Looking to purchase B2301 in NH

[pedzola]

The driveway is gravel so i thought with a blade i would be pushing a lot of stones along with the snow. Also with it beiing so long and straight there isnt anywhere to push the snow except further down the drive. Would need some serious angulation., and then the side banks would really start to close in. I just think that any significant snowfall would essentially trap us in without a blower.

There are several front snowblower options on the Kubota website. Cant find info on the differences. Anyone have experience with these? Still not sure its worth the extra $$ but will look into them at least.

 

[rswyan]

Personally I'd go with SSQA for the loader ... and given where you live, I'd sure explore getting a front blower, assuming you get significant snowfall on a regular basis. In the long run, your neck will thank you.

I'd also get SSQA forks ...

I'd seriously consider getting a Quick-Hitch for the 3PH (around $99 @ Harbor Freight)

You can make (if you weld) - or have made - a rear 3PH ---> SSQA adapter fairly cheaply.

 

[LarJea]

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.

I guess I am not one of the well informed. I have been using the throttle just the opposite ( in reverse heel on floorboard, in forward toe on floorboard). I will try it the way you described it the next time. Thanks for the tip.

 

[brasco426]

Pedzola, check this out I'm going to try this myself next winter.

Edge Tamer | R2 Manufacturing

I was considering a plow, or a blower, but this looks great to try and is much cheaper than the other two. Also a little more refined than slipping pvc over the loader blade, I too have a gravel driveway.

 

[rut3556]

>>Yes MB has not responded to my web inquiries.<<

I'm surprised they didn't reply, and would go there in person. I've bought four tractors from Chappell over the years, but from what I hear you'll get a much better deal from MB.

I'm not real impressed with the current sales guy at Chappell, so I don't know that I'd buy another one there. I recently went there with the idea of trading my TG1860 and L2250 in on a single dual purpose machine and I got a one line email reply stating the trade amount... no attempt to "sell" me on the idea. So, I concluded they didn't really need my business after all. I'll still go there for service, as they're but a few miles up the road.

 

[Thomas]

Deep snow plowing may find it easier set plow at 45 degrees than make pass on each side of driveway pushing way back than plow driveway.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd add a rear blade. They're cheap and would be much faster in 6" and less snowfall. Just get a light weight one unless you want to move dirt with it, but a box blade is probably better for that.

I looked at the B2301 vs. JD 2025R. The B won out in my spreadsheet ranking but I went with the JD just because the dealer here is closer and has been good to me through living with my lemony JD 1025R. The 2025R is almost a bigger clone with more goodies than my old 4010.

Ralph

 

[pedzola]

Brasco - edge tamers look good - I'll probably pick up a pair before winter. Rut3556 - thanks for the input on the 2 dealers. I'll try to get a quote from both.

RalphVa - I started w/rear blade as my implement of choice then realized it's pretty much useless for everything except light duty snow plowing. So with a tight budget, it was removed in favor of a box blade, which I'm going to need for some landscaping work. W/a 3pt blower I will keep the loader on, so I figure I could use the front bucket to "plow" lighter snowfalls.

So I've been playing w/the build tool on the kubota website and looking at current incentives. Looks like the L2501 has a $2k in rebates right now. If I can keep a ~10% discount on top of the 2k then it would put the price of a 4x4 gear model in line w/the B2301.

Seems like a lot more tractor for the $$. I don't think I'd mind driving a gear transmission - I have been driving stick my whole life. Any opinions on this? I'll probably try to get quotes on a similarly outfitted L2501 as well.

 

[amigauser]

For loader work hydros are king. Resale value is also better on hydro's at least in my area. Gear drive are more for field work were finesse is not needed as much.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I think you would be making a mistake going geared for your stated uses. Not to mention resale. I doubt and of the dealer would even have a geared B on the lot.