The right Kubota for me - please help

[Hillyhome]

Thank you thank you!!

I've got lots to chew on! I started off thinking that a subcompact might be fine but in your responses there is a resounding agreement that spending more money for more tractor is only going to help me get my work done quicker with more convenience.

In response to several folks' suggestions- this tractor will be stored in the second space of a two-port garage, so I need to make sure that whichever model I'm able to find and afford will fit with a collapsible/foldable ROPS instead of a nice cab. To further bolster this choice, I want a lowest possible center of gravity and a ballast box (maybe filled tires as well, seems that there are mixed feelings about this) to keep me balanced and glued onto the hillsides whatever job I'm doing.

Since space is limited in the garage, I really need to prioritize which attachments I'm going to buy to start out with. I see a blade for snow, a cart for hauling logs, and a grapple for working in the woods as my most frequently utilized, while a plow/harrow might be best rented for a couple days in the Spring. What do you think?

 

[Hillyhome]

What's your budget?

Price out the following machines:
LX2610SU
L2501
L3560

While the recommendations here are sound, if your budget cannot bear the cost of a larger tractor, there is nothing that says you wouldn't be able to accomplish a lot with a smaller unit - it might just take you longer and you might need to be slightly more creative at times.

I hope that our house in the city sells for a sizely amount, because that more than anything else is going to determine our tractor budget. We also plan to trade in our Ford Focus for something with 4wd that I can camp/sleep in. So I don't really have a budget as of yet, but I'm really enjoying all of this learning and sharing of insights, and I'm really thankful for everyone that's helping me to make this decision.

In any case, a L3560 is probably going to be out of the budget, definitely if I buy new. It's a little large for the kind of trails I'll be on anyway. Not being especially mechanically inclined (another skill to learn!) I'm more apt to buy new because I don't know much about what to look out for regarding used tractors.

 

[greg86z28]

I hope that our house in the city sells for a sizely amount, because that more than anything else is going to determine our tractor budget. We also plan to trade in our Ford Focus for something with 4wd that I can camp/sleep in. So I don't really have a budget as of yet, but I'm really enjoying all of this learning and sharing of insights, and I'm really thankful for everyone that's helping me to make this decision.

In any case, a L3560 is probably going to be out of the budget, definitely if I buy new. It's a little large for the kind of trails I'll be on anyway. Not being especially mechanically inclined (another skill to learn!) I'm more apt to buy new because I don't know much about what to look out for regarding used tractors.

You could even add the B2601 to your list. All of these options are better than not owning a tractor. Again, the L2501 type machines are probably the better fit for your use case - but budget is always a factor.

One thing I found helpful is watching youtube videos of people working with their equipment. It sometimes can help (but not always) give you an idea of what machines are capable of.

I don't blame you for wanting to buy new - having a warranty is nice, especially if you are not mechanically inclined and are moving to a new place with unknowns and work you expect to do with a tractor.

Greg

 

[PoTreeBoy]

You're headed in the right direction with a B, LX or L. I can't help you with the snow issue (around here people get worked up at the threat of snow like the Weather Channel and a tropical storm). But I can't see keeping a tractor and attachments in a one-car garage. Besides the attachments you'll be collecting grease guns, fuel cans, tools and all kinds of paraphernalia that'll take over the whole house before long. How about that horse barn until you need it for animals? Then you'll have a better idea of the storage/work space you'll need to build.

 

[Hillyhome]

You're headed in the right direction with a B, LX or L. I can't help you with the snow issue (around here people get worked up at the threat of snow like the Weather Channel and a tropical storm). But I can't see keeping a tractor and attachments in a one-car garage. Besides the attachments you'll be collecting grease guns, fuel cans, tools and all kinds of paraphernalia that'll take over the whole house before long. How about that horse barn until you need it for animals? Then you'll have a better idea of the storage/work space you'll need to build.

From the suggestions I've gotten, and my independent reading, it seeeeems to me that there can be a lot of similarities between the B, LX and L series. Indeed, this is the most confusing part about picking the "right" Kubota because frames, engines, and horsepower can vary and overlap depending on model. Does it mostly come down to materials and available options when considering these three series?

I'm feel like the most important items for me are 4WD, HST, locking diff, and 3 functions factory installed for the front hydraulics. Other than that (and surely my inexperience only bolsers my ignorance), I should be looking for the best materials and most power I can afford (moreso raw hp for me rather than PTO). Does this sound right?

Also YES, thank you very much for the suggestion regarding the barn. It won't be in use for a while and certainly has enough room for plenty of implements and paraphernalia before goats move in!

 

[lmpres]

I bought a new lx2610 with a brush hog and grapple. Love both. And the LX comes in a cab unit. For an upgrade you can go up to the LX3310. Check out the youtube video's on them. I also went with the R14 tires.

 

[ayak]

Messick’s has some very informative videos on YouTube, for these models.

 

[Hillyhome]

Messick’s has some very informative videos on YouTube, for these models.

Fantastic! I'm not much of a youtuber so I appreciate your directing me to quality content! I'll check em out! Lots of these comparison/tutorial videos I've been finding seem to be folks talking about themselves...and happen to have a kubota in the background

 

[michigander]

GP outdoors on YouTube just went from a B2601 to LX2610.

Videos are good for seeing what those 2 machines can do.
He has a long driveway winter snow blowing .
He is wrong in the beginning about replacements.

 

[Oliver]

From the suggestions I've gotten, and my independent reading, it seeeeems to me that there can be a lot of similarities between the B, LX and L series. Indeed, this is the most confusing part about picking the "right" Kubota because frames, engines, and horsepower can vary and overlap depending on model. Does it mostly come down to materials and available options when considering these three series?.......

