b2601 vs lx2610

[chim]

Give your needs a lot of thought. If you have a half dozen stumps to remove, rent a real grinder for a day. If you might want to do a drainage tench or two, rent a Mini-X. These rentals will be a fraction of what you'd spend on implements that will just take up space and likely not perform as well as dedicated equipment.

Use the cash you would have spent on the infrequently used attachments to go as large as practical on the tractor - or as large as your heart desires. The bigger you go with will prolong the time between now and when you swap it for a larger one. The arms race for me could have stopped with the B7500. It would do most of what needed to be done. Seemed like it often ended up being a bit light, lacking a few horses or not being able to lift stuff that needed lifted.

 

[tobb14]

Stump grinder vs. stump bucket: Alot depends on both the size of the tree and the condition/type of ground that the trees are in. I have a lot of 100+ yr old cottonwood, ash, etc. on this farmstead. The old trees are now starting to die off.

Here's a cottonwood that was failing, so I dropped it before it fell on the house. I need a bigger chain saw!!
View attachment 104926 To get it low enough for the Woodland Mills stump grinder it had to be cut up like a cake!

When cut low enough for the grinder it was a little over 5 ft across at the base.
View attachment 104927

I was smart enough this time to check for buried metal with the metal detector before spooling up the stump grinder...... darn pioneers that left things laying around at the base of trees!!
View attachment 104929
Shortly after the WG24 was spooled up behind the B2650 and black fill dirt spread in the hole....it was ready for some grass seed.
View attachment 104928

The Woodland Mills WG24 earns its keep around here!

I defiantly didn't see a tree of that size on my homestead it maybe a ft or 2 wide at best. So if this stomp grinder can handle a 2 foot wide tree then the b2601 moves up on the list

 

[jimh406]

Go look at all three in person. You may find one is more to your liking and test drive if possible. I haven't priced them since 2020 when I bought mine. They may be more willing to make a deal on one model vs another. In any case, it would be good to know the actual price difference if you aren't set on a particular model.

Actually number of acres isn't that important compared to what you will be doing with it.

I have an L2501 which puts my bias that way. It's a much more substantial tractor compared to an LX. More weight generally means more stability which is important carry things or using a grapple etc. Weight is also a disadvantage if you plan to use it in your yard. Similarly with loaded tires. More weight means more yard damage.

Another thing to consider is where you will store it. If in a garage our shed, will the model you are interested in fit with the ROPS up?

Finally, think about type of tires and considering wheel spacers for stability especially if you decide not to load the tires.

 

[SteveBX23]

I was just in this same position, deciding mainly between the LX2610 and L2501, with dabbling the thought of the B2601. I listened to the conventional wisdom and experience of B737, and tossed the B2601 out. I loved the tractor that the L2501 is, but ultimately landed on the LX2610 due to weight. The residential application just fit it better versus the L, plus hauling reasons as well.

 

[dirtydeed]

I defiantly didn't see a tree of that size on my homestead it maybe a ft or 2 wide at best. So if this stomp grinder can handle a 2 foot wide tree then the b2601 moves up on the list

30" plus oak...

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I'm in the process of purchasing a kubota tractor and I've been doing my home work on the various models and I've narrowed it down to B2601, LX2610 or L2501.

I just purchased my retirement home that has 5 acres on it and it is semi wooded.
The jobs I think I need the tractor for is as follows:
- Light Landscaping
- Light farming (.25acre food plot)
- Brush hogging saplings
- Cutting Trails for walking
- Some tree stump removal

I started off thinking I needed the 2501 but took a look at an lx2601 and I really liked how close it was in specs to the 2501 but with better creature comforts i.e. seat and bucket controls in the right place. My new dilemma is the b2601. The only thing I can see that sets them apart is the lift capacity, the b2601 lifts roughly 50lbs less than the lx. My question now is based off my work description is the b2601 a better selection than the lx2610???

Good luck in your purchase plan. I think either way any of three options are awesome. That being said IMHO as a previous owner of a BX, and a current owner of a B and an MX I think B737 is shooting you straight on a BX vs B(LX) I would also offer that don’t get too happy with the throttle by the printed numbers of lift capability…sure that is what system has ability to do, but there is a difference from lifting something off ground and being able to safely control and transport it on non perfectly level ground. Sure there is aspect of technique, but there is also weight and safety considerations. IMO if there is not a space constraint or a need for a mid PTO, I am not sure how an L2501 doesn’t accomplish more work as a simpler machine. Size, stance and weight are what gets the work done….frequency is also a factor…can always rent for heavy use cases…depends on what you want to do with your machine. Maybe you only need a BX…maybe not…focus on the work you want done and size the machine to that…in the case of lift, I would recommend not plan to lift and work with the max limit…just my opinion as I don’t believe it is reasonable to plan to safely lift and move the max weight rating of the machine on a regular basis. Good luck, I don’t think there is a wrong answer, but some may be more right than others.

