Thank you for this channel and your willingness to share your knowledge. After my dear husband suddenly passed away a month ago, I find myself the (reluctant) owner of a brand new B2601 that I've never driven nor had the chance to see how it all works. I am committed to learning how to operate and use the implements. The grapple sounds like a good idea, but for now I have to figure out the basics & what I already have. Thank you again for your videos. I'll be watching them voraciously on repeat as I navigate these new waters.
Good morning Mary - I am very sorry for your loss. I know this must be a difficult time. I am certainly not an expert but will try to answer any questions you may have as you get used to the tractor. And I am sure your dealer will too. If I may, please always make sure you have something heavy on the rear of the tractor - always. (not sure what you have but perhaps a box blade for example). The B2602 is a great tractor to run and is very friendly but it also will be much more stable when it has lots of weight on the back 3 point hitch. And never drive on a steep slope with it - and when on a gentle sloped ground, always go straight up or straight down the slope (never drive across the slope). Be well and wish you all the very best.
I am on my fourth tractor and I can see you’ve learned a lot about them. I appreciate your caring way of explaining to people what is going on with their tractor. Yah, by the way, I have learned a couple of things from you. I wish all people could be as nice and helpful as you have been. Take care.
Good morning Dave! Thanks very kindly - I am happy you have enjoyed them. I didn't realize there was so much to learn about them - still learning new things. Hope you enjoy your weekend out there - all the best and thanks again Dave!
I have a b2301 kubota and I love it it has a 4ft box black and bushhog I use it around my land which is wooded and I love the size and power exactly the right size tractor for me . I love watching G P outdoors great videos keep up the good work
Dang it buddy I have been watching you for a few months and you got my sub sir. I have been on tractors since I was 7yo on our family farm and my first time ever by myself I let the clutch out and was too short to push it back in before driving straight into my granny’s cotton wood tree just before grandpa pulled the kill switch on a kubota L series. Now 23 years later I own my own kubota and use it commercially. That said I can sit here and watch and appreciate everything you have to say and it’s refreshing. So thank you and I just want to say keep up the hands work. God bless.
Good morning and thank you so much for the kind comment Adam! Happy to have you join in. Boy, that was some story. I can almost picture it happening. LOL! Have a wonderful weekend and all the best to you and your family!
Excellent video! My new B2601 is being delivered on Monday. The advice regarding listening to and learning the sounds of the tractor was spot on! I do that with any new piece of equipment or tool.
Hey brother - I've been watching a while now and I'm very impressed with your channel. I'm using these machines everyday commercially as part of my business and have been pretty much since I was a kid (I'm not a kid anymore 😂 44 unfortunately ) - incidentally my dad was also a kubota dealer all his life too in another family business here in our home in Ireland. You are pretty obviously and indeed admittedly a novice in this field but.... I gotta say you've got a great grasp of things and teach them to others very well. I couldn't knock any of your content. Well done, keep it up and I'm enjoying your work 👍🏽
Thanks very much for the kind comments John! I appreciate it very much. Thanks for sharing the above. I have to admit, I never had a tractor before this and had no idea how much you need to learn and practice in order to use them. Still learning new things all the time. Definitely something that takes a long time to get good at. Thanks again for sending some kindness all the way from Ireland! All the best!
Hearing protection does not prevent you from hearing sounds. It prevents the sounds you are hearing from damaging your hearing. I agree that you should pay attention to the sounds of your environment, especially as you are learning about a new tool like a tractor. You don't need to let the sounds harm you to pay attention to them. Speaking as a person with significant hearing loss that can be directly attributed to a cavalier attitude toward hearing protection in my youth, the damage done is greater than what you can't hear through protection. I may come across overly strong, for which I apologize, but the trouble I have finding hearing aids makes me feel pretty strongly on this topic ;)
I've ordered a bx2301 & it's coming next week. I've really gathered as much info as possible on the different models, what implements to get and other tips and tricks. This video really adresses issues I haven't been aware of. Thank you!
Congratulations Ivy! You must be super excited.- just in time for the good weather. Let me know how it is going from time to time. All the best with the new tractor!
A safety item, when pulling stumps or other items that may not want to move. Make sure you connect your chain, strap or cable to the draw bar and not the rear axle. This will keep the tractor from flipping over backwards. The draw bar pulls the front end down as it is below the axle. If you use the rear axle it acts as a pivot point and the large rear tires increase the ability to flip the tractor over backwards.
Really good advice. My job required that I become a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (C.O.S.S.), and passing that week long course, was truly an eye opening experience. People normally engage in unsafe behavior for three primary reasons. 1. They haven't been educated about the dangers involved with their task(s), or ways to mitigate those dangers. 2. Doing something in a safer way is more difficult (physically demanding, time consuming, uncomfortable, etc.). 3. They have long experience doing something a particular way, and they have never been seriously injured before (habit). All three of those things make safety a tough sell, in many cases. Farmers (the principle tractor users in my neck of the woods), are some of the world's worst. While I find that ignorance of dangers rarely applies to them, they do often have tight schedules to adhere to, and many have generations worth of habit to overcome. Overall, I think your advice on safety gear is well thought out (especially the footwear). I did want to add a couple of comments and additional suggestions for your subscribers. On the topic of gloves, I'm divided. I really do think that the right glove is essential to good safety practices...but folks rarely carry around the "best" glove for every situation. For instance, you wouldn't wear a basic leather work glove to keep warm in the winter. Leather has really great properties protecting against abrasion injuries, but not really much when it comes to insulating, or against cutting and puncturing. Better than nothing for sure (unless it gets wet in the winter), but not as protective as most people believe. Also, most folks tend to choose leather gloves that fit somewhat loosely...probably not the safest thing when they're working around moving/spinning bits of machinery. For myself, I do use leather gloves when I'm out with my tractor, but they are fairly snug, and I don't wear them while I'm in the driver's seat (unless I'm up and down several times in a short period of time). Cuffs get in the way of spinner knobs, grease I pick up is transferred to my steering wheel, and I can feel the operational leavers much better without the gloves on. I should probably wear a close fitting thinner glove while driving...but I don't. Hearing protection is a huge concern. We lose hearing naturally as we age, and constant exposure to noises over 85 decibels (and all of our tractors are over than that threshold) can increase that loss...dramatically in many cases. While, I believe your reasoning for not initially wearing any sort of protection is well thought out, I would offer a counterpoint. If someone learns what their machine sounds like without any protection, and then adds protection...they will likely need to "relearn" what normal sounds like with hearing protection in place. I use noise canceling (over the ear) headphones, and I do listen to music or audio books most of the time...but with noise canceling, I am able to keep the volume of what is playing low. It's also nice to be able to stop the tractor (without turning it off) and take incoming calls as well. There are two primary topics that you didn't really touch on (but one of them you unconsciously address). Frist is eye protection. Having properly rated eye protection (not $3 sunglasses) in place is a huge deal. A single walnut (or rock) spit out by a mower can ricochet back and change someone's life forever. There's usually dust or chaff being thrown around, limbs can hit operators in the face, and even the sun can damage our eyes. There are many many reasons to find a good quality pair of comfortable safety glasses and wear them...and usually only a couple of reasons not to. At the end of the day, those couple of reasons not to would likely fall short of scrutiny, if someone knew they were going to be struck in the eyes while working. The last primary thing I can think of is what you unconsciously address. Protecting ourselves against the sun. Most people that get out and work on tractors usually have extended periods of time being exposed to the elements (specifically the sun). Even one severe sunburn, has been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Five or more blistering sunburns (especially when younger) can increase that likelihood by as much as 80%. Protecting our skin from UV exposure is pretty easy to do most of the time. I don't think I've ever seen you without a hat on your head. That not only protects the top of your head, but (with the brim) often your forehead and nose as well. Arms, and necks tend to get exposed quite a bit, but nobody wants to wear a scarf or long sleeves when it's hot. And while a canopy might help, probably the easiest and most cost effective thing someone can do is to use a bit of sunscreen on otherwise unprotected skin. One other very important piece of advice; keep PTOs isolated, guarded, or preferably both. Growing up in a farming community, I've seen adults (and kids) lose digits, limbs, and/or lives in PTO accidents and it has really driven that point home for me. If you're hooking up an implement to your PTO, shut down and pocket the keys...even if you're by yourself (just to stay in practice). And if other people are around while using PTO powered equipment, keep them well clear. Like you said, these machines are powerful, and can cause a lot of damage. Stay safe out there everyone.
Good evening and thanks very much Michael! This was a well thought out and welcome outline of some important things to be mindful of. I really appreciate it and I am sure many will appreciate it as well. I think you are right about the reasons too. I can see myself missing on the mark sometimes for some of those reasons. You are absolutely right about the hearing protection. I have had a number of good, long time subscribers who have been making the point for a while and I now constantly wear it. Took some getting used to though. Many helpful comments in there. I find now that nothing less than a 60 sunscreen is needed these days. Thanks agin for taking the time to help other subscribers here ( and me.LOL). Have a great week Michael!
New to your channel but not to equipment. I've been an operator of loaders, graders and stuff like that. But I am new to compact tractors. I have a B7800 and the is a lot I have been learning for you. Thank you.
