I've had a similar experience to you in my tractor journey. I bought a 3.5 acre property and knew I wanted a "small" tractor to maintain it. In my research what I ended up going with was the Mahindra 1626 shuttle shift with loader and backhoe. That's a 25.9 hp tractor, much like your Kubota, but the Mahindra has a higher front end loader lift capacity (which was a big selling point for me). However, in the 2 years since then what's really shown through as a weakness for me just like for you is the PTO horsepower. Since my tractor is a shuttle shift model it does manage to put down 21.5 PTO hp, but that's still right there at the "minimum" for a lot of PTO attachments. The clay soil where I live is extremely hard and the PTO just isn't powerful enough to comfortably run a post hole auger or tiller. After 2 years I finally decided that the frustration just wasn't worth it and actually just a few days ago I traded it in for a Mahindra 1640 shuttle. An expensive lesson to learn, but I can already tell just from a few quick "tests" that I'm going to be a lot happier with this 38.7 hp tractor and it's what I should have bought from the beginning.
My advice to people who ask me about tractors is “buy the biggest one you can afford and store.” I have been around tractors all my life and it’s been very few times someone said “we need a smaller tractor” but it’s been many times I’ve heard “we need a bigger tractor”.
I started with a 50 HP loader tractor. Moved up to 80 . Holy cow that was nice Then stepped up to 130 HP , boy what a improvement Then went to 160 , oh joy . Only times I wanted one smaller was getting it started in winter , and when I priced a loader to fit
All great points Ed! There’s always something just a little better that we wished we had. Buying the right equipment to begin with is important. Keep on tractoring!
Long story: when I was shopping for a tractor, I found that the dealers were useless in helping to decide what to get. The best they could do was ask "How much land do you have?" (5 acres), and then recommend a 25hp tractor. They ignored anything else I said, like "I'll be box-blading a fairly steep driveway", "I'm going to be using a wood chipper a lot", etc. And it turned out it was your first video about the Woodland Mills chipper that made me go with that, so when I checked their website I found the PTO needed at least 20hp. That, and the steep driveway, had me looking at the L3901. But because all four Kubota dealers I visited wanted **more** than list price (and **all of them** told me that the Kubota rebate was **their** "discount"), I ended up going with the Deere 3039R. (They took decent $$ off list, and also had 0% for six years. Plus their insurance was a lot cheaper than Kubota's.) So even though you're looking to upgrade now, I think there are two things you can be very proud of: 1) Your videos have undoubtedly helped a lot of people make better decisions on what to buy, 2) You got five years of great use from that B2601 (and you got a helluva deal on it!)
The B2601 stinks at steep box blading. I can stall mine out or just dig in with a 4 foot box blade unless I am super careful. It has plenty of power to just spin all 4 wheels with a full scraper. My CK3510 will easily pull a 5 foot box in 2wd through the same places.
@@AnomadAlaska Same experience with the 3039R. I thought maybe I'd only be able to pull it downhill, but in fact it has no problem going uphill - even with the shanks extended one "notch" down.
@@AnomadAlaska Thanks. No, I didn't get the cab. It's kept in a garage with a shorter-than-normal door opening, and not much room inside, so I'm sure by now I'd have broken one of the glass panels!
Passed on the backhoe for my 2601 and put the money into attachments. In my case if I ever require a backhoe, I'll just rent a mini-excavator for the job. Enjoyed your video.
@@meusatrumtempestas strong logic, you can rent a mini for a lot of days for the add on price of a backhoe. I have a backhoe because I got lucky on the used market, but I use the heck out of it. Partly it's the work I need to do on my property, but a big part is that I love running excavators and go looking for excuses to put it to work. But everybody's situation is different- I know next to nothing about you, but I believe you made the right choice in not getting a backhoe. Me, I've just had good luck on my 2601 and attachments by watching the used market and jumping on good deals when they come across.
I am in the same camp as you. That being said, like the others said - if I had it I probably would use it. However most of what I want to use it for probably requires a bigger one and thus I am back to an Ex.
My story was pretty similar to yours. When we decided to get a tractor I went through pretty much the whole Kubota lineup from smallest to biggest. After months of research I decided that I needed to get the biggest model that I could afford. My neighbor has a JD 1025R that she is more than happy to allow me to borrow for the jobs that smaller would be better. Therefore I wanted something with the weight and the power to easily handle maintaining our neighborhoods private road, a task that I am taking complete responsibility for. With her little tractor it took over six hours to grade the road and it still didn’t do that great a job in our rocky ozark soil. I was dead set on a 3902 for the longest time. Once the time came that our business sale was closing and we were going to have the cash in hand I played around with the builder on the website and realized that I could also afford a L4060LE if I would drop some of the attachments I was planning on financing with it. A big reason I decided to upgrade was the location of the fuel fill. I have a chronic injury to my hips and lumbar spine/sacrum and I really wasn’t looking forward to holding 5 gallon fuel cans above my shoulders. I wasn’t too sure that I was going to feel any benefit to the HST+ transmission but boy oh boy was I wrong. I use those features constantly. It super convenient to be able to switch speeds on the fly without having to stop and change the range on the transmission. This is something I have to do frequently due to the hilly nature of my property and neighborhood. I’ve been running my tractor for about 40 hours so far and have only had to regen once. I keep a quality treatment in the fuel (HSS EDT) and always run it around 2k rpm to keep the exhaust hot enough to passively burn off soot. All that and I’m only on my second tank of fuel. Great tractor and I’d certainly recommend it. If we keep this property for a while longer I’m planning on upgrading to an L6060 with a cab once all the land clearing we want to accomplish is finished.
Sounds like you've made a great decision! I think a lot of us would love to get the biggest tractor we can afford. It's nice to have a little extra oomph for those tough jobs. 😄
In 2001 I bought a 10 year old kubota grand L 3010 with loader from my neighbor. Stored inside and maintained very well. Perfect for my 40 acres. I have added implements and attachments and converted to SSQA with 3rd function hydraulics. I’ve kept up with all maintenance. Now has 1600 hours on it with almost no costs over routine. I wish it had a cab. I wish it had a little more HP but it’s been great. I could sell it and not lose a penny.
Hello Ed, My experience was so similar to yours. I started with the L2501 and it was even on sale for the same price as the B2601 at the time. The L2501 is a LOT more tractor. The rear end is much stronger but like you say, its the lift capacity that limits the B2601. There are several things I would like to lift but cant (100gal diesel tank for example). I too had a lot of experience with tractors including a Ford 8N. I too was heavily influenced by GP Outdoors. I also bought my B2601 in March 2019 and may have even influenced your decision a bit at the time. lol. I chose the smaller B2601 over the L2501 and am very happy with that choice for the following reasons. 1. Garden: rows are 4' apart instead of 5' apart. More rows. More food! 2. I do work in neighborhoods where the L2501 would not fit. Deal breaker 3. Less fuel to operate it 4. Less expensive repairs and maintenance (oil changes) 5. Less expensive attachments 6. I only have 5 acres, if I had 20, it would be the L2501 7. Less space taken up in garage I could go on.... Yes, your pushing that B2601 to the limits but at least your getting your moneys worth out of it. :)
Great points! I have no issue with the size of the B2601. I think I would be completely happy with it if it had greater PTO horsepower and higher FEL lift capacity.
I heartily agree with you. I purchased a 1025R and find the same limitations with fork lift capacity. I originally looked at Kioto, Branson, Kubota and John Deere. The only local dealer is JD, so that sort of decided for me. Unit works fine within it's limitations. Problem is my needs have changed like your's and wish I had more power. I'll probably suffer through with what I've got. I bought a package deal for $24K which included front end loader, quick off belly mower, backhoe, brush hog and box blade in 2018. It served me well and gave me the ability to run water, electric septic etc on raw land which actually paid for the unit within 6 months. I added a thumb for the backhoe, a post hold digger and a tiller over time which were all useful. Unit mostly sits now unused as most of the jobs I needed are done. Occasionally, I'll mount the backhoe and dig a hole to bury a deceased pet but rarely use the unit for much else. I got a smaller lawn tractor to cut as it allows more maneuverability around the house and barns. It will be handed down to whoever when I'm gone. It's fully paid for and not a burden to me at all so I don't mind just setting on it.
I get it! I’m going to keep using this tractor for all that it’s worth until I can make some kind of change. Who knows when that will be? You definitely got your moneys worth! Thanks for watching. -Ed
Hey. I feel your pain. I have a 4320 R John Deere and my front loader capacity is the same as yours and the previous JD 32 hp compact tractor I owned. I think now I should have gone to a larger frame with a more robust loader…but more expense.. you can “adjust” your loader capacity which will void your warranty if that is a concern. Mine is out of warranty so not a concern and I would really like more capacity for my front loader. So I may.
Boy Ed, That sounds like my experience also. At the age of 65 and 3 tractors later, I got it. Swore I didn't want a hydro, but a used JD 3520 poppped up at the local dealer, dealer said I think you should come down and look at it. Was I ever glad I did, Love it to this day. Now at 75,still love the machine.
Kubota and John Deere have lost a little ground to some their competitors due to their higher entry cost. I think John Deere is currently shooting itself in the foot. For what you get for the price, TYM tractors appear to be a good option. Having a dealer within a reasonable driving distance is a high priority. Dealer support is something everyone should consider, before buying a new tractor.
Did the research you talked about. I went with a 2021 Massey Ferguson 2607H, 74hp engine which gives me 64hp at the pto. I only have 4 acers but half of that is wooded and several trees need removal. Now I know if I had gone with a subcompact or compact those tree jobs would take twice to three times as long. Having more time for myself than spending all day on a tractor is important to me. For me a utility tractor was the right choice. Bought it used with only 439hrs and 2 years of warranty still left on it. It's in excellent condition and gives me peace of mind knowing I can attach anything to it and get the job done quickly. No DEF or regen to deal with and paid way less than a new compact. GO BIG and you will never say "I should have bought bigger."" You will put less hours on a bigger tractor which equates to a better resale down the road.
I own 38 acres and have two tractors, a MF 2606H and a Kubota B2601. The little Kubota is the Swiss Army Knife on my property. We now the yard, till the garden and spread fertilizer and seed. The MF handles the field and heavy work. If you don’t use a backhoe a lot it’s probably cheaper to rent a mini-x when you need one once a year.
We got an L3560HSTC cab model back in 2020 and love it. LA 805 loader, snow blower, grapple, 3rd function, forks, BTR, rear blade, grader scraper for our 40 acre property.
I found your channel after buying the same tractor and getting sucked into the same 0% financing deal - LOL. It is fantastic for most of my needs. Especially a 6 foot rear finish mower. It can't do big tractor things. But you can sneak around where you'd be a bull in a china shop with something big. I barely notice regen on my excavator.
