Analysis Paralysis.....Need Help

[DME1234]

Hello all, I am driving myself crazy trying to weed through all of the decisions I need to make on a new tractor purchase. I figured I should enlist the help of a bunch of people who have purchased before me. Here is my situation and my goals for the tractor:

I live on 17 acres in the foothills/northwest piedmont region of North Carolina. About 7 acres are pasture/lawn/and homesite. The other 10 are woods. Snowfall is minimal and should not be considered in the purchase. The property is slightly hilly, but nothing too serious.

My goal is to consolidate my small riding lawn mower and my Massey Ferguson 165 tractor into a single unit. I currently use the lawn mower to cut about 1.5-2 acres of lawn. I use a 60" rotary cutter on the MF165 for mowing the pasture four to six times a year depending on rainfall and growth. The MF165 is extremely heavy and is really doing some damage to our pasture, so I am being very conscious of ground compaction during this purchase. Another reason weight is a big consideration is because part of my lawn is over a septic system.

In addition to a MMM for the lawn areas, we would like to have a front end loader to move mulch and compost fairly often, and gravel and dirt occasionally. We use no-till garden techniques with much better success over conventional gardening practices, so I have no need for gardening implements. I need to maintain our 400' gravel driveway, which isn't too steep, but it is uphill the entire way from the house to the road. I have borrowed a friend's box blade and used it on the MF165 in the past, and really liked the way it performed. I would like to stick with a box blade for that task.

Can you all please point me in the right direction? All questions, comments, and opinions would be very much appreciated.

 

[je1279]

I would consider either the LX3310 or the LX2610. Both would meet your needs but the LX3310 has more engine and PTO horsepower if that's something you would benefit from.

 

[dirtydeed]

Hello all, I am driving myself crazy trying to weed through all of the decisions I need to make on a new tractor purchase. I figured I should enlist the help of a bunch of people who have purchased before me. Here is my situation and my goals for the tractor:

I live on 17 acres in the foothills/northwest piedmont region of North Carolina. About 7 acres are pasture/lawn/and homesite. The other 10 are woods. Snowfall is minimal and should not be considered in the purchase. The property is slightly hilly, but nothing too serious.

My goal is to consolidate my small riding lawn mower and my Massey Ferguson 165 tractor into a single unit. I currently use the lawn mower to cut about 1.5-2 acres of lawn. I use a 60" rotary cutter on the MF165 for mowing the pasture four to six times a year depending on rainfall and growth. The MF165 is extremely heavy and is really doing some damage to our pasture, so I am being very conscious of ground compaction during this purchase. Another reason weight is a big consideration is because part of my lawn is over a septic system.

In addition to a MMM for the lawn areas, we would like to have a front end loader to move mulch and compost fairly often, and gravel and dirt occasionally. We use no-till garden techniques with much better success over conventional gardening practices, so I have no need for gardening implements. I need to maintain our 400' gravel driveway, which isn't too steep, but it is uphill the entire way from the house to the road. I have borrowed a friend's box blade and used it on the MF165 in the past, and really liked the way it performed. I would like to stick with a box blade for that task.

Can you all please point me in the right direction? All questions, comments, and opinions would be very much appreciated.

From your description, it would sound to me like the larger B50 series (now LX series) would be something to look at. They run approximately 1000 lbs less than the smaller L's (L-01 series) but are nearly the same size.

The LX2610 (or B2650) makes for an outstanding "landscape" tractor. the 26 or 33 hp model would run your current rotary mower just fine. With less "bulk" than an L series, you'd be able to pull the hills. You shouldn't have any issue pulling a 60" box blade either. Get yourself the ssqa loader and a 60" bucket.

I had considered the small L myself. However, I have very wet ground so I needed a lighter weight tractor. I can say for certain that the B2650 (and its LX2610 counterpart) punch well above their weight.

Perhaps, take a look at some of the messicks video's on youtube like these:

Then sit on a few at the dealer.

 

[Oliver]

I would choose between a B2601 and LX2610.

