So many choices....JD 855 or 2210 or 1025r vs kubota B2601 or B2400 or.....

[dugpits]

Hello all -

I don't post much as I'm not much of an expert on anything, but I research a lot so I've read a lot of the threads on TBN. Love all the input that is found on here.

Here's my situation. I had a tractor, LS XG3032H, in the Dallas area where I lived. I liked it and didn't mind it wasn't green or orange. Bought it new because I had never had a tractor before.

New job, new location. Now outside Kansas City area. Sold the LS (sadly) because didn't know where we'd live or if we'd have land. Currently renting but bought a place on 5 acres...sign papers in about a week so looking for a tractor again.

Main tasks I'll have to do:

Mowing - probably around 3-4 acres. I don't mind if its all finish mowed - we have a riding mower so can cut in edges and/or just keep some of it mowed nicer, but a finish mower is good too.
Some loader work. Never know what or when, but I can't imagine not having a FEL. Used the old one for carrying wood, brush, knocking old fence posts over, gravel, mulch....
** Driveway ** this might be the biggest factor really. I'll have about 1000-1200 feet of driveway to maintain. Never used a box blade before so that'll be new.
?? Snow - unknown. i'm coming from Dallas where that's not a concern. KC had a bad winter this year, but overall I'm not sure if that's a big need or not?? Something to consider with the long driveway though.
Planting trees - not a major task but I do want to put some trees in...fruit and shade trees.
Building a shop - I want to build a shop with concrete so it would be nice to grade out location and dig footer foundation (not yet decided on steel building vs pole barn)
Land has a pond so need to mow around and maintain...it doesn't have a big dam side, so not too much slope.
Land has gentle slopes, but no major hilly areas so that's a plus.


So....I've been shopping used and would like to stay at 15k or less with the following in mind:
I'm ok with MMM, but not a requirement by any means...may prefer a 3pt finisher so its easier to take on and off.
I want a FEL - I just can't imagine not having one. Some I've seen don't have one so I would add one so that's a cost adder.
Need to grade a long driveway (long to me anyway). I want a tractor with enough grunt to get the job done. I'm not sure how often I'll need to do this though
I like hydro tranny. Easier to drive for my wife.
I don't want TOO big...My wife isn't much of a machine person, though she's good with using the riding mower. I'd like her to be comfortable using the tractor.


Whew...that's all the background, now the fun stuff with the tractors.

NEW STUFF (tax not included):

Kubota BX2380 w FEL $13,950
Kubota B2301 w FEL, $15,900
Kubota BX23S TLB, $18,500
Deere 1023E, FEL, 60D MMM, $15,850
Deere 1025R, FEL, 60D MMM, $16,900

USED STUFF:

Too many to list, but here's some highlights

JD 855, I've seen(online not in person) 2, both ~500-600hrs. One with FEL only, One with FEL and MMM. $10,500
JD 2210, seen online 3, various hours (200, 600, 800). all have FEL and MMM, one (600hrs) has back blade. $9,500-$10,900
Kubota B2601 w FEL, MMM, Box Blade, pretty new and its close by. $15,000

Older model Kubotas....B7300 w FEL, $5000. Kubota B2400 with bunch of attachments, $7000.

Also saw a few L series Kubotas with a bit higher hours (L4310 @ 1500hrs, L3400 @ 400hrs, L3240 @ 1800hrs) All at or below $15k but these are a bit bigger than I was originally looking for.

*** Here's the real question ***
I've researched a lot, and I know a lot of people seemed to like the JD 855. it seems like its a good size (haven't seen in person), a little bigger than the JD 1 series and Kub BX series, which would probably be nice for grading work. Are there any gotcha's with this model? I know its older so parts may be an issue? Is it hard to find service components, parts, etc? Same situation with the older Kubotas, B7300, B2400...pushing 20+ years old.

Is the JD 2210 too small for the tasks above? 855 weighs ~400-450# more (~1800lbs vs 1400lbs)...didn't know if that'd play in at all. Or will weight of BoxBlade and FEL make the difference inconsequential?

