Comparison Looking to buy b2650 or b2601 - *pictures inside!

SpartanOrange · Mar 1, 2016

Hello Orange enthusiasts!
Ive been researching to buy a new Kubota so naturally that means i've also been scouring the interwebs devouring as much info as possible. After all, research is fun (and free)!

I have 4 acres, 2.5 woods & 1.5 lawn, with a small pond. Initially, I was looking at something small and capable (bx) to mow, but somehow my interest has escalated into the b2650. I've managed to talk myself into "needing" a bigger machine to perform such tasks as maintaining my wind ravaged woods, grading and leveling my lawn & driveway, and removing snow.

I'd like the b2650 (ROPS version) set up with 60" mmm, front loader with QA 60" bucket, 3rd function valve for front loader (future grapple!), 54" box blade, and loaded rear tires.

I think I'm on the right path with the 2650. I know a smaller machine would probably do me just fine, but everything i've read indicates to go as big as one can. This thing will have to be future proof and it had better darn well last me 30+ years.

See attached pictures of my property and of the b2601 & b2650 in my quiet adventures lurking around the dealership.

PHPaul · Mar 1, 2016

I'm in much the same situation: 4 acres (no woods) 3 acres of pasture/fields, ~ 1000 feet of driveway and lanes to maintain and clear snow from.

I find my B2650 is just about perfect for what I do.

Could I do it with a smaller tractor? No doubt and it wouldn't even take that much longer.

But I'm old and wimpy and I wanted a cab with heat for the winter and AC for the summer. I also do a little custom work where ground clearance is an issue.

SpartanOrange · Mar 1, 2016

PHPaul said:
I'm in much the same situation: 4 acres (no woods) 3 acres of pasture/fields, ~ 1000 feet of driveway and lanes to maintain and clear snow from.

I find my B2650 is just about perfect for what I do.

Could I do it with a smaller tractor? No doubt and it wouldn't even take that much longer.

But I'm old and wimpy and I wanted a cab with heat for the winter and AC for the summer. I also do a little custom work where ground clearance is an issue.

Thanks for sharing your setup and experiences PHPaul. That climate controlled cab sounds real nice!

varmint · Mar 2, 2016

Looks like you are on the right track. A cab sometimes will get in the way, but in the winter, or mowing in the summer, it is a good thing. I have no experience with the MMM setup, but seems like some posters have suggested better luck with the rear finish mower, so you might want to check that out in some detail. SSQA is good! A rear remote setup might cost less and work fine with a grapple- you'll just have run a pair of hoses to the loader. Probably not a handy as the third function on the loader control, though. With loaded rears, you might find some lawn damage when mowing with R-4s, but no matter what, everything is a compromise.

ovrszd · Mar 2, 2016

I used to mow with a B2910. Similar sized machine as the 2650, just more HP. I had to be a bit careful getting on the lawn after a rain. But when I needed to do tractor chores that size made up for it. Since you intend to do tractor chores beyond mowing I think you are ontrack. I never read any posts on here of complaints with that tractor. Everyone seems happy. Let us know what you decide, with pictures of course!!!

stoyan79 · Mar 3, 2016

Haha, I was shopping for a BX, and took home an L.
BX is fine, EXCEPT, it has no ground clearance, so if you have woods, an upgrade to B is a no brainer.

Tompet · Mar 3, 2016

Re: Looking to buy b2650 or b2601 - *pictures inside

The two models you are looking at will serve you well and they have a few nice upgrades to previous models they replaced.

I would suggest you look over the difference between the mmm available between the two models. They are a little different in attachment (new drive over feature listed for 2601) and there was a difference on how they followed the ground and whether that has changed or not, be sure to research differences as the mmm on these are expensive.

I had a prior model B2920 with BH which was predecessor of the B2601 you are looking at so I am aware of these two frame sizes. Personally, I would take the money for the mmm and apply it towards a dedicated lawn mower even if it meant going for the b2601 for added savings, but that's just my opinion. Having said that I do like the 2650 frame size better. If there is any thought of BH then I like idea of dedicated mower even more (and the 2650).

The first "modern" tractor I had was a Massey scut tlb with a mmm. Put the mower on once, returned it to dealer and bought a ztr. Way quicker mowing with ztr and when I want to use tractor for chores it is ready to go. So the mmm, didn't work for me, partly due to BH use, but i know it works for others and that is great too!

Enjoy your new tractor and post your final decision....

stoyan79 · Mar 3, 2016

Re: Looking to buy b2650 or b2601 - *pictures inside

Thats what I did. I was looking for a do-it-all-machine, but after more research bought a much more capable tractor and a zero turn mower.

Tompet said:
The two models you are looking at will serve you well and they have a few nice upgrades to previous models they replaced.

I would suggest you look over the difference between the mmm available between the two models. They are a little different in attachment (new drive over feature listed for 2601) and there was a difference on how they followed the ground and whether that has changed or not, be sure to research differences as the mmm on these are expensive.

I had a prior model B2920 with BH which was predecessor of the B2601 you are looking at so I am aware of these two frame sizes. Personally, I would take the money for the mmm and apply it towards a dedicated lawn mower even if it meant going for the b2601 for added savings, but that's just my opinion. Having said that I do like the 2650 frame size better. If there is any thought of BH then I like idea of dedicated mower even more (and the 2650).

The first "modern" tractor I had was a Massey scut tlb with a mmm. Put the mower on once, returned it to dealer and bought a ztr. Way quicker mowing with ztr and when I want to use tractor for chores it is ready to go. So the mmm, didn't work for me, partly due to BH use, but i know it works for others and that is great too!

Enjoy your new tractor and post your final decision....

SpartanOrange · Mar 3, 2016

Thanks all for weighing in with your experiences, perspective, and recommendations. Considering the price of the MMM I very likely could have bought a nice used zero turn in stead. Alas, that is not the direction I took. I went with the b2650, 60"MMM deck, front loader with 60" QA bucket, 3rd function valve for loader, and the dealer recommended I do a 60" box blade, instead of the 54" I had requested. This he upgraded for no extra charge. I am still 50/50 on turf r3 vs the r4s, I did end up choosing the turf tires. Now I must wait the tractor is ready next week. Then I can put it to the test!
I was sent a teaser pic of the machine being equipped to my specifications.