 

[nbryan]

Hello all, I am driving myself crazy trying to weed through all of the decisions I need to make on a new tractor purchase. I figured I should enlist the help of a bunch of people who have purchased before me. Here is my situation and my goals for the tractor:

I live on 17 acres in the foothills/northwest piedmont region of North Carolina. About 7 acres are pasture/lawn/and homesite. The other 10 are woods. Snowfall is minimal and should not be considered in the purchase. The property is slightly hilly, but nothing too serious.

My goal is to consolidate my small riding lawn mower and my Massey Ferguson 165 tractor into a single unit. I currently use the lawn mower to cut about 1.5-2 acres of lawn. I use a 60" rotary cutter on the MF165 for mowing the pasture four to six times a year depending on rainfall and growth. The MF165 is extremely heavy and is really doing some damage to our pasture, so I am being very conscious of ground compaction during this purchase. Another reason weight is a big consideration is because part of my lawn is over a septic system.

In addition to a MMM for the lawn areas, we would like to have a front end loader to move mulch and compost fairly often, and gravel and dirt occasionally. We use no-till garden techniques with much better success over conventional gardening practices, so I have no need for gardening implements. I need to maintain our 400' gravel driveway, which isn't too steep, but it is uphill the entire way from the house to the road. I have borrowed a friend's box blade and used it on the MF165 in the past, and really liked the way it performed. I would like to stick with a box blade for that task.

Can you all please point me in the right direction? All questions, comments, and opinions would be very much appreciated.

If you look at my signature you'll see my B2650 and implement complement. A fantastic machine. I think upping to the 33 hp models, in my case would have been a B3350, or now the current newer LX3310 over the LX2610, is not necessary unless you foresee the necessity of needing the higher horsepower on a steady basis. I pull my 60" box blade full, or mix compost piles and move it or load it into trailers etc. pretty much the same as the 33 HP counterparts without the turbo, pollution controls, regen, and computerized electronics to control that.

I use no added weights other than what's on back which is usually the box scraper. That's enough to lift all the weight the bypass will allow and still has good rear traction. Without filled tires.

It handles the 6" chipper, and 60" bush hog just fine. I'm not racing a clock or doing big volumes or areas either.

You'll see I have no MMM. I use the bush hog for rough occasional cuts, the rest of our grass that I keep short with a 48" riding mower, about 2 acres. It only takes and hour, 2 at the most, every week at the busiest growing time in early summer to finish mow our yards. I'd be cursing taking the MMM on/off the Kubota each time! I'm much too busy working with the other implements to keep it on all summer. And the $3000 I spent on a new riding mower against what a new MMM costs, and keeping it parked under cover somewhere most of the year anyway, is still a good choice in my situation.

Have a great research and shop! This site is a great resource.

 

[PaulL]

I had a BX and now have B2601. I'm always surprised at people saying taking the B MMM off is hard. It is so much easier than the BX was that it's hard to describe. The BX I had to lie on the ground to detach the PTO, the B is just enough higher than I can do it whilst bending down. And the visibility and reach is so much easier. And then I drop the deck, and drive over it. No dragging out. There's really not much to it at all. I never used to take the BX deck off other than to sharpen. On the B, I take it off whenever it'd be inconvenient. I actually find taking the FEL off harder than the mower deck (only because I have the old school pioneer couplers instead of single lever coupler....every time I take the FEL off I curse those and wish we could get the single lever in NZ)

 

[DME1234]

From your description, it would sound to me like the larger B50 series (now LX series) would be something to look at. They run approximately 1000 lbs less than the smaller L's (L-01 series) but are nearly the same size.

The LX2610 (or B2650) makes for an outstanding "landscape" tractor. the 26 or 33 hp model would run your current rotary mower just fine. With less "bulk" than an L series, you'd be able to pull the hills. You shouldn't have any issue pulling a 60" box blade either. Get yourself the ssqa loader and a 60" bucket.

I had considered the small L myself. However, I have very wet ground so I needed a lighter weight tractor. I can say for certain that the B2650 (and its LX2610 counterpart) punch well above their weight.