All great advice. It sounds like most of us have had the same experience as far as doing our research. For us, my son did the most research and came up with the B2650. We did think about the future and had a front remote installed by the dealer and sure enough, the following year we bought a grapple. We also ordered a land plane, pallet forks, and a roto tiller when we bought the tractor because Kubota had 8 years/zero interest deal at the time. My son has since purchased a stump bucket and a garden bedder, and I bought a 60" snowblower for the three point. The least used attachment that my son insisted we get were the pallet forks, but when you need them, they are invaluable. A backhoe (in my opinion) is the most expensive and overrated option unless you will be using it regularly, as I can rent a mini excavator for a day or two and never get close to the 8k extra I'd have paid.
Great points! I think the B2650 was phasing out when I bought my B2601. I felt like the salesman kind of steered me away from it. I think it’s a great tractor!
Great video !!! I was all set on the b2601 and the owner of the Kubota dealership took a Saturday after it closed to look at tractors since I worked a lot and actually up sold it a LX2610SU for $1000 more than the B2601. I’m glad he did but I did buy a bx1880 for all my lawn operations. The b would not fit the bill due ti them being so different in application needs. Great video !!!
Very informative video.. I’m on my second tractor in eight years. I bought both my mahindra max 26 xl because of the size of the machine and for the sole reason was kabota did not offer a geared tractor the size of my mahindra. My preference is I do not like a hydrostatic transmission tractor, some folks do but I don’t. I have acquired various attachments through out the years but it came time that I needed a backhoe. I still work in the outside world so to speak and I don’t have the option of renting a backhoe and to be able to keep that backhoe for a weekend project then return it at the end of the weekend. I generally work six days a week long story short, I traded my 2015 mahindra max 26 for a 2023 with a backhoe attachment. It economically made sense to be because I have attachments already fitted to the mahindra. We have a seven acre small farm that we grow a large garden and raise chickens and hogs. I agree with you on looking to the future on what you are trying to accomplish with your tractor and if you can afford it ( how can I say this) buy for the future. My reasoning for trading my 2015 for my 2023 is I wasn’t going to spend 8 k on a backhoe to put on a seven year old tractor that was out of warranty. At some point I’d like to get into the 30 hp range but my budget keeps me where I’m at
Stumbled across your channel last week and I’m so glad I did. The timing of this video was perfect for me. Extremely informative and gave me a lot of things to think about. I plan on buying a tractor in the early spring and just starting to do my research. Great video!!
I bought my TYM T474 HST Cab after researching my needs to death, also defining future needs. I have not really found that I need a bigger tractor almost 5 years later. I now have 556h without any worries. I like the low tech mechanical injected engine, and 2152# lift capacity at the pins. Hope you find your dream tractor soon Ed.
B2601 owner here mine was purchased to mow lawn, it has turf tires and 60" MMM deck. We have less that an acre of land I first looked at the BX1880 my wife said no too small watching GP channel with what he could do she said yes to B2601 thus I call it her tractor :) I will be retired January 1st so no warehouse grounds keeping for work next spring , deck will likely never go back on I still have the Cub Cadet rider for our place lol. Our neighbor bought the L2501 about same time we got our B , he has low land its too heavy my B has more hrs. on his property than his L cutting wood lol. The B with turfs floats where his makes ruts.
I researched buying a tractor for over seven years. I looked at my current needs, and what my needs would be 10, 15 years down the road. I also looked at dollars per horsepower and I discovered that ratio drops significantly when you jump up to the utility class tractor. My home property is 2 acres, but the family estate is 40 acres with about 15 tillable. Ultimately, I opted for the Kubota M5660 with the LA1154 loader. Never once have I ever found that I couldn't do a job because of a lack of horsepower. No regrets whatsoever.
To me, a large frame compact is the best tractor for just about any size property. I'm in the market for a larger HP tractor, but I don't necessarily need a larger frame because of the places in between trees that I need to maintain. Most large frame compacts top out at 40hp which is not enough for heavy mowing and forestry mulching. The Kubota L-series is the best all around tractor IMO, but the highest HP is 38 and I have that....not sure what I'm gonna buy next. Tractor Hard, Ed!
Great PSFTOA 👍 Public Service Future Tractor Owners Announcement We all look back after owning a tractor for awhile and knowing what I know now what I would have changed when I bought mine The biggest thing my wife and I both agree on is that I DID NOT LISTEN TO HER and I bought the tractor against her wishes 😅 We both now see the value of owning a tractor especially when you have a lot of property So many things we have done with a tractor that we never would have attempted before Have a Great Week !
Excellent points. One needs to look at current needs and future NEEDS that may need to be accomplished. I sold my JD 2007 4720 that I purchased new and purchased a JD3046 w/cab. We live in WI and I wanted a cab with a midpoint tractor to blow snow, since I had struggled with a blade, pusher, and 3pt blower etc. in the past. With the blower much like spreading manure without a cab you are going to get some on you no matter what in an open cab, and also at 80 I don't enjoy the cold I purchased my JD 3046 at 0% interest. I sold my JD 4720 for MANY MANY thousands of dollars more than my purchase price of it 15 yrs ago, maybe because it was in perfect shape or was green...don't know. So far the 3046 has been great, everything is good for what I do....and it REALLY maneuvers in a very tight fashion. It handles my 4 way bucket, rototiller, 6' mower etc. etc. etc, and the dealer is local. For me it was the right choice....although it took me 25 yrs. and 6 tractors to get to the right one for me. Thanks, Bob
I agree with you. I bought a B2601 and it was the first tractor I ever owned. Since then I’ve added a chipper (same one you got) and I’m starting to realize that it would be great to have higher pto hp for some of the attachments. I looked at the LX3520 and the LX 4020 which both provide significantly moor pto power but they are very expensive so I guess I’m staying with the B2601 for now.
One item you didn’t mention or perhaps I missed it; is to consider if you ever intend on trailering it, and if you have a vehicle capable of safely towing it. I think that ought to be a thought as well. Otherwise, you nailed it. A lot to chew on when making a purchase
I bought an LX2610 after watching *a TH-camr*.... (Something about a messy garage). The LX has the next level up Loader (535) and I have still maxed it out trying to lift big logs.
The LX was not an option when I bought my B series, otherwise I may have considered it. I’ll have to leapfrog over that one for my next one! Thank you! 👍😄
February of 23 I bought a BX23S with the backhoe front end loader ,quick attach and ssqa ,the scraper a thumb for forks backhoe and tiller. I added a rake first and then I added the 5 ft mower both bought at TSC. It's back at the dealer right now to get the third function kit installed and the purchase of a gravel. I have 460 hours on a tractor that was brought brand new. I researched pretty good but did not think I would need the mower or the quick attach grapple found out that I wasn't going to just own 5 acres I increased my land another 5 acres and now I have 10 to deal with and I needed to clear it pick up some debris left by the previous owner you needs change got to be flexible and got to have good credit praise God it was available to me. Ask you guys to be safe out there and thank you for this great post that you provided always giving good content Y'all have Merry Christmas
Great video! I’ve just lived this myself. Hours of research, phone calls, and trips to try and make a good decision. But still I second guessed myself. You gotta educate yourself before making these decisions! I hope people will learn from this.
I agree to an extent about anticipating future needs, but equally it’s easy to fall into a trap of continually upgrading what you think you need in your mind. I have the same tractor as you, and bought thanks to watching a lot of yours and others like yours videos, I have 10 acres. I can truthfully say having had it for 3 years I still have wouldn’t chose another model, it offers the perfect hybrid for being able to fit into our fenced gardens and also using the bush Hogg for clearing brush and moving horse manure with the loader. I think you can imagine up a lot of future uses that you just won’t do, or if you do, it’s for a one off project that you can hire something specialist for. Get a tractor that fulfills your needs for 90% of the work that you use it for day to day. Otherwise, the cost and size of tractor you could envisage could go up exponentially. It’s fair to also say if you do change circumstances, just change your machine at that point. It doesn’t mean in hindsight it wasn’t the right fit at that time.
Good advice Ed! I went Kioti for a lot of reasons, and like you, I have no regrets but I do wish I’d had a better understanding of lift capacity. Even with what I can’t lift….if I have to break a single pallet of pavers to two pallets…it’s STILL, better than how I was having to move things before I had the tractor. I tell everyone I talk to who are looking into a tractor…buy the backhoe!! Most don’t and wish they had. Yes, I had to wait a little while for some other attachments, but it was a survivable suffering…because I had the back hoe. The only upgrade I’ll never consider, is a cab. If folks want a cab for heating and a/c and stereo…have at it….i hope to never get that soft. At 65, I bought ski goggles….it is nice not dealing with frozen eye balls from the snow blowing back in your face. I don’t have a snowblower either….the FEL does the job quite well. I found a lot of truth and wisdom in the old expression; find the tractor you need now, and buy one size up! I bought mine cash and the only benefit really…was the peace of mind for me…that I own it! I never have to worry about making a payment.
Thanks Keith. You make some really great points. I’m certainly hearing different opinions about the backhoe. Some so don’t waste your money while others say don’t buy a tractor without one!
With 24 acres (mostly wooded) the B2601 has really worked out perfectly for what I'm using it for. MCG & GP Outdoors were a big help in deciding what features (3rd function, quik-attach) & implements we were going to need. The Kubota dealer was helpful & said he was impressed with the amount of research I did too. Heck, I couldn't even get a salesman at that green & yellow store to walk their lot with me to discuss their products etc.
Great points. I went with the B2650 model. Only having 2 acres I wanted something the size that would work in small areas. I went with the cab. I blow 16 driveways in the winter. Winds off lake huron. Many years of snow down my neck with the open tractor. I also on a peninsula. All rocks and stumps. So a backhoe I needed also. The Kubota back hoe is so easy to use and remove and install. I also have the 19HP take off. It runs my chipper that same as yours with no issues. Never stalled the tractor with it. My lift is 1260 at the pins. I also wish it had more. I can lift my totes with it full of wood though. Having other tractors from Pony to Fordson mayor and a Chinese tractor which I had for 16 years. This B2650 suits me the best. I also have a BX model. So I am a Kubota man now . Good of you to point out the issues for new buyers . It should help
I was looking for a new tractor, 'bout 4 years ago. I had a John Deere Model 855, which did me well at that point, but I really, really needed an FEL, and I had an inheritance, so... From neighbours, I had recommendations for the Kubota, and a local dealer. I have 27 acres, most of which is bush, so I knew I'd be doing a lot of bush-work, including the use of a chipper and a stump grinder. When I went into the dealer, I thought I'd want a Kubota L series for the greater HP, but the salesman took me out to the yard, showed me the comparative sizes, and asked, "which of these do you want to be maneuvering on the trails in your bush?" I went with the B2601, and haven't regretted it at all. When I'm cutting new trails in my bush, I'm really glad to have the quick attach to take off the FEL and enhance my maneuverability. The lesser HP at the PTO doesn't bother me at all using my chipper and stump grinder (Woodland Mills, same as you); I'm retired, so if it takes me another half-hour to chip the branches of that ash tree that I just took down (curse you emerald ash borer!!!), so what? So - "get the biggest you can afford" doesn't work for me. I've gone with "get the tractor that suits your needs," and that's just fine
“Gee, I wish I bought a smaller tractor”, said no human being ever. So many guys buy a tractor based on their budget and immediately realize they need a bigger tractor. Go to your Deere or Kubota dealer and tell him what you want and when a low hour trade in comes in to call you. I got my Deere 5 series tractor with only 75 hours at a very nice discount to new and it was essentially a new machine. But, I wish I bought a bigger tractor.
