First tractor

[racerboy]

Hello everyone
This is y first post. I am in the process of scoping out my first tractor purchase and have sort of boiled it down to the classic BX vs B series tractor. We have two properties. The house we live in ia about 2 acres, evenly split between a large sloped lawn and a ring go trees and boulders. it is in these trees and boulders where I anticipate ding most of the immediate work. The other property is my wife's mother's place. About a 5 acre horse farm. They already have a JD 4100 with an FEL, but no PHD or any kind of backhoe. I wouldn't be doing a lot of work over there, but thought I'd lay out the entire landscape. I currently have a Turf Tiger II era-turn with a 60" deck, so i really wouldn't need to use the tractor to cut the lawn, unless it made sense to sell the Turf Tiger once I got the tractor.

Because I want to move a lot of rocks/boulders/logs, i thought the B-series might be a better choice due to ground clearance, but thought I'd check in here. There is also a Kitoti dealer not too far from me, but when I looked at those tractors today, all of the hydraulics were simply hoses that dangles below the tractor. I know nothing about either brand, but I liked the hard lines on the Kubota better.

Out long-term plans are to buy a much larger piece of horse property down in Carolina, but that's on the 5-yr plan, so I'll wait until that happens before asking about even bigger machines.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Frank

 

[lynnmor]

After much research, I chose a B over the BX. Watch Youtube videos and read what you can find, I did that and it appears that the B is nearly twice as capable. My thought is that the BX is best only if the access to a work place is very limited.

When considering brands, there are three; one orange, one green and all the rest.

 

[racerboy]

After much research, I chose a B over the BX. Watch Youtube videos and read what you can find, I did that and it appears that the B is nearly twice as capable. My thought is that the BX is best only if the access to a work place is very limited.

When considering brands, there are three; one orange, one green and all the rest.

Thanks. The local dealer didn’t have a lot of inventory on their lot. They did have a customers BX23S behind the shop so I got to see it in person for the first time. They also had a brand new B2650 with a cab but had no loader or backhoe, but I’m assuming you can buy them separate. They also had a used B3350SU. That looked like it might be a tad big but I’m not sure. I guess I have a lot more research todo is the B2650 a good machine?

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I think the B2301/B2601 would be a good choice for your plans and the description of the two properties.

The B2650 is a great tractor if you’re thinking about going one size up from the B2301/B2601.
The B3350 should be the same size as the B2650 but, the B3350 does have a history of issues cause by the emissions system.

Mike

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Stay away from a B3350.

 

[PaulL]

Three sizes:
- BX
- B01 (B2301 and B2601)
- B50/LX10 (B2650 and B3350, which were replaced by LX2610 and LX3310)

So you're jumping between B models a bit. The B2601 is a good size for 2 acres. The B50/LX10 series is a bit bigger still, and arguably a bit big for that size property.

All three machines are good, all three will do most things. The question is whether there are any specific tasks you have that are bigger than a BX, or bigger than a B01. Things that would be material are:
- lift capacity FEL and 3ph. Both B models quite a bit more than a BX
- 3ph implements on BX are limited, it's not a full geometry hitch as the tractor is quite low
- ground clearance
- backhoe capability - I think the B models each have quite different backhoes, one of them has a greater swing angle than the others I think

I made this link a few years back when I was making the same decision, comparing the capacities: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/bx-vs-b01-vs-b50.36719/

You're talking about a lot of spend for what sounds like a relatively small task. So I'd question the backhoe, and perhaps whether you really need a new tractor at all - perhaps an older second hand Kubota without backhoe is all you need? Depends if you're spending money on what you need or what you want - I'm all in favour of buying a big machine that you want, but not if you think you need it.

Perhaps you could be clearer what you'll be doing in the boulders and trees? Do you need a grapple to move fallen limbs, are you just moving boulders around, do you want a rotary cutter to keep grass down? If you're mostly doing a one-time tidy up I'd be tempted to rent a mid-size excavator. It'll make a mess of your lawn, but it'll monster whatever boulders you need moved or adjusted, it'll push trees down and move them, and it'll all be done in a weekend.

 

[jimh406]

The biggest problem with the BX is that nobody trades up to the BX. The difference between the B 01 series and B 50 series (or LX) is a bit larger loader and mower and also the way the mower attaches. If you have any slope at all, you may find the Kubota does a better/safer job than your current mower. However, a mid mount mower is a little expensive.

