Thank you everyone!… From a new tractor owner. (B2601)

[Jazamei]

So, after reading through a myriad of comments from the members out here, and learning from their experience and wisdom, I decided to pull the trigger on a B2601.
Also with the help of the forums, I decided to get the following implements:
Backhoe (BH 70)
Pallet Forks
Tiller (RTA 1250)
Boxblade (BB 1560)
Grapple (SGC 0660)

I am a new tractor owner so it’s going to be an interesting summer as I learn how everything works.

I don't have much land… so I probably went overboard with everything and I do admit that I got a touch of implement-itis and I had to reel myself in a bit.

The tractor gets delivered next week and I just wanted to thank everyone who takes the time to post and comment on everybody’s questions. It really does help newbies like myself!

That said, are there any suggestions as to how a new tractor owner should go about learning everything? And is there anything that I should not be doing?

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Congratulations! The best time EVER is the day the new tractor shows up. Good times.

My advice to a tractor newbie is to 'take it slow'.

And, since you also got a backhoe with it, that is a whole different learning and fun experience.

As my SIL used to say; "Oh, Happy Day"!

Be safe. Watch your overhang in turns.

Eric

My family always say a prayer over a serious new machine.

 

[PaulL]

You must be super happy. Pictures when it arrives.

I bought my B2601 knowing I can get a backhoe later, which is one good reason to go B v's BX. I've never got one, and only had a few times where I would have used one. I don't really have somewhere to store one either.

My best advice is to remember that you can tip a tractor over on flat ground if you're not careful. They can lift way more than they can safely move. Keep your load low - never drive with the bucket high in the air, even empty. Also remember that the front wheels contribute no stability - they're on a pivot. If the back wheels are not solidly planted, it's very easy to tip. This is one of the reasons you ballast the rear when using the loader. If your rear wheels are light, be doubly (or triply) careful when turning, and definitely don't drive on hills with the rear wheels light.

My second best advice is that a small tractor is still a tractor. And tractors are stronger than anything you might drive them into. Fence posts, landscaping, the side of your house. I've hit all those. And had to fix them. Never any damage on the tractor (or at least not serious damage), but a 5 minute job turns into a 2 hour job when you have to fix the things you broke. Go slow when near things, and remember the back and the front both stick out, you have to watch both of them whenever you're moving.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

That said, are there any suggestions as to how a new tractor owner should go about learning everything? And is there anything that I should not be doing?

I would start with the Kubota operators manual. And then read here in the forum. Plenty advice on what to do and what to avoid

 

[RMS]

When it's delivered, make sure the the driver goes through all of the functions with you. Also have him show you how to disconnect/reconnect the hydraulic hoses. Have them walk you through taking the loader/backhoe on/off, how to check oil, location of grease fittings, how to clean air filter & radiator.
Some of this seems simple, but when everything is new it can be frustrating to figure out and looking up in the owners manual (which you should read through).

Good luck with your new machine and enjoy!

 

[matt-m]

Congrats on the purchase! Mine has enabled getting after all kinds of projects on our property. But it's not hard to take the little B to its limits, so be careful. Ballast is a must. I've got a three point ballast box and filled rear tires that greatly improve stability / usability of the front end loader. I fabed up bracket on the front to take three 70# suitcase weights for whenever I'm doing anything serious off the 3 pnt (flail mower, wood chipper, box blade, land plane, watering rig). I've got a bit of a grade in spots so also did rear wheel spacers.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Oh, one thing: when you have stones in the loader, do not lift it too high, or tilt the bucket down a bit while lifting. A friend of mine had a big rock fall out and dented the bonnet of his brand new tractor. Reading in the forum here this does not seem such a rare event

 

[Bearcatrp]

As mentioned above, read the manual. All of it. Then read it again. Pay attention to the maintenance schedule. Also mentioned above, take it slow until you get more experience. When using the loader, always keep it low to the ground when moving. When loading the bucket, be on level ground or real close to it. After reading here about folks tipping over there tractor, am very cautious when using the loader, keeping it slow and close to the ground when moving. IF you ever tip it, shut off immediately and don’t try to start it after you get it upright. Good luck and enjoy your new tractor. Don’t forget to post pictures.