Kubota B2601 is pretty new and seems to have all the implements I'd need right now. Right at max price of $15k. Might be perfect but I test drove the B2301 and HATED the treadle pedals. My dad has a Bxxxx and hated it at first also, but now he says he likes it so maybe I'd get used to it....my LS had side by sides. I'm a smaller guy and it just felt really awkward. Also hated that the reverse speed was SOOO....SSLLLOOWWW.

The NEW BX2380 was nicer though, the treadle was split below floorboard so felt a bit better. Loader stick was smoother as well and backup speed was faster...but not sure if that's too small (same weight as JD 2210) - (I'd love to have a backhoe variant, but realistically not sure if I can justify the BH expense...maybe i'll build one someday)

I couldn't care less about the color, although I'll say the Kubota dealer here was more responsive when I came on the lot. I had to search for a guy at JD to help me. That's how it was in Dallas too - I actually left the JD dealer because no one ever helped me and I couldn't get anyone to help me. Stood right in front of the service desk and couldn't get a simple "hello"...so that tarnished JD for me (and they seem more $$$). But at the end of the day I just need a tractor so orange green purple or mauve I don't care as long as it's a good rig.

thoughts? Older JD 855 still a good way to go, or should I go newer? Prices on brand new are up there for what I was trying to stick to...but could get into the slightly used B series or the new BX2380 for about right. (2380 with finisher would push me over a little though) Or one of those other older Kubotas better than the JD 855? (B7300, B2400)

Happy Memorial day all - and to all that have served, thank you.

-Doug

 

[radios1]

I do like JD, except they have been putting silly overpriced modules on them, and they do go bad, and you have to replace them. they also patented their GPS steering system in such a way that you can't repair, or modify the software, you have to go to a dealer for that!. these are just a few tricks I remember about JD.. they are nice when they work, though.

 

[nrosario]

Congratulations on the new place.

In terms of tractor selection, I'm no expert nor have vast knowledge but I think those machines might be on the lighter side of the scale when it comes to ground engagement work.
Not saying you will not be able to get the work done, but time and quality might be affected at the end.
You might want to check the Kubota L2501 or any machine within that size.

Good luck!!!

 

[dugpits]

I can't comment on the Kubota models since I bleed green. If you buy new, you'll get more of the emissions stuff and modules that they all will have. Buy used and you'll be looking at tires eventually, and it's hard to get items like a factory backhoe.

I would avoid the JD-2210. Many of them have had troubles with transaxle cases breaking. They also have the cooling fan for the transaxle on the driveshaft, and they get broken easily. The shaft itself has been a problem.

The 1023 and 1025, OK but a little on the light side if you're thinking backhoe. I personally would go for an 855 if you already have a dedicated small mower for trim work. The 55 series was some of Deere's best machines.

Thanks for that K7LN - I didn't know about the 2210 transaxle problems - had heard about the cooling fan problem common to the smaller JD and Kubotas...

And yes I was thinking maybe the 1023/1025 might be a little light - which goes the same for Kubota BX series too.... Think I am leaning towards the 855 - glad to hear the 55's were good models. And both the ones I've seen in the area look pretty clean - just need to see in person.

Thanks again!

 

[dugpits]

Congratulations on the new place.

In terms of tractor selection, I'm no expert nor have vast knowledge but I think those machines might be on the lighter side of the scale when it comes to ground engagement work.
Not saying you will not be able to get the work done, but time and quality might be affected at the end.
You might want to check the Kubota L2501 or any machine within that size.

Good luck!!!

Thanks nrosario - I'm hoping to get it done without going to the L size frame...I pretty much had that before in the LS XG3032, and I liked it but would prefer the maneuverability of a slightly smaller rig.

That said if a killer deal shows up I'd definitely give it a look!

Thanks

Doug

 

[nrosario]

Thanks nrosario - I'm hoping to get it done without going to the L size frame...I pretty much had that before in the LS XG3032, and I liked it but would prefer the maneuverability of a slightly smaller rig.

That said if a killer deal shows up I'd definitely give it a look!

Thanks

Doug

If you are looking for a tractor in between sub-compact and compact, here is an small list for you to check.
Is what I used when I was searching.