If you are mostly doing loader type work, consider the L2501 as well. I don’t find it that large, but it’s extremely capable.

As others have noted checkout youtube especially the Messicks Channel. Neil did a lot of very good videos to compare both all 25ish tractors as well as the B series, LX, and Ls. Good Works Tractor also discusses tractors. He deals with used. BX made his list of what not to buy but due to resale along with anything that isn’t Kubota or John Deere again for resale value.

Have fun.

 

[racerboy]

Three sizes:
- BX
- B01 (B2301 and B2601)
- B50/LX10 (B2650 and B3350, which were replaced by LX2610 and LX3310)

So you're jumping between B models a bit. The B2601 is a good size for 2 acres. The B50/LX10 series is a bit bigger still, and arguably a bit big for that size property.

All three machines are good, all three will do most things. The question is whether there are any specific tasks you have that are bigger than a BX, or bigger than a B01. Things that would be material are:
- lift capacity FEL and 3ph. Both B models quite a bit more than a BX
- 3ph implements on BX are limited, it's not a full geometry hitch as the tractor is quite low
- ground clearance
- backhoe capability - I think the B models each have quite different backhoes, one of them has a greater swing angle than the others I think

I made this link a few years back when I was making the same decision, comparing the capacities: https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/bx-vs-b01-vs-b50.36719/

You're talking about a lot of spend for what sounds like a relatively small task. So I'd question the backhoe, and perhaps whether you really need a new tractor at all - perhaps an older second hand Kubota without backhoe is all you need? Depends if you're spending money on what you need or what you want - I'm all in favour of buying a big machine that you want, but not if you think you need it.

Perhaps you could be clearer what you'll be doing in the boulders and trees? Do you need a grapple to move fallen limbs, are you just moving boulders around, do you want a rotary cutter to keep grass down? If you're mostly doing a one-time tidy up I'd be tempted to rent a mid-size excavator. It'll make a mess of your lawn, but it'll monster whatever boulders you need moved or adjusted, it'll push trees down and move them, and it'll all be done in a weekend.

Thanks Paul. I will check out that link. This is definitely more of a ‘WANT’ purchase as opposed to ‘NEED’.

The primary initial use will be to do some clean-up, move some boulders, shore up a rock wall, and drag out some rotting trees. I am also building a 24x14 shed that I would use the backhoe for a trench for electrical. Another future project would be to put in a walk-out basement. When the guy built my house, he poured a concrete foundation with a cut-out fora walk-out, but ran out of time/money and just cinderblocked it it. I’d like to excavate that, put in a retaining wall, abs knock out that cinderblocked wall.

I would also use it for snow removal. I don’t have a huge driveway (~250’) but it would be nice to move the snow more quickly than with a snowthrower.

I know that none of these individual tasks requires a tractor purchase. I just want one.

 

[mcfarmall]

There's no shame in wanting any tractor.

 

[GSD-Keegan]

I started out needing a new riding mower. Got thinking I could really use a subcompact with a loader backhoe and mower deck. After alot of you tube watching I soon realized removing the FEL and BH and installing the MMM ...and vice versa ...frequently... would quickly become a pain. Decided the best option for me was to have two separate machines.
You have mentioned lifting rocks and boulders a few times. There are some great videos showing FEL lift capacity on subcompact tractors. In fact a pretty good 8 vid series comparing orange and green put out by tractor time with Tim. I moved up from looking at bx23s and 1025r and bought a B2601.

 

[racerboy]

I started out needing a new riding mower. Got thinking I could really use a subcompact with a loader backhoe and mower deck. After alot of you tube watching I soon realized removing the FEL and BH and installing the MMM ...and vice versa ...frequently... would quickly become a pain. Decided the best option for me was to have two separate machines.
You have mentioned lifting rocks and boulders a few times. There are some great videos showing FEL lift capacity on subcompact tractors. In fact a pretty good 8 vid series comparing orange and green put out by tractor time with Tim. I moved up from looking at bx23s and 1025r and bought a B2601.