Thanks Ed, as usual, good information. I bought my first Kubota because a friend was a dealer. I got a small BX which I quickly realized was too small. Couple years later and I got the B2650 which I love (got the backhoe attachment too). Thanks again.
One option to solve your issue with not being able to lift your IBC totes is to get forks for your 3 point. I see you pull your splitter around as well, but if you came back with forks on your 3 point you may have a better chance of lifting that firewood tote. I don't know the capacities of you tractor's 3 point, but generally they are higher than the loader lift capacity. Plus they close to the tractor giving more lifting strength. Something to consider to solve that one shortcoming of your current tractor.
Ed, your point that you made about consider your tractor needs now and in the future, drives home the entire premise of this vid for me. You made a great informed decision to buy the 2601 when you had the 4 acres in 2019. I knew when you were trying to pick up those 1/3 chord totes with the forks and when you strapped on the mulcher implement on the pto, your game has changed with all the acres you have with your new homestead. Give Lucas a call and see how he likes his new TYM. That thing has no lift issues on the front end loader and enough pto hp to run that mulcher with out it slowing down much. I agree the next one (tractor)you need the back hoe attachment, it really is a staple.
Many of us have had to buy more than once to figure out which tractor we really need. Not only do we get a much better picture of what to expect out of a tractor but we also get a better idea of what size of tractor will meet our needs. My first new tractor was a John Deere 2025R which is a little smaller than your B2601 and found it wasn't as capable as I needed so I moved up to a 3032E which was the biggest tractor that i could afford and I've been really happy with it.
This video had a lot of very well worded insight. Your tractor has served you well and who knew you were gonna make the change in the amount of land you would be working. Somebody made a good point once about you will be happy with the tractor you purchase, but that does not mean that the tractor you purchase Will be the best choice for you five, ten, or fifteen years later. It is exciting to see what your next steps will be.
One major concern is the dealer support. We have a New Holland dealer 6 miles from us and I walked in and couldn’t get the time of day from them even though I was ready to buy! One big thing I had with Kubota was the treadle pedal and that was a deal breaker for me…I wish there were more options to buy😢. Overall, I’m happy with my 3 series John Deere, but wish I would have listened to the dealer and gotten the higher HP for those implements like you talked about - chippers, grinders. Good info for sure!
@ yes. It’s a good tractor. Strong and can lift a lot. When mowing I usually take the loader off. With it off the tractor is a lot smaller and feels like a compact tractor. I would one day like to get a Kubota B series tractor if funds permit, which they probably will not.
I think we all make our initial purchase and then later upgrade. I started out with a tractor that was way small for what I wanted to do. I upgraded and got a larger tractor with an FEL and 4x4. I ended up with a Mahindra 2816. It served me well for 10 years. The Mahindra dealer stopped carrying so local service wasn’t available. I finally upgraded to a Kubota L3560LE with a cab. Going with the “LE” package saved me a bunch $$ upfront. Neil Messick did an episode about the LE and showed how simple and inexpensive it is to buy the switches and other components to upgrade your limited tractor into a full feature Grand L.
I had a Lseries 4700 (heavy tractor and plenty of HP) I sold it an bought a L3560. Love the 3560 has good lift capacity and is Very nimble tractor. Love the Vid an what the odds Im drinking my coffee this morning out of my GP outdoors tumbler.
Thanks Ed. For Me it was mostly the Dealer. I have 2 Big farm Implement Dealers within 5 Miles of Me (A lot closer before the Fire) The Kioti Dealer had been doing Business with Our shop for many years. The other was a Kubota. And my long legs and big Feet do not work well with the Treadle Pedal . I was set on getting the 35hp CK3510 but then after the fire had to go larger due to the Heavy stuff I needed to move. the DK will lift 2500.. and I got the biggest Back Hoe due the digging I've done and still have to do. And open station due to being in the woods... Oh, and I got the Hydraulic shuttle shift. No Tranny whine just the sound of the Engine.... Mike M.
I wonder if that first tractor is like a starter home. Figure things out, get settled, decide what you really want and then go get that bigger house (tractor). I have a B2601 based on similar research. I only have a snow blower (rear), grapple and front loader so far. Been happy. Thanks for your honest and insightful content!
Good Video! Research was a fun part of getting a tractor. I used TH-cam (thanks GP) friends (thanks RM) and dealer (thanks BL). More power is always the dream once you get experience on your purchase.
Thank You! For sharing your experience with me, I appreciated the information. I am currently where you were, doing as much research as I can. And actually the 2601 is one model I was looking at, and kind of liked. Thanks again, Be Well, Be Strong
I would suggest renting a backhoe/excavator, at least a few times before purchasing one, particularly for the back of your farm tractor. When you find out how useful they are, you might decide you want an excavator instead of a tractor attachment.
Pull and clean/grease the pins on the quick attach loader with oil change. Loaders have to come off for some maintenance, and the pins get seized if never pulled. The tech then has to cut to get it off.
The small Kubota seems to have met your needs at your other property. A bit small for your current property (and attachments). The L2502 I have has been fine for me. Would I like to have a bit more lift capacity at times? Sure, but it is a tiny fraction of what I need my tractor for. More horses also means more expensive attachments and a heavier footprint to haul around or drive over wet areas. I have areas that I have to take the loader off in order to bush hog in our wet seasons to take the weight off the front wheels so that I don't rut things up. A larger tractor also means more fuel consumption. Many factors to consider.
I had an l 2501. 275 gallon IBC tote with green red oak stacked tightly and level with the top, 1/3 of a cord. Tractor would barely lift it off of the ground. I consider the standard l series from Kubota the minimum frame size to put some real power to the ground for getting real work done. But I upgraded to the grand l 4060, which is a lot more weight and a lot more power. Lifts those IBC totes without any trouble now, except when they are Frozen to the ground. Lol
Wonderful video Ed. As a longtime subscriber I would recommend a solar powered rearview camera/monitor. It would greatly reduce your neck strain when using the Baumalight and the stump grinder. Available on Amazon at a very reasonable price. Like you I was looking at a backhoe attachment, but ended up buying a used mini excavator. With hydraulic thumb you can hold logs up and cut them easily. I do have a grapple but use the excavator more often when dealing with logs. Kind Regards. Craig
Thanks Craig. I have an RV back up camera but haven’t installed it. Yes, I know I’d love a dedicated mini ex. Most I see are around $20k (in decent condition). I’ve been wondering if those cheap $5k Chinese mini excavators might do as well as a backhoe attachment?
I looked at the B and BX series and thought I shouget something bigger. I looked at the L series, and I thought they were too big. I settled on the LX series and decided to go over that dreaded 25hp, so i bought the LX3520. Has great hp, nice comfort and ease of use bells and whistles. My thoughts. Good luck in your search.
Great Video Ed. I am only on 5.5 acres and bought a used B2650 with a cab, mid mower, front end loader and pallet forks. I also love my tractor, but just as you mentioned, I was disappointed more than once with its 1,150 lift capacity when trying to lift a fallen tree to waist height so I could use my chain saw on it. I didn’t think the tree was that big or heavy. It was maybe 20 ft long and 15-20 inches across and the tractor would not lift it from the middle, so I ended up having to just lift the end of the tree and saw it in increments of 3-4 feet. I also do not use the 60” mid mount mower because we have a zero turn that is much more efficient. I do love the heated and air conditioned cab BUT that too has its limitations when going near low branches. I guess what I am saying is like, you, I wish I had gotten a little more horse power and lift capacity. Love your channel and content. Happy Holidays
Get a pole saw and please learn how to do proper pruning cuts, if you don't already know. The trees will thank you. And That cab will fit just fine in new places. I have rearranged all my mirrors, lights, and SMV sign several times.
Good information, covered all the bases. Am a firm believer of buying a little bigger than you think you need. Quality of the dealership is a big factor to me. Equipment dealers, like everything else, are not the quality they were 20 years ago. Still have every tractor purchased new since the first a John Deere, model 70 in 1953. Two more John Deere tractors, a 730 and a 4020. Purchased a Kubota about 15 years ago, about 21 HP, so nice to have a small tractor with the loader, front mounted snowblower, etc. At age 83, I have made good use of every tractor purchased.
Where the heck was this video a year and a half ago???? Your videos helped me decide to buy the B2601! LOL. That being said, I understand your comments entirely. But in my case, its not a problem and I actually considered most of what your discussed. If nothing else, I cannot afford those attachments that require the high horsepower, but also I have a small property to manage so anything more would have been too much. I am glad I didn't get a BX though. Good video though - I enjoyed your candid comments/opinions.
At this point considering things are in flux...I think it is a time to live with what you got until the wind blows and we can see the direction. Luckily for me my 2501 has worked perfectly on my 13 acres. Interesting that you use the tiller...I used mine twice. And I use the finish mower all the grass growing season.
I’m not rushing into anything. We are still trying to figure things out after buying the farm and losing my job last year. We have a little debt PTSD, which is probably a good thing. 😄👍
Had Kubota for a few years and wore out the snowblower and broom , but the new equipment did not work on my Kubota because they changed the frame up so had to get a new tractor. Not happy with Kubota on that one and after using it for a bit hated the attachments. They are better now, but decided to look at JD and glad I did. It cost less and everything about it is as good or better. The JD has great attachments, is more comfortable and more refined than the Kubota and also has stronger hydraulics. Kubota makes a quality tractor, but I like my JD better.
Great information and advice. It would be worth looking for a secondhand backhoe, even one that looks like it was dragged out of a swamp is better than not having one
Love my Kubota L3940 financed 15 years ago in Wyoming. Enclosed cab, heated/Ac everything I needed as I am now 80 years old and can still plow my drive, pick up round bales, and move manure.
