Comparison 2601/2650

[Lilguy]

Sold my 31 year old L2250 and I'm comparing its replacements. L series no longer has mm pto so the B series is what's available. Getting BH this time along with FEL and 60 in mmm. What additional tractor options should I consider.I have all the 3pt hitch implements all ready. The 2 tractors are priced less than 10% from each other.
Mostly mowing, a lot of FEL use and some BH use. Bigger not always better but space also issue. All input appreciated.

 

[Milo]

Two good choices. I recently had to decide between the same two and went back and forth quite a bit. Do you have a preference of deck types? B2650 uses ground contact deck while B2601 uses suspended decks. B2601 is slightly lighter by itself but when when mowing with a deck hanging under it, it's a little heavier than a B2650 with it's deck rolling on it's own wheels.

B2601 is physically a bit more compact which can be an advantage for you. Personally I like the looks of 2601's analog dash better but I do like the additional information such as real time monitoring of rear and mid pto speed on the 2650's display.

Both make about the same 26 hp. B2601 at 2,800, B2650 at 300 rpm less. B2650 makes a good bit more torque though with it's larger, long stroke engine. 2650 also has a little stronger hydraulics.

My B2650 was just delivered a couple days ago and so far haven't had enough seat time to comment other than the engine is smoother than the smaller one in my previous B7500 which is a pleasant surprise.

 

[Tompet]

Since you are getting a BH, maybe this will help.

I had a Scut Massey 2310, B2920, and currently a B3300, each had a backhoe and among other reasons, primarily I traded up each time for increase in backhoe capabilities. The B2920 was the same size as the B2601. I had the BH65 on the B2920, which only had slightly more power than the Massey 2310 BH but was a heavier build. Btw, the Massey backhoe, stabilizers and tucked in three point hitch and its's power was impressive for it's size.

The BH65 has since since been upgraded to the BH70. Check out current specs between the two on Kubota's website.

The BH77 on the B3300 was a step up in capability with full bucket rotation and swing with more bucket curl power. The size between the two tractors when you get them on your property will be negligible. That was a misplaced concern I also had at one point in time.

Less than 10% between the two? IMO, the only other consideration is mmm decks as expressed by Milo, which I suggest you research a little more to your satisfaction. I did look and it appears the deck for 2601 has drive over feature while 2650 deck does not, but I would confirm that with dealer. The B2650 would be my choice for what you outlined, but I didn't have mmm with any of mine. Good luck with either choice!

 

[Milo]

B2650's 72" deck is drive over which entered in to my decision but I'm unsure if the 60" is. After delivery the first thing I did was remove my 72" deck and after looking at it just raised the front with the FEL, turned the front wheels a little and pulled it straight out, easy as could be much easier than the 54" deck on my previous tractor. The reason being this deck rides on 4 gauge wheels which all swivel and there's plenty of room.

 

[Lilguy]

What about helpful additions,xtra valving and such. My L was basic gear drive with FEL.

 

[Huskerfan]

Yes, 72 inch deck is drive over. My old bx had the 60 inch suspended deck. I really like the 72 ground contact deck better. Less compaction and easy to install as outlined on Milo's post. I was all set to get the 2601 until my wife asked me about cab availability. That lead me to the B2650 cab model. More expensive but worth it; ac, heater allow for bug, cold and sun protection.

 

[rkidd]

I was looking at the same two tractors also. I ended up going with the B2650 for several reasons. More hydraulic power for loader work and 3 pt work. Wider and longer wheelbase for better stability and better ride as I use my tractor to mow around the house with my 60" mmm, mow 3 acres out back with Land Pride 72" 3 pt finish mower, plow all my snow here in the snow belt, rototill, boxblade and anything else. It also has position control for the 3 pt instead of quarter inching on the B2601. It is a very nimble machine to get around and the 60 " mmm mows great. I can have it on or off in 3 minutes. Turn 1 idler wheel 90 degrees, unhook linkage, turn front wheels all the way to the left and pull it out the right side with one hand. I have over 460 hrs on my 2015 model and it has been flawless. Not slamming the B2601 as it is a good model also. Good luck whatever way you go. Any other questions feel free to ask.

 

[Milo]

All good points rkidd other than B2301/2601's both have position control, which just makes the choice more difficult.

 

[Lilguy]

What about rear valving, 1,2 and 3 available. Please explain the xtra valuing.

 

[rkidd]

All good points rkidd other than B2301/2601's both have position control, which just makes the choice more difficult.

I am looking at the 2016 Kubota brochure on page 32 to verify my memory, that states the B2301HSD,2601HSD, and B3350SUHSD have a quarter inch valve, and the B2650HSD, and B3350HSD have position control.

 

[Milo]

I don't know first hand but both my brochure (it's only 6 pages) and Kubota's website list B2301/2601 as having position control. (B2320 does not.)
http://www.kubota.com/product/BSeries/B2301.aspx

Third function front along with rear remotes are optional on both, I believe up to three rear remotes. Mine came with front third function but the two rear remotes are back ordered from Kubota until March.

 

[rkidd]

I don't know first hand but both my brochure (it's only 6 pages) and Kubota's website list B2301/2601 as having position control. (B2320 does not.)
http://www.kubota.com/product/BSeries/B2301.aspx

Third function front along with rear remotes are optional on both, I believe up to three rear remotes. Mine came with front third function but the two rear remotes are back ordered from Kubota until March.

Hey Milo. The brochure stated as I said, and the website stated as you said but said it was an e-point position control, so mass confusion and now I am wondering what e- position control is. So I called my dealer and he didnt know and called his rep. The rep said that e-position control is a misprint along with the 2016 brochure. The 2301&2601 have the same position control as our B2650s. So you are right that does make it a more difficult choice as they would be very capable machines also.

 

[Lilguy]

Would get another L20 series but no longer have mid pto. I use the the Frt loader for the obvious but also to drive in and remove many smooth wire fence posts every year so don't want to light a weight. Rented a BX25D last summer to try it and it was to light weight for my needs. BH will be used to plant trees, replace field drain tiles and dig out a new Koi pond so itll pay for its self the first couple seasons. Very happy they have folding ROPS now, had to remove system from both 85 tractors after my wife almost launch getting hug up on a tree.

 

[Lilguy]

Please explain why the 2601 has the suspended mower deck. Advantages? I have contact decks on my old Kubotas.

 

[LarJea]

What about rear valving, 1,2 and 3 available. Please explain the xtra valuing.

I installed the rear valving on my B2601. The first valve has no float, the second valve has float. No room for a third valve.

 

[Lilguy]

Crunch time. The only issue is mowing with a mmm. I've always used ground contact decks, manufactures seem to have gotten way from them. Have no experience with suspended decks, have been mowing the same patch for 43 years. Also, my 3 acres are rolling with many trees to maneuver around, how "nimble" is a 2650 compared 2601?

 

[LarJea]

Crunch time. The only issue is mowing with a mmm. I've always used ground contact decks, manufactures seem to have gotten way from them. Have no experience with suspended decks, have been mowing the same patch for 43 years. Also, my 3 acres are rolling with many trees to maneuver around, how "nimble" is a 2650 compared 2601?

I have only used mine (B2601 with 54" deck) for mowing uneven trails through the woods. The only ground contact mowing I have done is with a flail mower, as far as mowing trails I don't see much difference. Anyway I have no problem with a suspended deck. Manicured lawns might be a different story.