How much digging can I do with a Skid Steer Shovel with a Kubota B2602?

[davidmem]

Hello. Total newbie other than a Home Cheapo John Deere LA140 I've owned (junk).

I'm debating the BX2680 vs B2601. SO MANY threads on that I get the gist. I only have 1.6 acres relatively flat, open lot, 100% lawn, and only trees are landscaping trees I've planted. Uses are to help haul firewood, snowblowing, landscaping and not carry as much with a back that is going bad. Projects such as installing belgian block are another example of what is on the plate to do, and don't want to lift and haul this stuff around. Retiring soon and happy to help out friends and neighbors too.....

I have a dedicated ZT mover, Toro TimeCutter 7577 (I love it, love the MyRide seat).

I'm often digging up landscaping, taking out an old bush or tree. I really don't want a backhoe and wondering how effective a stump bucked with skid steer attachment would be for digging. Thinking something like this:

Stump Bucket For Skid Steer Quick Attach

The Titan stump bucket for Skid Steer Quick Attach is perfect for uprooting tree stumps, lifting concrete slabs, and for digging footing around a house.

www.palletforks.com

Cost is really not a deciding thing as I debate the B2601 vs. BX2680. I'm really drawn to the power of the hydraulics (lifting) on the B2601. Even though it is "bigger" it has a tighter turning radius than the BX2680, so it seems nimble enough. I want to store either tractor on my "drive up lift". The distance between the drive on platforms is 37", so the wider stance of the B2601 would make it easier to store on the lift.

(Actually read the turning radius of B2601 is not smaller than the BX2680, you have to have the brake on to become smaller).

I'm certain I will be helping neighbors and the like, happy to. My needs are not huge, but I really don't want the "I should have".

I'm a total newbie and thank you for the support.

1) How good is a skid steer shovel? I do see that when digging up a larger stump, the area destroyed around the stump can become large.
2) Sigh, although a beat to death topic, comments on the B2601 for such a small property are welcomed.

Thank you!

David

 

[old and tired]

...I'm really drawn to the power of the hydraulics (lifting) on the B2601...

Then just get the B2601 and don't worry about the "What If's"... Easy Peasy.

 

[davidmem]

Then just get the B2601 and don't worry about the "What If's"... Easy Peasy.

Thanks. I'm there, it's just the echo of growing up without much. It lingers.

I'm hoping the tighter turning radius on the LARGER B2601 will be nimble enough to aerate the lawn from the 3pt rear.

If you have an opinion on digging small stuff up with the skid steer shovel I'm interested.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

That stump bucket is going to be a bit much for the B2601.
That style of bucket requires weight and force both of which you'll be lacking.

 

[davidmem]

That stump bucket is going to be a bit much for the B2601.
That style of bucket requires weight and force both of which you'll be lacking.

Thank you. Could it be used on shrubs and things smaller than trees?

 

[torch]

I built a similar bucket for my B7100, thinking it would be a poor man's backhoe. I used it to dig some shallow trenches and a few saplings. I haven't used it since I got the backhoe.

Whether or not you can use it depends a lot on the type of soil. Topsoil or sand, sure it will dig in. Clay would be tougher.

But the biggest challenge is seeing what you are doing. A skid steer operator has much better sight lines on the bucket than a tractor operator (or backhoe operator).

I will say it is handy for filling sonotubes with concrete. Might need a guide person though.

 

[old and tired]

Quick Spade Combo Fork / Bucket Attachment

Need a Quick Spade Combo Fork / Bucket Attachment for your Bobcat? The Weeders Digest has you covered.

weedersdigest.com

Might be of interest to you...

 

[davidmem]

But the biggest challenge is seeing what you are doing. A skid steer operator has much better sight lines on the bucket than a tractor operator (or backhoe operator).

Thank you. It would be great if I could rent a back hoe. I was unaware of the site line issue.

Can I afford a backhoe, yes. It would sit outside behind my shed doing most nothing.

 

[torch]

Can I afford a backhoe, yes. It would sit outside behind my shed doing most nothing.

That's how I got mine. It was included in the original tractor purchase, the farmer never used it, finally got tired of moving it out of the way and put it up for sale at a price I couldn't pass up. If you anticipate periodic use, they are great. But they are a very expensive lawn ornament otherwise.

 

[swpflipper]

I do have a similar bucket. I was impressed with it. I can't comment on your size tractor, I use the bucket with my skid steer and my MX5400. It digs so easy. Night and day compared to a std bucket. Mine is heavy and has teeth.

 

[OrangeKrush]

I’ve seen them used on BX’s and B series and seem to do ok. It will take some getting use to but I’m sure it will have many more uses also. I would go with the 2601 if had to do over again, I have the 2680 and I’m a little disappointed in the lift capacity of the loader.
Other than that so far it’s been great for snow removal grading my drive and some light digging. I also have a Zero for mowing and wouldn’t give it up for nothing.

 

[davidmem]

Quick Spade Combo Fork / Bucket Attachment

Need a Quick Spade Combo Fork / Bucket Attachment for your Bobcat? The Weeders Digest has you covered.

weedersdigest.com

Might be of interest to you...

Very nice of you to point out. I'm learning and appreciate the support.

 

[davidmem]

I’ve seen them used on BX’s and B series and seem to do ok. .....

I would go with the 2601 if had to do over again, I have the 2680 and I’m a little disappointed in the lift capacity of the loader.
Other than that so far it’s been great for snow removal grading my drive and some light digging.

Great info OrangeCrush....... Thank you very much.

 

[i7win7]

Here's a video of what your considering

 

[davidmem]

Here's a video of what your considering

Thank you. That's exactly it! It really would mess up a larger area than a backhoe would.

 

[angrymatt]

I just got rid of my BX2680 for a B2650. I personally wasnt really impressed with the lift capacity of the BX. Far as moving firewood goes I would go with the 2601 just for the larger bucket. With my BX it took me 5 bucket loads to fill an IBC tote with firewood. I have not tried filling one with the 2650 yet but the 60" bucket seems much larger. The BX did a good job with a snow pusher but I think I was asking a bit much of it plowing with a 60" pusher. If money isnt a deciding factor I would go with the 2601.

 

[davidmem]

I just got rid of my BX2680 for a B2650. I personally wasnt really impressed with the lift capacity of the BX.

Thank you. This is very helpful advice. It's going to be the B2601 from everything I have read here.

 

[CGMKCM]

FYI
Good works video