New to tractors but have a tractor in mind

[Kainedogg]

Morning all,

I am an Army vet transitioning to a homesteader in Beaverdam, VA. The property is 31 acres but mostly wooded. The goal of the "used" tractor is to move fallen trees, tote a 60" brush hog for the 5 acres up front. It will also shovel snow and grade a .5 mile long winding gravel driveway. The Kubota B2650 with cab has my interest. Is there anything I should be mindful of when shopping for this model? Also of note, I chose this model because of its, non-dpf engine and overall reliability. I found one online but unfortunately it comes with a New Holland snow plow and no front bucket implement (a deal breaker for me) How difficult is it to source this attachment?

Kaine

 

[NCL4701]

Buckets aren’t hard to source if it has SSQA rather than pin on.

Loaders are hard to source.

Pin on buckets aren’t easily sourced either as they’re specific to the loader model.

So it depends on whether the front snow plow is subframe mounted (skip it), pin on mounted to loader (skip it), or SSQA mounted to a loader (consider cost of tractor + buying a bucket).

You might also consider moving up to a L2501. More capable in general if you don’t need mid-PTO for a belly mower or front snow blower and you still avoid DPF.

 

[85Hokie]

I have never owned a B2650 but it has always been on my radar as a perfect machine for most anything I would ever need! It would do everything you describe too.

Hard to tell about finding just the bucket - then again, in your area it could be a possibility.

The L2610 replaced the B2650 and it too is a great machine - not sure if you want go with "new" however.

 

[Kainedogg]

Thank you both for the timely response and I agree that sourcing the loader would be problematic. Budget does not allow me to buy new, since I still have to purchase a zero-turn and a utv or mini-truck. Am I allowed to post the ad here for the tractor I am looking at? If not it is the only sub $21k cabbed tractor on the goodworkstractors site. I actually found them through their Youtube videos.

 

[85Hokie]

Thank you both for the timely response and I agree that sourcing the loader would be problematic. Budget does not allow me to buy new, since I still have to purchase a zero-turn and a utv or mini-truck. Am I allowed to post the ad here for the tractor I am looking at? If not it is the only sub $21k cabbed tractor on the goodworkstractors site. I actually found them through their Youtube videos.

Yes- posting the tractor on another sight is fine - gives all of us a chance "to see it" and look for any obvious problems that the pictures may point out.

IS this the one?

https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/kubota-b2650-cab-tractor-for-sale/

 

[85Hokie]

Looking at MarketPlace in your area - one item is a must? A cabbed model? Or could you live without a cab?

Here is one that fits the bill - other than a cab

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:5070d789-b929-43d9-a41e-8f269ce802c7

 

[Jchonline]

Morning all,

I am an Army vet transitioning to a homesteader in Beaverdam, VA. The property is 31 acres but mostly wooded. The goal of the "used" tractor is to move fallen trees, tote a 60" brush hog for the 5 acres up front. It will also shovel snow and grade a .5 mile long winding gravel driveway. The Kubota B2650 with cab has my interest. Is there anything I should be mindful of when shopping for this model? Also of note, I chose this model because of its, non-dpf engine and overall reliability. I found one online but unfortunately it comes with a New Holland snow plow and no front bucket implement (a deal breaker for me) How difficult is it to source this attachment?

Kaine

For the past 3 years loaders (and their hydraulic cylinders) have been fairly hard to come by. Tractors sat on lots for months waiting on a loader. That is starting to clear up, but I would be concerned about sourcing one. My recommendation is to have one identified you can buy before you get the B2650. The loader and bucket will probably cost you $5500 new. For a subcompact tractor, most of them sell with a loader...so it will be hard to find a used one that isn't already on a machine. Not impossible, but hard.

The other option is to nix one of your other toys and get a new model.

If you dont like cold, heat, dust, and insects I strongly recommend you get a cab version.

 

[Kainedogg]

Yes- posting the tractor on another sight is fine - gives all of us a chance "to see it" and look for any obvious problems that the pictures may point out.

IS this the one?

https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/kubota-b2650-cab-tractor-for-sale/

That is the one and the shipping is free. Looking forward to your feedback.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

I was in a similar boat few years back. I got a B2301. It was a great machine, but I didn’t keep it for two main reasons. The first and more important was it always felt tippy to me. It’s kinda narrow and light, and on any side slope I was always nervous. Other problem was I was frequently asking the loader to lift more weight father away than it could.

A b-series with a cab is going to be even more top-heavy and tippy than mine was. Maybe your place is flatter, maybe you are less skittish than me.

If I were in your shoes, I’d be looking at a 2502 (though they’re pretty new so a used one may be hard to find). I prefer the 2502 to the 2501 because the brakes are on the left side so you can actually take advantage of (frankly just plain use) them.

One other consideration: if you’re trying to squeeze through the woods, a cab has an awful lot of glass to potentially be broken by branches.

 

[Kainedogg]

Looking at MarketPlace in your area - one item is a must? A cabbed model? Or could you live without a cab?

