B2601 or L2501 for first tractor

[Furt1veOne]

Sorry for the more or less stupid questions and lengthy post. Have read and searched so much on here I seem to keep coming up with more and more questions and ideas.

I believe I have my selection down to the B2601 or L2501. I really like the smaller size of the B over the L. Initially started wanting the BX, but have slowly changed my mind and gotten bigger. What are people's thoughts on the two? What's the true differences? Comparing online only gives so much information.

Local dealer isn't all that helpful and REALLY doesn't want to discount their tractors. If I didn't really like the Kubota brand, I would definitely get something else because of them. Have found a dealer a couple of hours away I'm going to visit the beginning of next week to seal the deal on one. This dealer has been super helpful over the phone and has extremely competitive pricing from what I've read here.

More or less going to use it for moving around some dirt and smaller landscaping around the house. Currently have just shy of 5 acres and might add a little more. At some point I might pick up a rear mower for taller grass, but already have a zero turn mower. Having a tractor has been something I have wanted since I've been a kid. Can't wait to have my own very shortly.

Looking for tractor, loader, and box blade to start out if that helps anyone for information.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Jimc3165]

Chris, If I was doing the choosing I'd go for the larger tractor. I just moved to N. GA. and needed a small tractor to mow a part of the property and as I go along I find other things I can do with it but several things like digging out stumps I'm severely limited due to the small size tractor I purchased (B7100). My previous tractor was a M4900 when I owned 30+ acres but with the small mountain plot of the new place decided a small tractor would do, just went too small.

 

[Deuce]

Chris,

First off, find a dealer that wants to work for you. No reason to give money to someone who doesn't want to help their customer.

Anyway, have you considered the B2650? I only ask because I've been shopping as well and was undecided until I did research and realized that the 2650 will do pretty much all I want it to. It is a happy median between both the B2601 and the L2501.
The B2650 out classes the B2601 in pretty much every way... more torque, has greater lift capacity, slightly bigger, heavier duty chassis
The B2650 is also very competitive with the L2501... it is a slightly smaller and lighter tractor than the L, but actually has a stronger hydraulic system that has a better lift capacity.

As for me, I'm in the same boat and am looking to buy a tractor after I close on my house and it looks like the B2650 is going to be my choice. And I've done a lot of research, while even visiting the competitors to check out their offerings. I'm going to be living on 5 acres, and most of it will be lawn for now. I want something that I can mow with, but also have a capable front end loader for doing any other task that I want to do. If you use a tractor for lawn work, one thing to consider is that the heavier you go, the easier it will be to damage the lawn.

Either way, I don't think you'll go wrong with your decision. After shopping around, it just seems to me that Kubota still has the quality over the competition, while others have a cheaper and more lightly build feel to them.

Ken

 

[1970cs]

B series would be better for that size of property.

Pat

 

[scwells64]

Hi Chris,
I have just immigrated to NC from the UK with my US wife, and have had months of deliberation on a tractor purchase.
I have 18 acres, split between 2 acres of yard for which we bought a XT2 lawn tractor. We have 11 acres of pasture and the rest is woodland.
I shopped all the brands, went from high end to low end, and read every forum. My 2 cents as follows:
1. The dealer is important, and went for somebody who is close, and whom I like.
2. You can ALWAYS buy bigger, and just like me, everybody will have an opinion.
3. You will forever be finding reasons to go ride your new purchase.

My dealer was pretty good and talked me down in size, and I went with a L2501 DT, which slips under the dpf complexities, has coped with everything that I have thrown at it, runs 5 ft implements, and cost me a few bucks over $20k for the tractor, rotary cutter, box blade, and quick hitch bucket and quick attach 3 point frame. It has loaded rear tires, and has that much more weight over the B series to ensure great traction.
Yes I could have gone with the l3301 or the 3901,. Would they be quicker? Yes. But that would give me less time in the seat?
I still have enough cash to buy a boat for the hours I am not driving the tractor.

Oh and finally remember the guy that stares back from the bathroom mirror has the most important opinion

Simon

 

[Vraz]

In a similar situation evaluating the B2601 and L2501/L3301. Am going with the B2601 (finalizing tomorrow) because I have a tight access situation and the narrow width is really helpful. I dont have an existing mower (been using a 3pt rotary cutter) so the MMM is another benefit. Am not ordering the loader as I dont believe it is practical on a tractor as narrow/light as the B2601 (albeit based on my limited experience).