Excellent video...! Thanks. One addition. Tractor OFF, Key ON, (To power the third function valve) and cycle the hydraulics in all directions, including the third function valve buttons, and you wont have any pressure at all built up when hooking the attachments up.
Hey congratulations Sean! That's pretty exciting news. I think you'll be really happy you got the 3rd function put in. Will come in handy for several things in the future. Enjoy it and let us know how it goes from time to time. Cheers!
Great video and in particular, I loved your discussion about safety. I am embarrassed to say, but maybe someone will learn from my mistake, I was not wearing safety boots and only trying to move a small log, firewood size. The wood fell on my toe, a direct hit. Extremely painful but more importantly, affected my walking for a couple months. No broken bone but just a smashed toe...purple nail type of thing. And we all know it can be far worse than this example but it does not take much to injure our bodies. Your points on safety gear are right on the money. Thank you.
Good morning Greg. Thanks for sharing that with us. Those little bones down there are pretty easily damaged and firewood is not light. I've dropped many on mine too. Happy you recovered fully and didn't do any permanent damage. Thanks for your support and for watching! Have a great weekend!
Being an infrequent user of my tractor's FEL, I found an easier way to know when the bucket is level. I bolted a two-foot section of on-inch steel tubing to the outside wall of the bucket. Note, the tubing is mounted vertically not horizontally! That very visible vertical angle makes a better judging of the angle of the bucket even though it is 90 degrees off from the flat of the bucket. Yes, it can be easily damaged, but it easily repaired as it is what it is, a piece of square tubing.
Good stuff Curtis! Congratulations on the new tractor. I think you will find that your chores list will start to grow quite a bit. LOL. Enjoy it and all the best!
Good Information. Learned a few things. If i made a video with this subtitle, i would mention keeping the sway links on the draft arms snug. Maybe this is obvious to most, but I didn't pay attention to it initially, and it took me a while to catch on. I was a bit annoyed when my box blade would swing from side to side as i turned at the bottom of a hill, but woke up when my rear tire caught the turnbuckle and torqued my draft arms tight to one side. I also believe keeping them tight (and horizontal) will transfer more of the drawing force to the bottom of the tractor frame and less to the hydraulic housing .
Good morning Terry! Great advice and tip. Wish I had added it into the video. Hopefully folks will see this comment. Thanks for adding! Have a great weekend!
So far so good, been pushing back snow banks on our private road and my neighbors, works like a champ! One question I can’t figure out from the manual, do you have to hold the key to the left for the glow plugs to stay on? I have a Mahindra 2638
You should have a light on the dash that shows the glow plugs working, and on a Kubota its is the position just before the starter engages. Don't leave them on too long. Usely not more than 8 to 10 seconds.
Been watching your videos way down in Arkansas. Just got my first tractor and there is so much to learn. Like carrying a load in your bucket with a hst transmission and not in 4 wheel drive going down hill can cause the rear tires to come off the ground and then you are in big trouble. Appreciate learning from the mistakes of others before I make the same and not being embarrassed to admit my own.
Good day Cal and Chris! Congrats on the tractor and I can certainly appreciate what you are saying. They don't have a course on how to use the tractor and all the ins and outs. But fortunate we have a lot of great subscribers - many experienced and many new like ourselves, and they share a lot of good info and help for us. Hope the channel helps - always good to read the comments after you watch a video as many folks are kind enough to provide their expertise or advice ( I am still learning as I go along and with their help and help from my neighbour). Cheers and all the best. I look forward to hearing how it is going along the way.
If you haven't found out by now before unhooking the third function hoses shut the tractor off move the joy stick in all directions to relieve pressure turn the key on but don't start the tractor next make sure the third function is in the on position and push the two buttons a couple of times this relieves the pressure on the grapple hoses and now you can unhook them the kubota third function is electric over hydaulic I had the same problem you had now no problem hooking the hydraulics back up
Hey good day Kent. Thanks so much. This is a great help. I knew about the joystick but did not know it would help if I used the third function buttons as well. This was great! Cheers and thanks very much!
Just found your page a little while ago red lock tight has to be heated up to 500 degrees to loosen up also if you use a pry bar underneath the tire to lift it up to studs
Good evening GP. Thanks for the shout out. I have to say that was the fastest 24 minutes I've ever spent watching a video. All great information thank you for sharing. Later
Not to put down any of your good information, but the three point control arms are made to handle the stress of pulling a plough thru the ground, so they can actually handle a lot of pulling force.
Good day Norseman. Absolutely right. And always happy to have corrections etc. I watched the video again this morning and realized I should have added that - (I have a box bade). I meant to say it does not necessarily pull as much as the drawbar but I think it didn't come out that way in the video. Going to give you a thumbs up so your comment shows up at the beginning of the comments list for folks to see. Thanks for catching that! Cheers!
Great video! A couple of thoughts on your safety discussion especially for folks that have limited experience with tractors. 1) always keep your fel load (even empty) as low as possible. The higher it is raised the more it raises your center of gravity (the heavier the load the quicker it changes it also). This greatly increases the tip/rollover risk even from a slight dip of a front tire. 2) you talked about the pto, but again limited experience people need to give that all of the respect it deserves and then some more. Absolutely no loose clothing near a pto! Also pto shields should be installed and should be tied off so as to not rotate with the pto shaft inside of it. These are probably the 2 biggest dangers to nee tractor owners/operators. One other suggestion for new owners, once you have decided on a tractor, especially if it is a current model, you can typically download owners manuals. Get one and get yourself as familiar as possible with the operating of the tractor.
GP Outdoors The fel is one that even experienced tractor operators forget about. I have a friend whose father was moving hay and raised the fel up high to cross a creek, the tractor tipped. He was seriously injured and never totally recovered from those injuries. This was a number of years ago, but my friend’s father was raised operating equipment and tractors so it is a point to frequently mention! Be safe and keep the videos coming.
Hey GP, thanks for the shoutout! Very appreciated! Like I mentionned earlier, I wish I could have watched your video when I got my first tractor (current Case 430). But TH-cam was not even existing back then! Very useful information! Thanks again!
Good topic GP. You covered some pretty good things especially on the 3 point hitch a d draw bar, also engine speed. I was like you always thought you needed full throttle. When you think about it high rpms means higher torque. Which means you could very likely do damage if your using a rear empliment like a rototiller and you get something lodged in the tines. If the tractor doesn't stall or a shear pin "bolt" doesn't shear, you could end up with very costly repairs. Good job buddy. 👍👍👍
I will, for sure. Watching your video's have given me a lot to consider before I make the plunge! I like the fact that you, being in Central Canada, give us fellow Canadians (NB here, formerly Oshawa Ont.) that home grown perspective. At my age (67), I also have to think about if I will outlast the tractor or vice-versa..lol!!! It may be more worth my while to think about buying a used tractor but I am not that mechanically inclined, so warranty coverage is a consideration. I have several dealers all within 15 minutes up to an hour away so repairs shouldn't be an issue. I also have to factor in that I do NOT have a pickup truck or trailer so that would be an extra expense to have it picked up/delivered back to me!
Well thanks very much Big Red. Small world. I was born at Oshawa General and raised in Oshawa down by the GM plant. Never left Ontario though. :)) I am happy if the videos help a little as you do your diligence on the different brands and sizes. I don't have a trailer either and I agree with you - I too , as you know, am not very mechanical so having the warranty is important to me too. Especially if this is your first tractor, as mine is. Being close to the dealer will be a big benefit if you ever have to have them pick it up to add valves or service etc. Mine is about 2 hours away. My dealer also sends out a truck and tech to do repairs and maintenance, oil changes etc on site so yours may as well. And hey, I am sure you will outlast the tractor, if you're from Oshawa, you're tough as nails!! LOL. I am no expert but if you have any questions that I can help with, then please let me know. Good luck and happy to meet you. Let me know how it goes and if you buy one etc. Cheers BR!
@@GPOutdoors I am originally from Point St. Charles in Montreal...a tough as nails as they come neighbourhood! Moved to Halifax, then Toronto, then to Oshawa when I was 40! Lived on McLaughlin Blvd./Hortop St. for 20+ years! Just a 10 min. walk through Alexandra Park to the Oshawa General! Been in NB for 3 years now! Sold everything in Oshawa to downsize and rent here...then bought a 66 acre property...crazy!!!
GP great job on the video all good tips ! not trying to sound like the safety police but on the 3pt for new owners they should know is you should not pull from them yes you can brake the tranz housing but you can all so flip your tractor pulling from your 3pt when you have them up it works like a lever and put more down presser on your tires yes you will pull better but the front can come right up in your face i am not saying you cant i am not the safety police i have had used tractors over 40 years and have pulled logs from the 3pt and yes it can help but i have had the front come up more than once it is up to the owner to use his head i pull from the 3pt draw bar all the time most is a dump trailer but i know if i pull a stump or log from the 3pt i know i have to watch the front we have had in the last 20 years or so around 5 killed by pulling from the 3pt draw bar ! and it can happen in a sec and you wont see it coming i have been very close that i stopped and went back to the house and cleaned my shorts !!! LOL no joke but keep up the great videos and like you said you just got to be safe using your tractors ! have a great weekend and God Bless ! Kioti Curt !!! :-)
Hey good evening Gerald. Thanks. It seems to be the way tractor development is going for sure. I will have to give it some good consideration cause sometimes, it is tough getting those lower control arms on the pins. Cheers and thanks for the comment! All the best!
