Buying Advice Leaning toward Kubota B2601-- what else should I consider?

[jrheling]

Just out of curiosity, did you consider any other brands?

We haven't, no. Any suggestions about what might be the most competitive alternative?

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Being new to this, it's tough to evaluate the size question. When you say the B2601 might seem non-optimal, what sorts of things differences do you expect I'd see with one of the larger models for the kind of work I intend to do?

 

[erda]

I've had my B2601 for about a month now. So far usage has been to use the loader to move rocks and carry/spread some gravel. My rough cut mower and box blade should be delivered on the 29th. I'll be purchasing a front mount snowblower in the fall. Can't be happier with my choice.

I "replaced" an old John Deere 318-a much smaller garden tractor. I did give some consideration to a B2650, but was concerned that it might be too large for lawn mowing (of course now, i'm giving thoughts to not using the B2601 for lawn moving:confused2; also looked at the L2501, but passed on it as it doesn't have the option of a front mount snowblower.

 

[paulfun9]

I'm a new member looking to make a first tractor purchase, and would appreciate any input from folks with more experience.

We've only looked seriously at Kubota, and are attracted by its focus on this part of the market and the ease of getting quality local support, parts, repairs, etc. Are there other brands that make a comparable machine in this range that I should consider, given what I'm trying to do?

I would suggest you seriously look at any brand that has a dealership within reasonable distance to you. Lots of manufactures out there making very good machines and in many cases you can get one that is the same specs or better for less money without sacrificing anything. LS, Kioti, Mahindra, Masey and TYM are all good machines and you will find many satisfied owners of each brand here.

 

[cartod]

I should have said we'd only looked seriously at kubota so far. I'm open to other possibilities, if it's worth the effort for the chance of concluding that something else is a better choice. Was curious if I'd hear "oh, for what you're looking for I'd suggest <X> instead of the Kubota".

* moving fallen/cut trees
* clearing brush
* moving dirt, compost, and soiled animal bedding
* towing things (mobile animal shelters)
* clearing snow

For what you are looking for id suggest <any tractor>.

Buy the dealer not the color.

 

[s219]

I would suggest looking at the L2501 & B2650...if one reason you are looking at the B2601 is to avoid final tier 4 engine requirements. Otherwise the B3350 or L3301 would also be worth checking out.

For 13 acres and the chores you outlined I would consider a little larger tractor as the models you referenced above. The B2601 will do the chores, but just not optimal IMO. Personally, I would recommend and be comparing the B2650 or the L2501 and making a choice between the two.

I agree, consider those three models and see which one feels right. Drive all three if you can. They are all unique. Minor difference between the b2601 and b2650, big difference between B and L. It covers all bases in the range you need.

 

[newbury]

<snip>I want a tractor for the following work:

* moving fallen/cut trees
* clearing brush
* moving dirt, compost, and soiled animal bedding
* towing things (mobile animal shelters)
* clearing snow

After talking through our situation with a local Kubota dealer, we're zeroing in on a B2601 with a loader, 5' brush mower, snow blade, and grapple. It seems like this will cover our needs pretty well.
<snip>

Except for moving the "trees" it should do fine.
I own the predecessor to the B2301, a B2610. It has about the same 3 point lift capacity but smaller FEL lift capacity.

How small are you going to cut your trees?

I was doing fine with the B7610 until I decided to need to move 10 foot logs. A 10' long 20" DBH oak weighs about 1500 lbs and to put them on my sawmill I needed a little more lift.
I could do everything else just by taking smaller "bites", but I didn't want to try and glue lumber together end to end.

I set out to get something that would lift a ton on the 3pt, but overshot and ended up with my Kubota M4700, which is lot bigger than I needed.

I would strongly suggest you also look at Kioti and Mahindra and be certain what you want to lift with the grapple and 3 pt.

And whatever you get, try to get extra remotes.

 

[TJP89]

First off, I'd move up a size. I see a lot of ground engaging tasks, where weight is important. Even with snow plowing you want weight. You're not finish mowing, so weight isn't an issue anywhere. The B is pretty light IIRC. I'd look at the L series, the L3200, or its new equivalent. Not a huge HP jump, but a frame jump and a weight jump. Much better for what you want, and not a whole lot more expensive.