 

[PaulL]

I get the loader position and comfort. I think I'd personally go LX rather than L if I needed a bigger machine.

For your listed tasks a B will do it, if you're happy with a small rotary cutter. You could also ask the question of how often you're mowing the things you want the rotary cutter for. I've used my B2601 with mid mount mower to clear a lot of ground. It started with probably half inch blackberry, broom and other shrubby bush about as tall as the tractor hood. The first cut was slow, with the loader down to push over anything too large, and occasional manual cutting. But once the first pass was done, I mow it monthly. It's all turned into grass pretty much - nothing woody likes being mowed monthly.

If you're planning once every 3 months to mow, then you probably need a rotary cutter. If you're doing it more often than that, then you may find a MMM more convenient and completely suitable. You could consider borrowing a neighbour's machine / renting a cutter / other solution for that first cut. Yes, it works the MMM hard, but I've been doing it for two years with no real adverse effects other than having to sharpen often. And a MMM is easier to manoeuvre in many places.

For $1K extra, I'd personally get the LX. It's quite a bit more machine, I don't think you'd ever regret it. If you buy the B2601, there's a reasonable chance you'll spend the next 5 years thinking "I wish I got an LX." No chance you'll ever be sitting on an LX going "wish I'd saved that $1,000 for my kids to spend on hookers and blow after I die."

As for the L vs LX, I think there's a reasonable chance you'd be sitting on the L going "this loader stick really annoys me." Not that often you'd be sitting on an LX thinking "wish I had just a bit more lift" or "wish I had just a bit more weight".

Which is a long way of saying that I think, based on what you've said, that the LX is the no-regrets buy for you, either of the other options I can imagine you regretting.

 

[Elliott in GA]

One other point to consider - differences in specs often do not translate into differences in work done.

The L2501 has a bit more lift capacity to a slightly higher point than the LX. However, both have essentially the same bucket capacity. A bucket full of crusher gravel weighs about 700 lbs.; it is well below each tractor's capacity.

You will need the same number of trips / loads to move X amount of gravel with both tractors.

When you look at specs, be sure you know how that number plays out in the real world of work.

 

[GrizBota]

For $1K extra, I'd personally get the LX. It's quite a bit more machine, I don't think you'd ever regret it. If you buy the B2601, there's a reasonable chance you'll spend the next 5 years thinking "I wish I got an LX." No chance you'll ever be sitting on an LX going "wish I'd saved that $1,000 for my kids to spend on hookers and blow after I die."

Just because it was worth quoting.

I appreciate how it puts the additional cost in context. Seriously, I suspect folks that have the “problems” that we do (which new tractor to buy for non commercial purposes) probably make or loose that much or more any given day in the market in recent times.

 

[tobb14]

30" plus oak...

View attachment 104964

View attachment 104965

View attachment 104966

what model is this LX or B26

 

[dirtydeed]

what model is this LX or B26

B2650...same as the LX2610

 

[Mtk6888]

I would go for the lx. It's definitely nice to have the added features of the b2650/lx2610. Ive owned a b2650 with bh77 backhoe since late 2019 and it's a very capable machine. I'll be upgrading to a grand L in the next few months but will definitely miss the 2650. They're awesome machines!!

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I would go for the lx. It's definitely nice to have the added features of the b2650/lx2610. Ive owned a b2650 with bh77 backhoe since late 2019 and it's a very capable machine. I'll be upgrading to a grand L in the next few months but will definitely miss the 2650. They're awesome machines!!

Having a pair is nice (I use my B more than the MX, but there is no substitute when needed the size of an MX or L)…it’s like having a small crescent wrench and a large one…I don’t think I’d let my B go, especially if it had a BH…it will get places the L may not. Personally I’d rather have 3 than just 2.

 

[Mtk6888]

Having a pair is nice (I use my B more than the MX, but there is no substitute when needed the size of an MX or L)…it’s like having a small crescent wrench and a large one…I don’t think I’d let my B go, especially if it had a BH…it will get places the L may not. Personally I’d rather have 3 than just 2.

I can't argue there. If you have tight spaces then a pair works best. I'm actually fixing to sell my b2650 with loader but keep the BH the BH is stated to fit the 3650 even with the 805 loader. I want even larger but the only reason I'm not going larger is because I've already paid for the BH

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I can't argue there. If you have tight spaces then a pair works best. I'm actually fixing to sell my b2650 with loader but keep the BH the BH is stated to fit the 3650 even with the 805 loader. I want even larger but the only reason I'm not going larger is because I've already paid for the BH

That will be a big step for sure…just looking at the weight and stance of the machine specs let alone the difference in lift compared to a B. Congrats and share some picks…I hope the wait isnt too long.

