New B2601 or used 2301

[Texas Tractor]

I just sold a Ford 3600 to move to smaller frame size. I have three acres of pecan and fruit trees and needed a smaller tractor with mid-mower to work around trees. Also have gravel driveways to maintain so needed front loader. Looked at B2601 at local dealer, but he also has a 2018 B2301 (7.5 hours) equipped with backhoe and mid mower which would be approx the same price as a new B2601.

I could use the backhoe to bury a water cistern and maintain underground water system for the trees.

Concerned if the B2301 would handle the backhoe in black clay soil or should I stick with the greater horsepower?

 

[Freeheeler]

I'm not too familiar with those two models in particular, but in general, backhoe and bucket work is hydraulic in nature, so hp doesn't really matter. More HP does not = more power. If the lift specs on the loaders is about =, I would suggest that the backhoe on the 23 would be much better than no backhoe on the 26 for the same $ That being said, if you are using any PTO implements that require more HP, then that's different and HP is your limiting factor.

 

[PaulL]

HP is unlikely to matter for anything running off hydraulics - the power is controlled by size and pressure of the pump, not really by HP. Or to put it another way, the 2301 has enough HP to drive the pump to its maximum, more HP won't help.

It may matter for ground engaging tasks, if you're using the mower in long grass, or running things like a bush hog off the PTO.

But honestly....a backhoe and mower for the same price as a bare machine....I'd jump on the 2301. Especially as you sound like one of the few people who actually has a good use for a backhoe, rather than just wanting one like the rest of us.

What size is the mower? You may find a mid mount mower doesn't go as far under trees as you may like, and many people would use a bush hog for cleaning up around and under trees rather than a mid mount mower. Depends on how manicured it us under your trees and how often you're mowing.

 

[Jchonline]

I agree, 3 HP wont matter for hydraulics. If they are the about same weight and frame, go with the B2301.

 

[Texas Tractor]

The frame is appox. the same. The B2301 weight shows 1,566 compared to 1,632 in the B2306. The same wheelbase but the 2306 is a few inches taller. I reviewed a youtube on comparison and they said the B2306 would perform better on some projects probably referring to the pto power.

 

[Texas Tractor]

The B2301 PTO horsepower is 17.5 compared to 19.5 with the B2306. The most I might hook up would be a tiller or mower.

 

[Texas Tractor]

The mower is 60 inch. This is a field and does not need finish cutting. Dips in places.

 

[Tractor Dell]

If I recall correctly, both of them have the same exact specs when it comes to loader and 3-point hitch capacity. Only real difference is the 23 is a few inches lower than the 26, because the tires are just a bit smaller. The HP on the PTO could be a difference, but if you size the implements correctly, that won't be an issue. What helps is that both transmissions have a H-M-L, so you can find the power you need.

I like having the BH on my BX23S. I personally would jump on 23, since it only has 7.5 hours and the price is the same.

 

[PaulL]

I agree - for the implements and inclusions the B2301 is great buying.

Having said that, a mower in a field can easily bog down with not enough HP. A 60 inch mower in long or damp grass will use all your HP, you'll need to mow slower on the B2301.

I don't think I'd use a belly mower for what you're describing, I think a 3PH mower would be stronger (which you need doing field mowing) and more easily push back under trees without getting branches in your face. It's hard to say without knowing what you layout looks like. Trees in rows without low branches are just fine with a mid-mount, trees with low overhanging branches are much better with a rear mount.

I think I'd be using a bush hog not a mower at all - are you intending to mow weekly and keep it more like a lawn, or are you intending mowing a couple of times a month and mostly knocking the top out of it? Will you be picking up any branches before you mow, and getting rid of obstacles like stumps and stones, or do you want to just mow over them and not worry? Mid mount mowers are limited in space, therefore limited in build/strength. If you regularly mow sticks, stones and stumps with them, they'll break. A bush hog is made to be treated mean every day.

On the backhoe, my father has a mini-excavator on his farm. Brilliant for track work, making burn piles, roughing in drainage. But when he does anything with pipework he gets a hand spade out. I always ask him why, and the answer is that using a backhoe on top of irrigation pipes usually ends up with cuts in your pipes - then you have to fix them. And a backhoe digs a much bigger trench than you need and makes a big mess. A specialised trenching hand shovel is actually pretty quick and makes a nice narrow clean trench. Each to their own, but you may find the backhoe less useful than it initially seems.

I suspect if it was me I'd jump on the B2301 anyway, but just giving a few contra opinions for you to think on.

 

[Texas Tractor]

I agree - for the implements and inclusions the B2301 is great buying.

Having said that, a mower in a field can easily bog down with not enough HP. A 60 inch mower in long or damp grass will use all your HP, you'll need to mow slower on the B2301.

I don't think I'd use a belly mower for what you're describing, I think a 3PH mower would be stronger (which you need doing field mowing) and more easily push back under trees without getting branches in your face. It's hard to say without knowing what you layout looks like. Trees in rows without low branches are just fine with a mid-mount, trees with low overhanging branches are much better with a rear mount.

I think I'd be using a bush hog not a mower at all - are you intending to mow weekly and keep it more like a lawn, or are you intending mowing a couple of times a month and mostly knocking the top out of it? Will you be picking up any branches before you mow, and getting rid of obstacles like stumps and stones, or do you want to just mow over them and not worry? Mid mount mowers are limited in space, therefore limited in build/strength. If you regularly mow sticks, stones and stumps with them, they'll break. A bush hog is made to be treated mean every day.

On the backhoe, my father has a mini-excavator on his farm. Brilliant for track work, making burn piles, roughing in drainage. But when he does anything with pipework he gets a hand spade out. I always ask him why, and the answer is that using a backhoe on top of irrigation pipes usually ends up with cuts in your pipes - then you have to fix them. And a backhoe digs a much bigger trench than you need and makes a big mess. A specialised trenching hand shovel is actually pretty quick and makes a nice narrow clean trench. Each to their own, but you may find the backhoe less useful than it initially seems.

I suspect if it was me I'd jump on the B2301 anyway, but just giving a few contra opinions for you to think on.

The trees are planted in rows but I will have to trim the lower limbs. The ROPS will have to be hinged down. The B2301 already has a belly mower so I may try this first. I was mowing with a brush hog and it did take a beating. Will be mowing approx five acres total. Thanks for the advice.

 

[sdk1968]

a 2601 has 25.5hp & 19 at the PTO....


i like the 2601 really well. & it still is lacking a little power in the tiller department for anything in the 60" range at the rear.

but if you need the backhoe? then you may as well save $5K & take that 2301.

if you dont really need the backhoe? the 2601 is the better tractor.

 

[Oliver]

I had a B7500 which had two less HP than the newer B2301. Mine had a 54" mmm and I used it for mowing the yard as well as cutting down a small field each Fall so you can imagine how tall the grass and weeds were and it had no problem at all. Point being I feel the 60" mmm on a B2301 will be perfect, it'll stick out enough to make it easy to trim close to your trees and the 23hp tractor will have plenty of power to run it.

 

[Missouribound]

I have a 60" FINISH mower (3 point) for my B2320 and it has no problem pulling it. Most of the time you don't know it's there.