Now, other brands. Nothing wrong with Kubota, probably the best compact tractor maker on the market. But there are plenty of other very good options, often at a lower price. Kioti has the CK series. I actually was looking a the L3200, but decided the CK35 was better tractor for less money in the same class.
JD has options, but I'm not familiar with them, and they are mostly more expensive. LS has a solid lineup, well worth a look. Mahindra also has some worthwhile options. New Holland and TYM are also makers in the market and worth a look. Kubota isn't the only one out there.

 

[Tompet]

We haven't, no. Any suggestions about what might be the most competitive alternative?

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Being new to this, it's tough to evaluate the size question. When you say the B2601 might seem non-optimal, what sorts of things differences do you expect I'd see with one of the larger models for the kind of work I intend to do?

As tjp89 pointed out, with no finish mowing and ground engaging tasks I might also consider ag or R1 tires instead of the industrial R4's if you want max traction.

As far as other brands I would second kioti, ls, tym and throw massey in the mix.

When I said not optimal, I meant more weight, ground clearance, 3pt hitch room, more power/weight to the tread, operating grapple, 5' Rotary cutter etc. are things to consider for a small upsize from where you are with the B2601.
I had a B2920 (prior model size as the B2601 you are considering) and though I traded mostly for the BH upgrade. Even that small bump in size was noticeable and worth it I'm my case.

Not that it is a bad thing, but once you get that tractor out on 13 acres it will seem a little smaller.

 

[s219]

Except for moving the "trees" it should do fine.
I own the predecessor to the B2301, a B2610. It has about the same 3 point lift capacity but smaller FEL lift

He would have no problems skidding logs -- I did a lot of that with a B2920, and it was a great little mule. Lifting logs is another entire story, but some folks don't need to lift them at all, or can get by with lifting one end at a time. That's how I used to do it when milling the occasional log whole.

 

[gladehound]

* moving fallen/cut trees - How big of a piece of wood do you need to lift or drag?
* clearing brush - Is the brush loose or do you need to uproot it. some brush is tough and a "B" wont have the weight or lift to uproot all brush.
* moving dirt, compost, and soiled animal bedding - A "B" would be fine.
* towing things (mobile animal shelters) - how heavy (trailer weight and tongue weight), on flat ground or hilly?
* clearing snow - any tractor can clear snow (so can a shovel). It depends on how fast you expect it to clear snow and how deep in one shot. But I think a B is plenty adequate for most personal snow clearing tasks.

Below are the kinds of logs a "B" could probably carry around (this isn't a B but it is a similar size Kioti LB1914)



A "B" would not be able to lift the log in the next picture at all. You would have to cut this in about 18" long slabs to carry it with a "B". Tractor in picture is 45hp with a strong loader.



A few recommendations / thoughts:

- Get a skid steer style quick attach loader and any extra hydraulics you think you might want at purchase. Sometimes harder to get later.
- Contrary to a previous post I would get R-4 tires if you will be in the woods much because they are more puncture resistant and if you cut them they are great in snow. If not in woods much, turf tires are great in snow right out of the box.
- Check the draw bar tongue weight rating on the tractor compared to the trailers you want to move.
- Consider the hills, you probably wont have functioning brakes on the trailer when moving them on the tractor. Things can get interesting when the trailer outweighs the tractor (but if flat don't worry about it.)
- Honestly figure out what you need to lift and how high. Tractors the size of the "B" typically don't have a lot of lift or stability when lifting with the loader. Are you going to carry heavy logs on the loader on uneven or hilly ground? For that you want more tractor. Pay attention to break out and lift capacities. They are not all the same for the same size tractor.
- If you are questioning the size now, you probably should go bigger. Most of use who have been in this a while have up sized on our second purchase. May not be a necessity, but it sure makes tasks easier. I started with a 20hp machine (small frame CUT) and wound up with a 45 hp machine (large frame CUT) primarily because of my loader break out and lift needs for clearing and maintaining a wooded area.
- Brand. Many good ones of which Kubota is one. I only went with Kioti twice because of availability in my area and an excellent experience with my first Kioti. But I would buy have bought any of the major brands if the right deal came up LS, Kioti, JD, Kubota, Massey, Yanmar, TYM, Mahindra and some others as well.

Best of luck! Enjoy the process. if you come back with more specifics I'm sure the good folks here can give you great input.