As others have mentioned, the B2650 is an interesting in-between option. Its slightly wider and heavier-- both good things. However, if the loader is your motivation, suggest the L2501. It is built on the same chassis as the larger L3301/L3901 and the additional width/weight will make loader work way easier. Best of luck.

 

[Huskerfan]

In a similar situation evaluating the B2601 and L2501/L3301. Am going with the B2601 (finalizing tomorrow) because I have a tight access situation and the narrow width is really helpful. I dont have an existing mower (been using a 3pt rotary cutter) so the MMM is another benefit. Am not ordering the loader as I dont believe it is practical on a tractor as narrow/light as the B2601 (albeit based on my limited experience).

As others have mentioned, the B2650 is an interesting in-between option. Its slightly wider and heavier-- both good things. However, if the loader is your motivation, suggest the L2501. It is built on the same chassis as the larger L3301/L3901 and the additional width/weight will make loader work way easier. Best of luck.

With size and stability in mind, does anyone have an opinion about merits of the 54inch vs. 60 inch bucket on the B2650?

 

[Furt1veOne]

Thank you for all the information. I'm driving to the dealer tomorrow to make my purchase.

Because of the info given, I'm going to check out the B2650 in addition to the B2601. Thanks again for the info. Seems like whichever of the two fits me better I couldn't go wrong with.

A friend of mine that has a tractor is going to ride to the dealer with me to help ask any questions I might forget to ask for being so excited.

Thanks again,

Chris

 

[Deuce]

With size and stability in mind, does anyone have an opinion about merits of the 54inch vs. 60 inch bucket on the B2650?

There was a thread somewhere covering this and the general consensus was just to go with the 60" bucket. Either bucket you can over load because the tractor will lift the same amount regardless, but with the 60" you'll never be wondering if you could go bigger and it will cover your tires better.

Thank you for all the information. I'm driving to the dealer tomorrow to make my purchase.

Because of the info given, I'm going to check out the B2650 in addition to the B2601. Thanks again for the info. Seems like whichever of the two fits me better I couldn't go wrong with.

A friend of mine that has a tractor is going to ride to the dealer with me to help ask any questions I might forget to ask for being so excited.

Thanks again,

Chris

Please let us know how you make out, I'm interested to see in what your thoughts were and what you decided on.
Best of luck

 

[Furt1veOne]

Thank you all for the information.

Ended up purchasing a L2501 with the SSQA loader. The dealer had the B2301 and L2501 onsite. Drove both and really liked the L2501 quite a bit better.

Not sure what it really was about it. Maybe the loader controls and the HST pedal or stability of the wider stance. Can't wait for the tractor to be delivered later this week.

The dealer made a nice deal for me and the price difference between the B2601 and L2501 was virtually nothing.

 

[Bunker Buster]

Congrats! You'll really like the L2501. I bought mine last August and have been very pleased.

 

[Furt1veOne]

Thank you

One thing I forgot to add is for people to shop around. Ended up getting the L2501 HST 4wd with the SSQA loader and box blade for the same price as a B2301 HST 4wd pin on bucket and box blade from my local dealer.

It's crazy how much the different dealers price things. The dealer I purchased from is 74 miles away and is doing free delivery with the better price on top.

Just want people to know it really pays to call around.

Chris

 

[Bunker Buster]

Who did you buy from? I shopped all around our area and ended up buying from Deen Implement in Forney. He was great to deal with and also delivered the tractor, bucket and mower for free.

 

[Furt1veOne]

That's who I found too. He was very patient in answering my questions, great price, plus free delivery on top. Can't say enough great things about Deen Impliments in Forney.

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

Nice you have both had a good experience and share with us...most of the time we on;y get the negative view.

Enjoy the tractor!

 

[Furt1veOne]

New tractor got delivered this afternoon. Put three hours on her and really glad I got the L instead of the B. I see now how the size and weight plays a large role in dirt work.

Can't wait to spend more time on her and reading more on the forums here.

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

Looks great, love the Orange!