Buying Advice First tractor- Could really use input

[momof2crazygirls]

Hello! I have been lurking and reading the forums for the last week and decided to join and hopefully get some feedback on the tractors I am looking at.

I have 14 acres with a 6 acre pond. The remaining acres are fenced for livestock or horses by the people that previously owned it. Some of it is pasture. I also have the pond area that will need maintenance around. I originally looked at an L2501 with FEL and bush hog but got scared it would be too big since my acreage isn't wide open and is divided into little areas. So then I looked at the B2601 with FEL and MMM, BX 25D with MMM, BX2370 with FEL and MMM, and then even looked at a ZD zero turn. I think I have eliminated the zero turn as there are just many things we could do with a FEL around the place.

I really like the L2501(actually my favorite) but am afraid it is too much for the areas I have to maneuver around and down like the pond dam. So then is the B2601 small enough and then is the BX too small are things I am asking myself. Also, do I really need a small backhoe but it's only $74/month difference to get it so I've basically talked my self into it.

I would be the main one running it, not my husband. He told me just pick as we have price quotes on all of the above.

I would appreciate any positives or negatives you have regarding the above models.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dragoneggs]

Welcome to TBN... you will get a ton of advice here and most of it very sound even if contradictory just because we can't know your exact situation. First off, I strongly suggest two machines if you can swing it... a Zero turn dedicated to mowing assuming you don't have significant slopes to manage and a B or BX size tractor with backhoe (not trying to pick your color here). A lot will depend on how much you need to landscape. Lots of implements to choose and acquire as you go depending on your needs. I sure appreciate a dedicated mower that is easier on the grass vs. an 'all in one' machine. A backhoe makes the tractor heavy and tougher on your lawn. I could go on and on opining here but I will let others continue the discussion. Post some more info on specific things you want to do... that will help getting good advice.

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum Mom. Glad you joined with us here. How old are those "Crazy" girls?

We will be more than happy to spend your money.

The main difference between the two tractors is that the L is a little heftier with a wider stance and longer wheelbase which gives more stability on slopes and hills. It doesn't matter that much if all your acreage isn't wide open it will still work well.

The B does have a little tighter turning radius and offers the MMM. The BXs are probably too small for what you want.

If you are mainly going to use the FEL and a bush hog, then I would go with the L.

 

[momof2crazygirls]

Unfortunately two machines aren't in the budget right now so it's one or the other or a combo. I fence line that is being cleaned up now and fences that I want removed, mowing or bush hogging, filling in low spots, dam patching in small spots if necessary, possibly tearing down some beaver additions to our dam, garden eventually, planting fruit trees....just some of the things off the top of my head. The horses that graze on it keep the lawn mowed down in the area around the house I just need to knock down weeds that sprout up.

 

[momof2crazygirls]

They are 10 and 11 and getting excited about having a tractor! All my land is pretty flat- no slopes to worry about.

 

[jeff9366]

Wheeled tractors have too much weight bearing on the tires to work near ponds. Pond work is normally accomplished from aways back, using a tracked excavator.

For eight acres a Kubota L2501/HST would be a good size. Included with the HST are several other upgrades, especially to the instruments. The L2501 is going to be a more stable work platform than a Kubota 'B'.

Be aware that to mount and operate implements on the tractor's Three Point Hitch, the Backhoe has to be removed.

 

[momof2crazygirls]

Sorry- I just meant mowing around it and removing saplings that have popped up along the edges. No major work- I'll leave that to the professionals. If I could figure out how to post a picture of it I would- LOL!

 

[mddorange]

They are 10 and 11 and getting excited about having a tractor! All my land is pretty flat- no slopes to worry about.

Yes, that is a very exciting age. Are they a big help around the house?

We have 5 granddaughters living with us as my daughter just got her RN and is finishing her BS. They are 3, 6, 12, 14 & 16. Never a quiet moment in the house so I go out on my tractor to get some peace and quiet while the wife babysits.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I can tell you the L2501 get EXTREMELY good reviews on this site and does not strike me as too big for what you described. Definitely want HST transmission and telescopic 3-point-hitch lift arm can make attaching attachments more manageable.

As a "newbee", be warned; even on 'flat' ground it can be deceptively easily to roll a tractor. ROPS bar should be always be up and seat belt on! (The exception would be when very near the pond- the seat belt off).

Also, I'm sure you are used to it but with you screen name, expect some misogynistic comments at some point...

 

[Garandman]

We have 12 acres in NH and an L3200, which is the prior model to the L2501.

It is fairly short and the turning radius is about 8' (ie 16 foot circle). The BX is about 7.5'.

The L2501 is 55" wide versus 45" for the BX (BX bucket is 48"). The implements are usually 60" anyway.

How many places can you fit 48" but not 55"? So that it's worth giving up quite a bit of lift capacity [compared to BX]? Probably not many.

We find the L series to be big enough to o the work but small enough to take on our woods trails.

 

[newbury]

Hello! I have been lurking and reading the forums for the last week and decided to join and hopefully get some feedback on the tractors I am looking at.