All great points Ed. I shied away from Mahindra because there simply wasn’t enough history of them for me when I bought my Kubota L2501. Mahindra was going to be in the ball park money wise but offered more lift capacity and a flat floor without the famous Kubota hump. They offered a better seat with arm rests Although I have been more than happy with my Kubota, if doing it all over, there may have been a different tractor featured in my videos. Full watch Ed
Thanks, Gary! I should’ve mentioned that there is a Kubota dealer and a John Deere dealer just a few miles away. That was also a factor! Besides, if you bought a Mahindra, I probably would not have found your channel 🤣
It’s not really a big mistake. You got the tractor that met your needs at the time. Everyone who has a tractor finds its limit and wishes for a little more sometimes… I find the limits on my Ford all the time, and it is about the same size as the L2501 (with a bit more power). That size compact tractor is extremely popular, and for good reason! When my grandfather bought the Ford 1700 in 1982, it was a massive upgrade over the 9N, having 4wd and a loader. Of course, he found its limits, and I even more so as I’ve gotten into manipulating bigger logs. Still, I’m happy to have it and I adapt tasks to a machine that’s a bit too small when I need to.
Thank you for such an informative video. I am planning on buying a property in the very near future. A tractor is absolutely going to be a necessity your information is helping me out a great deal.
I ran into the same issues with my Kubota B2710 that I bought used 20 years ago. I ended up getting a TYM 4215CH this year for the extra PTO HP and lift capacity. The cab is nice too. I still use my Kubota as well.
The wild card you have to remember is that you bought for a 4 acre property and at the time you likely had no idea you would be on a property 10 times the size. Had you not moved how many of those attachments would you never would have purchased? If anything, perhaps it is time to buy bigger, then again are you going to be planting, grazing and harvesting in 5 years? Now there’s a whole new train of thought. It’s all relative at the time my friend.
Great points, David! The brush mulcher is probably the only thing I would not have added. I had the wood chipper before and would have still likely started processing some firewood. So PTO horsepower and FEL lift capacity would still have been important to me. But you’re right, now there’s more to think about!
This a great video. Well done. I bought a 12 acre property which had a very well used or worn out New Holland 54 hp with a front end loader. I quickly realized I should not have included it into the purchase because it was much too big and couldn’t maneuver around all the trees on the property. I went to JD and asked for a 3046 which was the right hp and size but it wasn’t available for 6 months since it was September of 2020 and everyone wanted a tractor. I took delivery of a 2038R which had a slightly smaller footprint but nearly the same hp. I got $14,000 trade in on the NH so it was happy. This tractor has been perfect for all my needs and I’ve added implements as needed but not because I thought I might need them. 17:18 So I really appreciate your candor about not really using stuff that you thought were useful. Take your time and think about it. And as you say check out the TH-cam channels and ask your friends who own similar sized properties with tractors. Roll the dice and be happy no matter what. Thanks
Excellent honest video. I agree with you 100%. I looked at a Kubota L3900 with a loader and ended up getting a Kubota MX5400 with a loader, backhoe, back blade and 3rd function. I previously had a 1950 Ford 8N. The Kubota was a huge step up and I don’t regret it one bit. I’m going to buy a tiller, pallet forks and a grapple in the spring. Definitely go bigger you won’t regret it.
I have a B2601 and my observations mostly mirror yours. I have 33 acres as well. I got the backhoe and I found that with the B2601 hydraulic system it's a bit herky-jerky making it difficult to do smooth movements. It's functional but not the best solution. I now end up using it about once per year. Did I need to spend all of that money? Probably not considering how poor the performance of the backhoe is. I tend to use the stump bucket for my shallow interceptor drainage ditches that I tend to build a lot. One observation that I have that you skipped was hydraulic pump capacity. The small capacity of the B2601 has prevented me from purchasing a couple of options that I could really use like the limb saw and something else that I can't remember right now. I'm also not a big fan of using a diverter valve for the 3rd function as it prevents you from using all three hydraulic flows at the same time. For example, if you have the grapple on and your opening or closing the grapple, you can't curl you bucket until you finish grabbing whatever your trying to move. A true 3rd function would work way better.
Great points! Yeah the backhoe would be nice, but I have wondered how useful it would actually be. Kind of curious about those cheap Chinese mini excavators. Maybe they are just as useful.
Always get a tractor bigger than you need.! If the dealer says get a JD 2 series id go with a 3 series.! And i absolutely do not regret it.! Second thing if your older a cab is worth it in "my" opinion.! You better think hard on the cab.! Winter is hard on older people.! 🤔
I agree that the rubber floor mat is more of a pain in the butt than its worth. I also bought the auxiliary light kit which is pretty lame, plus the fact that the dealer installed it on the flasher circuit so when the flashers are active they blink 🤦♂️. Otherwise its been a great tractor. I wish it did have more lift capacity.
I bought a Kubota L2502 and I'm very happy with it. NEVER buy a tractor without a front end loader. We have 50 acres. My limitation was my accountant(wife) ,lol 😂😂. I wish I had gotten the 20ft trailer and a new rotory cutter at the time of the sale. My rotory cutter is showing it's age the more I use it.
Bought a lightly used B2601 2 years ago with a backhoe on it for a pretty good price. No regrets, definitely use the backhoe a lot, but I knew that I would when I was shopping. Super glad I got it. Good topic, though a little difficult to grab onto- trying to advise folks that they need to know what they don't know yet.
You're right, it's tough to know what you don't know! I wish I had known what I know now. But everyone’s situation and needs are different so it’s tough to advise.
Good job and good points, I think many go with the 25 hp tractors because of the stupid def and all the other emission requirements. There area some HD 25 like Kori that have 1280 lift capacity. The main point I feel you were right on was the PTO horsepower, chipper, etc really would do better with more hp.
Excellent video Ed, GP is a great resource for tractor knowledge. I talked to him prior to buying the LX. There’s things I’d change with this one too. Always fun to chat with the other creators. Cheers hope to see you Monday. 🚜🇨🇦🇺🇸👍🏼🍻😎
Great video. I did the same thing this year. About 3 months ago I got stuck in the analysis paralysis phase. We have 8 acres but I needed a tractor. I researched it into the ground. I stayed away from Deere for personal reasons but really looked hard and visited a few Kubota dealerships. I ended up with a Mahindra 1640 HST with a cab. I really liked that I was able to get a 40hp tractor without the dreaded regen function. Mahindra has made that (Mitsubishi) 4 cylinder engine that doesn’t require it etc Anyhoo, I ended up getting the backhoe, 5 ft box blade, 9” auger, loader, pallet forks and a root ripper grapple and third function for just around $50k I have tested the loader capacity that’s advertised around 1,800lbs and I’m happy with it. I have a dealer close by and honestly the Kubota that I was looking at was WAY more expensive. I’ll drop you a line a few years down the line and we’ll see how it reports out. That’s a mighty fine rig you have there and it shows on your property.
Just found your site and everything you said is true! I have a pre-regen L3200 and I love it, but if I could go back and do it again, I would likely make different choices. I just bought a set of shims ($1.59 Cdn from the dealer) to increase my lift capacity for the firewood bundles. I'm also not getting any younger so looking backwards to plow the driveway is getting as old as I am! Forward remotes to add a blower and a grapple would be high on my list of things to have. And yes, I have liked and subscribed. 🙂
There's no substitute for real world experience. Having access, either directly (a good dealer or neighbor) or through content providers (such as yourself), to folks who have "been there, done that" can avert the miss-steps that come with growing into the world that is opened up by the homesteading experience. The choices out there are many, and that's a good thing, but it also makes it a difficult decision making process.
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I think I speak for many of your viewers/subscribers: We really appreciate your unbiased straight forward honesty. Thank you for this TH-cam.
I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comments! Thank you.
I've had a similar experience to you in my tractor journey. I bought a 3.5 acre property and knew I wanted a "small" tractor to maintain it. In my research what I ended up going with was the Mahindra 1626 shuttle shift with loader and backhoe. That's a 25.9 hp tractor, much like your Kubota, but the Mahindra has a higher front end loader lift capacity (which was a big selling point for me). However, in the 2 years since then what's really shown through as a weakness for me just like for you is the PTO horsepower. Since my tractor is a shuttle shift model it does manage to put down 21.5 PTO hp, but that's still right there at the "minimum" for a lot of PTO attachments. The clay soil where I live is extremely hard and the PTO just isn't powerful enough to comfortably run a post hole auger or tiller. After 2 years I finally decided that the frustration just wasn't worth it and actually just a few days ago I traded it in for a Mahindra 1640 shuttle. An expensive lesson to learn, but I can already tell just from a few quick "tests" that I'm going to be a lot happier with this 38.7 hp tractor and it's what I should have bought from the beginning.
My advice to people who ask me about tractors is “buy the biggest one you can afford and store.” I have been around tractors all my life and it’s been very few times someone said “we need a smaller tractor” but it’s been many times I’ve heard “we need a bigger tractor”.
Right on!
I started with a 50 HP loader tractor. Moved up to 80 . Holy cow that was nice
Then stepped up to 130 HP , boy what a improvement
Then went to 160 , oh joy . Only times I wanted one smaller was getting it started in winter , and when I priced a loader to fit
All great points Ed! There’s always something just a little better that we wished we had. Buying the right equipment to begin with is important.
Keep on tractoring!
Always! Thanks Jon!
Long story: when I was shopping for a tractor, I found that the dealers were useless in helping to decide what to get. The best they could do was ask "How much land do you have?" (5 acres), and then recommend a 25hp tractor. They ignored anything else I said, like "I'll be box-blading a fairly steep driveway", "I'm going to be using a wood chipper a lot", etc.
And it turned out it was your first video about the Woodland Mills chipper that made me go with that, so when I checked their website I found the PTO needed at least 20hp. That, and the steep driveway, had me looking at the L3901. But because all four Kubota dealers I visited wanted **more** than list price (and **all of them** told me that the Kubota rebate was **their** "discount"), I ended up going with the Deere 3039R. (They took decent $$ off list, and also had 0% for six years. Plus their insurance was a lot cheaper than Kubota's.)
So even though you're looking to upgrade now, I think there are two things you can be very proud of: 1) Your videos have undoubtedly helped a lot of people make better decisions on what to buy, 2) You got five years of great use from that B2601 (and you got a helluva deal on it!)
I really appreciate those positive remarks. I certainly have no regrets!
The B2601 stinks at steep box blading. I can stall mine out or just dig in with a 4 foot box blade unless I am super careful. It has plenty of power to just spin all 4 wheels with a full scraper. My CK3510 will easily pull a 5 foot box in 2wd through the same places.
@@AnomadAlaska Same experience with the 3039R. I thought maybe I'd only be able to pull it downhill, but in fact it has no problem going uphill - even with the shanks extended one "notch" down.
@@freecycling6687 3039R is a very nice tractor. I hope you also splurged for a cab!