Here is one that fits the bill - other than a cab

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/711163607727034/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:5070d789-b929-43d9-a41e-8f269ce802c7

I've already paid my dues playing in the snow, so a cab would be nice...lol. Seriously though, a cab is a nice to have but not a deal breaker. There is a Kubota dealer (Hoober, Ashaland VA) near me so that plays a huge part with why I am going with Kubota. I will take a gander at the link you sent. What did you like about it and what should I be on the lookout for?

 

[Kainedogg]

I was in a similar boat few years back. I got a B2301. It was a great machine, but I didn’t keep it for two main reasons. The first and more important was it always felt tippy to me. It’s kinda narrow and light, and on any side slope I was always nervous. Other problem was I was frequently asking the loader to lift more weight father away than it could.

A b-series with a cab is going to be even more top-heavy and tippy than mine was. Maybe your place is flatter, maybe you are less skittish than me.

If I were in your shoes, I’d be looking at a 2502 (though they’re pretty new so a used one may be hard to find). I prefer the 2502 to the 2501 because the brakes are on the left side so you can actually take advantage of (frankly just plain use) them.

One other consideration: if you’re trying to squeeze through the woods, a cab has an awful lot of glass to potentially be broken by branches.

Really good points. I don't see me cutting trough the woods too often with the tractor. I like the cab because the driveway is half a mile long and that just sounds like a miserable time in the cold especially for a clueless operator trying to figure out the best way to move the snow. I have multiple tabs open and will look at the 2502. I assume it has 25hp and no dpf?

 

[Kainedogg]

For the past 3 years loaders (and their hydraulic cylinders) have been fairly hard to come by. Tractors sat on lots for months waiting on a loader. That is starting to clear up, but I would be concerned about sourcing one. My recommendation is to have one identified you can buy before you get the B2650. The loader and bucket will probably cost you $5500 new. For a subcompact tractor, most of them sell with a loader...so it will be hard to find a used one that isn't already on a machine. Not impossible, but hard.

The other option is to nix one of your other toys and get a new model.

If you dont like cold, heat, dust, and insects I strongly recommend you get a cab version.

Whoa, whoa, toys? Lol. These are necessities but you may be right. I don't plan to buy another tractor for years to come. Does Kubota have any deals at the moment that come to mind?

 

[fried1765]

I've already paid my dues playing in the snow, so a cab would be nice...lol. Seriously though, a cab is a nice to have but not a deal breaker. There is a Kubota dealer (Hoober, Ashaland VA) near me so that plays a huge part with why I am going with Kubota. I will take a gander at the link you sent. What did you like about it and what should I be on the lookout for?

That little L2501 with only 200 hours certainly looks to be worth looking at.
I understand your consternation with the DPF.

I bought my 2006 used L48 TLB in 2019, to steer clear of the DPF.
Over the recent past though, I have found that the DPF reported issues seem to have abated somewhat.

Not having any comparative BH size alternative, I recently purchased a used 2021 M62 TLB, and of course it does have DPF.
Only time will tell, but I am cautiously optimistic that with the DPF it will work out well.

 

[Kainedogg]

That little L2501 with only 200 hours certainly looks to be worth looking at.
I understand your consternation with the DPF.

I bought my 2006 used L48 TLB in 2019, to steer clear of the DPF.
Over the recent past though, I have found that the DPF reported issues seem to have abated somewhat.

Not having any comparative BH size alternative, I recently purchased a used 2021 M62 TLB, and of course it does have DPF.
Only time will tell, but I am cautiously optimistic that with the DPF it will work out well.

I appreciate the share. I am currently in contact with a Kubota dealer to get a price on the L2502 with just the loader. No other frills...except maybe a bush hog.

 

[Jchonline]

I appreciate the share. I am currently in contact with a Kubota dealer to get a price on the L2502 with just the loader. No other frills...except maybe a bush hog.

Very popular model...as long as you dont mow on hilly terrain or let your grass get to 3 ft tall (or really wet) the L2502 should run a matched rotary cutter just fine. The loader on that model is pretty anemic in my opinion...just make sure you are lifting things that are within specs.

 

[fried1765]

I appreciate the share. I am currently in contact with a Kubota dealer to get a price on the L2502 with just the loader. No other frills...except maybe a bush hog.

I know nothing specifically about it, but I suspect that L2502 will be one sweet little machine
GO FOR IT !!

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Morning all,

I am an Army vet transitioning to a homesteader in Beaverdam, VA. The property is 31 acres but mostly wooded. The goal of the "used" tractor is to move fallen trees, tote a 60" brush hog for the 5 acres up front. It will also shovel snow and grade a .5 mile long winding gravel driveway. The Kubota B2650 with cab has my interest. Is there anything I should be mindful of when shopping for this model? Also of note, I chose this model because of its, non-dpf engine and overall reliability. I found one online but unfortunately it comes with a New Holland snow plow and no front bucket implement (a deal breaker for me) How difficult is it to source this attachment?