I have 14 acres with a 6 acre pond. The remaining acres are fenced for livestock or horses by the people that previously owned it. Some of it is pasture. I also have the pond area that will need maintenance around. I originally looked at an L2501 with FEL and bush hog but got scared it would be too big since my acreage isn't wide open and is divided into little areas. So then I looked at the B2601 with FEL and MMM, BX 25D with MMM, BX2370 with FEL and MMM, and then even looked at a ZD zero turn. I think I have eliminated the zero turn as there are just many things we could do with a FEL around the place. <snip>

Just a little clarification - which
14 acres PLUS a 6 acre pond (20 acres total)
or
14 acres WITH a 6 acre pond (14 acres total)

Then how much to finish mow? An acre? Ten acres?

Do you have any choke points? For example I've one gate to get through that is only 6 inches wider than my B7610. Look for any narrow points that you may have to turn in and imagine doing it with both.

Both tractors would do well.

The L produces a little more at a lot lower RPM.

Since your husband is fine with either you should really try to get some seat time at the dealership - maneuvering to mow, pretend to bush hog, backing up and turning with hog and FEL attached and other maneuvers you'll have to do. Even better if they have one you can practice with the backhoe.

Good luck.

 

[jeff9366]

I meant mowing around pond and removing saplings that have popped up along the edges.

Most, not all, ponds are boggy around the circumference. Approach pond with care so you do not get tractor bogged.

I would cut saplings with a chainsaw or battery powered reciprocating saw, then spray the fresh stumps with an herbicide to kill them. Just a few squirts of herbicide on each stump immediately after the cut.

If working near the pond is a key task, consider R1/ag tires for your tractor, rather than the almost universal R4/industrial tires with which L2501 tractors with loaders are supplied. The "bars" on R1/ag tires give superior traction in mud.

LINKS: Google

 

[KyleH]

Buy bigger than you think you will need, lots of people told me that while looking at a B2650, but was worried about size being an issue. After only 100 hours it became apparent that a heavier tractor would be a lot more useful. Ended up trading up to a L45 and so far very glad I did.

Good luck with your purchase, be sure to post some pictures when you get it home.

 

[2458n]

L for 34years. Most old 3 pt. implements fit. Will reduce cost by getting your blade and other attachments used. Get the right tractor to start with and your half way home. No trading up or down which costs money in the long run. Enjoy your new purchase.

 

[motownbrowne]

The 2501 is still a small machine.

They shrink once they leave the dealer's lot, by the way.

 

[rbargeron]

...........I really like the L2501(actually my favorite) ...... is the BX too small.........

My 2 cents - with four L's in the yard, I'm a little biased. But I think your instincts are on the money here. The L2501 is in many ways the near-perfect size for homeowner/small acreage place. Many people buy a smaller model for price reasons but they often soon have the urge to get something bigger. I think that after a few hours using a L2501 you'll rarely if ever think it's too big. The HST transmission is absolutely worth the price for effortless operability. A front loader is the most "enabling" implement - a lot of bang for the buck.

A backhoe is perhaps something to wait on. The little ones are often too small. If you have some stump-digging or rocks to move, rent a 40-60hp commercial backhoe - or better yet hire somebody for a few hours who is already a skilled operator - you'll be impressed with what they can accomplish. You can then clean up and smooth things out with the L2501.

As always, prompt cheerful refund if advice is bogus - take care, Dick B.

 

[Blackgreyhounds]

I'm no expert, but went through similar experience this Spring, except that we did not need finish mowing capability since we mow <1/2 acre of "lawn." In the past, I had been able to borrow my neighbor's older B series (~23-25 hp) with FEL and MMM. Then this Spring I found a used L3710, which is very similar to the L2501 you are looking for, but with more horse power. The B series was very competent for lighter duty work, like your need for finish mowing and light landscaping. However, the L series is much more ruggedly built for heavier duty tasks when they arise (and they will!). If I had to choose, I would strongly favor an L series. Also, consider getting as much h.p. as you can afford. 25 hp will get a lot of work done, especially with the heavier L series chassis, but it sure is nice to have the extra 10 hp on the L3710. As above, consider leaving off the backhoe for now and put that money into a heavier a heavier frame and the biggest engine you can afford. You NEVER hear people complain "I wished I had a smaller tractor."

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much what rbargeron said and we own BX, L and M, I like the B, but it just never seems to fit my needs. I do recommend a dedicated lawn mower and they can be had reasonably, you can get a nice lawn mower and tractor for less than a tractor and back hoe. We've owned one and decided to let it go and just rent when needed, usually a mini excavator or as mentioned hire it done if needed. This is just my experience and many will disagree with good cause, but we own three farms and 11 tractors with no backhoe. Your situation will dictate your needs and try to separate "needs" vs "wants"; yeah it's hard.

The problem most of us have is either the B or L will work and most have discovered no one machine is going to "do it all" well, there will always be a compromise.

I'm sure you have done it, but consider all brands and try as many as you can. You might even consider renting something for a weekend if you are new to trators to give you a baseline for comparison.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think a big factor is how big and nice of a yard are you planning? And how much serious digging/trenching/hauling of material you will be doing? Tight spaces? If you don't like shovels and wheelbarrows, you will love a backhoe and a bucket. Even small ones!

 

[momof2crazygirls]

Thank you for the feedback. I have actually talked my husband into the backhoe attachment but after reading your post I am wondering If I shouldn't spend the extra money. What are your thoughts? We have beavers that like to increase our dam size and thought it would be useful every time they do that to break it back down and I am currently clearing out a lot of tree growth along fence lines and some cross fencing that I thought it would be helpful with removing as we work on it.