Buying Advice Looking for first tractor (sub-compact) and flail mower

[jeff9366]

I don't think I'll be using the FEL all that much, so are there any reasons besides cost to decide on the size of the bucket?

OH YES YOU WILL!!

According to my local Kubota dealer the two most common reasons customers trade in tractors is 1) for more tractor weight/capability, 2) desire for more FEL lift. Kubota dealer tells me it is about a 50%/50% split in north/central Florida.

On a Kubota 'B' you can choose between the standard bucket and a higher volume capacity LIGHT MATERIALS BUCKET. Order the standard bucket. You cannot pick up a full bucket of dirt with the LIGHT MATERIALS BUCKET, the Loader does not have hydraulic cylinder capacity to lift it. The standard bucket is thicker steel = more robust.

 

[terryknight]

Leaning towards the B2601 over the B2650. Going out this morning to actually look at them.

i was looking at both of those and the b2650 is a lot more tractor for about $1200. i went with the b2650

 

[jeff9366]

i was looking at both of those and the b2650 is a lot more tractor for about $1200. i went with the b2650

X 2

I owned/operated two 'standard' tractors earlier in life. Now I have a Kubota Grand L, heavier, fully equipped relative to the B2650. The extra $1,200 will be some of the best money you ever spend.

VIDEO: Kubota B5-Series tractors, B265 & B335. Review and functions | Messick's - YouTube


It is worth $400 for the telescoping, pin-adjustable Three Point Hitch stabilizers, which are standard on the B2650.
Kubota Standard L Series L843 Telescopic Stabilizer kit (overview and install) - YouTube

 

[ericm979]

Telescoping lower links and stabilizers make hitching up implements MUCH easier- no kicking and shoving the implement to get it exactly lined up.

 

[terryknight]

i have the 60" bucket. whether or not it is less heavy duty than the 54" i don't know. couldn't find the weights online. the 60" has more volume which is why i got it. it is 3/16" steel for the bucket with 1/4" steal for the SSQA if i manage to bend it i've done something stupid. i don't know if the 54" is thicker, but i doubt it. i have lifted a bucket full of dirt at least 4ft maybe 5ft off the ground no issues. i've been using the loader to raise tents, maxxed it the last time out at 3ft from the ground, with guessing 1400-1500 lbs a ft or so in front of the pins. i would get the bigger bucket

 

[LMychajluk]

Seems like a post I made last night never made it up. To sum up...

- Kubota B series has mid-PTO standard. If you don't need any mid-PTO implements, that's a $800-1000 feature that you will never use.
- Keep in mind that you're pretty close to the minimum PTO HP requirements for the 54" flail on any of the ~26hp machines.
- if you're considering extend the budget from the initial $15k, consider maybe stepping up to a ~35hp w/ 28-20 PTO hp. Then run a 60-66" flail. FWIW, I was quoted <$19k for a Kioti CK3510 HST w/ loader, ~29 PTO HP, and it will lift 50% more than the B26xx w/ a 66" bucket. (That's about the MSRP for a B2601 w/ loader, and probably ballpark selling price for an L2501 HST.) For $2k over that, the CK3510SE has pretty much all the optional equipment of the CK3510, including dual rear remotes in case you want to go with the flail w/ the hydraulic offset.
- Extendable links are nice (I got them on our CK3510SE), but if you're not planning on any other implements than the mower, how often will you take the flail off? (On the other hand, they're not too expensive.)

 

[Jerik]

Yeah, I know I'm unfortunately right at the minimum HP. And I'm already upping the budget to close to $20K. One problem with Kioti is that the closest dealership is 65 miles away, Here I have two Kubota dealers, one at 15 miles and the other a bit over 20. Being a newbie, I will likely make more use of the dealer than a more seasoned user.

 

[LMychajluk]

The Kioti site says this one is 16 miles from Fairview, NC - Current New Inventory | Whitley Power Equipment

There's another in Richburg, SC, about 40 mi from you, and sometimes buying out of state could be advantageous.... Keep that in mind.

 

[Jerik]

Don't know why, but NC has two different Fairviews -- one outside Asheville (mine) and one outside Charlotte (yours).

 

[rScotty]

Yeah, I know I'm unfortunately right at the minimum HP. And I'm already upping the budget to close to $20K. One problem with Kioti is that the closest dealership is 65 miles away, Here I have two Kubota dealers, one at 15 miles and the other a bit over 20. Being a newbie, I will likely make more use of the dealer than a more seasoned user.

This has been an inspirational thread. Good info throughout. Jerik, congrats to you for listening to some good advice from the old timers. I'll be interested to see what you end up with.
Tractors not only help us do our hobbies, they're a hobby in themselves.
luck, rScotty
rScotty

 

[jeff9366]

Yeah, I know I'm unfortunately right at the minimum HP. And I'm already upping the budget to close to $20K. Here I have two Kubota dealers, one at 15 miles and the other a bit over 20. Being a newbie, I will likely make more use of the dealer than a more seasoned user.

The Messick's B2650 video showed B2650SU without a mid-PTO at a reduced price.

 

[LMychajluk]

The Messick's B2650 video showed B2650SU without a mid-PTO at a reduced price.

