Buying my 1st tractor this weekend and need advise BIG TIME - quotes included

[SteveM70]

Don't get to hung up on numbers or colors. You are right to think you will lose your &$$ buying a tractor for what amounts to a test drive.

You have done your research, you have an idea of what you need but you probably don't realize the true capabilities of any tractor in that class. I'm willing to bet the one that feels best under your butt will exceed your expectations and do what you need done without complaint!

 

[ultrarunner]

Don't overlook tire size...

Larger tires are good for rough terrain...

 

[bevis28]

Don't overlook tire size...

Larger tires are good for rough terrain...

Elaborate please
I stood next to the rear tire on the JD and the KUB. Both with R4 tires. the KUB was about 1" taller
If anyone needs to be educated prior to buying this week, it would be my tractor ignorant self.

Im listening

 

[ultrarunner]

One of my favorite tractors is my BX23... it is small enough to go anywhere.

My brother had seen all things I have done with it the last 11 or 12 years and wanted one.

I told him it would be a mistake as I have a few acres and he has 65 next to the homestead...

Then I explained some of the holes and general rough terrain would swallow the little BX front tires... then he saw my point and bought an L3800 and has been pleased with his purchase...

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

So are you paying the extra money for the bigger footprint ?
That seems odd as they have the exact same specs on the motor and as far as i can figure out on the KUB website, the same pump volumes.
Wold that not make the 2650 a little less powerful than the 2601 at the cost of the small difference in footprint ?
But i have already admitted that what i know about tractors would fit in a miniature thimble.

What you will learn is that size and weight on a tractor are good things, not bad things. Most compact tractors will run out of traction before they run out of power, so some extra weight helps put that power to the ground. The 2650 should be a little more powerful than the 2601 even though the motor specs may be the same. The wider stance of the larger frame on the 2650 will give it a little more stability too.

 

[bevis28]

One of my favorite tractors is my BX23... it is small enough to go anywhere.

My brother had seen all things I have done with it the last 11 or 12 years and wanted one.

I told him it would be a mistake as I have a few acres and he has 65 next to the homestead...

Then I explained some of the holes and general rough terrain would swallow the little BX front tires... then he saw my point and bought an L3800 and has been pleased with his purchase...

Understood...
I have seen a lot of negative issues with the BX series to scare me away from them. Im glad you are not one of them. I think the BX may work just fine for my needs but i just can't bring myself
to buy a tractor thats not much bigger than my G5200 mower. I have sat on the L series and its ABSOLUTELY too big for my needs. I think i want to stick in the middle , which is bigger than i need today,
and have the ability to do bigger things when needed. Im not using the tractor for mowing whatsoever. Thats what my G5200 is for.

 

[ultrarunner]

I must have one of the good ones with the BX23... it has done so much work it is hard to know where to begin...

That said, a larger tractor if space permits is much more efficient.

One project I built a dirt ramp under a home and used the BX to dig and remove material... anything bigger would not have work.

 

[TripleR]

As mentioned, a heavier larger foot print tractor is in general going to be able to be more productive. Additionally, you will general have a smoother ride due to the weight as well as longer wheelbase and width. The B2650 also has extendable lower links, I believe it has a nicer suspension seat. The B50 hp rating is 300 RPM lower than the B01, so check the different size operator platforms.

No doubt the B23/2601 is a vast improvement over it's predecessor and closes some of the gap between the two, but my preference would still be the B2650 especially if it is not primariy for mowing.

 

[bevis28]

As mentioned, a heavier larger foot print tractor is in general going to be able to be more productive. Additionally, you will general have a smoother ride due to the weight as well as longer wheelbase and width. The B2650 also has extendable lower links, I believe it has a nicer suspension seat. The B50 hp rating is 300 RPM lower than the B01, so check the different size operator platforms.

No doubt the B23/2601 is a vast improvement over it's predecessor and closes some of the gap between the two, but my preference would still be the B2650 especially if it is not primariy for mowing.

Im going to look at the 2650 today to compare. The 2601 also has quick extendable lower links and the same seat suspension seat with arm rests as the 2650.
I like the digital dash in the 2650, until it breaks out of warranty. I think the mindset on the digital dash was the 2650 CAB model. Im guessing that the digital dash
might not be the best idea on a 2650 ROPS as it will get much more abuse during use and outside storage.

 

[TripleR]

Im going to look at the 2650 today to compare. The 2601 also has quick extendable lower links and the same seat suspension seat with arm rests as the 2650.
I like the digital dash in the 2650, until it breaks out of warranty. I think the midst on the digital dash was the 2650 CAB model. Im guessing that the digital dash
might not be the best idea on a 2650 ROPS as it will get much more abuse during use and outside storage.

When I compared them on-line the B2601 had adjustable stabilizer bars, but not links, may be an error on the website. As mentioned, both are good, I just prefer the B2650 for tractor work.

I have nothing against smaller lighter tractors, we have 3 SCUTs, and use the heck out of them, but have larger tractors when needed.