That's great Ian. Congratulations! You must be pretty excited now , and great to have it in time for the summer weather months. Be safe and all the best. Let me know how it is going from time to time. Cheers!
Thanks Don! That must be really helpful. I had a hard time trying to figure out 'level' until I found that out. Much better now using the bucket. Cheers!
Nice Video. The bucket leveler comes standard on most tractors over 35hp I myself haven't seen Kubota put them on smaller Tractors. Have a blessed night, Cheers.
kubota nuts and bolts are deffently huge wich there made for a solid beast and i like there safety switch wich is a nice system alot of people disconect the safety switch wich thats kinda bad and lots of people gets hurt and lose a arm or leg from a equipment wich not fun thats why kubota all ways says for earth for life
Good video thanks. I think you have to rethink and research at what level your rpms should be at when operating the fel. Definitely not at low idle. Of course owners manual doesn't tell you, but seen plenty of videos and talked to tractor mechanics who will tell you the importance of hydraulic flow, otherwise you run the risk if damaging your hydraulic system. Doesn't mean full idle, but just at or under PTO rpm. 2. Diesels are meant to run and if you don't run your tractor hard enough when it's new, your seals won't seat and eventually run into leaks down the road. That was from a tractor dealer. Anyway my 2 cents
Good morning Rudy! I think that was worth a dollar. LOL. Thanks very much- some great info and advice for folks to read here, and for me. Very helpful. Thanks again - all the best!
The head of the shear bolt will have markings to signify what the grade of the bolt is. Match the head markings on the shear bolt with the replacement bolts.
Good morning and thanks Bank! I made a couple of small omissions in it, or misstated a wee bit ( I was trying to beat the rain to get it done) but hopefully not material to anyone. Cheers!
Very good video GP like it but I have broken sheer bolt and now I got sleep cluch for the tree point hicht you can pull with it , wen you are working the ground you will pull very hard with the 3 point .
Good morning Leo. Yes my apologies. I didn't explain that properly I think. What I meant to say was that the amount of weight you can 'pull' with the 3 PT is not necessarily the same as what you can pull with the drawbar but I think I implied that you can't pull any weight with the 3 pt which is incorrect. Thanks for catching that. :)) Have a great weekend and see you on the next one. Cheers!
Load the rears with beet juice (aka rimguard). Made such a huge difference in my b2601. It made it easier to do alot without having to tie up my 3pt hitch. I was able to get about 160lbs in each tire. As always GREAT videos!
Good morning and thanks Grant! Thanks for the advice as well. I have to say that I do have them filled, but when you throw weight on the front and start driving through uneven ground or the forest, I almost flipped it a couple of times - no 'ballast'. I was fortunate enough early on, to get some solid advice from a number of long time owners who went into a lot of detail and explanations of why I still needed to have "ballast" on the rear and once I bought a heavy rear attachment, it was night and day driving - far more stable. If it is of interest, there are several threads on the OrangeTractortalk forum and several include physics diagrams and explanations of why you need a similar weight hanging off the back, to offset the weight in the bucket. Very eye opening as I had no idea. I figured filling the tires was all that was needed. Hope that helps! Have a great week!
@@GPOutdoors you are spot on. It only took one good scare before I started putting on the box blade (the heaviest implement I have) when doing heavy loader work. The beet juice did help... But it was not enough. I will for sure check out the info on the thread. I am always wanting to learn more. Keep up with the awesome video's! Thank's for all the great tip's!
Well done ! Love your video and yes Joe lesage is very good. Like you, it's very educational and informative high quality video !!! You and Joe should start a virtual trade school !!! Thank you kindly for the nice work by creating theses videos.
Great tips GP. As a new tractor owner, I learned a lot from your video and also the viewer comments. I have had my tractor about a month and the only two issues I have had so far is the sway arms came loose while I was brush hogging and I had a hydraulic line coupler come loose on the left FEL arm causing me to lose a little hydraulic fluid. So now I keep a large wrench with me in the (Rather small) tool box so I can make adjustments in the field. My next project will be to replace the tiny factory tool box with a larger ammo can style one. I may add another box for carrying some lengths of chain too. Do you have a link to the tool kit you showed in the video? Thanks, Mick
Hey good morning Mick! I think the ammo box is a great idea. I replaced mine with just a little plastic Stanley model but at least it is bigger than the toolbox the tractor came with. I don't have a link - in fact I cannot even remember the name of it Mick. But I bought it at Princess Auto ( our auto big box store) and I am sure your place will have a few different brands or products that have the big sockets. I also had to buy a new socket wrench because when you get into those bigger size sockets, they all need 1/2" wrench size. Cheers and all the best!
GP Outdoors : Hey GP, I was checking out metric socket sets at one of our local hardware stores. They carry several sets with multiple sized sockets in them. I want to make sure that I get the proper size set for my tractor, so I was wondering what size sockets are in your kit? Thanks, Mick
Hey good morning Mick. So sorry for the delay but for some reason replies to replies don't show up too obviously for me on my creator page. I checked. The set I got (from Princess Auto up here) includes sockets up to 1 1/2 inch size. So far, the biggest I have used is 1" or 1 1/8" on the tractor. There are also smaller nuts and bolts that a normal kit would have. Hope that helps!
GP Outdoors : Hi GP, Thanks for the info. Being a tractor “Newbie”, I didn’t realize that the bolts were SAE and not Metric, like I had assumed (Of course I should probably have a set of both!) I have a fairly nice 3/8 and 1/2” drive SAE and Metric socket sets, but nothing large enough for my tractor. I will be getting a bigger set soon!
Hey Mick. Sorry I should have clarified. You are right. Most of the hardware on the tractor is metric although for some reason I have come across a few that are SAE. Also, you will find that some implements are SAE and some are metric so yes, you need both. Sorry for the confusion. Be well!
Thanks Graps! As I have been getting more practice with it and using it more, I find that I am usually running around 1600-2000 rpms when I use it. Keeps the curl and loader functions slow enough that I am able to practice those functions easier. The only time I need to rev up is when I am lifting something really, really heavy, want to go a little faster or am carrying something uphill and I start to hear the engine idle start dropping. I almost always do everything in low gear now. Forces me to relax and slow down when working it. Otherwise , I am always in that lower RPM range. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Thanks Andrew. That sounds about same for me. Wish I knew tat 10 months ago. LOL. But happy I know it now. Makes the tractor a lot easier to manage. Cheers!
You will need metric for the tractor but I eventually realized some of my implements are SAE. So, I eventually got both. Cheers and thanks for tuning in!
Great video GP ... I have been watching your videos now since before I owned my tractor and always have found your channel informative and easily understandable.... As a northern Ontario boy being basically on the same terrain as your property has determined a few of the implements I have bought so far... I own the Bx23s and was wondering if your brand of grapple would be a good fit for my tractor? any thoughts or suggestions? Cheers
Hey good day L! Thanks for watching and happy to hear from a fellow Ontarian. :) . I am not too familiar with the 23x but the important thing to keep in mind is that the HLA grapple I have weighs about 450 lbs so depending on the capacity your FEL can lift, it is an important consideration as you don't want to lift the ability to lift something because the grapple itself weighs so much. If you on their website ( HLA Attachments), they list each of the models of equipment they have and include the specs and weights. I wish I could help more but you may be better off finding a "High Carbon" grapple - the high carbon units weigh less but in fact are stronger ( I think) than the commercial steel mine is made of. Hope that helps a bit. Let me know how it goes. Cheers!
Personally I always ear protection. You will hear anything/everything just at a lower decibel level. Hearing damage is cumulative. I'm not 100% sure why your "Lift the seat to run PTO" method works. According to the manual it has to do with the parking brake being engaged: Stationary PTO To park the tractor and use the PTO system (for chipper or pump, for example), start the PTO system in the following steps. 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Make sure the shift levers are at NEUTRAL, and start the engine. 3. Set the PTO select lever to rear only position. 4. Set the PTO clutch lever to engage "ON". 5. Set the engine speed to provide recommended rear PTO speed. 6. Get off the tractor and place blocks at the tires.
That's a good question Dave. I always have the parking brake on and always put in neutral. However I learned it after trial and error. If I leave the seat down and follow the instructions above, the tractor shuts off when I engage the PTO and get off the seat. (have tried it several times). Weird. Maybe something new they added but the manual does not reflect it. My manual says the same thing. Cheers.
Hey good day Dave. Was puzzled and so had to followup with the Dealer. Turns out the manual is not correct (as it pertains to the rear PTO for off-seat use). He has sent in information to Kubota to update the manual accordingly. The short story is I actually tried following the manual 5 times without success before I finally called my neighbour and he said " lift the seat and it will work". That's how I actually figured out I needed to lift the seat. The dealer also tried it on a B2601 he had in stock and had to do the same thing. Thanks - mystery solved. Cheers and talk to you soon!
Good morning Joe. Neither could I. I went to Princess Auto and bought single sockets in the larger sizes - I only bought 4 so far I think. They have a big isle of single sockets of all sizes , metric and imperial. Not cheap mind you so I only bought a few so far.
