BX25d or B2601? Maneuverability???

[konakid]

Ok - been doing all my research, comparisons, etc. for buying my first tractor. I've never driven one, or watched one work for any length of time. So, yes, I am a complete nube.

The most important question that I can not get a good feel for is this. How much maneuverability will I sacrifice if I get the B2601 instead of a BX25d? My property is not the typical flat open farm plots I see on most forums. I have big rocks, many trees, uneven ground - and several "sneaky" places I will be working - behind and in between buildings, etc.

I won't be doing any mowing, tilling, snow blowing, or other straight line stuff (some road maintenance). But a lot of dirt and rock moving, digging, rockwall building, and tree removal/firewood - so, I assume the extra power of the B2601 will be appreciated. I'll be using (and have attached) the FEL and BH w/thumb 95%+ of the time.

But if I give up a lot of maneuverability for the extra power - I may be sorry.

Any thoughts please???

 

[bcp]

If the B2601 has individual wheel brakes, it will turn sharper than a BX.

I have a BX and hundreds of trees, posts, and boulders. The main limitation to maneuverability is loader and rear implement outward swing when turning.

Bruce

 

[konakid]

If the B2601 has individual wheel brakes, it will turn sharper than a BX.

I have a BX and hundreds of trees, posts, and boulders. The main limitation to maneuverability is loader and rear implement outward swing when turning.

Bruce

That's what I was thinking - so width, and turning radius isn't everything.

But there aren't any specs to quantify "maneuverability." So, that is why I thought I would try and get the "feel" from some of the more experienced guys here.

 

[TripleR]

In my experience, what little maneuverability you lose with the B2601 will by far made up in features and added FEL, 3PH lift etc.

The turning diameter using brakes on the 2601 is even a bit less than BX25D.

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

I would go with the 2601 and add wheel spacers on the rear and you will have the best of both, if you need a chipper or log winch the 2601 will be better size. I love my BX25, but I have a hill that I mow at the lake and decided the lower center of gravity was the selling point. If I were doing bigger projects or more in the woods I might regret the BX, then again it still surprises me with what can be done.

 

[Grandad4]

You can begin to get some idea of what space each machine would occupy by making a few measuring sticks having the length and width of the two tractors and taking them to the tight places you're concerned about. The dimensions are on the Kubota website.

Be sure to add some length for the loader in front and an implement in back... 5-6 feet probably. Those attachments are what really make operating equipment like this difficult in tight situations.

It looks like the 2601 is about the same length as the BX but is about 5" wider.

 

[konakid]

I would go with the 2601 and add wheel spacers on the rear and you will have the best of both, if you need a chipper or log winch the 2601 will be better size. I love my BX25, but I have a hill that I mow at the lake and decided the lower center of gravity was the selling point. If I were doing bigger projects or more in the woods I might regret the BX, then again it still surprises me with what can be done.

Thanks RonBoy - but I'm a little confused. Wouldn't adding spacers on the 2601 make that machine even less maneuverable?

 

[konakid]

You can begin to get some idea of what space each machine would occupy by making a few measuring sticks having the length and width of the two tractors and taking them to the tight places you're concerned about. The dimensions are on the Kubota website.

Be sure to add some length for the loader in front and an implement in back... 5-6 feet probably. Those attachments are what really make operating equipment like this difficult in tight situations.

It looks like the 2601 is about the same length as the BX but is about 5" wider.

Thanks Grandad - I guess that is why I was asking for the "feel" from some of you more experienced guys - as there is no definitive answer. I haven't been able to find specs for the length of an overall machine with FEL and BH - and as you said, it's "those attachments that really make operating equipment like this difficult in tight situations."

If the choices for differences in maneuverability were - what would you answer with:
1) Very noticeable - "night and day"
2) Somewhat noticeable - but noticeable even for a newby.
3) Almost the same - only minor differences - not enough to really worry about.
4) So minor that only an experienced operator would notice

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

I wouldn't think the spacers have much impact on maneuverability as the 2601 has the wheel brakes, only issue would be if you have to go through narrow areas. Any chance the dealer will bring both to you to try on your property?

Check with HomeDepot rental as some rent the BX25, I rented one for half a day and that convinced me my decision was right.

 

[konakid]

I wouldn't think the spacers have much impact on maneuverability as the 2601 has the wheel brakes, only issue would be if you have to go through narrow areas. Any chance the dealer will bring both to you to try on your property?

Check with HomeDepot rental as some rent the BX25, I rented one for half a day and that convinced me my decision was right.

Thanks again RonBoy - I only wish that was the case. I'm out here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - on one of the outer islands of Hawaii. I'm lucky there is even a dealer here.

They don't have either of the machines I'm interested in on their lot. So I haven't even been able to see one in person. I had to take a 4 hour drive to the John Deere dealer just to see their comparable machine. But it had been sitting outside near the ocean for six months and was too rusty for my liking. That is why I started looking at Kubota - hoping I might not have to wait several months to get to work.


Things are very different here - we are captive customers. No way will they even pick up a machine for service - either on or off warranty - and even if I pay them. And Home Depot doesn't rent anything.

They might have one of these on another island that they would barge over here. I'll know tomorrow. But most likely I will have to order one. Not a great thing if I haven't even been able to sit in it - let alone drive it.

 

[TripleR]

Man, not being able to test drive them for comparison is tough, it took me several months and several trips to the dealer to make a decision between BX and B. I went with a BX as I have bigger tractors when needed.

 

[RonBoyBX25D]

That is a nasty predicament you are in, I don't think you will have an issue with either tractor only a little difference in time to get the job done. One thought is from a budget view, what implements do you need and does that impact with choice. The savings between the 2 you can get another implement which could help out in the long run.

It is almost summer here, so fly to MN and I can let you try mine or connect with my dealer so you can try both.

 

[n3ckf]

They might have one of these on another island that they would barge over here. I'll know tomorrow. But most likely I will have to order one. Not a great thing if I haven't even been able to sit in it - let alone drive it.

Wow, i dont think i'd drop the kind of coin either your tractor choices demand without at least getting to play with it in person. Maybe you can find someone locally who owns one( the dealer might help with that).

I was very much in a quandry between BX and B for instance, but about 10 minutes of sitting on them at a dealer convinced me (I went B because the difference didnt seem that big and the B does a few things i want to be able to do).

 

[Grandad4]

It would be worth the time and expense for you to make an off-island trip to someplace where you can plant your own posterior on one or more of the tractors you're considering. There's simply no way you can make a sound decision without that first hand knowledge. And, much as folks here would like to help, they don't know your place or what you plan to do, so our advice is at best "educated guesswork" regarding your specific needs.