B2650 vs b3030

[jcmiller77]

I am looking for a used cab tractor. The b3030 seems like a good solid machine but similarly priced to the 2650. The 2650 is roughly 10 years newer. Any reason to go with one model over the other assuming prices similarly with similar low hours?
Thanks for your perspectives.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

B2650 hands down!
Better tractor, better Transmission
Easier to get parts for it.

 

[85Hokie]

I would take the B2650 hands down too.

 

[Henro]

I would take the B2650 hands down too.

I probably would too. One thing I’m curious about is if the B2650 has a foot clutch rather than a hydraulic clutch operated with a lever.

I believe the B3030 has the hydraulic clutch set up and no foot operated clutch. The only experience I have is with the hydraulic clutch on my BX 2200. After teachings by Hagrid that the BX is only an overgrown lawnmower, I’ve learned to live with the BX hydraulic clutch. But I wouldn’t be without the foot clutch on my B2910. If my memory serves me correctly, the B3030 replaced the B2910, and doesn’t have a foot clutch, which at the time I certainly considered a negative.

The smoother starting of PTO implements is the main reason I like the manually operated foot clutch. Also, with a post hole digger, I can stop the auger lift it out of the hole and then spin it again. The dirt is thrown off, making final clean out of the hole easier.

 

[PaulL]

The smoother starting of PTO implements is the main reason I like the manually operated foot clutch. Also, with a post hole digger, I can stop the auger lift it out of the hole and then spin it again. The dirt is thrown off, making final clean out of the hole easier.

Why would you not be able to clean the auger with a lever operated clutch? I believe the hydraulic clutch engages reasonably smoothly, certainly that's my experience with my B2601. I do usually power down rather than engaging at full revs.

 

[Henro]

Why would you not be able to clean the auger with a lever operated clutch? I believe the hydraulic clutch engages reasonably smoothly, certainly that's my experience with my B2601. I do usually power down rather than engaging at full revs.

I don’t think I ever said you couldn’t. With my limited experience, I find the lever operated hydraulic clutch much less user friendly than the foot clutch.

Also in the case of a post hole digger, I usually run the tractor at idle or close to it. On my BX when I activate the hydraulic clutch for my mower at low RPMs, it engages so quickly that it sounds like it wants to do damage. This is where I’m coming.from. Like I said, I only have experience with the BX.

When I’m using my post hole digger, on my B2910, I’m usually twisted around and watching what’s going on. Whichever way I twist my body I can still find the foot clutch with my left foot without any effort.

Of course, when I learned to drive a car, automatic transmissions were rare, so maybe I’m just more comfortable with the manual approach!