Perhaps, take a look at some of the messicks video's on youtube like these:

Then sit on a few at the dealer.

Thank you for taking the time to write this. Regarding the rotary cutter, I currently have a 600 lb Land Pride RCR1860. From the performance matched implement lists, Kubota doesn't recommend it for either the B2601 or the LX2610. I was foreseeing having to sell my current cutter and purchase a smaller one with the tractor purchase. If the LX2610 could actually handle the RCR1860 without hesitation, that may sway my decision to get that over the B2601 simply because the difference in price probably isn't much more than the purchase of a new rotary cutter. What do you all think?

 

[mikester]

I'd suggest to simply keep doing what you are already doing using the equipment you already have.

If you had a need, you would know what you want and there would be no analysis paralysis. If you can't quantify the problem then you don't have a problem.

 

[DME1234]

I'd suggest to simply keep doing what you are already doing using the equipment you already have.

If you had a need, you would know what you want and there would be no analysis paralysis. If you can't quantify the problem then you don't have a problem.

We have quantified our problem. The lawn mower I have takes much too long to mow the lawn, and the tractor we have is far too heavy and not intended to be used in the manner we use it. We also do a ton of compost and mulch movement by hand, so a loader would allow us to accomplish much more in a given time period. I have about $10,000 in equity in farm equipment that could be much better put to use. My analysis paralysis comes from which model I should be targeting, not whether or not I should replace what I have.

 

[je1279]

Thank you for taking the time to write this. Regarding the rotary cutter, I currently have a 600 lb Land Pride RCR1860. From the performance matched implement lists, Kubota doesn't recommend it for either the B2601 or the LX2610. I was foreseeing having to sell my current cutter and purchase a smaller one with the tractor purchase. If the LX2610 could actually handle the RCR1860 without hesitation, that may sway my decision to get that over the B2601 simply because the difference in price probably isn't much more than the purchase of a new rotary cutter. What do you all think?

I can't speak to the rotary cutter on the LX2610 as I do not have one but a good rule of thumb is 5 PTO hp per foot of implement. With your current rotary cutter, that would be 25 PTO hp which would align best with the LX3310 which has 27 PTO hp. I think the B2601 is definitely out if you plan on keeping the rotary cutter based on size/weight.

 

[MOOTS]

I can't speak to the rotary cutter on the LX2610 as I do not have one but a good rule of thumb is 5 PTO hp per foot of implement. With your current rotary cutter, that would be 25 PTO hp which would allign best with the LX3310 which has 27 PTO hp. I think the B2601 is definitely out if you plan on keeping the rotary cutter based on size/weight.

My LX runs the 1860 well. Unless the grass is over the hood, it chugs right along.

Also OP, I can put you in a LX with low hours (30ish) with cutter, box blade and grapple.

 

[dirtydeed]

Thank you for taking the time to write this. Regarding the rotary cutter, I currently have a 600 lb Land Pride RCR1860. From the performance matched implement lists, Kubota doesn't recommend it for either the B2601 or the LX2610. I was foreseeing having to sell my current cutter and purchase a smaller one with the tractor purchase. If the LX2610 could actually handle the RCR1860 without hesitation, that may sway my decision to get that over the B2601 simply because the difference in price probably isn't much more than the purchase of a new rotary cutter. What do you all think?

I don't have a rotary cutter, but I don't think you'd have an issue with yours behind an LX or B50 series. Obviously, it would depend on what you're cutting. Perhaps consider swapping out the rotary cutter for a flail mower. You could definitely go 60" and with less weight.

 

[nbryan]

Thank you for taking the time to write this. Regarding the rotary cutter, I currently have a 600 lb Land Pride RCR1860. From the performance matched implement lists, Kubota doesn't recommend it for either the B2601 or the LX2610. I was foreseeing having to sell my current cutter and purchase a smaller one with the tractor purchase. If the LX2610 could actually handle the RCR1860 without hesitation, that may sway my decision to get that over the B2601 simply because the difference in price probably isn't much more than the purchase of a new rotary cutter. What do you all think?

The RCR1560 IS rated with the B2650, it's a lighter unit than the RCR1860.

