B2601 or B2650

[archwoodholding]

I'm a big guy that is looking for a tractor to handle mowing (3 acres with hills and slopes and plenty of obstacles), FEL w/quick attach bucket for moving mulch, topsoil, and relocating snow, snowblade with hydraulic angling, pallet forks, and possibly a BH but don't have an exact job for it yet. I sold my L3540 because it was too big and heavy for the areas I needed to use it. My question is which tractor is better the B2601 or the B2650?

 

[TMGT]

The 2650 is the premium B, it has a larger frame, tires and engine then the 2601 plus more capacity on the 3pt and loader, also has some nicer features such as the digital dash and and some other things std. I can't think of.
With the introduction of the 2601 the differences in features between the std. B and premium B have been lessened.
After sitting on both I would say the 2650 has more operator room/ comfort and looking at prices in my area they are pretty darn close.

If I could justify buying another tractor right now I would probably get the B2650 unless I stepped up to the L series.

 

[s219]

They are two different size tractors, the 2650 being a bit bigger, so that should be the deciding factor I'd think. Feature wise, they are close to parity now that Kubota improved the specs on the basic B models. I think if you look at both, it will be obvious which one is the right size for your needs.

I had a B2920 (same size as the 2601) and looked at upgrading to a B3200 (same size as 2650). I didn't see enough reason to make the change, and instead moved into an L3200. So compared to larger tractors, the difference between the 2601 and 2650 is not really huge. I say that because you talk about an L3540 being too big. From that standpoint, both the 2601 and 2650 will be quite a bit smaller. Go 2601 if you want really small, or 2650 if you want something in the middle.

BTW, the 2650 is within inches of a base L model in most dimensions, and I think it even has a longer wheelbase and a little more loader capacity. But it's a much lighter duty frame and construction, and weighs quite a bit less, so it indeed feels and operates like a smaller tractor.

 

[TMGT]

Another thing I forgot to mention since you are looking to mow.
The 2601 uses a suspended drive over deck and the 2650 is a ground contact, neither is bad, just personal preference and what works better on your yard. The 2601 is available with a 54" or 60", the 2650 is available with a 60" or 72".

Also the backhoe for the BH77 2650 is more capable hoe, but the new BH70 is still a very nice unit.

As for size, the 2650 has a 4.2" longer wheelbase then the 2601 however the turning radius shows the same for both models so maneuverability should be close.

With the uses you described either should fill your needs, I think it'll come down to what fits you better and if you feel you need the extra capacity of the 2650 (and pay the extra).

 

[archwoodholding]

Thanks for the information. The real problem that I'm experiencing is that all the Kubota dealers in my area have very few tractors on their lots. I see 2 or 3 BX25D's at each one then some L's and M's. One dealer had a B2650 some time ago and thought I had some deflection in fenders, platform, and step when I came aboard but I've had time and looked at many other tractors since so hard to make an apples to apples comparison by jumping off of one and getting onto another. I did see a B3350 with a cab at a dealer the other day though. Make no mistake, I loved my "L3540" but was made for much heavier work than I had to give it as well as being pretty unwieldy if operating in confined or limited areas. The tractor was very comfortable and easy to operate especially since it had the separate forward and reverse pedals instead of the rocker pedal that seems to be on the all the B's which I'm not a fan of but suppose I can get used to it.

I sat on a 2601 about a week ago and felt okay ... could use more room but could make due too. The issue I have is that the 2601 has no step so can be a bit of a hop for a big guy with a bad knee. However as stated I got some flexing of the platform and fender when I got on it if memory serves on a 2650 I sat on sometime ago. Since I'm in need of a lighter tractor for mowing turf, and certainly needs to be more manueverable in tight areas. If the "L" series had a mid pto for a drive over mower I'd probably have one sitting in my barn already. Mowing is the job the tractor may spend most of it's time doing so the deck needs to produce an exceptional cut and needs to be easy to remove and attach as well as maintain blades, belts, etc... My next concern is the center of gravity since my property is on a gentle slope for most part but have a steep 3/4 acre hill and a couple of ditches that are fairly steep. The higher you are seated is good for seeing loader and implement work etc... but sucks for mowing. I've been told that if you buy the BH you rarely regret it because it comes in handy for many things than just digging but still unsure on it. I will also be moving snow from a 300-400' long asphalt driveway so FEL, Pallet Forks to move firewood and other stuff on pallets in barn/shop, Snow Blade with Hydraulic Angling, and of course a MMM seem to be primary things for me. Don't know what the difference in attachment and maintenance is between drive over and ground contact decks but it has to be easy since it will be a one man job and I'm not getting any younger. Any other suggestions for attachment/implements that I should consider at purchase?