Kaine

Good day. Thank you for your service.

I am an aspiring to be a homesteader myself when I grow up and have a B2650 (and an MX). And I have a sum of 28 acres. I suspect I do similar chores as what you do / have in mind, but maybe my perspective is a little different…I am nit sure if it helps, but I hope it does.

We all have different experiences, expectations, ways we go about our chores. Honestly lots of people were homesteader long before tractors were around…so there is that…the folks that did it without a tractor got it done or did not eat, it’s that simple. So is a tractor a must? Nope. Will it make your life easier as you age? Yep.

That being said, if you are planning to have just one machine, a B will easily run out of traction(weight) and lift way before it runs out of HP. For me and a lot of my chores I would not use a B unless that was my best option or can’t get a larger machine to the task. IMO a B is not a small parcel farm or homesteader tractor…it’s bettter than not having a tractor, but I think a 40-50 hp would be a better all around machine for some tasks that might take more size / weight than what B has. A machine that size / weight will also give you a little extra capability that you may want as your tasks grow in size / scope from year to year. When buying new or used, many times you can buy a larger tractor for less…if you are not sure on size needed…I’d wait if you can untill have a better idea or Id recommend solicit folks with similar size / tasks and see what they have or what they wished they had. Or get it and try it and you can trade in as you need more. There is no right way…but it is very tempting to buy too small (I started with a BX(sold), then a b and now also have an MX).

Is a B better than no tractor? Absolutely.
Is a B a great machine? Absolutely.
Is that the correct size for your chores over near term / planned outlook? Maybe, depends on your expectation. Only one way to find out…pay the piper and try. BX and B are like what a drug dealer (gateway) uses you to get you hooked…however it’s very easy to buy too small or grow into bigger tasks or what takes to do quicker. It’s very hard for someone to say which size you need…that’s up to you to set your criteria and expectation. I’d take older and larger over smaller and new if budget is the limiting factor…that’s just my opinion. I’d talk to some farmers near you area and see what they think / recommend for your set up and plans)

Honestly you very well may end up with more than one machine. And there is nothing wrong with a pair and a spare for that matter. I hope this helps.

 

[Kainedogg]

Good day. Thank you for your service.

I am an aspiring to be a homesteader myself when I grow up and have a B2650 (and an MX). And I have a sum of 28 acres. I suspect I do similar chores as what you do / have in mind, but maybe my perspective is a little different…I am nit sure if it helps, but I hope it does.

We all have different experiences, expectations, ways we go about our chores. Honestly lots of people were homesteader long before tractors were around…so there is that…the folks that did it without a tractor got it done or did not eat, it’s that simple. So is a tractor a must? Nope. Will it make your life easier as you age? Yep.

That being said, if you are planning to have just one machine, a B will easily run out of traction(weight) and lift way before it runs out of HP. For me and a lot of my chores I would not use a B unless that was my best option or can’t get a larger machine to the task. IMO a B is not a small parcel farm or homesteader tractor…it’s bettter than not having a tractor, but I think a 40-50 hp would be a better all around machine for some tasks that might take more size / weight than what B has. A machine that size / weight will also give you a little extra capability that you may want as your tasks grow in size / scope from year to year. When buying new or used, many times you can buy a larger tractor for less…if you are not sure on size needed…I’d wait if you can untill have a better idea or Id recommend solicit folks with similar size / tasks and see what they have or what they wished they had. Or get it and try it and you can trade in as you need more. There is no right way…but it is very tempting to buy too small (I started with a BX(sold), then a b and now also have an MX).

Is a B better than no tractor? Absolutely.
Is a B a great machine? Absolutely.
Is that the correct size for your chores over near term / planned outlook? Maybe, depends on your expectation. Only one way to find out…pay the piper and try. BX and B are like what a drug dealer (gateway) uses you to get you hooked…however it’s very easy to buy too small or grow into bigger tasks or what takes to do quicker. It’s very hard for someone to say which size you need…that’s up to you to set your criteria and expectation. I’d take older and larger over smaller and new if budget is the limiting factor…that’s just my opinion. I’d talk to some farmers near you area and see what they think / recommend for your set up and plans)

Honestly you very well may end up with more than one machine. And there is nothing wrong with a pair and a spare for that matter. I hope this helps.

That was a long and well received breakdown my friend. I must admit one of the biggest reasons for the haste in buying is the fact that I fear we might get snow in VA this year and a lot of it. I'd rather have a tractor now that can do a bunch of little things than be stuck without one. I definitely don't want two tractors to service...lol.

 

[skeets]

I definitely don't want two tractors to service...lol.
OH yeah you say that now,,,,, its like bikes or hot rods or guns you lost in that boating accident,,, or tater chips,,,,, 1 aint never enough welcome to the orange

 

[number two]

OP-either L2501/L2502 is a great place to start.
New or used.
Very popular,easy to resell,checks a lot of your boxes!
Good Luck!