Thanks. For mowing, I think I would just keep my Turf Tiger zero-turn, unless folks thought a tractor could deliver the same results. I don’t have any real obstacles to mow around and can get the yard done in about 30 min on the ZT. Until I stumbled in here, I never even considered getting rid of it if I got a tractor. That said, storage space is always a premium so if a tractor could deliver the same results with an MMM, then I could see the logic in getting rid of the ZT.

 

[Morley]

Thanks. For mowing, I think I would just keep my Turf Tiger zero-turn, unless folks thought a tractor could deliver the same results. I don’t have any real obstacles to mow around and can get the yard done in about 30 min on the ZT. Until I stumbled in here, I never even considered getting rid of it if I got a tractor. That said, storage space is always a premium so if a tractor could deliver the same results with an MMM, then I could see the logic in getting rid of the ZT.

For what it's worth, many years ago I bought a B2150 tractor and a mmm and used it to cut the lawn on our acreage, a lot of lawn with about 200 trees which have grown old along with me. The mmm was a pain in the butt to remove and re-install and I eventually abandoned the mmm and bought a Woods Zero Turn mower, front mount so I could get under the spruce trees lower limbs. I've had the zero turn mower for 10 years now, it was expensive then and worse now but never had one problem with it and I often wished I had never bought the mmm. I have since gone to the LX2610 tractor and retained my "old" zero turn. Would never consider a mmm again, not even to justify having the new tractor. Others will disagree.

 

[PaulL]

The MMM will cost more than you sell the Turf Tiger for. I'd reconsider when the Turf Tiger wears out, but until then leave MMM out of the equation. A B will do quite a bit more than a BX. Or more accurately, do things more easily/faster. There's always a way to get most things done with a BX as well. A B with BH is starting to get pretty pricy though, so maybe a BX23S is more sensible if you're in want category not need.

 

[racerboy]

The BX23S w/o a MMM was what I was originally thinking about until I actually saw the B2650 in person. I just liked the bigger size with the bigger tires and higher ground clearance. Does that sound ridiculous? I know the B would be more expensive but that’s nit really an issue. The one I saw had the cab on it. Is that something that can be added after the fact or do you have to order it like that from the beginning? The reason I ask is that I think the cab would be pretty awesome for snow removal purposes, but not sure I would need it the rest of the year.

 

[racerboy]

Also, my Turf Tiger is just two seasons old, so it should have a lot more gas in the tank before I’d have to consider a MMM, and hopefully by then we’ll be talking in terms of much bigger pastures.

 

[greg86z28]

I feel like for your stated uses a B2601 will probably do you well.

The next tractor up (B2650/LX2610) is quite a bit larger and also more expensive. A few grand more might not seem like much, but that few grand could get you a grapple or something. The cab is not something you take on and off. More weight and physical size isn’t always better from a landscaping perspective.

The one thing you mentioned that would give me some pause is “boulders”. If you’re trying to move serious sized rocks, you might need a big tractor (like an l series or something).

greg

 

[JoeBabbs]

I see lots of low hour BX machines on Craigslist. Not many B or L series. When I bought an L3800, it was after recalling how quickly I outgrew the small motorcycle I had first purchased. I figured the same might happen with a tractor. No regrets about up-buying.

 

[wgator]

Out long-term plans are to buy a much larger piece of horse property down in Carolina, but that's on the 5-yr plan, so I'll wait until that happens before asking about even bigger machines.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Frank

Buy once, cry once. If you are sure this will happen in your future, buy now the tractor that will suit those needs. If you are financing the tractor purchase it will be paid off by then.

 

[greg86z28]

You have 2 acres. Get something that works well on a small piece of property for the tasks you are trying to accomplish now. Bigger can be a detriment.

Upgrade later if your future plans materialize and you realize you need a bigger tractor.

 

[PaulL]

Sounds like you haven't seen the B2601 yet in person. It's noticeably bigger than the BX, and not that much smaller than the B2650 (which has been replaced by the LX2610). It'd take a good look at that first. Not sure on the price difference, but I think a B50 with backhoe is a lot more than a B01 with backhoe.

Ultimately, if you have the money a B2650 is an excellent machine and will do lots of jobs really well.

A cab is good for snow removal, and for bugs etc in summer. It can be hard if you're under trees a lot - limits where you can go, and can get broken. Of course, I usually figure that whatever broke the cab would have broken your head on an open station, but my B2601 is open station and I don't often hit myself in the head with branches.