I'm a subscriber and enjoy your channel very much. Keep up the good work. I haven't seen all of your videos but I noticed in this video that your grill guard now has a mess screen that was not there in your earlier videos. I would be interested in knowing how you attached the mesh - hopefully you didn't weld it I don't own a welder.
Hey good day Michael. Thanks so much for subscribing and happy you are enjoying them. Yes, we welded it on. Video #41. However Mech Uno just put a grill mesh on his b2601 ( his channel is 'Mech Uno') a few videos ago and he had a great idea in which he drilled holes in the sides of the guard and wrapped the mesh and attached with bolts . Take a look at his video as it may be what you are looking for. A cool benefit of his design is that if you want to take the mesh off or replace it, it will be really easy. Hope that helps! All the best!
Just took delivery of my B2601. I ordered a Landpride QH15 quick hitch and a Kubota ballast box. The ballast box will not mount to the quickhitch without lifting it to engage the top hook. That won't be possible with 400 lbs in the box. Kubota doesn't make a quickhitch and Landpride doesn't make a ballast box. Have you run in to this? Any ideas on a work around?
Good morning and congratulations on the new tractor Brent! Just in time for spring cleanup. I have Brent with other implements - not sure if you have tried to adjust it but the top hook is adjustable - 2 bolts to move it up or down - have you tried to measure the distance and adjust the position of the top hook up from its current position? Second question is did they tell you the ballast box was QH Compatible? If they did then I would give them a call and tell them it is not grabbing properly and ask for advice. I have the same issue - my box is a B2320 and it is not QH compatible. I have to use it without my QH and because the lower links are at the very bottom of the box, I have to keep the box on top of a couple of 6x6 blocks off the ground. Not happy about that because you are correct - with 400 lbs in it you will have difficulty. Maybe call them and see if they have a solution or perhaps a different model of ballast box for you. Good luck Brent! Let me know how it turns out.
Hey Darren! I am happy it helped a little. Good luck and let me know what you finally end up getting. Pretty exciting to get a tractor. Good luck and keep in touch!
Good morning Luke. They are manufactured by a company called BillyWorx in Pennsylvania but are only available to buy at Messick's down there. You can buy online. I like them a lot because they are well made and have firm foam inserts so they don't scratch the ROPs. The hole is predrilled and it even includes an insert in case the bolt size on your lights are small. If you do decide to buy them, make sure to measure the widths of your ROPS as they make them to fit different ROPS widths and you want to make sure you buy the correct size for yours. Good luck and all the best!
GP, I see you have rock in your ballast box. I have a box scraper on the back of my loader. Is there any reason that I can’t put weight in scraper box instead of having to buy a ballast Box? I would put ballast in my tires, but I use my tractor on my lawn and don’t want to leave deep tracks with the aggressive tire treads.
Hey Graps. Not an expert but my thoughts are you don't need to buy a ballast box at all if you already have heavy attachments to put on the back of the tractor. Your box blade (box scraper) probably weighs at least 350+ lbs so that is pretty good. And you can certainly add rock to it if for some reason you need more. I only use the ballast box for going into the forest as it has a very small profile so allows me to sneak in between the trees easier but otherwise I use my box scraper or rear blade in the winter. Hope that helps. Cheers!
How does your chipper work with your smaller tractor....do you have limitations with regards to chipper, example diameter of branch that can be chipped?
Good afternoon TB. Thanks for watching and great question. I hope I don't overextend my answer but here goes. There are numerous chippers available out there. I did a lot of research, as I do on most everything, before I spend $$. Different diameter sizes, hydraulic feed versus gravity feed, tractor 3 pt hitch or stand lone gas engine, and other specs. I found that for my needs (just me), the hydraulic feed models were too much- $$$ and capacities. Up here, anything over about 3 inches or so, we burn for heat - we don't chip it. So the model I have is 4" diameter chipper (rated). However, you will find as you do your research, that each chipper has a minimum and maximum PTO HP requirement. And somewhere in the middle they will tell you the HP required for maximum chip diameter. Mine was able to work effectively at my PTO HP of 19.6 HP, but will work also up to a much higher PTO HP. So, although it is a 4" diameter chipper, I can chip, with my B2601, up to about 3 1/4" before I snap shear pins on the PTO shaft (I use Grade 2 bolts to protect my transmission). But that is perfect for my needs here. I love this chipper. Never clogs, - after 2 years - no matter what I put through it - green wood, dry wood, leaves, softwood and leaves or pine needles, hardwoods, etc - I have chipped maple, ash, pine, balsam, birch, poplar and elm. Not sure what tractor you have but when you compare different models perhaps this may help you to decide. Hope that helps. Good luck and all the best!
@@GPOutdoors thanks for your reply....I'm in the process of specifying a tractor, but I noticed, certain applications, like a chipper, require 40 HP (Wallenstein) so I was considering a higher HP than I originally intended. It's good to hear that your B2601 can handle a 4" chipper quite well, we too burn everything
Yes sir. It is a BECO chipper - sold primarily through Farmer Equipment Sales here in Canada only. One of the few that had a PTO HP range that included my 19.6 HP PTO on the B2601. Good luck on your diligence - I know it can be a little tiresome but the best part is that after you have done the research and compared everything available to you, you will be much more satisfied knowing you chose the right equipment for your needs based on facts and balancing price versus quality. That's always a sound decision. Good luck and try to have fun with it. Cheers!
@@GPOutdoors Yes, your right, just when I think I found the right solution, some other application throws me in a different direction. Btw...Tannenbaum is a she....I collect miniature conifers in my rock gardens, hence the name. Thanks again!
Morning TF! It is much heavier than most because it is made form commercial steel. It is about 450 lbs. I am not sure what it's maximum strength is overall, but I would say it will lift whatever your compact or utility tractor's loader let's it lift. It is the "Light Duty" model that they offer. Hope that helps. All the best!
Thank you for this channel and your willingness to share your knowledge. After my dear husband suddenly passed away a month ago, I find myself the (reluctant) owner of a brand new B2601 that I've never driven nor had the chance to see how it all works. I am committed to learning how to operate and use the implements. The grapple sounds like a good idea, but for now I have to figure out the basics & what I already have. Thank you again for your videos. I'll be watching them voraciously on repeat as I navigate these new waters.
Good morning Mary - I am very sorry for your loss. I know this must be a difficult time. I am certainly not an expert but will try to answer any questions you may have as you get used to the tractor. And I am sure your dealer will too. If I may, please always make sure you have something heavy on the rear of the tractor - always. (not sure what you have but perhaps a box blade for example). The B2602 is a great tractor to run and is very friendly but it also will be much more stable when it has lots of weight on the back 3 point hitch. And never drive on a steep slope with it - and when on a gentle sloped ground, always go straight up or straight down the slope (never drive across the slope). Be well and wish you all the very best.
I am on my fourth tractor and I can see you’ve learned a lot about them. I appreciate your caring way of explaining to people what is going on with their tractor. Yah, by the way, I have learned a couple of things from you. I wish all people could be as nice and helpful as you have been. Take care.
Good morning Dave! Thanks very kindly - I am happy you have enjoyed them. I didn't realize there was so much to learn about them - still learning new things. Hope you enjoy your weekend out there - all the best and thanks again Dave!
@@GPOutdoors is the b2601 same size frame as lx2610
Hi Paul. No, it is not - I believe it is the same as the old B2650- more heavy duty for sure.
your a better teacher than a lot of sales people getting ready to buy 2301 ty
Thanks very kindly Rob. Good luck with the new tractor!
I have a b2301 kubota and I love it it has a 4ft box black and bushhog I use it around my land which is wooded and I love the size and power exactly the right size tractor for me . I love watching G P outdoors great videos keep up the good work
PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE ID THE BEST THING WE CAN USE. THANK YOU LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING THEM.
Dang it buddy I have been watching you for a few months and you got my sub sir. I have been on tractors since I was 7yo on our family farm and my first time ever by myself I let the clutch out and was too short to push it back in before driving straight into my granny’s cotton wood tree just before grandpa pulled the kill switch on a kubota L series. Now 23 years later I own my own kubota and use it commercially. That said I can sit here and watch and appreciate everything you have to say and it’s refreshing. So thank you and I just want to say keep up the hands work. God bless.
Good morning and thank you so much for the kind comment Adam! Happy to have you join in. Boy, that was some story. I can almost picture it happening. LOL! Have a wonderful weekend and all the best to you and your family!
Excellent video! My new B2601 is being delivered on Monday. The advice regarding listening to and learning the sounds of the tractor was spot on! I do that with any new piece of equipment or tool.
Good stuff Mike! You must be really excited. Have fun and be safe!
Hey brother - I've been watching a while now and I'm very impressed with your channel. I'm using these machines everyday commercially as part of my business and have been pretty much since I was a kid (I'm not a kid anymore 😂 44 unfortunately ) - incidentally my dad was also a kubota dealer all his life too in another family business here in our home in Ireland. You are pretty obviously and indeed admittedly a novice in this field but.... I gotta say you've got a great grasp of things and teach them to others very well. I couldn't knock any of your content. Well done, keep it up and I'm enjoying your work 👍🏽
Thanks very much for the kind comments John! I appreciate it very much. Thanks for sharing the above. I have to admit, I never had a tractor before this and had no idea how much you need to learn and practice in order to use them. Still learning new things all the time. Definitely something that takes a long time to get good at. Thanks again for sending some kindness all the way from Ireland! All the best!