I went from a B2650 (now referred to as LX2610) to L2501. I had a mid mount mower for the B2650 which didn't work out for me so it was just sitting there. While the lengths and heights are similar the rear track width on the L2501 is around 6" wider which is a good bit and I found the B2650 to be a little tippy on hills or over rough, rutted ground. I considered keeping the B2650 and adding rear spacers then trying to sell the mid mower but tried advertising the tractor complete and someone bought it.

Comparing the two the LX2610 and L2501 is confusing because they make similar power and cost some where about the same price. The LX will be narrower, lighter, with a center pto (good for a mower deck or front snow blower), and a few deluxe items like tilt wheel, floor mat, armrests, etc. It also utilizes a pull button to engage the pto, no clutch.
With the L2501 you give up the center pto, and is more basic w/o the armrests, tilt, etc. What you gain is a heavier, more stable tractor, clutch to engage the pto (after using both I far prefer the clutch because I can engage the PTO much smoother, it's less abrupt). You do not need to use the clutch on L2501 HST to change speed ranges which would disengage the pto then start it again when shifting, so best of both worlds. The B2650/LX2610 is a nice tractor being lighter probably better suited for landscaping, mowing, snow blowing etc. The L2501 is better suited for a bit heavier work. HP is about the same on both but the L2501 makes it at 500 RPM less utilizing a larger motor that puts out more torque. The loaders lift about the same, LA 525 on the L2501 lifts maybe 100 pounds more than the LA534 on the LX2610 and can reach farther and lift higher.

The L2501 just works better for my uses, which are similar to yours, than the B2650 did. I did add a few things to it as time went on; 2" BroTec spacers ($350) made it even more stable, the omitted right grab handle and bucket level indicator ($150 for both).

Really as PoTreeBoy said I think a B2601, LX2610, or L2501 will accomplish what you need to do. Heck a BX subcompact could probably do what you need if it weren't for its limited ground clearance, that would worry me in the woods or deep snow.

 

[greg86z28]

I'd recommend going to a dealer where you can see a L2501, LX2610 and B2601 in person all at the same time. While they all have similar horsepower and core features (diff lock, HST, 4wd) you'll see they are far different machines. The L series is a real beefy tractor, if you look from behind and the axle housings they make the LX and B series look like toys. The L is also far heavier.

The B is far smaller physically than the other two.

But again, as you move up in size, everything gets more expensive. Sometimes only by a few hundred or thousand, but it all can add up if you're on a budget.

I have a B2601 - my dad has a L3901. His machine is big and more "tractor-like" than mine. But my machine is still really capable.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Like you have found, Kubota has a lot of narrow gaps and overlaps in tractor sizes and power. Then you get into all the options. Oliver and greg said a lot. If I read your needs, my non-negotiables would be: HST, 4 wheel drive, power steering, loader with SSQA, 3pt hitch with real position control.
Desirable: 3rd function or diverter for grapple (and snow blower ?). Differential lock or individual brakes that you can use at the same time as the hst pedals. The R4 tires are tough for loader and forest work, but the R14's if available look attractive. Whether or not you load the rear tires, you'll need to carry weight low behind the tires to offset the loader. Take a look under any tractor and imagine branches, rocks, etc grabbing at the hoses, filters, etc under there. Ground clearance is your ally but you have to be constantly alert. If you buy new, I understand the Kubota insurance covers accidents. Neither dealer I go to has an LX, but I'd probably end up with an L2501 in your shoes.
You may be able to find implements at farm sales. Lastly, I'd be careful with baring that sloping land too much, without knowing how erodable it is. Make friends with a knowledgeable local farmer with plenty of time on his/her hands!

 

[Hillyhome]

Like you have found, Kubota has a lot of narrow gaps and overlaps in tractor sizes and power. Then you get into all the options. Oliver and greg said a lot. If I read your needs, my non-negotiables would be: HST, 4 wheel drive, power steering, loader with SSQA, 3pt hitch with real position control.
Desirable: 3rd function or diverter for grapple (and snow blower ?). Differential lock or individual brakes that you can use at the same time as the hst pedals. The R4 tires are tough for loader and forest work, but the R14's if available look attractive. Whether or not you load the rear tires, you'll need to carry weight low behind the tires to offset the loader. Take a look under any tractor and imagine branches, rocks, etc grabbing at the hoses, filters, etc under there. Ground clearance is your ally but you have to be constantly alert. If you buy new, I understand the Kubota insurance covers accidents. Neither dealer I go to has an LX, but I'd probably end up with an L2501 in your shoes.
You may be able to find implements at farm sales. Lastly, I'd be careful with baring that sloping land too much, without knowing how erodable it is. Make friends with a knowledgeable local farmer with plenty of time on his/her hands!

You've put it succinctly! Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge and experience. You and the other folks on this thread who have been kind enough to take some time with me have really opened my eyes and put me on the right path to buying my first Kubota.

I feel fortunate that I've got 4 different dealers within about a hundred miles of the homestead, so the next step for me is going to be calling, visiting, and getting a feel for my different options by sitting on some tractors. I'll absolutely let yinz know what I ultimately end up with, as this is only the beginning of the learning experience!

 

[PaulL]

If you:
- don't need a mid-PTO or a cab,
- you're not doing work that's on the lawn / close to the house / requires a small tractor
- not transporting it on a trailer that is weight limited
Then the L2501 is the right tractor. It's more tractor, and the specs don't really do justice to it's capacity. Yes, it lifts the same, but to a higher height. At the same height it lifts quite a bit more. The engine is a lot larger capacity - so yes same HP but more torque and less stressed, it's the difference between a turbo 4 and a v8.