Good call. I forgot about the -SU. But I think it's a B3350SU, not B2650SU (at least, Kubota's site is only showing a B3350SU as far as I can tell...?), but that may work out better for the OP.
2017 Kubota B3350SU Review

Basically, no mid-PTO and no position control for the 3-pt (which isn't needed w/ a flail mower, which rides on its rollers), and a little over $2k savings over the B3350.

The B33xx series was having more than it's fair share of regen issues, though. I think they were supposedly addressed with ECU updates, but are they 100% put to bed?

 

[Jerik]

Just came back from the closer dealer. There’s a $700 difference between the 2601 and 2650, but they said the 2650 comes with a QA bucket as opposed to the pin bucket on the 2601. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

After I saw this posting, I called up the dealer to ask about the 3350SU, and they said they won’t sell it because it’s a too small engine for all the emission stuff they had to put in, and it runs hot. Recommended moving up to an L, but that’s another sizeable jump in $.

 

[Jerik]

The only BxxxxSU listed on the Kubota website is the B3350SU. Maybe Messicks made a mistake.

 

[N2DFire]

Don't know why, but NC has two different Fairviews -- one outside Asheville (mine) and one outside Charlotte (yours).

Yea I noticed that myself. I was going to suggest Kioti & Reedy Creek in Lexington but that 145 miles or so. To be fair we bought from them and they are 100 miles from us (They also had a lower "Asking Price" than the closer dealer even before haggling started).

As far as needing the dealer - while there is always the possibility of a lemon, generally speaking you shouldn't have any major mechanical issues you need them to work on. The majority will be first time owner questions "How do I...?" type stuff & that can usually be answered over the phone or by e-mail (or by a quick trip to TBN )

Actual brand selection aside, I'd like to pile on the bandwagon that is voting for the 30HP range and (although I think you're already set on it now) a FEL is a MUST!! We went without for 35 years of my tractoring life and I have no idea how we managed what we did without it.

We have a 4 acre field we used to mow that is now "loaned out" for haying and roughly 12-14 acres of pasture land that gets mowed once a year to knock all the seed tops off the grass. We went with a 35 HP and there are times I wish we had stepped across to a 40HP Utility but then I get in some tight corner between the fence and the barn or between some trees and I'm glad we didn't.

For 9 acres you could probably do fine with a 22-26 HP model but you'll end up with a smaller mower and possibly slower ground speed. If that's not a big issue then you're golden.
I tell my Dad all the time - every job takes 2 things; Time & Money. The more you have of one, the less you need of the other.


Good luck with whatever you get & be sure to come back and share pictures of your new machine - everyone loves pictures.

 

[mike69440]

b2601 is fine little bee, the B2650 is a Big Bumble Bee

A year or two you will get a M Series while keeping the B series

 

[drjay9051]

Just to add my $.02

i bought 10 acres and first tractor was a Kioti CK25. Did not think i would ever use a FEL but in reality i used it all the time for lots of projects; moving mulch, smoothing drive, digging holes etc.

i also had a standard rotary mower pulled behind the tractor.

2 years ago i stepped up to a Kioti DK40 and what a difference in everything. More power makes such a difference in smoothing, moving dirt etc.

I went from the rotary to the Caroni 1500 flail which i got at Agri Supply in Tifton, Ga. I live near Ocala Fl but worth the drive. They put it in the bed of my truck and my FEL got it out. i much prefer the flail to rotary. JMO.

Like another member mentioned the Zero Turn is great as well.

I bought a Gravley Pro Turn 52 and most times use it to mow it is so much faster.

I do use the flail if the grass gets really high.

Looks like you have decided to go tractor with FEL. I strongly suggest get the most HP you can afford. I am a big Kioti fan but I'm sure others are just as sound a choice.

I have the tires betwen the turf and Ag. i believe they are called R1, not sure.

I imagine any quality tractor will do but again I recommend more HP if it is affordable.

Best of luck !!

 

[drjay9051]

Yeah, I know I'm unfortunately right at the minimum HP. And I'm already upping the budget to close to $20K. One problem with Kioti is that the closest dealership is 65 miles away, Here I have two Kubota dealers, one at 15 miles and the other a bit over 20. Being a newbie, I will likely make more use of the dealer than a more seasoned user.

Don't let the dealer distance be the deciding factor. I could understand if it was 200 miles but 60 miles is really not that far in the end . Besides I don't imagine you will be going to the dealer 3or 4 times a year

 

[Jerik]

Ended up getting the B2650. Should be delivered on Tuesday. Also ordered the Caroni 1500 flail from Agri Supply. They're shipping that on Tuesday since I will need the tractor to bring it down from the street. Thanks to all who helped me -- sure ended up with a different tractor than I originally thought. Now I have to learn to maintain it -- and I know where to go if I have questions. Much appreciated!

 

[japayton42]

You should check out the LS XJ2025. A bit bigger then the sub compact, it will be better in the rough fields, more stable. LS is based out of NC so you should have a dealer close. Disclamer, I am a dealer. Not local to you, but I get many unhappy kubota sub compact owners because of the poor lifiting capacity and service.

EDIT: sorry, missed the last post. Just a little too late, lol. You will be happier with the larger tractor for sure.