Hearing protection does not prevent you from hearing sounds. It prevents the sounds you are hearing from damaging your hearing. I agree that you should pay attention to the sounds of your environment, especially as you are learning about a new tool like a tractor. You don't need to let the sounds harm you to pay attention to them. Speaking as a person with significant hearing loss that can be directly attributed to a cavalier attitude toward hearing protection in my youth, the damage done is greater than what you can't hear through protection. I may come across overly strong, for which I apologize, but the trouble I have finding hearing aids makes me feel pretty strongly on this topic ;)
I've ordered a bx2301 & it's coming next week.
I've really gathered as much info as possible on the different models, what implements to get and other tips and tricks.
This video really adresses issues I haven't been aware of.
Thank you!
Congratulations Ivy! You must be super excited.- just in time for the good weather. Let me know how it is going from time to time. All the best with the new tractor!
A safety item, when pulling stumps or other items that may not want to move. Make sure you connect your chain, strap or cable to the draw bar and not the rear axle. This will keep the tractor from flipping over backwards. The draw bar pulls the front end down as it is below the axle. If you use the rear axle it acts as a pivot point and the large rear tires increase the ability to flip the tractor over backwards.
Thanks for sharing Tom. Some good advice for folks (and for me). Cheers!
Really good advice. My job required that I become a Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (C.O.S.S.), and passing that week long course, was truly an eye opening experience. People normally engage in unsafe behavior for three primary reasons. 1. They haven't been educated about the dangers involved with their task(s), or ways to mitigate those dangers. 2. Doing something in a safer way is more difficult (physically demanding, time consuming, uncomfortable, etc.). 3. They have long experience doing something a particular way, and they have never been seriously injured before (habit). All three of those things make safety a tough sell, in many cases. Farmers (the principle tractor users in my neck of the woods), are some of the world's worst. While I find that ignorance of dangers rarely applies to them, they do often have tight schedules to adhere to, and many have generations worth of habit to overcome. Overall, I think your advice on safety gear is well thought out (especially the footwear). I did want to add a couple of comments and additional suggestions for your subscribers. On the topic of gloves, I'm divided. I really do think that the right glove is essential to good safety practices...but folks rarely carry around the "best" glove for every situation. For instance, you wouldn't wear a basic leather work glove to keep warm in the winter. Leather has really great properties protecting against abrasion injuries, but not really much when it comes to insulating, or against cutting and puncturing. Better than nothing for sure (unless it gets wet in the winter), but not as protective as most people believe. Also, most folks tend to choose leather gloves that fit somewhat loosely...probably not the safest thing when they're working around moving/spinning bits of machinery. For myself, I do use leather gloves when I'm out with my tractor, but they are fairly snug, and I don't wear them while I'm in the driver's seat (unless I'm up and down several times in a short period of time). Cuffs get in the way of spinner knobs, grease I pick up is transferred to my steering wheel, and I can feel the operational leavers much better without the gloves on. I should probably wear a close fitting thinner glove while driving...but I don't. Hearing protection is a huge concern. We lose hearing naturally as we age, and constant exposure to noises over 85 decibels (and all of our tractors are over than that threshold) can increase that loss...dramatically in many cases. While, I believe your reasoning for not initially wearing any sort of protection is well thought out, I would offer a counterpoint. If someone learns what their machine sounds like without any protection, and then adds protection...they will likely need to "relearn" what normal sounds like with hearing protection in place. I use noise canceling (over the ear) headphones, and I do listen to music or audio books most of the time...but with noise canceling, I am able to keep the volume of what is playing low. It's also nice to be able to stop the tractor (without turning it off) and take incoming calls as well. There are two primary topics that you didn't really touch on (but one of them you unconsciously address). Frist is eye protection. Having properly rated eye protection (not $3 sunglasses) in place is a huge deal. A single walnut (or rock) spit out by a mower can ricochet back and change someone's life forever. There's usually dust or chaff being thrown around, limbs can hit operators in the face, and even the sun can damage our eyes. There are many many reasons to find a good quality pair of comfortable safety glasses and wear them...and usually only a couple of reasons not to. At the end of the day, those couple of reasons not to would likely fall short of scrutiny, if someone knew they were going to be struck in the eyes while working. The last primary thing I can think of is what you unconsciously address. Protecting ourselves against the sun. Most people that get out and work on tractors usually have extended periods of time being exposed to the elements (specifically the sun). Even one severe sunburn, has been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Five or more blistering sunburns (especially when younger) can increase that likelihood by as much as 80%. Protecting our skin from UV exposure is pretty easy to do most of the time. I don't think I've ever seen you without a hat on your head. That not only protects the top of your head, but (with the brim) often your forehead and nose as well. Arms, and necks tend to get exposed quite a bit, but nobody wants to wear a scarf or long sleeves when it's hot. And while a canopy might help, probably the easiest and most cost effective thing someone can do is to use a bit of sunscreen on otherwise unprotected skin. One other very important piece of advice; keep PTOs isolated, guarded, or preferably both. Growing up in a farming community, I've seen adults (and kids) lose digits, limbs, and/or lives in PTO accidents and it has really driven that point home for me. If you're hooking up an implement to your PTO, shut down and pocket the keys...even if you're by yourself (just to stay in practice). And if other people are around while using PTO powered equipment, keep them well clear. Like you said, these machines are powerful, and can cause a lot of damage. Stay safe out there everyone.
Good evening and thanks very much Michael! This was a well thought out and welcome outline of some important things to be mindful of. I really appreciate it and I am sure many will appreciate it as well. I think you are right about the reasons too. I can see myself missing on the mark sometimes for some of those reasons. You are absolutely right about the hearing protection. I have had a number of good, long time subscribers who have been making the point for a while and I now constantly wear it. Took some getting used to though. Many helpful comments in there. I find now that nothing less than a 60 sunscreen is needed these days. Thanks agin for taking the time to help other subscribers here ( and me.LOL). Have a great week Michael!
New to your channel but not to equipment. I've been an operator of loaders, graders and stuff like that. But I am new to compact tractors. I have a B7800 and the is a lot I have been learning for you. Thank you.
Good morning and thanks for joining! Happy if it has helped a little - enjoy the tractor and all the best!
Thanks for another great video - and the recommendation for Joe. He is a great source of instruction and information.
Excellent video...! Thanks. One addition. Tractor OFF, Key ON, (To power the third function valve) and cycle the hydraulics in all directions, including the third function valve buttons, and you wont have any pressure at all built up when hooking the attachments up.
Thanks David. I didn't know that. Perfect!! Cheers!
Great tips and recommendations for a newbie like me. Taking delivery of my BX23S in 2 weeks with the third function preinstalled.
Hey congratulations Sean! That's pretty exciting news. I think you'll be really happy you got the 3rd function put in. Will come in handy for several things in the future. Enjoy it and let us know how it goes from time to time. Cheers!
Great video and in particular, I loved your discussion about safety. I am embarrassed to say, but maybe someone will learn from my mistake, I was not wearing safety boots and only trying to move a small log, firewood size. The wood fell on my toe, a direct hit. Extremely painful but more importantly, affected my walking for a couple months. No broken bone but just a smashed toe...purple nail type of thing.
And we all know it can be far worse than this example but it does not take much to injure our bodies.
Your points on safety gear are right on the money. Thank you.
Good morning Greg. Thanks for sharing that with us. Those little bones down there are pretty easily damaged and firewood is not light. I've dropped many on mine too. Happy you recovered fully and didn't do any permanent damage. Thanks for your support and for watching! Have a great weekend!
Another great video. My B2601 was delivered a couple days ago. I appreciate the safety message. Thanks for your video.
Being an infrequent user of my tractor's FEL, I found an easier way to know when the bucket is level. I bolted a two-foot section of on-inch steel tubing to the outside wall of the bucket. Note, the tubing is mounted vertically not horizontally! That very visible vertical angle makes a better judging of the angle of the bucket even though it is 90 degrees off from the flat of the bucket. Yes, it can be easily damaged, but it easily repaired as it is what it is, a piece of square tubing.
Morning Harv. That's a creative idea - thanks for sharing. Enjoy the weekend and thanks for tuning in!
Wow great info I got my tractor about a month ago. Still learning as I go.
Good stuff Curtis! Congratulations on the new tractor. I think you will find that your chores list will start to grow quite a bit. LOL. Enjoy it and all the best!
GP your videos are getting more and more professional I notice the progression. Good job
Good Information. Learned a few things.
If i made a video with this subtitle, i would mention keeping the sway links on the draft arms snug. Maybe this is obvious to most, but I didn't pay attention to it initially, and it took me a while to catch on. I was a bit annoyed when my box blade would swing from side to side as i turned at the bottom of a hill, but woke up when my rear tire caught the turnbuckle and torqued my draft arms tight to one side. I also believe keeping them tight (and horizontal) will transfer more of the drawing force to the bottom of the tractor frame and less to the hydraulic housing .
Good morning Terry! Great advice and tip. Wish I had added it into the video. Hopefully folks will see this comment. Thanks for adding! Have a great weekend!
Excellent information. I'm a new tractor own and picked up a lot of great tips from this video. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
Good stuff Scott! Happy it was helpful. Cheers and thanks for your support!
