Looking to purchase B2301 in NH

[pedzola]

I've been looking for a tractor for a couple months, and at this point I think the Kubota B2301 is my best bet. It has the right mix of features and capabilities to do everything I need, and seems to be a good value vs competitors.

The biggest challenge now is budget, and choosing the right implements to get the job done.

I'm looking to take advantage of the 0% financing, and need to stay under $20k. Anyone who has purchased a B2301 lately - what can I expect for pricing?

Here's what I need to do:

1) Primary concern is maintaining an 800ft gravel driveway, including clearing snow. It's possible to get a lot of snow here in Southern NH, so I'm pretty certain I want a 3pt snowblower. Leaning towards a landscape rake for gravel maintenance.

2) Landscaping projects including moving dirt, installing a patio, probably planting trees, clearing rocks and wood debris, etc. Decided that 3pt pallet forks would work better for my needs than front forks. Cheaper, better lift capacity on the 2301,

3) Potentially mowing lawn in the future. I'm going to look at a 3pt finish mower as an add-on later. Not sure how much lawn exactly I'm going to have at the new home yet. Probably about an acre. I'm going to exclude this from the purchase for now.


So I'm looking to outfit the B2301 as follows:
- B2301 with R4 Tires
- Loader w/SSQA bucket
- Kubota 51" 3pt snowblower
- Kubota rear work lights

Total MSRP from Kubota website = $21,264. I've read that 10% off MSRP is a good target, so that would be $19,137, leaving me around $800 to add maybe a landscape rake and/or... Bucket hooks, tooth bar, ballast box... not sure if the dealer would have the 3pt forks but I found a set online that looks good for about $300. Actually not sure I really need the SSQA. Maybe could get the pin-on bucket and save $500.

Any feedback? What do you think I can squeeze into my $20k budget? Any tips on negotiating? Have a contact w/one of the big Kubota dealers in the area. The other has not responded to my email requests for quote. So... will see what kind of deal I can get w/the first one.

 

[prichard]

Kinda surprised no one has responded. I bought a B2601 last fall. With Landpride RCR1548 cutter I think it was about $17k. They had $1000 off attachments so really the price of tractor was <$17k. I think that was about 10 - 15% off list

I got 4 quotes, 3 local and 1 from Barlow in KY. Barlow had best price but delivery killed it. I told closest dealer what lowest quote was (not Barlow's that wouldn't be right) and he matched it. He was only slightly over and had quoted the 1248 not the 1548 cutter.

I opted not to do SSQA since the lift isn't that great on the tractor so I didn't want to further limit it with the SSQA hardware weight.

I wouldn't pay dealer/Kubota for work lights. There are many, many threads on here and it can be done DIY easily and inexpensively.

I know nothing about snow and don't want to learn.

The only other implements I own at this point are a trailer mover and a box blade. I bought both used for a good price from the same dealer.

 

[pedzola]

Thanks for the info.

Besides the 0% financing I think the only incentive on the B right now is $400 off when you get an implement.

There will be new incentives starting in July. Should I wait and see if there's a better deal? What's the best time of year to buy?


I think the price you got is better than I could do here in NH.

Will cross off the light and SSQA to save some $$.

Today I decided a box blade is necessary, will bake that into my deal.

So...

B2301
R4 Tires
Loader w/pin-on bucket
Kubota 51" 3pt snowblower
Box Blade - Maybe Land Pride BB1254 (?)
Tooth bar for the bucket
Bucket hooks

$20k Still have a month before purchase. Ideas?

 

[prichard]

Oh , I should have warned you i may have stirred up a hornets nest about the SSQA. Those who have them are pretty adamant that they are required equipment.

Don't forget with Kubota financing you need kubota care or other insurance. I went with Kubota and they build it into the loan.

 

[varmint]

Well, SSQA is one of those things that once you have and use it, not having it seems like a real hassle. But if you will be using rear pallet forks, and a rear snowblower, maybe you will be fine without it, and it does subtract a bit of lifting power.

I find using a front snow plow to be really nice for clearing snow fairly quickly, but with a light tractor and not that much power, maybe it wouldn't work well in serious snow? You can add great rear LED lighting for well under $50- two, up on the ROPs work very well. The Kubota insurance gets high marks from a lot of folks here on TbN.

FWIW, I started with a Kubota B8200, and it had about the same weight and power, being a gear drive and not HST, and it was a very capable machine.

 

[LarJea]

I think I might be a minority here but the rocker type throttle pedal in reverse seems awkward to me when backing up a long distance, especially up hill. Anyway backing up 800 ft with a snow blower would not be fun for me. Don't get me wrong, I really like this tractor a lot but avoid backing up long distances. I would definitely go with SSQA just in case you want a grapple or whatever later on.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I can guess that it is MB who did not respond. Am I right?
If you are don't mind the drive, Townline Equipment in Plainfield is awesome. I can put you in contact with one of the owners. I drive 1.5hrs just to deal with them over MB.

 

[pedzola]

Yes MB has not responded to my web inquiries. And Townline would be about a 1.5 hour drive from my new home. Got an initial quote on a B2601 from Chappell a couple months ago - sales guy was super to deal with, but price seemed high. I wasn't sure I was even going to go w/a Kubota, and didn't know what implements I needed, so I never asked for a better deal. When I'm ready to buy I'll get a "final" quote from them and at least 1 other dealer. I intend to use the Kubota financing and insurance.

So... about driving in reverse to snowblow an 800 foot long gravel driveway... with the treadle pedal.... what are my other options? Front mount snowblowers seem super expensive, and I like the idea of having the bucket on to move banks if needed. I figured I would get used to treadle pedal.

I am open to ideas. A couple other brands I was looking at had side by side pedals at least, but my biggest problem w/all other brands is that the finance price is thousands higher than cash price. Kubota's seem to have great resale value in addition to the 0% financing price being close to cash price. So it's a good value even if some of the others are less money on paper. The features of the B01 series generally outclass competitors except loader lift. I got over the loader lift once I realized I could pick up pallets w/the 3pt and get another 500lbs.

Anyway... would be interested in any other opinions how to take care of my monster driveway. Fortunately it is totally straight and flat, so no maneuvering in reverse... just keep a straight line...

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

There is a small vocal minority who don't like the treadle. Many prefer it but the vast majority could get comfortable with either set-up.

In fact many people (like myself) think it is EASIER to back with a treadle. It allows to tun your hips more to the right and thus less lower back twist. Also more control IMHO. Be sure you use it correctly and don't have you foot on both ends of the pedal at the same time. In reverse, your toe should be on the floorboard. In forward, your heel should be on the floorboard.

I agree completely and with confidence in your assessment of resale value (at least in New England and can't speak for other areas).

Have heard generally good things about Chappell. You wil regret not going with the best dealer even if you spend a little more money.

Remember, essentially every comment on TBN (including mine) is an opnion. Some are well informed, some are not and you can't judge the accuracy based on the vehemence with which it was presented.

 

[varmint]

"Anyway... would be interested in any other opinions how to take care of my monster driveway. Fortunately it is totally straight and flat, so no maneuvering in reverse... just keep a straight line..."

Ah- the solution would be: PLOW. I have handled 30" of snow, in confined areas, using my front plow, you just need to stay after it. Probably quicker than a blower? Less maintenance, for sure. But you will want a third function or rear remote, which is part trade-off in cost.