Comparison Kubota B2650 vs B3350: upgrade from my BX25?

check · Mar 13, 2016

Hello all, my Wife says go ahead and upgrade!:drool: (She's a good wife, to be sure.) But is it worth it to upgrade?

I have a 2009 Kubota BX25 which has served me well, doing everything from digging out stumps to digging out the space for my garage and for my shed, to trenching, digging up the Septic pipes, hauling topsoil and rock-filled dirt (that was a tough one), snow clearing and snow blowing, box scraping my driveway in the Spring after it dries out, etc. But two limitations are the FEL lift capacity and the BH swing arc.

Here are some relevant specs:

--------------------BX25:----B2650:----B3350:

FEL lift:-----------745-------1196-------1196
PTO HP:----------17.7-------19.5--------27
SWING ARC:-----140 deg.--180 deg.---180 deg.
PTO lift:----------992--------2139-------2139
Tractor weight:--1587-------1786-------1896

A big consideration is that I would have to pump in almost $20k to upgrade to the B2650(HST), and another $5k to go up to the B3350(HST). But that is a value judgment I will have to make.

The question is, do the increased specs translate into big diffs in productivity and work? Here are some thoughts.

FEL: The increased lifting weight capacity from 745 to 1196 is substantial, but I do have a BXpanded.com bucket expander on my BX25 that doubles the heaped capacity of the FEL, so volume is not a big issue - just weight. But digging is also an issue, since the B2650 tractor unit by itself is really a lot heavier than the BX25, which of course affects traction. (And I have read many a post on TBN that says that you usually run out of traction before power.) And I do plan to do more digging with the FEL, and in fact have a Piranha Tooth Bar from BXpanded.com for the BX25, and would likely get one for the B tractor as well.

BH: Swing arc is a big issue, as I am always running out of space for my castings. Depth is less of an issue since I rarely dig deep, even with trenches. (I have been very disappointed that the BX25 swing arc is only 140 degrees.)

PTO lift: This is also substantially higher on the B's but I don't lift that much heavy stuff on the rear (just my rear blower and box blade).

PTO HP: This is where I am a bit confused, since the B3350 has A LOT more PTO HP, yet the lifting specs and other specs for both the BH and the FEL are the same as for the B2650. Perhaps the major advantage is when you use power hogging implements like a wood chipper? (Not sure I will ever get a brush hog - those things are too scary.)

Anyway, I would love to hear peoples' thoughts and especially your experiences in actually using the BX25 versus the two B's above.

Thanks, guys. Looking forward to hearing from you!

varmint · Mar 13, 2016

Sorry for being lazy and not looking specs up, but do the B3350 and B2650 use the same FEL and hoe? If so, that would explain the equal FEL capabilities even though the B3350 is more powerful. PTO power might make a difference, especially with a rear snow blower. And, how about hydraulic flow? Does the B3350 have more pump? Anyway, I will be following this thread, it's interesting!

northtractorsearch · Mar 13, 2016

I'm not an expert, but I think you will find for what you've described to me that you use the tractor for, that the 3350 will not be better for what you use it for. In my opinion, it should be a comparison of something like B vs L for you to see a substantial difference.

check said:
Here are some relevant specs:

BX25: B2650: B3350

Tractor weight: 1587 2243 1896(!)

I think you have the weight wrong, I believe it is

1587
1786
1896

varmint said:
Sorry for being lazy and not looking specs up, but do the B3350 and B2650 use the same FEL and hoe? If so, that would explain the equal FEL capabilities even though the B3350 is more powerful. PTO power might make a difference, especially with a rear snow blower. And, how about hydraulic flow? Does the B3350 have more pump? Anyway, I will be following this thread, it's interesting!