Receiving my first tractor this afternoon, thanks for the good info.
Congratulations Charles. You must be excited! Enjoy it and all the best. Let me know how it is going from time to time!
So far so good, been pushing back snow banks on our private road and my neighbors, works like a champ! One question I can’t figure out from the manual, do you have to hold the key to the left for the glow plugs to stay on? I have a Mahindra 2638
You should have a light on the dash that shows the glow plugs working, and on a Kubota its is the position just before the starter engages. Don't leave them on too long. Usely not more than 8 to 10 seconds.
Been watching your videos way down in Arkansas. Just got my first tractor and there is so much to learn.
Like carrying a load in your bucket with a hst transmission and not in 4 wheel drive going down hill can cause the rear tires to come off the ground and then you are in big trouble. Appreciate learning from the mistakes of others before I make the same and not being embarrassed to admit my own.
Good day Cal and Chris! Congrats on the tractor and I can certainly appreciate what you are saying. They don't have a course on how to use the tractor and all the ins and outs. But fortunate we have a lot of great subscribers - many experienced and many new like ourselves, and they share a lot of good info and help for us. Hope the channel helps - always good to read the comments after you watch a video as many folks are kind enough to provide their expertise or advice ( I am still learning as I go along and with their help and help from my neighbour). Cheers and all the best. I look forward to hearing how it is going along the way.
Great video and very good advice thanks for sharing you have a beautiful place nice view
Thanks Tom!
If you haven't found out by now before unhooking the third function hoses shut the tractor off move the joy stick in all directions to relieve pressure turn the key on but don't start the tractor next make sure the third function is in the on position and push the two buttons a couple of times this relieves the pressure on the grapple hoses and now you can unhook them the kubota third function is electric over hydaulic I had the same problem you had now no problem hooking the hydraulics back up
Hey good day Kent. Thanks so much. This is a great help. I knew about the joystick but did not know it would help if I used the third function buttons as well. This was great! Cheers and thanks very much!
Really helpful! Thanks. In the process of buying my first tractor.
Good morning Ken. I'm happy if the videos help a little - lots of different brands and sizes to research and compare. Best of luck!
Love my new lx2610 open cab
Just found your page a little while ago red lock tight has to be heated up to 500 degrees to loosen up also if you use a pry bar underneath the tire to lift it up to studs
Good evening GP. Thanks for the shout out. I have to say that was the fastest 24 minutes I've ever spent watching a video. All great information thank you for sharing. Later
Always my pleasure Mech! Cheers!
Not to put down any of your good information, but the three point control arms are made to handle the stress of pulling a plough thru the ground, so they can actually handle a lot of pulling force.
Good day Norseman. Absolutely right. And always happy to have corrections etc. I watched the video again this morning and realized I should have added that - (I have a box bade). I meant to say it does not necessarily pull as much as the drawbar but I think it didn't come out that way in the video. Going to give you a thumbs up so your comment shows up at the beginning of the comments list for folks to see. Thanks for catching that! Cheers!
Great video! A couple of thoughts on your safety discussion especially for folks that have limited experience with tractors.
1) always keep your fel load (even empty) as low as possible. The higher it is raised the more it raises your center of gravity (the heavier the load the quicker it changes it also). This greatly increases the tip/rollover risk even from a slight dip of a front tire.
2) you talked about the pto, but again limited experience people need to give that all of the respect it deserves and then some more. Absolutely no loose clothing near a pto! Also pto shields should be installed and should be tied off so as to not rotate with the pto shaft inside of it.
These are probably the 2 biggest dangers to nee tractor owners/operators.
One other suggestion for new owners, once you have decided on a tractor, especially if it is a current model, you can typically download owners manuals. Get one and get yourself as familiar as possible with the operating of the tractor.
Good morning Coy. Some great additional info there. Thanks!! All the best!
GP Outdoors The fel is one that even experienced tractor operators forget about. I have a friend whose father was moving hay and raised the fel up high to cross a creek, the tractor tipped. He was seriously injured and never totally recovered from those injuries. This was a number of years ago, but my friend’s father was raised operating equipment and tractors so it is a point to frequently mention!
Be safe and keep the videos coming.
Hey GP, thanks for the shoutout! Very appreciated! Like I mentionned earlier, I wish I could have watched your video when I got my first tractor (current Case 430). But TH-cam was not even existing back then! Very useful information! Thanks again!
Good morning Joe. You have some great content and I always enjoy them. Cheers!!
Thanks!
I didn't know that tip about the pto switch. Thanks!
Good topic GP. You covered some pretty good things especially on the 3 point hitch a d draw bar, also engine speed. I was like you always thought you needed full throttle. When you think about it high rpms means higher torque. Which means you could very likely do damage if your using a rear empliment like a rototiller and you get something lodged in the tines. If the tractor doesn't stall or a shear pin "bolt" doesn't shear, you could end up with very costly repairs. Good job buddy. 👍👍👍
Good day Dean!! Some good points - I wish I had included them. Thanks and have a great weekend! Cheers!
I will, for sure. Watching your video's have given me a lot to consider before I make the plunge! I like the fact that you, being in Central Canada, give us fellow Canadians (NB here, formerly Oshawa Ont.) that home grown perspective. At my age (67), I also have to think about if I will outlast the tractor or vice-versa..lol!!! It may be more worth my while to think about buying a used tractor but I am not that mechanically inclined, so warranty coverage is a consideration. I have several dealers all within 15 minutes up to an hour away so repairs shouldn't be an issue. I also have to factor in that I do NOT have a pickup truck or trailer so that would be an extra expense to have it picked up/delivered back to me!
Sorry, Central Ontario, not Central Canada!
Well thanks very much Big Red. Small world. I was born at Oshawa General and raised in Oshawa down by the GM plant. Never left Ontario though. :)) I am happy if the videos help a little as you do your diligence on the different brands and sizes. I don't have a trailer either and I agree with you - I too , as you know, am not very mechanical so having the warranty is important to me too. Especially if this is your first tractor, as mine is. Being close to the dealer will be a big benefit if you ever have to have them pick it up to add valves or service etc. Mine is about 2 hours away. My dealer also sends out a truck and tech to do repairs and maintenance, oil changes etc on site so yours may as well. And hey, I am sure you will outlast the tractor, if you're from Oshawa, you're tough as nails!! LOL. I am no expert but if you have any questions that I can help with, then please let me know. Good luck and happy to meet you. Let me know how it goes and if you buy one etc. Cheers BR!
@@GPOutdoors I am originally from Point St. Charles in Montreal...a tough as nails as they come neighbourhood! Moved to Halifax, then Toronto, then to Oshawa when I was 40! Lived on McLaughlin Blvd./Hortop St. for 20+ years! Just a 10 min. walk through Alexandra Park to the Oshawa General! Been in NB for 3 years now! Sold everything in Oshawa to downsize and rent here...then bought a 66 acre property...crazy!!!
Great and applicable advice.
Thank you for edumacating me LOL. Seriously, I appreciate you sharing your experiences and knowledge.
Love your channel.
LOL! Thanks Liffy. I am happy it helped a little. Have a great week and all the best to you!
GP great job on the video all good tips ! not trying to sound like the safety police but on the 3pt for new owners they should know is you should not pull from them yes you can brake the tranz housing but you can all so flip your tractor pulling from your 3pt when you have them up it works like a lever and put more down presser on your tires yes you will pull better but the front can come right up in your face i am not saying you cant i am not the safety police i have had used tractors over 40 years and have pulled logs from the 3pt and yes it can help but i have had the front come up more than once it is up to the owner to use his head i pull from the 3pt draw bar all the time most is a dump trailer but i know if i pull a stump or log from the 3pt i know i have to watch the front we have had in the last 20 years or so around 5 killed by pulling from the 3pt draw bar ! and it can happen in a sec and you wont see it coming i have been very close that i stopped and went back to the house and cleaned my shorts !!! LOL no joke but keep up the great videos and like you said you just got to be safe using your tractors ! have a great weekend and God Bless ! Kioti Curt !!! :-)
Good morning Curt. Thanks for sharing. Pretty important info for sure and hope folks read it. Thanks again and all the best!!
Thanks GP . . . the RPM tip is what I needed to know. I tend to be at 2400 because I have a cab.
You're welcome Daniel. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Joes channel is gonna get big now . WOOHOO good for him.
He's got a lot of good content as you know. Always enjoy watching it. Cheers AK!
Thanks to you!
I have a quick hitch. Love it
Hey good evening Gerald. Thanks. It seems to be the way tractor development is going for sure. I will have to give it some good consideration cause sometimes, it is tough getting those lower control arms on the pins. Cheers and thanks for the comment! All the best!
Very nice vid, just got my BX 2380 and I am very happy with it. Thanks again
That's great Ian. Congratulations! You must be pretty excited now , and great to have it in time for the summer weather months. Be safe and all the best. Let me know how it is going from time to time. Cheers!
Good safety video. I’m glad I watched. Keep up the great videos!
Thanks Warren! Cheers!
Great Job as usual, really love your tips, down to earth, simple and informative.
Thanks very much Michael! Cheers!
Very good video. Real good info for new owners. Bucket lever is on almost all buckets its even on my BX 1500
Thanks Don! That must be really helpful. I had a hard time trying to figure out 'level' until I found that out. Much better now using the bucket. Cheers!
