B01 for me?

[Branch Collector]

Hello everyone, new member here and new soon-to-be tractor owner. I'm currently shopping, having some analysis paralysis. I've read a lot on here already, and think I know what I'm looking for but would love affirmation or further thoughts before I pull the trigger on anything.

I live on about 10 acres wooded in Central NC. Rocky clay soil. I have 1/4 mile gravel driveway.
Primary uses of tractor (initially) will be in this (prioritized) list:
- driveway maintenance (it's in good shape so this should be pretty easy to maintain)
- ATV trail creation and maintenance (some tight spots but I plan to widen as needed)
- Clearing woods out (downed trees, etc., attempting to get a lake view of water back behind property)
- Landscaping like moving mulch, etc.
- No mowing. I have a zero turn I plan to keep, and it's basically all wooded.

I am planning to buy used as there are usually a good variety of everything from BX to L series for sale around me. I am thinking a B01 or LX SU would be what I need. Probably B01 for cost reasons, and most of what I'm doing won't require too heavy of lifting but more agility in woods, etc. Ground clearance will rule out the BX series I believe.

For implements, bucket and box blade of course. If I can get costs in line I'd love a 3rd function and grapple as I think I'd use that more than bucket, but if I can't have grapple I'll at least want dedicated forks, not clip on.

Ok beat me up and tell me what I'm missing or other things to think about!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

Without understanding your property and scope of work, I think any of the models listed would work just fine.

if no need the mid mount I’d probably look for whichever is heaviest in your price range. I’d be thinking about a standard L in terms of capability, weight and dollar. Just my opinion.

I loved my BX and my current B, but L is a lot more value and capability in a. Very similar footprint. (Honestly for what you described it’s not unreasonable to go even bigger depending on what you really plan to do with the place).

if not need the mid PTO what’s the capability reason to buy the B or LX over an L in your application? If not sure be careful to under or over buy? (Buying a size larger than you think his needed is usually still in the ballpark)

If the L is too big in your woods then maybe need remove a few more trees.

good luck.

 

[skeets]

I wont bad mouth the B 2601, but I would never buy another one. Dont get me wrong it it is a capable LITTLE tractor, sips fuel and lifts well enough and it will lift the back end off the ground using the grapple or bucket. Down side, and some one in here said it best the B is a BX with a lift kit. And that is closer to the truth than anything. I am a crippled fat old man, and it is a bitch to get on and off,, the rear end should be 6 inches wider than it is ( the same width as the BX I think) I put 4 inch wheel spacers on and it still seems way to top heavy on the hills here in the coal country. The kitchen, at least for me, should be another 6 inches longer. And the control for the FEL is real easy to bump causing silly things to happen with the bucket or grapple,, I have both. I thought it would be the best of both world for the things I do, like hauling fire wood logs, does it would yes it does well enough. How ever if I were to do it again, I would go up to the next size, heaver, higher caps, more stable. And if I didnt have so much invested in the B it would be on the block tomorrow. What I would suggest, would be have the dealer you want to work with bring one of each out and run it around where you are going to use the little beasty, then you will have a much better idea,, I will say here however, the the BX while small in size is no slouch, mine is 16 years old and has done things I dont think they thought it would do. hauling logs, snow, pushing dirt and gravel. Just make sure you try each one out if you can before making the deal

 

[Branch Collector]

Thanks guys, definitely some things to think about. I am planning to sit on some soon at the dealer, but don't want to take advantage of them too much since I plan to buy used on private market. The dealer will still support with parts and service though so I guess they make plenty on my purchase over time.

Without having owned one, it's very difficult for me to know what I don't know, or what I need. I am definitely concerned about stability, my land isn't flat. Minimal side to side work on hills as my trails and drive are all pretty perpendicular to them if that makes sense.

Interesting that 2 B series owners both immediately recommend going larger. I don't take that lightly at all and will see if I can get seat time on an L sometime soon. Not sure how it will go in the woods but I can always take out trees and widen paths I guess.

On driveway maintenance, in my mind any of them can handle that. If not the case, please elaborate on benefits of larger besides the fact you can get wider implements?

For clearing I think I can understand how heavier is better and more stable.

 

[Russell King]

You may be able to rent these tractors to see which one is best by actually using each on for a few hours. Call around to see if they are available at your local rental yards or tractor dealers.