 

[TMGT]

Since mowing is your main concern I think the B series is the right choice, they are meant to be a mowing tractor more so then the L even when they offered it.
As for the platform flex, they are rubber mounted so some movements is expected, I'm not really a big guy but I have some flex in my 2620. I haven't heard if any problems with fenders or decks breaking either and all the other tractors in this class I've sat on feel about the same.

Hydro pedal, personal preference, I liked side by side pedals until I started using my dad's bx with the above deck pedal and now i prefer it.

If you can swing getting the BH at purchase go for it, I couldn't and ended up building my own as I can't justify buying one right now, but wish I could have bought it together( plus it cost less at purchase).

I would love to have a grand L like yours, but the B fits my needs better with its lighter weight and compact size doing things like aerating and cleaning up wooded areas where the larger tractor wouldn't fit.

I've more thing, the 2650 only weighs about 150lbs more then the 2601 and is only a couple inches taller and about 4" wider.

 

[archwoodholding]

Since mowing is your main concern I think the B series is the right choice, they are meant to be a mowing tractor more so then the L even when they offered it.
As for the platform flex, they are rubber mounted so some movements is expected, I'm not really a big guy but I have some flex in my 2620. I haven't heard if any problems with fenders or decks breaking either and all the other tractors in this class I've sat on feel about the same.

Hydro pedal, personal preference, I liked side by side pedals until I started using my dad's bx with the above deck pedal and now i prefer it.

I appreciate all the information. The L3540 was a great tractor but needs to be in the dirt or moving materials with plenty of room to move. I learned that bigger isn't always better so I sold the "L" and am back in the market. Kubota has always been a bit confusing with their model numbers old and new so its hard to know exactly what I'm comparing at times. You are correct about not hearing of a fender or deck breaking so I guess I'll let that issue rest. I know the dollar vs the yen has been an issue and therefore the Japanese may have been cutting back on steel to stay competitve with the Korean companies where the value of the dollar wasn't as much of an issue. Sounds as though the 2650 should be more stable than the 2601. I'm sure it will take a little getting used to and just trial and error as to what I can get away with on the slopes.


If you can swing getting the BH at purchase go for it, I couldn't and ended up building my own as I can't justify buying one right now, but wish I could have bought it together( plus it cost less at purchase).

I would love to have a grand L like yours, but the B fits my needs better with its lighter weight and compact size doing things like aerating and cleaning up wooded areas where the larger tractor wouldn't fit.

I've more thing, the 2650 only weighs about 150lbs more then the 2601 and is only a couple inches taller and about 4" wider.

Thanks! Sounds like the 2650 should be more stable than the 2601 on the slopes. While I like tractors, I hate purchasing them. They simply aren't cheap so buy the wrong size, hp, lift capacity, weight, etc... and it could make the difference between a machine that gets worked and is productive to one that works the operator and less is achieved or undertaken. I'm not looking for more work I simply want to be able to do the work I have quicker and easier. The flexing makes sense and no I haven't seen a platform or fender break so I'll trust in the dealer and Kubota on that. I loved my "L" but came to realize bigger isn't always better. Size and power means nothing if you can't get it to where the work is!

The hydro pedal is what will take a lot for me to adjust to.

 

[TMGT]

I know what you're saying about buying, I love looking at what's out there and keeping up with the new models( mostly Kubota though).
I kinda wish I had bought my first choice, the B2630 instead but my 2620 has been good to me.

You can also add wheel spacers( factory offered now I believe) to help with stability.

If I could swing it I would get pretty much the package your looking at minus the mower.

I think the hydro pedal will become second nature quicker then your think, I got used to my dad's BX pretty quick and the 2650 feels even easier to use for me.