Thanks!
Nice Video. The bucket leveler comes standard on most tractors over 35hp I myself haven't seen Kubota put them on smaller Tractors. Have a blessed night, Cheers.
Thanks Trenton. Thanks for the info. Have a good night and all the best!!
kubota nuts and bolts are deffently huge wich there made for a solid beast and i like there safety switch wich is a nice system alot of people disconect the safety switch wich thats kinda bad and lots of people gets hurt and lose a arm or leg from a equipment wich not fun thats why kubota all ways says for earth for life
Such a wealth of information...deeply appreciated...looking to buy my first tractor this summer/fall...hopefully!!!
Cheers and thanks Bigred. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Cheers!
This is the life.
Another Great Video GP! Thanks! God Bless!
G P good information must watch this video often to be safe
Thanks
God Bless
PaK
Good video thanks. I think you have to rethink and research at what level your rpms should be at when operating the fel. Definitely not at low idle. Of course owners manual doesn't tell you, but seen plenty of videos and talked to tractor mechanics who will tell you the importance of hydraulic flow, otherwise you run the risk if damaging your hydraulic system. Doesn't mean full idle, but just at or under PTO rpm. 2. Diesels are meant to run and if you don't run your tractor hard enough when it's new, your seals won't seat and eventually run into leaks down the road. That was from a tractor dealer. Anyway my 2 cents
Good morning Rudy! I think that was worth a dollar. LOL. Thanks very much- some great info and advice for folks to read here, and for me. Very helpful. Thanks again - all the best!
@@GPOutdoors haha. Have a good day!
The head of the shear bolt will have markings to signify what the grade of the bolt is. Match the head markings on the shear bolt with the replacement bolts.
Thanks Don. That is a good tip for all of us. Cheers!
Nice video GP, probably some nuggets in this video even for seasoned tractor owners.
Good morning and thanks Bank! I made a couple of small omissions in it, or misstated a wee bit ( I was trying to beat the rain to get it done) but hopefully not material to anyone. Cheers!
Great tips.
More good info about being a tractor owner. well done!!!
Thanks Grampie!
Wow, great info, Thank You for sharing!
Happy it was helpful. Cheers!
Good video, you covered many important things for a tractor operator. Fine job, GP. Thumbs up.
Good morning Houndsman. Thanks!
Very good video GP like it but I have broken sheer bolt and now I got sleep cluch for the tree point hicht you can pull with it , wen you are working the ground you will pull very hard with the 3 point .
Good morning Leo. Yes my apologies. I didn't explain that properly I think. What I meant to say was that the amount of weight you can 'pull' with the 3 PT is not necessarily the same as what you can pull with the drawbar but I think I implied that you can't pull any weight with the 3 pt which is incorrect. Thanks for catching that. :)) Have a great weekend and see you on the next one. Cheers!
Really like your video's keep them coming
Cheers and thanks Curt! All the best!
Very well done like your views
Thanks Todd!
Great tips! Subscribed! Thanks.
Good morning and thanks so much Raymond! Welcome to the channel. Have a good weekend and thanks again for the support!
Load the rears with beet juice (aka rimguard). Made such a huge difference in my b2601. It made it easier to do alot without having to tie up my 3pt hitch. I was able to get about 160lbs in each tire. As always GREAT videos!
Good morning and thanks Grant! Thanks for the advice as well. I have to say that I do have them filled, but when you throw weight on the front and start driving through uneven ground or the forest, I almost flipped it a couple of times - no 'ballast'. I was fortunate enough early on, to get some solid advice from a number of long time owners who went into a lot of detail and explanations of why I still needed to have "ballast" on the rear and once I bought a heavy rear attachment, it was night and day driving - far more stable. If it is of interest, there are several threads on the OrangeTractortalk forum and several include physics diagrams and explanations of why you need a similar weight hanging off the back, to offset the weight in the bucket. Very eye opening as I had no idea. I figured filling the tires was all that was needed. Hope that helps! Have a great week!
@@GPOutdoors you are spot on. It only took one good scare before I started putting on the box blade (the heaviest implement I have) when doing heavy loader work. The beet juice did help... But it was not enough. I will for sure check out the info on the thread. I am always wanting to learn more. Keep up with the awesome video's! Thank's for all the great tip's!
Great advice
Thanks MM!
Great job -- very instructional, keep up the good work!
Thanks Michael!
great tips, thanks!
Well done ! Love your video and yes Joe lesage is very good. Like you, it's very educational and informative high quality video !!! You and Joe should start a virtual trade school !!! Thank you kindly for the nice work by creating theses videos.
Lol! Thanks!
You are very welcome !!!
Good morning PolarExpress! Thanks very kindly. :)) Glad you enjoy them both. LOL on the school. Cheers and enjoy your weekend!
I will Sir, it's the 15th birthday of my daughter !!! Take care and thank you.
NIce! Well wish her a big Happy Birthday from GP!! I hope you all have a wonderful day together.
Hey GP, Lots of really good tips! Thanks for making the video to help all use newbies! lol
Good morning LA! Thanks - hope it is helpful for some. A little longer than I expected.LOL. Cheers!
I didn't think so. You kept it flowing it didn't seem long to me!
Great tips!
Great tips GP. As a new tractor owner, I learned a lot from your video and also the viewer comments.
I have had my tractor about a month and the only two issues I have had so far is the sway arms came loose while I was brush hogging and I had a hydraulic line coupler come loose on the left FEL arm causing me to lose a little hydraulic fluid. So now I keep a large wrench with me in the (Rather small) tool box so I can make adjustments in the field.
My next project will be to replace the tiny factory tool box with a larger ammo can style one. I may add another box for carrying some lengths of chain too. Do you have a link to the tool kit you showed in the video?
Thanks,
Mick
Hey good morning Mick! I think the ammo box is a great idea. I replaced mine with just a little plastic Stanley model but at least it is bigger than the toolbox the tractor came with. I don't have a link - in fact I cannot even remember the name of it Mick. But I bought it at Princess Auto ( our auto big box store) and I am sure your place will have a few different brands or products that have the big sockets. I also had to buy a new socket wrench because when you get into those bigger size sockets, they all need 1/2" wrench size. Cheers and all the best!
GP Outdoors : Hey GP,
I was checking out metric socket sets at one of our local hardware stores. They carry several sets with multiple sized sockets in them. I want to make sure that I get the proper size set for my tractor, so I was wondering what size sockets are in your kit?
Thanks,
Mick
Hey good morning Mick. So sorry for the delay but for some reason replies to replies don't show up too obviously for me on my creator page. I checked. The set I got (from Princess Auto up here) includes sockets up to 1 1/2 inch size. So far, the biggest I have used is 1" or 1 1/8" on the tractor. There are also smaller nuts and bolts that a normal kit would have. Hope that helps!
GP Outdoors :
Hi GP,
Thanks for the info. Being a tractor “Newbie”, I didn’t realize that the bolts were SAE and not Metric, like I had assumed (Of course I should probably have a set of both!)
I have a fairly nice 3/8 and 1/2” drive SAE and Metric socket sets, but nothing large enough for my tractor.
I will be getting a bigger set soon!
Hey Mick. Sorry I should have clarified. You are right. Most of the hardware on the tractor is metric although for some reason I have come across a few that are SAE. Also, you will find that some implements are SAE and some are metric so yes, you need both. Sorry for the confusion. Be well!
Great tip about running your tractor at low rpms when working it. In that case then when WOULD you need to raise the rpms?
Thanks Graps! As I have been getting more practice with it and using it more, I find that I am usually running around 1600-2000 rpms when I use it. Keeps the curl and loader functions slow enough that I am able to practice those functions easier. The only time I need to rev up is when I am lifting something really, really heavy, want to go a little faster or am carrying something uphill and I start to hear the engine idle start dropping. I almost always do everything in low gear now. Forces me to relax and slow down when working it. Otherwise , I am always in that lower RPM range. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Great video - thanks
I run about 1500-2000 for loader work or blading. Mowing is 2750-2850.
Thanks Andrew. That sounds about same for me. Wish I knew tat 10 months ago. LOL. But happy I know it now. Makes the tractor a lot easier to manage. Cheers!
Thanks ! Terrific - as always. But this especially.
Thanks!
Thank you for the great tips. The socket set you mentioned is it Metric or SAE?
You will need metric for the tractor but I eventually realized some of my implements are SAE. So, I eventually got both. Cheers and thanks for tuning in!
Great video GP ... I have been watching your videos now since before I owned my tractor and always have found your channel informative and easily understandable.... As a northern Ontario boy being basically on the same terrain as your property has determined a few of the implements I have bought so far... I own the Bx23s and was wondering if your brand of grapple would be a good fit for my tractor? any thoughts or suggestions? Cheers
Hey good day L! Thanks for watching and happy to hear from a fellow Ontarian. :) . I am not too familiar with the 23x but the important thing to keep in mind is that the HLA grapple I have weighs about 450 lbs so depending on the capacity your FEL can lift, it is an important consideration as you don't want to lift the ability to lift something because the grapple itself weighs so much. If you on their website ( HLA Attachments), they list each of the models of equipment they have and include the specs and weights. I wish I could help more but you may be better off finding a "High Carbon" grapple - the high carbon units weigh less but in fact are stronger ( I think) than the commercial steel mine is made of. Hope that helps a bit. Let me know how it goes. Cheers!
lavalleyk a
This is a GREAT video. Thanks!
