Report on New Kubota B2650

[HillStreet]

Recently took delivery on the B2650. I bought it a month ago but had the dealer hold it until I could park it inside at the new house. We had about 6 inches of snow, so the initial test was to plow using the bucket only. Driveway is about 300 feet long with a slight grade up from the road. I pushed down toward the road at about 1800 rpm with no problem at all, then turned around and pushed up toward the house. The tractor easily pushed up hill at a low rpm so I was real pleased with that.

Today I moved some sand to fill trenches, and 3/4 stone to spread on The driveway and where the shed and deck will go. The ground was frozen but the piles were easy to get the material. I have to say that the bucket seems pretty big for this tractor. I don't have a ballast box but the rears are loaded.

Engine seems to pull just fine, but again the bucket seems big. Other than that, it has a tilt steering wheel and seems to be laid out just fine. Rides comfortable, and the seat has arm rests. Overall I am very pleased with it, and look forward to many years of service.

 

[Kevinc2004]

I was on the fence between the B2650 and the B2601 new series.. I waited on the B2601 due to it being smaller than the B2650 ( I have a lot of small areas to mow) and the design changes from that series to the new 01 series. Both have plenty of power, but I speced my loader on the 01 with a 54 inch skid steer Quick Attatch, and I am not sure that was available on the B2650 loader.

 

[TMR]

I was on the fence between the B2650 and the B2601 new series.. I waited on the B2601 due to it being smaller than the B2650 ( I have a lot of small areas to mow) and the design changes from that series to the new 01 series. Both have plenty of power, but I speced my loader on the 01 with a 54 inch skid steer Quick Attatch, and I am not sure that was available on the B2650 loader.

I am likely to buy one of the two this spring...for me "smaller" would also be OK. I would however like heavier. Is the B2601 also lighter as well as smaller?

My theoretical "needs" range from a BX all the way up to a much heavier and larger tractor for ground work...stumps/smaller rock/uneven trail smoothing/new trail building etc. But at age 68 and first time owner I seem to think I should love my moderate to small "needs" first and IF I find I really want to attack bigger jobs...I can trade up in the future.

Same with HP...stick to 26 limit or go into mid 30 HP w/Tier IV? Again, probably will stay away from Tier IV...even though brush hogging and box blade might like the extra HP...along with the weight.

Any more thoughts B 2650 vs B 2601??? Thanks TMR

 

[HillStreet]

TMR,

I also considered the B2601 and I did like it. I did choose the B2650 because it is heavier by about 300 pounds (if I recall), and I will push snow at this house rather than use a snowblower. And I actually like the larger bucket because I will maintain a lot of trees, and haul firewood.

The bucket will detach from the arms with quick disconnects. I did push snow once (about 6 inches) with the bucket and it worked fine. May stick with that, or buy a blade next year. I had the dealer install wheel spacers, tire chains, and a bolt on blade edge on the bucket.

 

[HJT]

I got the B2650 this last June. Only have about 22 hours on it. Had a B2620 before and needed a little bigger tractor for snow removal. I got the quick attach loader with 54 inch bucket, 58 inch? land pride tiller, 72 inch front manual blade, 60 inch MMM. Had some issues with HST with herky-jerky when taking off, but seem to have them ironed out. Other than that I love the 2650. Tilt steering wheel, and armrests are great. Don.t use it much due to recent health issues, but have pushed snow and not real fond of front blade on quick attach loader. Maybe just not used to it yet. This is 3rd Kubota for me, BX2350, B2620 and now the B2650.

 

[newbury]

Recently took delivery on the B2650. I bought it a month ago but had the dealer hold it until I could park it inside at the new house. We had about 6 inches of snow, so the initial test was to plow using the bucket only. Driveway is about 300 feet long with a slight grade up from the road. I pushed down toward the road at about 1800 rpm with no problem at all, then turned around and pushed up toward the house. The tractor easily pushed up hill at a low rpm so I was real pleased with that.

Today I moved some sand to fill trenches, and 3/4 stone to spread on The driveway and where the shed and deck will go. The ground was frozen but the piles were easy to get the material. I have to say that the bucket seems pretty big for this tractor. I don't have a ballast box but the rears are loaded.

Engine seems to pull just fine, but again the bucket seems big. Other than that, it has a tilt steering wheel and seems to be laid out just fine. Rides comfortable, and the seat has arm rests. Overall I am very pleased with it, and look forward to many years of service.

Just another internet rumor until we see PICS

Congrats on the new tractor.

 

[HillStreet]

Thanks Newburyport. Ayuh, about the pics. Need to get my head and *** wired together to do that but lately the camera crapped out, cell phone skills are lousy with the new phone. And, way busy right now. Will promise to do later. Really, no kidding.

 

[vacman]

Congratulations on your new tractor. I just got mine at the beginning of November so I'm still getting used to it too. I chose the 60" bucket mostly for snow removal. My theory is to not use a full bucket load when moving heavy stuff. If that doesn't work out as easily as I think, I'll buy the 54" bucket and switch as needed. I did find the rear end to be a little light too so I loaded the tires with RimGuard. That seemed to help stabilize things. I also have a ballast for heavy FEL work.
The only thing I found annoying so far is the design of the loader control. When I turn in the seat to watch behind me, my right knee will push on the lever and the bucket will dump itself down to the ground. The simple fix is to lock the lever but a redesigned lever would be best.
I too compared this model to a B2601. That tractor was the equivalent to my previous model and I'm sure would have been fine for my needs. When I actually got quotes on the two, they were only $1000 apart which for me was an acceptable leap. The B2650 is bigger and heavier and it has a much better loader which appealed to me. Whatever model you choose, be sure to get the SSQA. It's still optional on both these models and I discovered some of the guys that put packages together try and keep costs down by specing out the pin on style. That quick change feature is what promted me to upgrade my tractor in the first place and it's been really cool so far.

Good luck.
John

 

[rkidd]

I also bought a B2650 in June. Have a 160 hrs on it. I also looked at B2601 but went with B2650 due to longer and wider wheel base for stability and more powerful 3pt and front end loader with 60" SSQA for snow removal and bucketing material. As a retired heavy equipment operator I have been extremely happy with this machine. It does everything well from bucketing dirt with ballast on the back of course to mowing with 60" mmm to mowing to mowing property out back with 72" 3 pt mower. I also borrowed brother in laws 72" rotor tiller and 72" box blade due to that was all that was available to put in1/4 acre food plot, not saying I recommend that size for everybody but tractor handled them with no problem at all.