B3000 vs B2601

[Mbj3]

Ok...I'm just starting to look locally for a landscape tractor...I found a B3000 and a B2601 for sale. Similar price. My application will really be landscaping around a house we are building... lot is only .75 acre. There is a stream and we will want to do some small retaining wall work... moving some rock around and setting rock maybe 1-2.5 feet in diameter. Can either of these tractors handle that kind of work? I know I'll need a backhoe... which one?
thanks

 

[200mph]

For reference here are the approximate weights of various diameter rocks assuming a density of 2.6 grams/cm^3.

Diameter (ft)___Weight (lbs)
1.0 _____________ 85.0
1.5 ____________ 286.8
2.0 ____________ 679.9
2.5 __________ 1,327.9

You can check the loader capacity to see if it will meet your expectations.

 

[Muzzy]

For reference, I moved several large rocks on my property with a B2601.
The trek across land was tight quarters, B2601 maneuvered well.

 

[RCW]

I suggest some more homework before you decide.

While they're both B's, the B3000 is an older model, the B2601 is relatively new, current model. I have a 1953 tractor; old is not a bad thing...

I think (?) the 3000 is 4 cylinder vs. 3 for the 2601. I know a guy with a B3000 with just a MMM. Thing is a bullet-proof beast....know nothing of it other than that, except it was his first Kubota, and now he has 3 or 4.

I know nothing practical about the B2601, other than I shopped for one myself couple years ago. While I love my BX, I should have bought a "B" 5 years ago...Lot of guys here REALLY like their B2601's...that's an important testimonial.

I'm just thinking while similar, the technical differences of the 2 may be like comparing apples to oranges...not sure of that, but worth looking into. I'd look for weights, tire sizes, PTO HP, FEL lift capacities, etc.

I'm assuming you're looking at used....service histories, storage inside/outside, types of use, hours, etc., all also come into play.

Try starting here:

http://www.tractordata.com/

Best of luck in your endeavor! I'd be interested how it goes!

 

[Mbj3]

thanks for the feed back everyone...especially about estimating the weight of rocks!

 

[dirtydeed]

I believe that the B3000 is a heavier/larger framed tractor than the 2601. The BH77 backhoe would be a step up from the BH65. It has some longer reach and 180 degree swing (which the BH65 can't do).

Make sure to look at the loader specs. My guess is that the B3000 loader won't lift quite as much as the newer ones on the B2601. Just multiply the loader model number (LA4xxx) times 2.2. That should give you a rough estimate of what it's supposed to be able to lift at full height at the loader pins (so, in actuality it will be substantially less with whatever is in the bucket). I would think that the loader breakout force would be higher on the B3000 though.

One other thing that I've heard is that the Kubota 4 cyl diesels have quite a bit of vibration to them at certain rpms. I have no experience with that and not sure which models (specifically) that people were complaining about. Just something you may wish to feel for yourself.