Thanks Mark!
Personally I always ear protection. You will hear anything/everything just at a lower decibel level. Hearing damage is cumulative.
I'm not 100% sure why your "Lift the seat to run PTO" method works. According to the manual it has to do with the parking brake being engaged:
Stationary PTO
To park the tractor and use the PTO system (for chipper or pump, for example), start the PTO system in the following steps.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Make sure the shift levers are at NEUTRAL, and start the engine.
3. Set the PTO select lever to rear only position.
4. Set the PTO clutch lever to engage "ON".
5. Set the engine speed to provide recommended rear PTO speed.
6. Get off the tractor and place blocks at the tires.
That's a good question Dave. I always have the parking brake on and always put in neutral. However I learned it after trial and error. If I leave the seat down and follow the instructions above, the tractor shuts off when I engage the PTO and get off the seat. (have tried it several times). Weird. Maybe something new they added but the manual does not reflect it. My manual says the same thing. Cheers.
Hey good day Dave. Was puzzled and so had to followup with the Dealer. Turns out the manual is not correct (as it pertains to the rear PTO for off-seat use). He has sent in information to Kubota to update the manual accordingly. The short story is I actually tried following the manual 5 times without success before I finally called my neighbour and he said " lift the seat and it will work". That's how I actually figured out I needed to lift the seat. The dealer also tried it on a B2601 he had in stock and had to do the same thing. Thanks - mystery solved. Cheers and talk to you soon!
good stuff as usual keep it coming!
Thanks so much Dave. Enjoy the weekend!
Great info
All good points. Great video. 👍
Thanks Laurie! Have a good weekend!
A very astute video. Perhaps your best.
Thanks Del! Cheers!
Thank you for the reply , cant find the big metric set at canadian tire lol was wondering if bigger bolts were only imperial thank you .
Good morning Joe. Neither could I. I went to Princess Auto and bought single sockets in the larger sizes - I only bought 4 so far I think. They have a big isle of single sockets of all sizes , metric and imperial. Not cheap mind you so I only bought a few so far.
Great information, Sir. Thank you.
You are most welcome Chuck! All the best!
Lots of good info GP.....thanx.
Thanks,. I've learned a lot.
I'm a subscriber and enjoy your channel very much. Keep up the good work. I haven't seen all of your videos but I noticed in this video that your grill guard now has a mess screen that was not there in your earlier videos. I would be interested in knowing how you attached the mesh - hopefully you didn't weld it I don't own a welder.
Hey good day Michael. Thanks so much for subscribing and happy you are enjoying them. Yes, we welded it on. Video #41. However Mech Uno just put a grill mesh on his b2601 ( his channel is 'Mech Uno') a few videos ago and he had a great idea in which he drilled holes in the sides of the guard and wrapped the mesh and attached with bolts . Take a look at his video as it may be what you are looking for. A cool benefit of his design is that if you want to take the mesh off or replace it, it will be really easy. Hope that helps! All the best!
Just took delivery of my B2601. I ordered a Landpride QH15 quick hitch and a Kubota ballast box. The ballast box will not mount to the quickhitch without lifting it to engage the top hook. That won't be possible with 400 lbs in the box. Kubota doesn't make a quickhitch and Landpride doesn't make a ballast box. Have you run in to this? Any ideas on a work around?
Good morning and congratulations on the new tractor Brent! Just in time for spring cleanup. I have Brent with other implements - not sure if you have tried to adjust it but the top hook is adjustable - 2 bolts to move it up or down - have you tried to measure the distance and adjust the position of the top hook up from its current position? Second question is did they tell you the ballast box was QH Compatible? If they did then I would give them a call and tell them it is not grabbing properly and ask for advice. I have the same issue - my box is a B2320 and it is not QH compatible. I have to use it without my QH and because the lower links are at the very bottom of the box, I have to keep the box on top of a couple of 6x6 blocks off the ground. Not happy about that because you are correct - with 400 lbs in it you will have difficulty. Maybe call them and see if they have a solution or perhaps a different model of ballast box for you. Good luck Brent! Let me know how it turns out.
All great tips!
Gord, you're a godsend for sharing this information. I'm in the market and your detailed explanations are invaluable. Cheers!
Hey Darren! I am happy it helped a little. Good luck and let me know what you finally end up getting. Pretty exciting to get a tractor. Good luck and keep in touch!
good tips
Hey, where did you get the mounts for the lights on the rops?
Good morning Luke. They are manufactured by a company called BillyWorx in Pennsylvania but are only available to buy at Messick's down there. You can buy online. I like them a lot because they are well made and have firm foam inserts so they don't scratch the ROPs. The hole is predrilled and it even includes an insert in case the bolt size on your lights are small. If you do decide to buy them, make sure to measure the widths of your ROPS as they make them to fit different ROPS widths and you want to make sure you buy the correct size for yours. Good luck and all the best!
Right on. Found them. Thank you!
GP, I see you have rock in your ballast box. I have a box scraper on the back of my loader. Is there any reason that I can’t put weight in scraper box instead of having to buy a ballast Box? I would put ballast in my tires, but I use my tractor on my lawn and don’t want to leave deep tracks with the aggressive tire treads.
Hey Graps. Not an expert but my thoughts are you don't need to buy a ballast box at all if you already have heavy attachments to put on the back of the tractor. Your box blade (box scraper) probably weighs at least 350+ lbs so that is pretty good. And you can certainly add rock to it if for some reason you need more. I only use the ballast box for going into the forest as it has a very small profile so allows me to sneak in between the trees easier but otherwise I use my box scraper or rear blade in the winter. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Can you put a link in the description to Joe's channel ? Really enjoy your videos .
You bet Roy- thanks for watching. Link now added in the description. Cheers and all the best!
Here's Joe's channel - th-cam.com/channels/3ATkK99PFdWO_JwGC5rU1A.html
Thanks Craig! All the best!
Thank you Sir! Great video as always! Helpful if you could put a link to Joe's channel in the section below the video :-)
Good morning Neil! Thanks! it is Joe Lesage. I will see if I can get the link and update. Cheers and thanks!
Here's Joe's channel - th-cam.com/channels/3ATkK99PFdWO_JwGC5rU1A.html
How does your chipper work with your smaller tractor....do you have limitations with regards to chipper, example diameter of branch that can be chipped?
Good afternoon TB. Thanks for watching and great question. I hope I don't overextend my answer but here goes. There are numerous chippers available out there. I did a lot of research, as I do on most everything, before I spend $$. Different diameter sizes, hydraulic feed versus gravity feed, tractor 3 pt hitch or stand lone gas engine, and other specs. I found that for my needs (just me), the hydraulic feed models were too much- $$$ and capacities. Up here, anything over about 3 inches or so, we burn for heat - we don't chip it. So the model I have is 4" diameter chipper (rated). However, you will find as you do your research, that each chipper has a minimum and maximum PTO HP requirement. And somewhere in the middle they will tell you the HP required for maximum chip diameter. Mine was able to work effectively at my PTO HP of 19.6 HP, but will work also up to a much higher PTO HP. So, although it is a 4" diameter chipper, I can chip, with my B2601, up to about 3 1/4" before I snap shear pins on the PTO shaft (I use Grade 2 bolts to protect my transmission). But that is perfect for my needs here. I love this chipper. Never clogs, - after 2 years - no matter what I put through it - green wood, dry wood, leaves, softwood and leaves or pine needles, hardwoods, etc - I have chipped maple, ash, pine, balsam, birch, poplar and elm. Not sure what tractor you have but when you compare different models perhaps this may help you to decide. Hope that helps. Good luck and all the best!
@@GPOutdoors thanks for your reply....I'm in the process of specifying a tractor, but I noticed, certain applications, like a chipper, require 40 HP (Wallenstein) so I was considering a higher HP than I originally intended. It's good to hear that your B2601 can handle a 4" chipper quite well, we too burn everything
@@GPOutdoors Oh, I forgot to ask, would you mind telling me the model chipper you use so I can check into to it? THANKS!
Yes sir. It is a BECO chipper - sold primarily through Farmer Equipment Sales here in Canada only. One of the few that had a PTO HP range that included my 19.6 HP PTO on the B2601. Good luck on your diligence - I know it can be a little tiresome but the best part is that after you have done the research and compared everything available to you, you will be much more satisfied knowing you chose the right equipment for your needs based on facts and balancing price versus quality. That's always a sound decision. Good luck and try to have fun with it. Cheers!
@@GPOutdoors Yes, your right, just when I think I found the right solution, some other application throws me in a different direction. Btw...Tannenbaum is a she....I collect miniature conifers in my rock gardens, hence the name. Thanks again!
how heavy is this grappler and how heavy can you lift with it? thanks
Morning TF! It is much heavier than most because it is made form commercial steel. It is about 450 lbs. I am not sure what it's maximum strength is overall, but I would say it will lift whatever your compact or utility tractor's loader let's it lift. It is the "Light Duty" model that they offer. Hope that helps. All the best!
Thanks for respond! I’m looking to buy same tractor as well! My wife grew up in London Ontario!
@@KUBBI7488 Nice!
🤘