Was set on a 2620 a week ago. After sitting on a 2650, I think it has a lot of added features. My major questions are: does it feel too big for a 4 acre property? Is it underpowered for its size? Will it run a 60" bush hog? Will skid steer attachments fit on the loader mount?
2650. Worth it?
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s219
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That's a fine size for 4 acres. I have a larger L3200 on 4 acres, and the only time it's too big is driving in the woods. But I don't do that much anymore -- when I did it a lot, I had a B2920 which was a better fit.
I think 26 HP is fine for that size. Only issue might be PTO power if you plan to run something like a wood chipper, in which case just make sure you size it properly.
As far as I know the 2650 has SSQA as an option.
Someone with a bush hog can advise on feasibility of 60" on a 2650, as I have no experience there.
Good luck! 2650 is a nice machine.
Yea I think driving in the woods may just take a little more skill on the bigger machine! Thanks for your response. Sitting on the 2650 just instantly spoiled me! I know in 2 years after buying the 2620, I'll wish I had all those creature comforts.
s219
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Also look at the new 2601, which is replacing the 2620 (that was discontinued in 2014). The 2601 has some nice upgrades (position control, better seat, .....) but is about the same size as the 2620. It prices out lower than the 2650.
I have been itching to see a 2601. Although I think all the features are going to be similar to the 2650. I just still wonder if it would still make sense to pay a little extra to have a larger tractor with the greater lifting capacity. Kubota is not making this easy for me!
s219
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Well, there is a bit of a balance between lifting capacity and tractor weight. A B2650/3350 ups the lifting capacity but is still a fairly small/light tractor. You see a slight overlap in lifting capacity with an L series, but the L series is significantly heavier, and that really matters. I'd say the lifting capacity of something like an L3301 is way more usable than the lifting capacity of a B2650/3350, even though the lift numbers are almost the same. The L will have 700-900 lbs more bulk to keep it planted (independent of rear ballast or tire loading) and a beefier frame and loader setup. With a front 60" bucket, the L3301 gets a standard heavy duty bucket, but on a B2650 it's a light materials bucket (you only get the heavy duty bucket in 54" on a B2650).
This happens a lot when you look at a deluxe model at the high end of a size range (B2650/B3350) and a basic model in the next size up (L3301/etc). The B can end up costing more and have some nice features, but it's not as much "tractor" in terms of raw specs and usability as the low end model in the next size class.
So back to your thought -- if lifting capacity is a key feature for you, it might make more sense to look at the next size up (L) as opposed to the bigger B. Or if lifting capacity is not that important, just realize that the larger B models are still B models in the end, and not a huge increase in real world capability.
When I was looking to upgrade from my B2920 (basically a B2620 with more HP), I looked at the B3200, which is the same size as today's B2650/B3350. Yes, it had more lift capacity, but I realized it was just a bigger B, and didn't add a whole lot more "real world" capability. But the L did, and budget wise it made more sense.
Based on my experience with Kubotas, tractors in the "sweet spot" of each size range are the best values. When you get to the larger models in a size range, it often makes more sense to jump up to the next size range all together. Certainly in the B series, the 2601 is in the sweet spot, and the 2650 starts to creep out of it, but is still not bad. The 3350, on the other hand, costs way too much in my opinion, and that money is better spent on an L. The real benefit of a 3350 is if you need a cab model, where it's a unique offering in the lineup. As a ROPS model, I wouldn't really consider one as the value is not great.
A good measuring tool for sizing a rotary cutter or bush hog to a tractor is five (5) PTO horsepower for each foot of width of the rotary cutter. The 2650 has 26 gross horsepower for the tractor and 19.5 rear PTO horse power. A four foot rotary cutter would work, even then you will need considerable ballast on the front, ie; loader or weights.
Thanks for all the great info! This is making my decision harder but more educated. It sounds that the 2650 is a little underpowered for its size and I'm assuming there are also advantages to the larger size. I'm still guessing it will perform very well for my needs. It also sounds like the 2601 is worth a good look. The hard part with that is that I don't know if the 0% will still be available when they hit the floor in my area.
Poopdeck Pappy
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The 0% is pretty much always available.
s219
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Honestly, I think the 2650 is more than adequately powered. If I were in the market for a B again, I'd be looking at the 2601 primarily, but would give the 2650 a hard look. The 2601 is a pretty nice upgrade over the previous 2620/2920 models, so it would probably be enough for me.