@@AnomadAlaska Thanks. No, I didn't get the cab. It's kept in a garage with a shorter-than-normal door opening, and not much room inside, so I'm sure by now I'd have broken one of the glass panels!
Passed on the backhoe for my 2601 and put the money into attachments. In my case if I ever require a backhoe, I'll just rent a mini-excavator for the job. Enjoyed your video.
Thank you! I just don’t like return because that means I need to plan ahead instead of spontaneously starting a project, LOL.
@@meusatrumtempestas strong logic, you can rent a mini for a lot of days for the add on price of a backhoe. I have a backhoe because I got lucky on the used market, but I use the heck out of it. Partly it's the work I need to do on my property, but a big part is that I love running excavators and go looking for excuses to put it to work. But everybody's situation is different- I know next to nothing about you, but I believe you made the right choice in not getting a backhoe. Me, I've just had good luck on my 2601 and attachments by watching the used market and jumping on good deals when they come across.
I am in the same camp as you. That being said, like the others said - if I had it I probably would use it. However most of what I want to use it for probably requires a bigger one and thus I am back to an Ex.
My story was pretty similar to yours. When we decided to get a tractor I went through pretty much the whole Kubota lineup from smallest to biggest. After months of research I decided that I needed to get the biggest model that I could afford. My neighbor has a JD 1025R that she is more than happy to allow me to borrow for the jobs that smaller would be better. Therefore I wanted something with the weight and the power to easily handle maintaining our neighborhoods private road, a task that I am taking complete responsibility for. With her little tractor it took over six hours to grade the road and it still didn’t do that great a job in our rocky ozark soil. I was dead set on a 3902 for the longest time. Once the time came that our business sale was closing and we were going to have the cash in hand I played around with the builder on the website and realized that I could also afford a L4060LE if I would drop some of the attachments I was planning on financing with it. A big reason I decided to upgrade was the location of the fuel fill. I have a chronic injury to my hips and lumbar spine/sacrum and I really wasn’t looking forward to holding 5 gallon fuel cans above my shoulders. I wasn’t too sure that I was going to feel any benefit to the HST+ transmission but boy oh boy was I wrong. I use those features constantly. It super convenient to be able to switch speeds on the fly without having to stop and change the range on the transmission. This is something I have to do frequently due to the hilly nature of my property and neighborhood. I’ve been running my tractor for about 40 hours so far and have only had to regen once. I keep a quality treatment in the fuel (HSS EDT) and always run it around 2k rpm to keep the exhaust hot enough to passively burn off soot. All that and I’m only on my second tank of fuel. Great tractor and I’d certainly recommend it. If we keep this property for a while longer I’m planning on upgrading to an L6060 with a cab once all the land clearing we want to accomplish is finished.
Sounds like you've made a great decision! I think a lot of us would love to get the biggest tractor we can afford. It's nice to have a little extra oomph for those tough jobs. 😄
In 2001 I bought a 10 year old kubota grand L 3010 with loader from my neighbor. Stored inside and maintained very well. Perfect for my 40 acres.
I have added implements and attachments and converted to SSQA with 3rd function hydraulics. I’ve kept up with all maintenance. Now has 1600 hours on it with almost no costs over routine.
I wish it had a cab. I wish it had a little more HP but it’s been great. I could sell it and not lose a penny.
Hello Ed,
My experience was so similar to yours. I started with the L2501 and it was even on sale for the same price as the B2601 at the time. The L2501 is a LOT more tractor. The rear end is much stronger but like you say, its the lift capacity that limits the B2601. There are several things I would like to lift but cant (100gal diesel tank for example). I too had a lot of experience with tractors including a Ford 8N. I too was heavily influenced by GP Outdoors. I also bought my B2601 in March 2019 and may have even influenced your decision a bit at the time. lol. I chose the smaller B2601 over the L2501 and am very happy with that choice for the following reasons.
1. Garden: rows are 4' apart instead of 5' apart. More rows. More food!
2. I do work in neighborhoods where the L2501 would not fit. Deal breaker
3. Less fuel to operate it
4. Less expensive repairs and maintenance (oil changes)
5. Less expensive attachments
6. I only have 5 acres, if I had 20, it would be the L2501
7. Less space taken up in garage
I could go on.... Yes, your pushing that B2601 to the limits but at least your getting your moneys worth out of it. :)
Great points! I have no issue with the size of the B2601. I think I would be completely happy with it if it had greater PTO horsepower and higher FEL lift capacity.
@@MyClutteredGarage Yes! Just 5hp more on the PTO and 250lbs extra lift would go a long way. :)
I heartily agree with you. I purchased a 1025R and find the same limitations with fork lift capacity. I originally looked at Kioto, Branson, Kubota and John Deere. The only local dealer is JD, so that sort of decided for me. Unit works fine within it's limitations. Problem is my needs have changed like your's and wish I had more power. I'll probably suffer through with what I've got. I bought a package deal for $24K which included front end loader, quick off belly mower, backhoe, brush hog and box blade in 2018. It served me well and gave me the ability to run water, electric septic etc on raw land which actually paid for the unit within 6 months. I added a thumb for the backhoe, a post hold digger and a tiller over time which were all useful. Unit mostly sits now unused as most of the jobs I needed are done. Occasionally, I'll mount the backhoe and dig a hole to bury a deceased pet but rarely use the unit for much else. I got a smaller lawn tractor to cut as it allows more maneuverability around the house and barns. It will be handed down to whoever when I'm gone. It's fully paid for and not a burden to me at all so I don't mind just setting on it.
I get it! I’m going to keep using this tractor for all that it’s worth until I can make some kind of change. Who knows when that will be? You definitely got your moneys worth! Thanks for watching. -Ed
Hey. I feel your pain. I have a 4320 R John Deere and my front loader capacity is the same as yours and the previous JD 32 hp compact tractor I owned. I think now I should have gone to a larger frame with a more robust loader…but more expense.. you can “adjust” your loader capacity which will void your warranty if that is a concern. Mine is out of warranty so not a concern and I would really like more capacity for my front loader. So I may.
Boy Ed, That sounds like my experience also. At the age of 65 and 3 tractors later, I got it. Swore I didn't want a hydro, but a used JD 3520 poppped up at the local dealer, dealer said I think you should come down and look at it. Was I ever glad I did, Love it to this day. Now at 75,still love the machine.
Awesome! I do hope I get it right next time! 😄👍
Kubota and John Deere have lost a little ground to some their competitors due to their higher entry cost. I think John Deere is currently shooting itself in the foot. For what you get for the price, TYM tractors appear to be a good option. Having a dealer within a reasonable driving distance is a high priority. Dealer support is something everyone should consider, before buying a new tractor.
That is definitely something to consider! Thank you!
Morning Ed! Some great advice for folks. Cheers!
Cheers Gord! Thank you!
@@MyClutteredGarage Love you guys lots Ed! Hope everyone is doing better and hey, big Christmas dinner coming soon so you can all get together. ::))
Yes GP ( GP Outdoors ) Is An OUTSTANDING Canadian Orange Tractor Ambassador 👌🧐👍
Gord is the best!
Did the research you talked about. I went with a 2021 Massey Ferguson 2607H, 74hp engine which gives me 64hp at the pto. I only have 4 acers but half of that is wooded and several trees need removal. Now I know if I had gone with a subcompact or compact those tree jobs would take twice to three times as long. Having more time for myself than spending all day on a tractor is important to me. For me a utility tractor was the right choice. Bought it used with only 439hrs and 2 years of warranty still left on it. It's in excellent condition and gives me peace of mind knowing I can attach anything to it and get the job done quickly. No DEF or regen to deal with and paid way less than a new compact. GO BIG and you will never say "I should have bought bigger."" You will put less hours on a bigger tractor which equates to a better resale down the road.
That’s sounds more than sufficient! Love it!
I own 38 acres and have two tractors, a MF 2606H and a Kubota B2601. The little Kubota is the Swiss Army Knife on my property. We now the yard, till the garden and spread fertilizer and seed. The MF handles the field and heavy work.
If you don’t use a backhoe a lot it’s probably cheaper to rent a mini-x when you need one once a year.
We got an L3560HSTC cab model back in 2020 and love it. LA 805 loader, snow blower, grapple, 3rd function, forks, BTR, rear blade, grader scraper for our 40 acre property.
That's a great setup you have!
I found your channel after buying the same tractor and getting sucked into the same 0% financing deal - LOL. It is fantastic for most of my needs. Especially a 6 foot rear finish mower. It can't do big tractor things. But you can sneak around where you'd be a bull in a china shop with something big. I barely notice regen on my excavator.
Awesome! Thanks!
All great advice. It sounds like most of us have had the same experience as far as doing our research. For us, my son did the most research and came up with the B2650. We did think about the future and had a front remote installed by the dealer and sure enough, the following year we bought a grapple. We also ordered a land plane, pallet forks, and a roto tiller when we bought the tractor because Kubota had 8 years/zero interest deal at the time. My son has since purchased a stump bucket and a garden bedder, and I bought a 60" snowblower for the three point. The least used attachment that my son insisted we get were the pallet forks, but when you need them, they are invaluable.
A backhoe (in my opinion) is the most expensive and overrated option unless you will be using it regularly, as I can rent a mini excavator for a day or two and never get close to the 8k extra I'd have paid.
Great points! I think the B2650 was phasing out when I bought my B2601. I felt like the salesman kind of steered me away from it. I think it’s a great tractor!
@@MyClutteredGarage The B2650 is now the LX2610(20). Used B2650's are out there for a good price point. They are nice machines!
Great video !!! I was all set on the b2601 and the owner of the Kubota dealership took a Saturday after it closed to look at tractors since I worked a lot and actually up sold it a LX2610SU for $1000 more than the B2601. I’m glad he did but I did buy a bx1880 for all my lawn operations. The b would not fit the bill due ti them being so different in application needs. Great video !!!
That is awesome! Thank you!
Very informative video..
I’m on my second tractor in eight years. I bought both my mahindra max 26 xl because of the size of the machine and for the sole reason was kabota did not offer a geared tractor the size of my mahindra. My preference is I do not like a hydrostatic transmission tractor, some folks do but I don’t. I have acquired various attachments through out the years but it came time that I needed a backhoe. I still work in the outside world so to speak and I don’t have the option of renting a backhoe and to be able to keep that backhoe for a weekend project then return it at the end of the weekend. I generally work six days a week long story short, I traded my 2015 mahindra max 26 for a 2023 with a backhoe attachment. It economically made sense to be because I have attachments already fitted to the mahindra. We have a seven acre small farm that we grow a large garden and raise chickens and hogs. I agree with you on looking to the future on what you are trying to accomplish with your tractor and if you can afford it ( how can I say this) buy for the future. My reasoning for trading my 2015 for my 2023 is I wasn’t going to spend 8 k on a backhoe to put on a seven year old tractor that was out of warranty. At some point I’d like to get into the 30 hp range but my budget keeps me where I’m at
That’s all very logical and makes perfect sense. 👍
Stumbled across your channel last week and I’m so glad I did. The timing of this video was perfect for me. Extremely informative and gave me a lot of things to think about. I plan on buying a tractor in the early spring and just starting to do my research. Great video!!
