tractor but I don’t like the idea of a brand new one either, I think some where in the 90’s through early 2000’s is a good time. Not to old but doesn’t have to much electronics or emissions extras. But I’m open to hearing differently if someone has more information of newer ones that are better of one reason or another.

I think I can help answer some of your questions...
HISTORY - long history of using bigger 2wd farm tractors with 3pt rear mount blowers.

MORE CURRENT HISTORY -
1) purchased a used B7510 with B2782 front mount blower with heated Curtis cab a few years ago. LOVE IT! Works well in all snow conditions, including "spring slop" that is more water than snow. More than enough power. Only issue is ability to dig down into hard-pack snow - that's where the 60" box blade on the 3pt hitch comes in handy to scrape that hard stuff into piles to be removed by the snowblower.

2) purchased a B7200 for use at the airport. Mounted a 51" Meteor 3pt hitch blower. B7200 has sufficient power to run this blower, not excessive... if snow is deep one has to slow down quite a bit. Then there's that "pain in the neck" factor which is VERY real, especially as we age.

3) sold the B7200 when I found another B7510. Mounted that same 51" Meteor blower on the back of the B7510. The power steering in the B7510 is a really nice upgrade, as is the extra power. Still, it's a pain in the neck.

4) I just purchased a 51" front mount blower and subframe mount for our second B7510. That should tell you how much of an improvement in operator comfort there is with a front mount blower.

BTW if you search some of my past posts here you'll get an idea of how much snow I move. This isn't a little city driveway that I'm clearing - and we get serious snow here in the Ottawa Valley.

My only reservations about using the B7510 for snow clearing are around its ability to dig into hard-pack snow with the front mount blower using down-pressure. Those concerns are very easily mitigated through the use of a rear-mount box blade. Heck, I even had to put the rippers down last year to tear up the ice after we had a very heavy accumulation of freezing rain.

One additional data point. Our first B7510 came with turf tires, as did the B7200. I was certain I would despise them for use in the snow. WRONG! They work very well in snow. Our second B7510 is on R1 Ag tires. With the current 3pt hitch rear mount snow blower the ag tires are pointed in the wrong direction to get traction when blowing snow. Turf tires would be a much better solution (as was proven using the same rear-mount blower on the B7200).

Hope this info is helpful.