First Tractor Purchase

[NHLonghorn]

Finalizing my Kubota L2501 purchase, 4wd, HST, R4 filled tires, block heater, front loader, bucket hooks, going with the L8430 stabilizer upgrade, going manual 72 inch front Kubota snow blade, I know, but don't want to spend the extra for hydraulics...no backhoe, either, was contemplating for stump, dirt, rock moving, but my land is pretty flat and feel for the money, I won't get the ROI on it as 8k. Should I go with 42 inch or 48 pallet forks? Any big difference? I have a lot of logs to move from the trees I cut for firewood and maybe a cabin build...unsure of price difference.
Also, going Land Pride GS1560 box blade for my .3 mile private road/driveway maintenance. Suggestions on RB2672 vs RB1572 back blades for snow, landscape, driveway maintenance would be appreciated as well. PD15 post hole auger, QA15 quick attach...my property is 15 acres, wooded, not much lawn to care for, have a riding mower for that...any suggestions would be appreciated, taking advantage of zero percent interest, 60 months, no money down. Thoughts? New here, looking forward to my first tractor! I'm also a Texas Longhorn, so gotta love the orange!!

 

[Missouribound]

Congrats.
Seems like you thought it out pretty well. The pallet fork size is clearly up to you.
If it's just logs it's no big deal. If you had freight to handle that would require a more calculated choice. You said Texas.....do you really need a snow blade?
Your box blade will take care of most chores but a rear blade may come in handy for spreading loose material....not that a box blade won't do that for you. The only thing I can add is that a rear blade can be longer and your 2601 will be able to handle it easier than the box blade.....simply because the box blade fills up with material while the rear blade just dumps it out the side. But once you get the hang of it you will be fine. One more thing, and I'm just going to throw this out there. A backhoe is something you should think about if you have the means to afford it. It's of course handy for digging but moving logs, removing shrubs or tree roots and a countless number of uses make it a pretty handy tool.
I did not get one with my tractor and I now regret it.
Anyway........good luck to you. And as far as ROI you shouldn't worry too much about what you put in to it. Kubota's hold their re-sale value quite well.

 

[NHLonghorn]

Thanks MB! I'm in NH, btw, so some snow to move, lol. I'll think a little more about the backhoe...at 8k it's a chunk of the purchase price, figure I can rent, if needed...so much to weigh. thank you!!

 

[BAP]

Personally, if it was me, I would only get one rear blade, either the box blade or regular rear blade and put the extra money towards a hydraulic angle front snow plow. You are in snow country and after you start getting snow banks built up, being able to angle the blade on the go is a great feature. Also, don’t forget a set of good tire chains. Also, if you are going to be moving a lot of logs, you might consider getting a grapple for your loader. It is great for moving logs and brush.

 

[bearskinner]

Depending on the amount of snow you get, you may want a front hydraulic snow Blade. It’s nice to look forward , sit comfortable and drive. I even added a front snow blower this year, and so glad I did. We set records for precipitation this year, most of that meaning a couple EXTRA feet of the white stuff.
My personal opinion, but it’s much nicer to drive forward and not having to always look over your shoulder.

 

[beaterboss]

For snow removal purposes, these Cotech Sno-Pushers cut snow removal time by at least 1/2. I had one on my 2501 (now 3901), and I loved it this past Winter. 72" is about all that model tractor will handle safely, as it is quite heavy.

 

[Cathy Liebchen]

48" on the forks, basically the same price, and forks are the easiest attachment to sell for what you paid if you want a different size in the future