@@terryholmes5820 Awesome. Good luck!
I bought my TYM T474 HST Cab after researching my needs to death, also defining future needs. I have not really found that I need a bigger tractor almost 5 years later. I now have 556h without any worries. I like the low tech mechanical injected engine, and 2152# lift capacity at the pins. Hope you find your dream tractor soon Ed.
Sounds perfect to me! Thanks!
B2601 owner here mine was purchased to mow lawn, it has turf tires and 60" MMM deck. We have less that an acre of land I first looked at the BX1880 my wife said no too small watching GP channel with what he could do she said yes to B2601 thus I call it her tractor :) I will be retired January 1st so no warehouse grounds keeping for work next spring , deck will likely never go back on I still have the Cub Cadet rider for our place lol. Our neighbor bought the L2501 about same time we got our B , he has low land its too heavy my B has more hrs. on his property than his L cutting wood lol. The B with turfs floats where his makes ruts.
There’s always a balance to consider, right? Congrats on retirement! It also sounds like you’re a very smart wife 👍😄
I researched buying a tractor for over seven years. I looked at my current needs, and what my needs would be 10, 15 years down the road. I also looked at dollars per horsepower and I discovered that ratio drops significantly when you jump up to the utility class tractor. My home property is 2 acres, but the family estate is 40 acres with about 15 tillable. Ultimately, I opted for the Kubota M5660 with the LA1154 loader. Never once have I ever found that I couldn't do a job because of a lack of horsepower. No regrets whatsoever.
Very nice!
I'm glad I decided to get the B2601 instead of the BX series thanks to all your videos (and others including GP Outdoors). No regrets.. Thank you!
Great to hear! Thank you!
To me, a large frame compact is the best tractor for just about any size property. I'm in the market for a larger HP tractor, but I don't necessarily need a larger frame because of the places in between trees that I need to maintain. Most large frame compacts top out at 40hp which is not enough for heavy mowing and forestry mulching. The Kubota L-series is the best all around tractor IMO, but the highest HP is 38 and I have that....not sure what I'm gonna buy next. Tractor Hard, Ed!
I agree! I’ll be watching, Brad 👍😄
Kubota MX
An L6060 is 60 and 53hp.
Great PSFTOA 👍
Public Service Future Tractor Owners Announcement
We all look back after owning a tractor for awhile and knowing what I know now what I would have changed when I bought mine
The biggest thing my wife and I both agree on is that I DID NOT LISTEN TO HER and I bought the tractor against her wishes 😅
We both now see the value of owning a tractor especially when you have a lot of property
So many things we have done with a tractor that we never would have attempted before
Have a Great Week !
Phil for the win! 🤣
Excellent points. One needs to look at current needs and future NEEDS that may need to be accomplished. I sold my JD 2007 4720 that I purchased new and purchased a JD3046 w/cab. We live in WI and I wanted a cab with a midpoint tractor to blow snow, since I had struggled with a blade, pusher, and 3pt blower etc. in the past. With the blower much like spreading manure without a cab you are going to get some on you no matter what in an open cab, and also at 80 I don't enjoy the cold I purchased my JD 3046 at 0% interest. I sold my JD 4720 for MANY MANY thousands of dollars more than my purchase price of it 15 yrs ago, maybe because it was in perfect shape or was green...don't know. So far the 3046 has been great, everything is good for what I do....and it REALLY maneuvers in a very tight fashion. It handles my 4 way bucket, rototiller, 6' mower etc. etc. etc, and the dealer is local. For me it was the right choice....although it took me 25 yrs. and 6 tractors to get to the right one for me. Thanks, Bob
It's great to hear you found the right tractor for you, Bob! I’m 56 years old and don’t like the cold!
I agree with you. I bought a B2601 and it was the first tractor I ever owned. Since then I’ve added a chipper (same one you got) and I’m starting to realize that it would be great to have higher pto hp for some of the attachments. I looked at the LX3520 and the LX 4020 which both provide significantly moor pto power but they are very expensive so I guess I’m staying with the B2601 for now.
I get it! You’re making the most of your setup. 👍
One item you didn’t mention or perhaps I missed it; is to consider if you ever intend on trailering it, and if you have a vehicle capable of safely towing it.
I think that ought to be a thought as well. Otherwise, you nailed it. A lot to chew on when making a purchase
Great point! Thank you!
I bought an LX2610 after watching *a TH-camr*.... (Something about a messy garage). The LX has the next level up Loader (535) and I have still maxed it out trying to lift big logs.
The LX was not an option when I bought my B series, otherwise I may have considered it. I’ll have to leapfrog over that one for my next one! Thank you! 👍😄
February of 23 I bought a BX23S with the backhoe front end loader ,quick attach and ssqa ,the scraper a thumb for forks backhoe and tiller. I added a rake first and then I added the 5 ft mower both bought at TSC.
It's back at the dealer right now to get the third function kit installed and the purchase of a gravel. I have 460 hours on a tractor that was brought brand new. I researched pretty good but did not think I would need the mower or the quick attach grapple found out that I wasn't going to just own 5 acres I increased my land another 5 acres and now I have 10 to deal with and I needed to clear it pick up some debris left by the previous owner you needs change got to be flexible and got to have good credit praise God it was available to me. Ask you guys to be safe out there and thank you for this great post that you provided always giving good content Y'all have Merry Christmas
That sounds like a great setup and you're making good use of it! Thank you and merry Christmas to you!
Great video! I’ve just lived this myself. Hours of research, phone calls, and trips to try and make a good decision. But still I second guessed myself. You gotta educate yourself before making these decisions! I hope people will learn from this.
You're absolutely right. You have to do your homework and sometimes you're still going to have doubts! Thanks!
I agree to an extent about anticipating future needs, but equally it’s easy to fall into a trap of continually upgrading what you think you need in your mind. I have the same tractor as you, and bought thanks to watching a lot of yours and others like yours videos, I have 10 acres. I can truthfully say having had it for 3 years I still have wouldn’t chose another model, it offers the perfect hybrid for being able to fit into our fenced gardens and also using the bush Hogg for clearing brush and moving horse manure with the loader.
I think you can imagine up a lot of future uses that you just won’t do, or if you do, it’s for a one off project that you can hire something specialist for. Get a tractor that fulfills your needs for 90% of the work that you use it for day to day. Otherwise, the cost and size of tractor you could envisage could go up exponentially. It’s fair to also say if you do change circumstances, just change your machine at that point. It doesn’t mean in hindsight it wasn’t the right fit at that time.
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you have found the perfect fit for you and are happy with the tractor. It really does nearly everything I ask of it!
Good advice Ed!
I went Kioti for a lot of reasons, and like you, I have no regrets but I do wish I’d had a better understanding of lift capacity.
Even with what I can’t lift….if I have to break a single pallet of pavers to two pallets…it’s STILL, better than how I was having to move things before I had the tractor.
I tell everyone I talk to who are looking into a tractor…buy the backhoe!! Most don’t and wish they had. Yes, I had to wait a little while for some other attachments, but it was a survivable suffering…because I had the back hoe.
The only upgrade I’ll never consider, is a cab.
If folks want a cab for heating and a/c and stereo…have at it….i hope to never get that soft. At 65, I bought ski goggles….it is nice not dealing with frozen eye balls from the snow blowing back in your face. I don’t have a snowblower either….the FEL does the job quite well.
I found a lot of truth and wisdom in the old expression; find the tractor you need now, and buy one size up!
I bought mine cash and the only benefit really…was the peace of mind for me…that I own it! I never have to worry about making a payment.
Thanks Keith. You make some really great points. I’m certainly hearing different opinions about the backhoe. Some so don’t waste your money while others say don’t buy a tractor without one!
With 24 acres (mostly wooded) the B2601 has really worked out perfectly for what I'm using it for. MCG & GP Outdoors were a
big help in deciding what features (3rd function, quik-attach) & implements we were going to need. The Kubota dealer was helpful & said he was impressed with the amount of research I did too. Heck, I couldn't even get a salesman at that green & yellow store to walk their lot with me to discuss their products etc.
Sounds like you did your homework! Your property is similar to ours. Although we have 33 acres, we only have three or four that are clear.
Good video
I went with 35 hp New Holland a bit overkill for my property but it was a hindsight good move it does everything I have asked it to do.
Thank you! If it works for you, it’s not overkill!
Great points. I went with the B2650 model. Only having 2 acres I wanted something the size that would work in small areas.
I went with the cab. I blow 16 driveways in the winter. Winds off lake huron. Many years of snow down my neck with the open tractor. I also on a peninsula. All rocks and stumps. So a backhoe I needed also. The Kubota back hoe is so easy to use and remove and install. I also have the 19HP take off. It runs my chipper that same as yours with no issues. Never stalled the tractor with it. My lift is 1260 at the pins. I also wish it had more. I can lift my totes with it full of wood though. Having other tractors from Pony to Fordson mayor and a Chinese tractor which I had for 16 years. This B2650 suits me the best. I also have a BX model. So I am a Kubota man now . Good of you to point out the issues for new buyers . It should help
Wow, you definitely NEED a cab! Thanks for sharing!
I was looking for a new tractor, 'bout 4 years ago. I had a John Deere Model 855, which did me well at that point, but I really, really needed an FEL, and I had an inheritance, so... From neighbours, I had recommendations for the Kubota, and a local dealer. I have 27 acres, most of which is bush, so I knew I'd be doing a lot of bush-work, including the use of a chipper and a stump grinder. When I went into the dealer, I thought I'd want a Kubota L series for the greater HP, but the salesman took me out to the yard, showed me the comparative sizes, and asked, "which of these do you want to be maneuvering on the trails in your bush?" I went with the B2601, and haven't regretted it at all. When I'm cutting new trails in my bush, I'm really glad to have the quick attach to take off the FEL and enhance my maneuverability. The lesser HP at the PTO doesn't bother me at all using my chipper and stump grinder (Woodland Mills, same as you); I'm retired, so if it takes me another half-hour to chip the branches of that ash tree that I just took down (curse you emerald ash borer!!!), so what?