The flow is listed as the same, 8.7 gpm. The only differences are subtle weight, speed (the 3350 is faster by ~20%), a little bit more oil and obviously power

s219 · Mar 13, 2016

The tractors are mostly identical except for the engine. Same loader, same hydraulics, etc, which is why many of the specs are identical. Unless you need more PTO HP, go with the 2650 and avoid the emissions plumbing. Weight-wise, the 2650 is well powered. The 3350 will most likely run out traction before you use up all the power for ground-engaging work. So to me the main advantage of the 3350 is more PTO power. Or if you're at high elevation, the 3350's turbo will be a benefit.

check · Mar 14, 2016

s219 said:
The tractors are mostly identical except for the engine. Same loader, same hydraulics, etc, which is why many of the specs are identical. Unless you need more PTO HP, go with the 2650 and avoid the emissions plumbing. Weight-wise, the 2650 is well powered. The 3350 will most likely run out traction before you use up all the power for ground-engaging work. So to me the main advantage of the 3350 is more PTO power. Or if you're at high elevation, the 3350's turbo will be a benefit.

Good points, s129. I agree - the B3350 is not worth it. So the remaining question is, how much better is the B2650 over the BX25 in terms of real-world use? Specs are one thing, but how do they translate into actual hands-on experience in the field?

beckmurph · Mar 14, 2016

check said:
Good points, s129. I agree - the B3350 is not worth it. So the remaining question is, how much better is the B2650 over the BX25 in terms of real-world use? Specs are one thing, but how do they translate into actual hands-on experience in the field?

My first tractor was a BX25 in 2009. Worked the dickens out of my BX. Comfortable operators platform .
The B2650 is a more capable machine. It is not as nimble as the BX and you can't get into the small places like you could with the BX.
3 range transmission is helpful. Low and medium range are your working ranges. Hi is for traveling.
Position control on the 3pt hitch is really nice when using a bushhog or rear blade. I was always frustrated when using a bushhog with the BX. Had to fiddle with the 1/4 inching lever to keep the 3ph at the same level after lifting the bushhog. With the B2650 you can keep the same level with the 3ph.
The bh77 and 16" bucket with thumb run circles around the bh on the BX. Faster, stronger and more room on the operators platform.
I really liked the BX25. But the 2650 gets the work done quicker.:cool2:

Tompet · Mar 14, 2016

I did what you are contemplating with an intermediate step of a B2920 with BH65 after having a Massey 2310 scut tlb. I upgraded to my current setup for one of the reasons you listed, BH swing of 180 and full bucket rotation of 180 with dual swing cylinders. Big difference in use and power of the BH. It was worth it to me.

I agree with others if you don't need the pto hp stick with the 2650 with no dpf, which you have already concluded. Anyway, the jump in size was worth it in capability, ground clearance etc. There are some nice upgrades on the 2650 compared to prior models like the 3pt hitch, brake position etc. I assume you are getting the FEL SSQA option for bucket and BH thumb. I have the kubota qa for bucket and set of forks which are very very useful.

The only other model I would consider is the new L2501 which should be similar in price and footprint. However, you give up a couple creature comforts and BH would have separate seat.

Have you shopped any other dealers for price differences on your quote and trade? There can be big differences in price between dealers. Good luck And enjoy.

Ricn · Mar 14, 2016

Interesting thread. My neighbor has the 25D and although he wishes for more swing, that little guy really digs and digs!

In looking at Kubota's website yesterday, I got the impression the B2650 @ 26HP has DPF? Was I reading this wrong or what? I too am, or was, interested in this tractor but don't care to have DPF. Also went to my local dealer yesterday looking at the B2650, very nice unit with lots to love in this size tractor but did not look at the exhaust system closely, perhaps because the salesman kept jabbering at me; still I should have looked at something this important. Also looked at the L2501 which is why I went there in the first place, and for the first time actually seeing and setting on one, I am liking that tractor a bunch although preferring the brakes be on the left like the B2650. The L2501 has no DPF, lower pump output, lower HP @ 24 + but weighs considerably more and cost less, all good for my uses of FEL work, brush hogging and dragging out firewood logs. My old Satoh Diesel is 25 HP and being heavy for its size plus having filled wheels you can't hardly stop this thing in 4x4 drive....Wish it were HST though as needs and my age have changed.

Ricn

beckmurph · Mar 14, 2016

No exhaust treatment on the 2650.
The seat WITHOUT the backhoe is very nice.
With the bh you get the swivel seat. You lose an adjustment and can't change the height of the seat

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