 

[cthomas]

I have the LX2610 HSDC and that replaced the BX2370 open station. As I was at the dealership getting a price on just the cab for a BX(Curtis Cab) and for a few thousand more I got a new tractor. I am much happier with the LX series as I also checked out a B2601 and it felt like a slightly bigger BX.

From just the title I was expecting a Youtube video with a B2601 vs. a LX2610 in a tug of war contest.

Also, a more refine LX2610 is coming out soon, LX2620 is the newer model so might be worth the wait, also skip the swift-tac as I feel too many issues with it(I do not have) but have seen the concerns with it.

 

[jyoutz]

I get the loader position and comfort. I think I'd personally go LX rather than L if I needed a bigger machine.

For your listed tasks a B will do it, if you're happy with a small rotary cutter. You could also ask the question of how often you're mowing the things you want the rotary cutter for. I've used my B2601 with mid mount mower to clear a lot of ground. It started with probably half inch blackberry, broom and other shrubby bush about as tall as the tractor hood. The first cut was slow, with the loader down to push over anything too large, and occasional manual cutting. But once the first pass was done, I mow it monthly. It's all turned into grass pretty much - nothing woody likes being mowed monthly.

If you're planning once every 3 months to mow, then you probably need a rotary cutter. If you're doing it more often than that, then you may find a MMM more convenient and completely suitable. You could consider borrowing a neighbour's machine / renting a cutter / other solution for that first cut. Yes, it works the MMM hard, but I've been doing it for two years with no real adverse effects other than having to sharpen often. And a MMM is easier to manoeuvre in many places.

For $1K extra, I'd personally get the LX. It's quite a bit more machine, I don't think you'd ever regret it. If you buy the B2601, there's a reasonable chance you'll spend the next 5 years thinking "I wish I got an LX." No chance you'll ever be sitting on an LX going "wish I'd saved that $1,000 for my kids to spend on hookers and blow after I die."

As for the L vs LX, I think there's a reasonable chance you'd be sitting on the L going "this loader stick really annoys me." Not that often you'd be sitting on an LX thinking "wish I had just a bit more lift" or "wish I had just a bit more weight".

Which is a long way of saying that I think, based on what you've said, that the LX is the no-regrets buy for you, either of the other options I can imagine you regretting.

The L2501 will out perform any LX model regardless of HP. It has the weight and size necessary for handling larger implements and loader work. A mmm is something that gets old if you want to use the tractor for uses other than mowing. A 3ph rotary cutter or finish mower is far handier than installing and removing a mmm frequently.

 

[PaulL]

The L2501 will out perform any LX model regardless of HP. It has the weight and size necessary for handling larger implements and loader work. A mmm is something that gets old if you want to use the tractor for uses other than mowing. A 3ph rotary cutter or finish mower is far handier than installing and removing a mmm frequently.

That's opinion, and a valid one.

My opinion is that there's no real issue taking a MMM on and off, I do mine every couple weeks and it takes around a couple of minutes each way. A rear mower would take me as long. And I find a MMM much easier to use in many situations. There are also situations where a rear mower would be better (pushing it under things for example), it's very much horses for courses.

We did explicitly talk up thread about size of rotary cutter, and it doesn't sound like a big cutter is in the plans. So there isn't a lot of benefit to an L for the OP. And if he likes the comfort features of the LX, that's a reasonable choice too. If you used the loader a lot then loader stick position would be quite important.

 

[Rdrcr]

That's opinion, and a valid one.

My opinion is that there's no real issue taking a MMM on and off, I do mine every couple weeks and it takes around a couple of minutes each way. A rear mower would take me as long. And I find a MMM much easier to use in many situations. There are also situations where a rear mower would be better (pushing it under things for example), it's very much horses for courses.

I did not enjoy taking off the MMM on my B2601. I got tired of doing it. Is it routine, yes. But, if you don’t have a completely flat and smooth surface, it can become a bit more of a chore. I much prefer having a dedicated mower. However, if you need a one machine solution, it is definitely the way to go!

Has the OP bought his new LX yet?

Mike

 

[MudMaster]

I just posted today on my first day moving up from a BX2680 to an LX2610 (see BX to LX — Different World). I can’t speak to the L (and I skipped over the B). What I can say is that for the size of your property/described uses; you’ll love the LX. As has been said before, not all HP is equal. The LX is Uber comfortable and will def cover me for years to come. Highly recommend it.