So - "get the biggest you can afford" doesn't work for me. I've gone with "get the tractor that suits your needs," and that's just fine
“Gee, I wish I bought a smaller tractor”, said no human being ever. So many guys buy a tractor based on their budget and immediately realize they need a bigger tractor. Go to your Deere or Kubota dealer and tell him what you want and when a low hour trade in comes in to call you. I got my Deere 5 series tractor with only 75 hours at a very nice discount to new and it was essentially a new machine. But, I wish I bought a bigger tractor.
Thanks Ed, as usual, good information. I bought my first Kubota because a friend was a dealer. I got a small BX which I quickly realized was too small. Couple years later and I got the B2650 which I love (got the backhoe attachment too). Thanks again.
Very nice! Great choice too. Thanks!
One option to solve your issue with not being able to lift your IBC totes is to get forks for your 3 point. I see you pull your splitter around as well, but if you came back with forks on your 3 point you may have a better chance of lifting that firewood tote. I don't know the capacities of you tractor's 3 point, but generally they are higher than the loader lift capacity. Plus they close to the tractor giving more lifting strength. Something to consider to solve that one shortcoming of your current tractor.
You’re 100% spot on! The 3 point has a much higher lift capacity. Thanks!
Ed, your point that you made about consider your tractor needs now and in the future, drives home the entire premise of this vid for me. You made a great informed decision to buy the 2601 when you had the 4 acres in 2019. I knew when you were trying to pick up those 1/3 chord totes with the forks and when you strapped on the mulcher implement on the pto, your game has changed with all the acres you have with your new homestead. Give Lucas a call and see how he likes his new TYM. That thing has no lift issues on the front end loader and enough pto hp to run that mulcher with out it slowing down much. I agree the next one (tractor)you need the back hoe attachment, it really is a staple.
Thank you! Yes, Lucas really stepped up in size. I’m sure he’s very happy.
Many of us have had to buy more than once to figure out which tractor we really need. Not only do we get a much better picture of what to expect out of a tractor but we also get a better idea of what size of tractor will meet our needs.
My first new tractor was a John Deere 2025R which is a little smaller than your B2601 and found it wasn't as capable as I needed so I moved up to a 3032E which was the biggest tractor that i could afford and I've been really happy with it.
Very nice!
Good intell. Always good to go 25% bigger than you think
This video had a lot of very well worded insight. Your tractor has served you well and who knew you were gonna make the change in the amount of land you would be working. Somebody made a good point once about you will be happy with the tractor you purchase, but that does not mean that the tractor you purchase Will be the best choice for you five, ten, or fifteen years later. It is exciting to see what your next steps will be.
I appreciate your comment! You are absolutely right.
One major concern is the dealer support. We have a New Holland dealer 6 miles from us and I walked in and couldn’t get the time of day from them even though I was ready to buy! One big thing I had with Kubota was the treadle pedal and that was a deal breaker for me…I wish there were more options to buy😢. Overall, I’m happy with my 3 series John Deere, but wish I would have listened to the dealer and gotten the higher HP for those implements like you talked about - chippers, grinders. Good info for sure!
I agree that dealer support is important! My local Kabota dealer is just a couple miles away.
We bought a Kubota MX5200 in 2021. It was the time of vicious lockdowns. We bought this tractor because it was the only tractor we could find.
Yes it’s nice to see tractors on the lots again! Are you happy with it?
@ yes. It’s a good tractor. Strong and can lift a lot. When mowing I usually take the loader off. With it off the tractor is a lot smaller and feels like a compact tractor. I would one day like to get a Kubota B series tractor if funds permit, which they probably will not.
I think we all make our initial purchase and then later upgrade. I started out with a tractor that was way small for what I wanted to do. I upgraded and got a larger tractor with an FEL and 4x4. I ended up with a Mahindra 2816. It served me well for 10 years. The Mahindra dealer stopped carrying so local service wasn’t available.
I finally upgraded to a Kubota L3560LE with a cab. Going with the “LE” package saved me a bunch $$ upfront. Neil Messick did an episode about the LE and showed how simple and inexpensive it is to buy the switches and other components to upgrade your limited tractor into a full feature Grand L.
Nice!
Very good advice . Will be using it when I go to get one in the spring .
I had a Lseries 4700 (heavy tractor and plenty of HP) I sold it an bought a L3560. Love the 3560 has good lift capacity and is Very nimble tractor. Love the Vid an what the odds Im drinking my coffee this morning out of my GP outdoors tumbler.
Ha! Very nice!
Sir a Backhoe Is THE BEST Tool To Have 👍😇💪
Unless you can afford an excavator - LOL
Gotta get that thumb too! basically have a bionic arm you can do so much!
Thanks Ed.
For Me it was mostly the Dealer. I have 2 Big farm Implement Dealers within 5 Miles of Me
(A lot closer before the Fire) The Kioti Dealer had been doing Business with Our shop for many years.
The other was a Kubota. And my long legs and big Feet do not work well with the Treadle Pedal .
I was set on getting the 35hp CK3510 but then after the fire had to go larger due to the Heavy stuff I needed to move. the DK will lift 2500.. and I got the biggest Back Hoe due the digging I've done and still have to do.
And open station due to being in the woods... Oh, and I got the Hydraulic shuttle shift. No Tranny whine just the sound of the Engine....
Mike M.
Nice! I haven’t used the shuttle but I know folks really like it. I hope all is good in the end for you!
I wonder if that first tractor is like a starter home. Figure things out, get settled, decide what you really want and then go get that bigger house (tractor). I have a B2601 based on similar research. I only have a snow blower (rear), grapple and front loader so far. Been happy. Thanks for your honest and insightful content!
Great comparison!
Good Video! Research was a fun part of getting a tractor. I used TH-cam (thanks GP) friends (thanks RM) and dealer (thanks BL). More power is always the dream once you get experience on your purchase.
Haha! You’re not alone!
Thank You!
For sharing your experience with me, I appreciated the information.
I am currently where you were, doing as much research as I can. And actually the 2601 is one model I was looking at, and kind of liked.
Thanks again,
Be Well, Be Strong
It’s a great choice if it fits your needs! Thanks!
I would suggest renting a backhoe/excavator, at least a few times before purchasing one, particularly for the back of your farm tractor. When you find out how useful they are, you might decide you want an excavator instead of a tractor attachment.
Pull and clean/grease the pins on the quick attach loader with oil change.
Loaders have to come off for some maintenance, and the pins get seized if never pulled.
The tech then has to cut to get it off.
The small Kubota seems to have met your needs at your other property. A bit small for your current property (and attachments). The L2502 I have has been fine for me. Would I like to have a bit more lift capacity at times? Sure, but it is a tiny fraction of what I need my tractor for. More horses also means more expensive attachments and a heavier footprint to haul around or drive over wet areas. I have areas that I have to take the loader off in order to bush hog in our wet seasons to take the weight off the front wheels so that I don't rut things up. A larger tractor also means more fuel consumption. Many factors to consider.
Great points! I do like the footprint of the B2601.
Great video! Should be very helpful to first time tractor buyers, as well as those looking to replace/upgrade a tractor as their needs change.
I appreciate it!
I had an l 2501. 275 gallon IBC tote with green red oak stacked tightly and level with the top, 1/3 of a cord. Tractor would barely lift it off of the ground.
I consider the standard l series from Kubota the minimum frame size to put some real power to the ground for getting real work done.
But I upgraded to the grand l 4060, which is a lot more weight and a lot more power. Lifts those IBC totes without any trouble now, except when they are Frozen to the ground. Lol
Haha! Very nice!
Wonderful video Ed. As a longtime subscriber I would recommend a solar powered rearview camera/monitor. It would greatly reduce your neck strain when using the Baumalight and the stump grinder. Available on Amazon at a very reasonable price. Like you I was looking at a backhoe attachment, but ended up buying a used mini excavator. With hydraulic thumb you can hold logs up and cut them easily. I do have a grapple but use the excavator more often when dealing with logs. Kind Regards. Craig
Thanks Craig. I have an RV back up camera but haven’t installed it. Yes, I know I’d love a dedicated mini ex. Most I see are around $20k (in decent condition). I’ve been wondering if those cheap $5k Chinese mini excavators might do as well as a backhoe attachment?
I looked at the B and BX series and thought I shouget something bigger. I looked at the L series, and I thought they were too big. I settled on the LX series and decided to go over that dreaded 25hp, so i bought the LX3520. Has great hp, nice comfort and ease of use bells and whistles. My thoughts. Good luck in your search.
Nice. How’s the regen?
Great Video Ed. I am only on 5.5 acres and bought a used B2650 with a cab, mid mower, front end loader and pallet forks. I also love my tractor, but just as you mentioned, I was disappointed more than once with its 1,150 lift capacity when trying to lift a fallen tree to waist height so I could use my chain saw on it. I didn’t think the tree was that big or heavy. It was maybe 20 ft long and 15-20 inches across and the tractor would not lift it from the middle, so I ended up having to just lift the end of the tree and saw it in increments of 3-4 feet. I also do not use the 60” mid mount mower because we have a zero turn that is much more efficient. I do love the heated and air conditioned cab BUT that too has its limitations when going near low branches.
I guess what I am saying is like, you, I wish I had gotten a little more horse power and lift capacity. Love your channel and content. Happy Holidays
Awesome! There are pros and cons to all of them! TCB!
Get a pole saw and please learn how to do proper pruning cuts, if you don't already know. The trees will thank you. And That cab will fit just fine in new places. I have rearranged all my mirrors, lights, and SMV sign several times.
Good information, covered all the bases. Am a firm believer of buying a little bigger than you think you need.
Quality of the dealership is a big factor to me. Equipment dealers, like everything else, are not the quality they were 20 years ago.
Still have every tractor purchased new since the first a John Deere, model 70 in 1953. Two more John Deere tractors, a 730 and a 4020. Purchased a Kubota about 15 years ago, about 21 HP, so nice to have a small tractor with the loader, front mounted snowblower, etc. At age 83, I have made good use of every tractor purchased.
@ wow that’s so fun that you still have them all! Thanks for sharing. Cheers to good health!
Where the heck was this video a year and a half ago???? Your videos helped me decide to buy the B2601! LOL. That being said, I understand your comments entirely. But in my case, its not a problem and I actually considered most of what your discussed. If nothing else, I cannot afford those attachments that require the high horsepower, but also I have a small property to manage so anything more would have been too much. I am glad I didn't get a BX though. Good video though - I enjoyed your candid comments/opinions.
Haha! The B2601 is a great tractor!
At this point considering things are in flux...I think it is a time to live with what you got until the wind blows and we can see the direction. Luckily for me my 2501 has worked perfectly on my 13 acres. Interesting that you use the tiller...I used mine twice. And I use the finish mower all the grass growing season.
