Thinking about going from B2601 to L series

hedgerow

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Jan 2, 2015
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Back when I was shopping for a Kubota I thought I had a L4701 bought with a loader. Turns out another sales man sold the tractor. Long story short I couldn't get a deal done with that dealer ended up finding a new MX6000 in a crate at another dealer with a loader and bought it. I think in the end the dealer that sold the L4701 did my a favor. Give the MX line a look I think it will meet your needs. If it was me I would sell outright what you currently
 

PaulL

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B2601
Jul 17, 2017
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The L4701 is the most expensive L. I would tend to get the cheapest of a larger machine than the most expensive of a smaller machine, unless you're limited in size for some reason (don't want a big machine around the house, need to trailer it and are limited in what you can tow etc). Otherwise, low end big is better than high end small, for your $$.

That is particularly true as the tasks you describe don't really rely on HP, they rely on weight. There are two size loaders in the L, but in general all the standard Ls lift the same, pull the same, move the same weights, the extra HP only lets you run bigger 3pt implements. If you're not cutting hay or driving a big rotary cutter, then more HP is just more money.

An L4701 is a big engine in a smaller machine, an MX5400 is the smaller engine (actually bigger than the L4701) in a bigger machine. In between is the Grand L - L3560 or whatever - these are a big bigger than the standard L, and have a more capable loader.

Do you want a cab? That is a bit of a determinant, but ultimately I think if you can afford an MX then it's the obvious choice.
 
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Yotekiller

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I don't think the 4701 is available new anymore having been replaced by the 4802.

These prices are a year old and can vary between dealers. But here is what I was quoted a year ago for most of the machines discussed here.
Quote1.jpg quote2.jpg
 

mcmxi

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I like the idea of keeping the tractor you have and adding an MX. I've owned (own) two MX6000 tractors and I think they're excellent work horses that are very easy to live with.

I moved some large hay bales with the MX6000 open station a few months before I sold it. The tractor did well and moved them off the trailer and into the shed without any trouble at all. I don't know if an L could have done this. These were good sized bales and even though the MX got them off and stacked, I had to tilt the hay spike rearwards to pick the top bales off.

hay_04.jpg


hay_06.jpg


hay_07.jpg
 
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racerboy

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I don't think the 4701 is available new anymore having been replaced by the 4802.

These prices are a year old and can vary between dealers. But here is what I was quoted a year ago for most of the machines discussed here.
View attachment 143820 View attachment 143821
Were those all ‘cab’ models. I only ask because “wiper fluid” is listed, which seems like such a small detail. Unless that means something else than what I’m thinking of.
 

Yotekiller

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Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
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Were those all ‘cab’ models. I only ask because “wiper fluid” is listed, which seems like such a small detail. Unless that means something else than what I’m thinking of.
no, all open station models. Wiper fluid = filled tires.
 

racerboy

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B2601
May 10, 2021
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I did a little research and there’s a dealer a couple of hours from me out in PA (Messick’s) and it seems like they have a number of the L and MX series tractors on the lot. I’m going to see if I can take a drive out there this Saturday.
 
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jyoutz

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MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Jan 14, 2019
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I did a little research and there’s a dealer a couple of hours from me out in PA (Messick’s) and it seems like they have a number of the L and MX series tractors on the lot. I’m going to see if I can take a drive out there this Saturday.
They probably have one of the best lot inventories in the U.S. You should be able to see most models there.
 
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Yotekiller

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Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
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I did a little research and there’s a dealer a couple of hours from me out in PA (Messick’s) and it seems like they have a number of the L and MX series tractors on the lot. I’m going to see if I can take a drive out there this Saturday.

I think Dan @TheOldHokie bought his tractor from them.
 