 

[Bearcatrp]

A B will be under powered for moving downed trees. Pay attention to max lift capacity. My BX max lift is 680 lbs or close to that. I research a B when I stated considering upgrading. Somewhere around 900 lbs. nothing sucks more than when your out doing loader work and you run out of lift capacity. Am at that point now. A L or a LX will probably be a good fit for your type of work needed. Good luck.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Since you're looking at used, you don't have to worry about the initial depreciation if you decide to change after a little while.

I suggest looking at one of the small frame L models. You'll want hydrostat, 4wd, SSQA. Third function already equipped would be a bonus.

 

[bird dogger]

I live on a 12 acre wooded country lot with an adjacent 7 acre lot with 2 sets of windbreaks. The B2650 is a perfect match for my needs. I cut trails through the woods and can get into tight places with it. If you plan to clean up/maintain trails and your woods....a grapple is almost a necessity.

I haven't found a log cut to size that I can maneuver through the woods with that is too heavy for lifting with the loader/grapple combination. With the grapple, storm cleanup or downed tree and branches cleanup is a breeze.

Visibility can be limited at times while carrying a FULL load to the burn pile!!

The B2650 also gets trailered to some other property so was a factor for me. It pulls easily while loaded on my tandem car trailer.

 

[PaulL]

I have a B2601. I don't find it unstable, and I'm always interested in whether those who find theirs unstable actually know it to be unstable, or just feel uncomfortable on slopes. The BX I had before was much lower so the pucker factor was lower. But I've taken my B all the same places I used to take the BX, and when I start to pucker I get off, stand uphill, and give it a push to see if I can lift it. Not a chance, it's rock solid. Speed is your enemy on hills though, if you're on a steep side hill and hit a bump or drop into a hole, any tractor will go over.

If you're mostly up and down hills, the B will go up and down things you will never try to go up and down. Increbibly hard to tip them over on a vertical hill.

Having said all that, I do agree, for 10 acres A B01 seems a bit undersized, and if you don't need a mid-PTO then the L series are the obvious buying. They cost about the same as an LX but are a lot more tractor. If you're not mowing and you're in the woods a lot, I'd think an L2501 is all the machine you need. They are a bit underpowered to swing a big mower or to move a load fast. But if you're in the woods then you can't go fast anyway, and you aren't running a big mower fast. Up and down hills can be a drag (again, slow), but if they're steep you shouldn't go fast anyway.

I'm moving to 15 acres soon, and thinking about a bigger machine. For me, probably a Grand-L if I can swing it.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Since the General Lee is the only tractor I have ever owned, I can’t give a meaningful comparison, However I love my L2501 in general.

I have never been in a situation where it’s “big size” has been problematic, but I also have never tried to squeeze it through a small fence opening.

“Pound for Pound” it is a great value IMHO.

We only have 5 acres and not many “big trees”, but I have not had a problem lifting most things. But lift capacity was one of the deciding factors in my original “Quest for the perfect tractor"

I recall that one thing that weighed on my mind, was that a L2501 had basically the “same” lift capacity as the bigger L series, but without the “computer controlled emissions” stuff.

Personally, “no emissions” , was important to me because I try to do all my own maintenance/repairs.

I do find it interesting to read about all the reasons people have to go with “Tractor A Vs, Tractor B".

Good luck!

 

[Branch Collector]

I live on a 12 acre wooded country lot with an adjacent 7 acre lot with 2 sets of windbreaks. The B2650 is a perfect match for my needs. I cut trails through the woods and can get into tight places with it. If you plan to clean up/maintain trails and your woods....a grapple is almost a necessity.

I haven't found a log cut to size that I can maneuver through the woods with that is too heavy for lifting with the loader/grapple combination. With the grapple, storm cleanup or downed tree and branches cleanup is a breeze. View attachment 163379

Visibility can be limited at times while carrying a FULL load to the burn pile!!

The B2650 also gets trailered to some other property so was a factor for me. It pulls easily while loaded on my tandem car trailer.

Am I thinking correctly that the 2650 is basically the LX, which is larger than the 2601 where the pucker factor is seemingly referenced a lot?

I do see a few 2650 for sale around me for 14-18k, so that fits the budget. I'm not in a rush to buy so will keep watching the market. I'm definitely learning a lot from everyone's comments so thanks to all for sharing! I think sitting on some soon will also be helpful.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

I posted this earlier:

"When i was at my dealer we ran the numbers on 3 tractors: B2601,Lx2620 and L2502. The B2601 W/60" mower was $23,012, the lx w/60" was $25,257 and the L2502 w/60" was $25,330. The L and Lx were a much better buy in what I was looking for."

A standard L is the best $$$