I’m not rushing into anything. We are still trying to figure things out after buying the farm and losing my job last year. We have a little debt PTSD, which is probably a good thing. 😄👍
Had Kubota for a few years and wore out the snowblower and broom , but the new equipment did not work on my Kubota because they changed the frame up so had to get a new tractor. Not happy with Kubota on that one and after using it for a bit hated the attachments. They are better now, but decided to look at JD and glad I did. It cost less and everything about it is as good or better. The JD has great attachments, is more comfortable and more refined than the Kubota and also has stronger hydraulics. Kubota makes a quality tractor, but I like my JD better.
Great information and advice. It would be worth looking for a secondhand backhoe, even one that looks like it was dragged out of a swamp is better than not having one
@@GardenTractorBoy that is true!
You can get a rear lift forklift.
To add horsepower you might be able to find a flywheel. This can give enough energy to chip the brush.
Good morning Ed, it is going to be fun to see what you end up with and what tractors will be in the running before you take the leap 👍
Well, for now, I’ll keep pushing the little B2601 to its limits!
@MyClutteredGarage me too! The size is perfect for us but I could use a little more loader capacity.
Yes Sir VEry Good Tip Do A Very Good Analyst of Real Needs and Demand and Talk to your tractor sell person about it 🧐👍👍
Sir Ed, can you tell that I saw All Your OUTSTANDING video 😇🧐👍
Love my Kubota L3940 financed 15 years ago in Wyoming. Enclosed cab, heated/Ac everything I needed as I am now 80 years old and can still plow my drive, pick up round bales, and move manure.
Sounds perfect to me!
All great points Ed.
I shied away from Mahindra because there simply wasn’t enough history of them for me when I bought my Kubota L2501.
Mahindra was going to be in the ball park money wise but offered more lift capacity and a flat floor without the famous Kubota hump.
They offered a better seat with arm rests
Although I have been more than happy with my Kubota, if doing it all over, there may have been a different tractor featured in my videos.
Full watch Ed
Thanks, Gary! I should’ve mentioned that there is a Kubota dealer and a John Deere dealer just a few miles away. That was also a factor! Besides, if you bought a Mahindra, I probably would not have found your channel 🤣
It’s not really a big mistake. You got the tractor that met your needs at the time. Everyone who has a tractor finds its limit and wishes for a little more sometimes… I find the limits on my Ford all the time, and it is about the same size as the L2501 (with a bit more power). That size compact tractor is extremely popular, and for good reason! When my grandfather bought the Ford 1700 in 1982, it was a massive upgrade over the 9N, having 4wd and a loader. Of course, he found its limits, and I even more so as I’ve gotten into manipulating bigger logs. Still, I’m happy to have it and I adapt tasks to a machine that’s a bit too small when I need to.
Yes, I feel like we would find the limits of every machine! No matter the size!
You're absolutely right. The B series is a great workhorse!
Thank you for such an informative video. I am planning on buying a property in the very near future. A tractor is absolutely going to be a necessity your information is helping me out a great deal.
Awesome! I hope you find the right tractor for your needs. Thank you.
Great advice Ed.. I would also buy a tractor if I had it to do over.
I ran into the same issues with my Kubota B2710 that I bought used 20 years ago. I ended up getting a TYM 4215CH this year for the extra PTO HP and lift capacity. The cab is nice too. I still use my Kubota as well.
Two tractors are always better than one! 😄
Good points! I found out that my B2601 loader does not lift high enough to reach my trucks lumber rack. Major bummer!
Oh yeah! Lift height can be an issue too!
The wild card you have to remember is that you bought for a 4 acre property and at the time you likely had no idea you would be on a property 10 times the size. Had you not moved how many of those attachments would you never would have purchased? If anything, perhaps it is time to buy bigger, then again are you going to be planting, grazing and harvesting in 5 years? Now there’s a whole new train of thought. It’s all relative at the time my friend.
Great points, David! The brush mulcher is probably the only thing I would not have added. I had the wood chipper before and would have still likely started processing some firewood. So PTO horsepower and FEL lift capacity would still have been important to me. But you’re right, now there’s more to think about!
Hey Ed. You've gone and made me want a farm and tractor for Christmas. Great work 😂
Thanks Phil. I’ll sell you the whole deal! 🤣
If only we were 45 years younger. 🤔
“It's like déjà vu all over again” -Babe Ruth
This a great video. Well done. I bought a 12 acre property which had a very well used or worn out New Holland 54 hp with a front end loader. I quickly realized I should not have included it into the purchase because it was much too big and couldn’t maneuver around all the trees on the property. I went to JD and asked for a 3046 which was the right hp and size but it wasn’t available for 6 months since it was September of 2020 and everyone wanted a tractor. I took delivery of a 2038R which had a slightly smaller footprint but nearly the same hp. I got $14,000 trade in on the NH so it was happy. This tractor has been perfect for all my needs and I’ve added implements as needed but not because I thought I might need them. 17:18 So I really appreciate your candor about not really using stuff that you thought were useful. Take your time and think about it. And as you say check out the TH-cam channels and ask your friends who own similar sized properties with tractors. Roll the dice and be happy no matter what. Thanks
I’m glad you found the right tractor for you and your property! I appreciate your comments.
Bought B2601 in 19 also been great ,have 2 acres, have a grapple and stump grinder, can't say that i need anything bigger
Sounds perfect! Definitely a great choice for your needs!
Excellent honest video. I agree with you 100%. I looked at a Kubota L3900 with a loader and ended up getting a Kubota MX5400 with a loader, backhoe, back blade and 3rd function. I previously had a 1950 Ford 8N. The Kubota was a huge step up and I don’t regret it one bit. I’m going to buy a tiller, pallet forks and a grapple in the spring. Definitely go bigger you won’t regret it.
That sounds like a great setup for your property! No regrets!
I have a B2601 and my observations mostly mirror yours. I have 33 acres as well. I got the backhoe and I found that with the B2601 hydraulic system it's a bit herky-jerky making it difficult to do smooth movements. It's functional but not the best solution. I now end up using it about once per year. Did I need to spend all of that money? Probably not considering how poor the performance of the backhoe is. I tend to use the stump bucket for my shallow interceptor drainage ditches that I tend to build a lot. One observation that I have that you skipped was hydraulic pump capacity. The small capacity of the B2601 has prevented me from purchasing a couple of options that I could really use like the limb saw and something else that I can't remember right now. I'm also not a big fan of using a diverter valve for the 3rd function as it prevents you from using all three hydraulic flows at the same time. For example, if you have the grapple on and your opening or closing the grapple, you can't curl you bucket until you finish grabbing whatever your trying to move. A true 3rd function would work way better.
Great points! Yeah the backhoe would be nice, but I have wondered how useful it would actually be. Kind of curious about those cheap Chinese mini excavators. Maybe they are just as useful.
Always get a tractor bigger than you need.! If the dealer says get a JD 2 series id go with a 3 series.! And i absolutely do not regret it.! Second thing if your older a cab is worth it in "my" opinion.! You better think hard on the cab.! Winter is hard on older people.! 🤔
I agree that the rubber floor mat is more of a pain in the butt than its worth. I also bought the auxiliary light kit which is pretty lame, plus the fact that the dealer installed it on the flasher circuit so when the flashers are active they blink 🤦♂️. Otherwise its been a great tractor. I wish it did have more lift capacity.
Yes Implements and attachment are very nice 👍🧐👌
Good info
I also feel like a lot has changed in those 5 yrs.
Things certainly have changed a lot!
Never too late to upgrade to what you need
I still have my older tractors but wish I had a front loader I just make the best with what I have. But I do like Kubota.
I think a front end loader increases a tractors usefulness tenfold!
I bought a Kubota L2502 and I'm very happy with it. NEVER buy a tractor without a front end loader. We have 50 acres. My limitation was my accountant(wife) ,lol 😂😂. I wish I had gotten the 20ft trailer and a new rotory cutter at the time of the sale. My rotory cutter is showing it's age the more I use it.
That’s great that the L2502 first your needs! My wife is the director of finance here too, but she’s also a dreamer. 😄👍
Bought a lightly used B2601 2 years ago with a backhoe on it for a pretty good price. No regrets, definitely use the backhoe a lot, but I knew that I would when I was shopping. Super glad I got it.
Good topic, though a little difficult to grab onto- trying to advise folks that they need to know what they don't know yet.
You're right, it's tough to know what you don't know! I wish I had known what I know now. But everyone’s situation and needs are different so it’s tough to advise.
Good job and good points, I think many go with the 25 hp tractors because of the stupid def and all the other emission requirements. There area some HD 25 like Kori that have 1280 lift capacity. The main point I feel you were right on was the PTO horsepower, chipper, etc really would do better with more hp.
Thanks much!
Excellent video Ed, GP is a great resource for tractor knowledge. I talked to him prior to buying the LX. There’s things I’d change with this one too. Always fun to chat with the other creators. Cheers hope to see you Monday. 🚜🇨🇦🇺🇸👍🏼🍻😎
Very nice, Mark! Hope you’re doing well!
Great video. I did the same thing this year. About 3 months ago I got stuck in the analysis paralysis phase. We have 8 acres but I needed a tractor. I researched it into the ground. I stayed away from Deere for personal reasons but really looked hard and visited a few Kubota dealerships. I ended up with a Mahindra 1640 HST with a cab. I really liked that I was able to get a 40hp tractor without the dreaded regen function. Mahindra has made that (Mitsubishi) 4 cylinder engine that doesn’t require it etc Anyhoo, I ended up getting the backhoe, 5 ft box blade, 9” auger, loader, pallet forks and a root ripper grapple and third function for just around $50k I have tested the loader capacity that’s advertised around 1,800lbs and I’m happy with it. I have a dealer close by and honestly the Kubota that I was looking at was WAY more expensive. I’ll drop you a line a few years down the line and we’ll see how it reports out. That’s a mighty fine rig you have there and it shows on your property.
I think you made a great choice! Mahindra is a quality tractor, and I love the “no-regen” design! Congrats!
Just found your site and everything you said is true! I have a pre-regen L3200 and I love it, but if I could go back and do it again, I would likely make different choices. I just bought a set of shims ($1.59 Cdn from the dealer) to increase my lift capacity for the firewood bundles. I'm also not getting any younger so looking backwards to plow the driveway is getting as old as I am! Forward remotes to add a blower and a grapple would be high on my list of things to have. And yes, I have liked and subscribed. 🙂
Thanks so much! I guess I should consider my “future self” too.
There's no substitute for real world experience. Having access, either directly (a good dealer or neighbor) or through content providers (such as yourself), to folks who have "been there, done that" can avert the miss-steps that come with growing into the world that is opened up by the homesteading experience. The choices out there are many, and that's a good thing, but it also makes it a difficult decision making process.
You are so right! The only prerequisite for experience is experience! Thank you! -Ed