• Kubota B2601
• Kubota B2650/B3350
• Deere 2025R
• Deere 2720 (used)
• Massey Ferguson 1526
• Branson 2510h
• LS XJ2025
• Mahindra Max 26XL
• TYM T234
• Kioti CK2510
• Yanmar SA324
• Yanmar SX3100 (used)

Have fun in your machine search.

 

[dugpits]

Well - I went and saw a couple used ones. I didn't have a lot of time so might have missed some stuff but this is what I noticed...

Kubota B2601, FEL, Box Blade on the machine. Came with belly mower not mounted. Looked good, one scrape on very front of hood where it caught the grill or something...not a big deal to me. only 105 hours.

I think the switch under the seat is bad...I'm a smaller guy but when I'd go to move forward the tractor would die. put a rag on top of the switch and it worked so that's one thing.

Tires - fronts looked good, backs looked good and bad...Plenty of tread (R4 tires) , but looks like must have gone over some rough stuff - not sure if its a concern or not...almost looked like must have really pressed some gravel into them and then it almost ripped through the edges. Its not in the base of the treads so should be ok but I was impressed with the ripping of the tread nobs.

Seller said one part was broken and he'd pay to have replaced - a knuckle joint or something similar that the mower used to mount to mid PTO...says he caught it with something and broke part of it, but you have to buy the whole part...$300ish part.


Then a Deere 855. Could tell it was older but looked like it was in decent shape. Can't tell if paint was original but it looked good. The seat was very difficult to adjust, but I'm sure with some time to look at it I could get that working. I couldn't get the parking brake to work...I used the right brake but couldn't get the parking brake lever to catch on anything. Either something's off or you really have to push that sucker hard.

the tractor creeps....as in you have to hit the brake lightly or it slowly (very slowly) rolls forward. I'm not sure if that's adjustable in the hydrostatic pedals or what. Also the hydrostatic seemed jumpy...or maybe just very sensitive and would sort of jolt forward with pedal pressure then you could adjust the speed with more pressure on pedals. Mower looked old and stored, but blades looked old but unused (some rust, but still thick and sharp). Said he'd never used it and when he got it in 2003 the guy said he'd never used the MMM either so its just been sitting.

Had a very small hydraulic leak evidenced by a small spot under tractor in garage.

So...are these deal killers or what else should I check for? And what do you think a decent price would be for these.

Kubota's offered at 15k. Deere at 10.5. Both have FEL, 60" MMM. Kubota also has 60" Box blade.

thanks all!

doug

 

[shooterdon]

I recently traded a JD855 (1100 hrs) I had owned less than a year. Some parts are difficult to find and parts are not cheap. I would not pay $10k for a thirty year old 855, but I am not skilled or very interested in working on tractors. I paid $3500 for it (was in rough shape) and spent over $2000 in repairs. I got $7k for it with a bushhog, mmm. FEL, and rototiller when I traded it. I kept the back blade, rake, and boom. They are a good machine but I wanted something bigger and a QA loader.

The MMM on them is a pain to remove and install. If you go that route, I have a shop manual I can sell you cheap....you will need it. They are not too difficult to work on.

BTW, my parking brake did not work either....

Good luck.

Edited to add:

If you will need dealer support, check out the dealers. My JD dealer was not very good. Tractor was returned with a loose fitting that sprayed hydraulic fluid, and one of the front wheels nearly came off after 20 hours of use. They said the parking brake worked when it clearly did not. They were not in the running when I traded up. If you are not mechanically inclined, a new tractor with a warranty and low financing is not a bad investment....they do not depreciate like vehicles.

 

[dugpits]

Well shoot - I had thought I'd pursue the Kubota 2601, when I just find a Kubota B7800. Loader only, 650 hours, but its only $9,500.

Aftermarket Woods 1008 loader. Haven't seen it yet but is the 7800 equal/better/worse than the 2601?

For a $5,500 dollar difference I could get a nice 3pt finisher or belly mower if this one has mid-pto.

Anyone had a 7800? better bet to stick to the newer 2601?

I don't mind working on stuff - but I don't like it when I NEED to use it...if that makes sense.

Also - what's the standard warranty term on a Kubota? Wondering if the 2601 may still have warranty left...

 

[shooterdon]

For $5500 difference you can get a ZT and cut grass twice as fast and not dal with attaching and removing a mmm