Tractor Sizing Help with a Kubota purchase

[FatTireFarm]

Hello, I'm new to the forum but have read many threads about buying the right size tractor. I must admit, the more I read, the more confused I've become. I'm looking to buy our first tractor to manage the 20 acres we just purchased. The property has five acres to finish mow and the rest is wooded. We won't be "farming" the land but plan to till our own garden, maintain 100 yards of gravel drive, plow snow, move mulch, build trails, etc... I'm not planning to mow the yard with the tractor, I'll probably use a ZTR, so MMM is not a requirement. I would like to add a backhoe someday. I know it's a luxury but one I'd like to have. I've been looking at tractors in the B and L class of Kubota. I've been reading a lot about the new tier 4 problems and would really like to avoid it. At the same time, I understand the pre tier 4 L3200 and L3800 have jerky 3 point hitch problems. I really like the B2650 but worry about it having the guts to do the things we need it to do. I don't want to drive into the dirt pile for the first time only to find out the tractor doesn't have enough power to fill the loader. I've read that hp only determines the speed that you can do work but I have nothing to compare that to. The other option I've looked at is the new L2501. It weighs more than the B2650 but has slightly less hp. I wish a BX25 would do the trick but I know I need more ground clearance in the woods. Most people on these forums seem to advise more hp, more hp but that takes me into the tier 4 unknown. Budget vs hp is also a concern. If anyone has any advise on the B2650 vs L2501 vs ???, please let me know.

 

[ultrarunner]

We bought an L3800 one year ago and so far so good... 65 acres of Christmas trees with some pasture... the backhoe is OK... a little on the smaller side... I have a Deere 110 with an awesome backhoe at the other property and wanted to avoid moving it back and forth...

I also have a BX23 which has been great... first problem in 10 years is a sloppy loader joystick... you are right... things that make it an awesome mower like lower ground clearance and smaller tires work against you in the woods...

 

[Grandad4]

Hello, I'm new to the forum but have read many threads about buying the right size tractor. I must admit, the more I read, the more confused I've become. I'm looking to buy our first tractor to manage the 20 acres we just purchased. The property has five acres to finish mow and the rest is wooded. We won't be "farming" the land but plan to till our own garden, maintain 100 yards of gravel drive, plow snow, move mulch, build trails, etc... I'm not planning to mow the yard with the tractor, I'll probably use a ZTR, so MMM is not a requirement. I would like to add a backhoe someday. I know it's a luxury but one I'd like to have. I've been looking at tractors in the B and L class of Kubota. I've been reading a lot about the new tier 4 problems and would really like to avoid it. At the same time, I understand the pre tier 4 L3200 and L3800 have jerky 3 point hitch problems. I really like the B2650 but worry about it having the guts to do the things we need it to do. I don't want to drive into the dirt pile for the first time only to find out the tractor doesn't have enough power to fill the loader. I've read that hp only determines the speed that you can do work but I have nothing to compare that to. The other option I've looked at is the new L2501. It weighs more than the B2650 but has slightly less hp. I wish a BX25 would do the trick but I know I need more ground clearance in the woods. Most people on these forums seem to advise more hp, more hp but that takes me into the tier 4 unknown. Budget vs hp is also a concern. If anyone has any advise on the B2650 vs L2501 vs ???, please let me know.

A couple off points if you haven't already considered them. The smaller B's are awesome little machines to be sure, but the heavy work really demands equipment designed for that kind of work. Building trails in the woods, for example, inevitably means moving, digging stumps or rocks and other work that demand some power and heft. In my mind that calls for something in the 40+ horsepower range and appropriate attachments. If you're thinking that kind of activity is or will be on your agenda, plan you purchases accordingly. That aside, it's still better to go a bit larger than you first anticipate because the work to be done always seems to grow rather than shrink.

I know that puts you squarely into that Tier 4 dilemma and you'll have to figure that out from what others are saying. There are those that say "Wait til it gets sorted out" and those that have bought Tier 4 and have no problems. There's also the odd chance you can find a truly nice used rig that solves the emission problem and fits your budget.

Good luck in your search.

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To TBN FatTireFarm. I went into the dealer looking at the B2650 with even less acres. The dealer said he would sell me anything I wanted, but he could not recommend it for my needs. He suggested a L series and even recommended a L4600. I compromised and took a L3200. It has done everything I have asked it too, but now I wished I had listened and went with the L4600. I just can't imagine how upset I would have been if I had stuck to my original option.

 

[ultrarunner]

My brother would have been in the same boat... he was so impresses with what my little BX23 has accomplished... moved hundreds of yards of material built trails... etc... over 10 years... he wanted one and liked the price.

Stressed it would be a mistake for his acreage and what he wanted to do... and that is how the L3800 joined the fleet.

He was intimidated by the L at the Dealer because it looked so big... not nearly so big out on the ranch/tree farm.

His 12 year old son is a natural with the L... careful, precise with a good hand for loader and backhoe work...

 

[FatTireFarm]

Thanks for the feedback. This forum is awesome. It's great to learn from others experiences when I have none of my own! I was really thinking I'd end up with the B2650 but now I think I'll have to reconsider. Fortunately, I have some time. There aren't any pressing needs for the tractor yet. I'd like to find something by this or next Spring though. Perhaps I'll know more about the tier 4 stuff by then.

The only dealers close by are Kubota and JD. Does anyone know if JD is having tier 4 problems like Kubota? I really like Orange due to it's reputation and it all being made by the same folks versus pieced together like JD. Not to mention Orange is usually cheaper than green. That being said, I'd be open to consider JD if they have a 30-40hp machine that's trouble free.

Lastly, our "farm" is more for play than work. So I foresee many short uses of the tractor rather than long days running at PTO speed. Does that make the DPF even less desirable/more prone to problems?

Thanks again!

 

[FatTireFarm]

Ultrarunner,

Have you had the jerky 3 point issue with you L3800?

 

[ultrarunner]

It could be smoother... not that it is a problem... use the 3-point 80% of the time.

 

[FatTireFarm]

Another question...I've assumed I would buy an HST tractor but have read a little about GST. Better or worse? Dependability and maintenance?

 

[The Deerslayer]

Welcome, I suspect you will like it here and find a great deal of info. :welcome:To share my experience, I have a "hobby" farm as well and could not see having anything less than something in the L series. My father has a B and it is great but would not satisfy the uses I have. I recently upgraded from a gear shift L2250 to an HST L3901 :dance1:. I, like you, had concerns about the Tier IV piece, but after my research and the deals that were available at the time....I pulled the trigger. Could not be more pleased. The jerky 3 point is gone and the HST is a dream. Cannot see myself going back to a gear drive. I am also of the mindset to buy a bit more tractor than you think you need. Case in point, my L2250 did the job, but the L3901 has more HP and the increase is a welcomed addition and experience. Best of luck.