Looking hard at a Kubota B01 series......advice please...

[River19]

Hey, fellow Vermont and B2601 owner here.

I think the 2601 would be a good call if you are going the front snowblower route.

A few random items:
1. Any plans for a grapple or front impliment needing a 3rd function kit? It would be easier to get that installed from the dealer, but I believe it makes the loader removal for the snow blower a little trickier (2 more couplers to remove, maybe some other things).
2. If you want chains you will have to get wheel spacers; I think 1-1.5" was needed.
3. Don't forget lighting; this is VT, do you really think you will be snowblowing on a beautiful sunny day? Plus it will help extend your working time in the spring/fall.
4. Have a plan for front grab hooks. My dealer (Essex equipment) welded on one in the center for me and it has been very useful for picking up logs next to the road, pulling logs onto the road etc.. You can drill and install your own, but I had my dealer do it and they didn't charge for it.
5. Storage on the tractor stinks, make sure you have a 50 cal ammo can, or similar sized toolbox you can use to swap out the $2 Kubota one.
6. Snow blowers are great for deep snow, not so much for small stuff from what I've heard. I seen guys on youtube using a back blade and say its very useful when coupled with the blower. Back blade will deal with the small amounts and slush so they don't have to switch to using the bucket for that stuff. I just have the bucket (60") and backblade, no blower and I haven't tried it in snow yet, so don't take my word as gospel!

Thanks for the response ( as well as Dodge Man.....Ram 2500 here lol) .......wheel spacers were not on my list but a good watch out. I was thinking the R4 Industrial Hybrid tires so I don't really kill my lawn when I drive over it but needed something more for the winter......but being able to do chains would be welcome.

The back blade front blower is becoming something I like the idea of....although I was hoping to run a sander as well......so it all depends on time to swap....

Lighting I was looking at the ROPS LED kit but I am trying to get some folded ROPS measurements on the 2601 (posted in the Kubota section on here) so I can verify a 2601 will fit in my large shed.

The good news on winter is this rig will be doing NH....which actually has more slope than my VT property (which is plowed by a friend)......the bad news (sorta) is we get just as much snow here in the Monadnock region as we do in the NEK in many years. And more ice.......

Good idea on the ammo can.....and the welded hook.....so much to consider.

Thanks for helping me think through and begin to reall prioritize the list.

 

[dodge man]

Changing implements on a 3 point is a pain. If the implement is light weight it’s not bad, you can muscle it around. If not look at a variety of quick hitches, they make hooking up an implement a lot easier.

Also don’t forget ballast. Using the end loader will require it. Loaded tires help, which is fluid filling the tires, and a weight box or weight rack on the back will do it.

 

[rademamj1]

I second the statement, that 3rd function kits are always best installed by the dealer before delivery. That 3rd function kit supplies hydraulic power to any grapple or front mounted snowblower you need.

It may come as a surprise to many, but R3 Turf tires actually out perform R4 industrial tires in snow and icy slush conditions. However, Chains become an equaliser, and both types of tires perform equally with chains in snowy conditions.

 

[trueg50]

Changing implements on a 3 point is a pain. If the implement is light weight it’s not bad, you can muscle it around. If not look at a variety of quick hitches, they make hooking up an implement a lot easier.

Also don’t forget ballast. Using the end loader will require it. Loaded tires help, which is fluid filling the tires, and a weight box or weight rack on the back will do it.

Yeah, if buying new, get the Landpride quick hitch (QH15 in my case) and matching impliments that are quick hitch compatible! I only have 6 hours on my B2601 but I've bounced around a number of times between a boxblade for ballast/road/garden clearing and a rear utility cart (pulled by the drawbar).

GP Outdoors has some good snow clearing videos. He uses the blower+blade and also has a spreader.

 

[River19]

Yeah, if buying new, get the Landpride quick hitch (QH15 in my case) and matching impliments that are quick hitch compatible! I only have 6 hours on my B2601 but I've bounced around a number of times between a boxblade for ballast/road/garden clearing and a rear utility cart (pulled by the drawbar).

GP Outdoors has some good snow clearing videos. He uses the blower+blade and also has a spreader.

I discovered his vids the other day.....he since upgraded to a larger tractor but the 2601 looks like what I am looking for.

The Quick Attach for the 3pt was on my list, thanks for everyone confirming

 

[Lilguy]

I went through what you're doing now. Had 16 acres and replaced a 32 year old L2250 with a B2601 FL/BH/MMM and it did everything I needed. Moved to .9 acres, B way to much and Im downgrading to a BX now. For the money go with the biggest unit your situation and finances can handle, no one ever complains about having a bit more than you need at the start but you don't want to wish you'd gone the next step up after the plunge. Ive had Kubotas since the early 80s bought 2 at the time. With thousands of hours and years of use I replaced one hydraulic pump and maintenance items. Will not look at anything else.

 

[Milo]

I'll second or third getting a ballast box which counters the loader more effectively than liquid filled rear tires, a QH15 makes swapping the box to your box blade a breeze. Have a hook welded to the center of your bucket.

 

[River19]

I went through what you're doing now. Had 16 acres and replaced a 32 year old L2250 with a B2601 FL/BH/MMM and it did everything I needed. Moved to .9 acres, B way to much and Im downgrading to a BX now. For the money go with the biggest unit your situation and finances can handle, no one ever complains about having a bit more than you need at the start but you don't want to wish you'd gone the next step up after the plunge. Ive had Kubotas since the early 80s bought 2 at the time. With thousands of hours and years of use I replaced one hydraulic pump and maintenance items. Will not look at anything else.

Thanks. I've never met anyone that said "I wish I had a smaller shed/barn/garage" or "I wish this had less power/capabilty"........ I was looking at the BX originally but knowing the key activity/justification was the winter capabilty and the more research I did the more the B01 and specifically the 2601 makes sense to me.....larger hydraulic system, beefier frame, and knowing the second most useful thing will be maintaining 1400' of driveways (gravel) the ability to more accurately control the 3Pt height for box graders/levelers was appealing

 

[River19]

I'll second or third getting a ballast box which counters the loader more effectively than liquid filled rear tires, a QH15 makes swapping the box to your box blade a breeze. Have a hook welded to the center of your bucket.

Fair point/Good suggestion.

So, at the risk of opening a can of worms.......when did filling tires with liquid become a "thing"? And WTH are people filling them with in cold climates?

And, for the record........I need to build some sort of "run-in" type shed for implements......the size of this future shed is growing daily........

 

[dodge man]

Rimguard is common to fill them with, it’s heavier than water and not corrosive. Windshield washer fluid is another common one. It’s been a thing for quite a while.