Hi davidmem,
I haven't read the entire thread, did you order a rear remote? That could be used for a hydraulic shoot deflector with hoses long enough to reach the connectors. I am torn between adding a hydraulic shoot deflector using my 3rd function or adding an electric actuator as thebicman suggested. I've got all summer to work that out, however, I am in the process of sizing/ordering a hydraulic top link, it is about Box Blade season here in north Idaho.
Ordering/receiving my tractor was a nightmare! It is a long story but the Cliff's notes version is I ordered the hydraulic shoot deflector, dual rear remotes and top-n-tilt kit (signed and delivered the order form to the dealership June 1)... When the tractor was delivered (November 19th), these three accessories were not on the tractor (well, I did get a single rear remote) and the salesman just laughed and said, "Thank goodness I didn't charge you for them or I'd have to take the tractor back!" UGG!
There is much more to the story. Ultimately, I am in love with my B2601 (Thanks GP Outdoors for helping me decide) but am not happy with the dealership. Unfortunately, one family has a monopoly on Kubota in my region so if you want a Kubota here, you have to get it from one of their "stealerships". I called several other dealers in other geographic locations and all said they would not sell me a tractor since I was in ____'s territory.
Sorry for the grousing...
Not knowing your particular needs for a tractor, I anticipate you will love the B2601! I really like the cabbed LX2610 but decided $5-6K will buy a lot of winter clothes and don't think I need the extra size/weight!
Here is my "toy" configuration:
B2601 with loaded R14T tires and rear wheel spacers, LA435 w/60" SSQA bucket and 3rd function
Land Pride (LP) SGC0660 grapple
LP PFL1242 pallet forks
BX2822 snow blower
LP BB2560 Box Blade (hence the desire for a top-n-tilt kit)
LP RCR1260 rotary cutter. In hindsight, I think I should have paid a bit more and ordered a flail mower instead of the rotary cutter.
Here is a couple photos of my snow removal set up:
Forgot to mention, I've added lights to the ROPS and some small white LEDs to light up each side since 90% of my snow blowing is after dark and also added amber flashing LEDs to each side of the tractor. I don't have any photos of the lights (I'll have to take a few!) but I think it came out pretty good.