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hedgerow

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Jan 2, 2015
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Malcolm NE
I did a little research and there’s a dealer a couple of hours from me out in PA (Messick’s) and it seems like they have a number of the L and MX series tractors on the lot. I’m going to see if I can take a drive out there this Saturday.
I didn't buy my MX6000 or my RTV-X100C from them but I did buy close to thirteen hundred dollars worth of accessories from them for the side by side. I put the order in on a Sunday night and by noon on Monday I had a tracking number and Wed morning the parts were here and I am several states from them. I don't have any close dealers so the freight was less than the fuel it would cost to go pickup the parts. Seems like a top notch dealer and I will use them again.
 

RCW

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@racerboy - apologies if I missed it, but do you anticipate trading or selling your B2601 if you get to that point?

Just curious. I’m guessing your B could bring pretty strong $$ in NJ.

I should have bought a B instead of a BX 11 years ago. Love the BX and have learned to live with its occasional shortcomings.

Looked at B2601 couple times to buy, keeping the BX. Just doesn’t make sense in my case for what really is a limited gain in capability.

Good luck in your endeavor. I’m curious what you think of the L’s when you look at them.
 

racerboy

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B2601
May 10, 2021
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@RCW I don’t think I would keep the B2601 if I moved up to a bigger machine. I really like the idea of the MX cab, but it doesn’t seem like I can get a backhoe with it. If I want a cab and a backhoe I think I have to go with a grand L. If I want an MX, it will have to be an open-station. My B2601 is open-station (I added a canopy) so I’m not sure the cab is a dealbreaker. I haven’t determined whether I’d sell it myself or trade it in, but I don’t anticipate keeping both. I’ll keep the forum updated. I’m going to call Messicks tomorrow to see if the site nearest NJ, which I think is the Carlisle PA site, has a good selection of inventory on hand.
 

PaulL

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B2601
Jul 17, 2017
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Yeah, looks like the backhoe and cab don't go together.

Do you have a backhoe on your B2601? What's your use for a backhoe?

Options are:
  • If your B2601 has a backhoe, keep it. The value of the B2601 might not be that much more than getting the backhoe for the MX....and two tractors is better than one
  • Don't get a backhoe.
  • Get an old used mini-ex
  • Don't get a cab
Enjoy. Messicks are excellent, they'll set you straight on most things.
 

racerboy

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B2601
May 10, 2021
120
61
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NJ
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Yeah, looks like the backhoe and cab don't go together.

Do you have a backhoe on your B2601? What's your use for a backhoe?

Options are:
  • If your B2601 has a backhoe, keep it. The value of the B2601 might not be that much more than getting the backhoe for the MX....and two tractors is better than one
  • Don't get a backhoe.
  • Get an old used mini-ex
  • Don't get a cab
Enjoy. Messicks are excellent, they'll set you straight on most things.
i do have a BH on my B2601 and it is an invaluable implement for me, at least where I am now. I’m not sure I would need both tractors, plus I was thinking of using the B2601 as a trade or selling it and using that money to pay down a bigger tractor. I called Messicks and am going to try to get out there either next Friday or sometime over the holiday. The gentleman I spoke with was super nice.

On a related note, I was also looking for a trailer to move my tractor on (and other stuff). I was kind of settled on an 18’ equipment trailer (10K) and saw both a dovetail and a hydraulic tilt. Is one better than the other? The hydraulic tilt one I saw is ~$3k more than the dovetail with fold up ramps.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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i do have a BH on my B2601 and it is an invaluable implement for me, at least where I am now. I’m not sure I would need both tractors, plus I was thinking of using the B2601 as a trade or selling it and using that money to pay down a bigger tractor. I called Messicks and am going to try to get out there either next Friday or sometime over the holiday. The gentleman I spoke with was super nice.

On a related note, I was also looking for a trailer to move my tractor on (and other stuff). I was kind of settled on an 18’ equipment trailer (10K) and saw both a dovetail and a hydraulic tilt. Is one better than the other? The hydraulic tilt one I saw is ~$3k more than the dovetail with fold up ramps.

Just a heads up if you ever want to trailer the an L series tractor with a "bush hog" attached, at 18 ft, it might be "very, very tight".

On my 16 footer it is "basically impossible".

10K is a good idea though, and I like the idea of a "tilt trailer", but I have never had one.