I run my old Woods M5 "Dixie Cutter" rotary mower behind my tractor just fine, but it too only weighs $490 lbs.

I found this implements compatibility document a while ago, check it out.

 

[MOOTS]

The RCR1560 IS rated with the B2650, it's a lighter unit than the RCR1860.

I run my old Woods M5 "Dixie Cutter" rotary mower behind my tractor just fine, but it too only weighs $490 lbs.

I found this implements compatibility document a while ago, check it out.

The 1560 is not made anymore. I tried to get that with my tractor, had to go up to the 1860.
It is also not on your list.

 

[DME1234]

My LX runs the 1860 well. Unless the grass is over the hood, it chugs right along.

Also OP, I can put you in a LX with low hours (30ish) with cutter, box blade and grapple.

That is promising to hear. If I end up going with the LX2610 I think I would at least try my RCR1860 with it before selling and buying a smaller one. Thank you for the offer on your LX, but I would like to take advantage of the 0% financing through Kubota for a purchase this size.

 

[DME1234]

I don't have a rotary cutter, but I don't think you'd have an issue with yours behind an LX or B50 series. Obviously, it would depend on what you're cutting. Perhaps consider swapping out the rotary cutter for a flail mower. You could definitely go 60" and with less weight.

I occasionally use it to push back the wood line, but mostly just pasture mowing with grass 12-24 inches high. It wouldn’t be a big deal if I had to omit the wood line maintenance. Also, I don’t have any experience with a flail mower. I will definitely look into that before buying anything, thank you.

 

[MOOTS]

That is promising to hear. If I end up going with the LX2610 I think I would at least try my RCR1860 with it before selling and buying a smaller one. Thank you for the offer on your LX, but I would like to take advantage of the 0% financing through Kubota for a purchase this size.

Completely understand!

 

[PaulL]

I always think there are three distinct questions with a rotary mower:
1. Can the tractor lift it. If you can't lift it, you can't use it. I suspect a B2601 wouldn't lift the RCR1860, the LX probably would. Related to this is whether it can drag it up hills, or gets pushed around too much on a side hill or downhill.
2. Can you mow regrowth with it at a reasonable speed. Regrowth is easier to mow, and I'd say you'd probably be fine
3. Can you mow heavy stuff with it. The usual answer here is yes, but only slowly. So long as your major use isn't mowing heavy stuff, that's tolerable

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I always think there are three distinct questions with a rotary mower:
1. Can the tractor lift it. If you can't lift it, you can't use it. I suspect a B2601 wouldn't lift the RCR1860, the LX probably would. Related to this is whether it can drag it up hills, or gets pushed around too much on a side hill or downhill.
2. Can you mow regrowth with it at a reasonable speed. Regrowth is easier to mow, and I'd say you'd probably be fine
3. Can you mow heavy stuff with it. The usual answer here is yes, but only slowly. So long as your major use isn't mowing heavy stuff, that's tolerable

According to the Op Man, the maximum single shaft brush cutter for a B2601 is 450 lbs and 48 inch. The RCR1860 weighs 599 lbs.
The B2650/3350 Op Man says 48 inch, 500 lbs.

 

[mikester]

We have quantified our problem. The lawn mower I have takes much too long to mow the lawn, and the tractor we have is far too heavy and not intended to be used in the manner we use it. We also do a ton of compost and mulch movement by hand, so a loader would allow us to accomplish much more in a given time period. I have about $10,000 in equity in farm equipment that could be much better put to use. My analysis paralysis comes from which model I should be targeting, not whether or not I should replace what I have.

If you need to cut grass fast and save time get a commercial ZTR.

A SCUT or CUT is like a swiss army knife...does a little of everything but exceeds at nothing. I'd keep the MF165 for the bigger work or get a bigger loader tractor and a ZTR to save on time wasted mowing grass. Trying to consolidate to one machine will leave you disappointed for all jobs.

My experience has been its better to buy the right tool for the job, skimping or cheaping out ends up costing you more in wasted time and effort and you still end up getting two machines in the long run.