THE B2401 thread

[Trailrated]

Hello all - Thought I'd start a thread on anything related to the B2401. Doesn't seem like a an overly popular tractor because it's gear driven, but I thought it'd be nice to have a thread dedicated to the tractor. I just purchased mine to supplement my L4400. Needed something with a smaller footprint. Please share the work you've done with it, pictures, problems, repairs, tips and tricks. I'll start.....

Bush hogging

Hauling some firewood

 

[Macroman]

I have one coming mid 2025. I will certainly look to post back in this thread.

 

[Trailrated]

I have one coming mid 2025. I will certainly look to post back in this thread.

Good to hear. Doesn't seem like there are many owners out there to share experiences with. So far I am enjoying mine, still getting used to the clutch as far as loader work goes. The manual transmission is what was appealing to me with this little tractor .

 

[Macroman]

Good to hear. Doesn't seem like there are many owners out there to share experiences with. So far I am enjoying mine, still getting used to the clutch as far as loader work goes. The manual transmission is what was appealing to me with this little tractor .

It's definitely an odd ball for sure. I wanted the gear drive as well. I had to order one because there was nothing to be found in my area. Lots of B2301 and B2601's on the dealer lot but no B2401. The looks I got from everyone at the dealership - was hilarious. I figure its a small tractor modelled after a very big tractor. I'm not a fan of HST transmissions.

 

[Macroman]

Good to hear. Doesn't seem like there are many owners out there to share experiences with. So far I am enjoying mine, still getting used to the clutch as far as loader work goes. The manual transmission is what was appealing to me with this little tractor .

I also figure the B2401 is so similar to B2601 with the exception of the HST. I usually search B2401 for topics and if I can't find them, then I search B2601.

 

[Trailrated]

I also figure the B2401 is so similar to B2601 with the exception of the HST. I usually search B2401 for topics and if I can't find them, then I search B2601.

Yes, basically the same tractor and engine, although the B2401 is tuned for a couple less HP which I don't know why.

 

[Macroman]

Yes, basically the same tractor and engine, although the B2401 is tuned for a couple less HP which I don't know why.

I took that as a positive. The B2401 maximum rpm is 2600 while the B2601 turns at 2800 rpm. That extra 2 HP is needed to run the HST pumps. PTO HP is identical in both models. I figure less rpm on the engine means less work.

 

[Trailrated]

I took that as a positive. The B2401 maximum rpm is 2600 while the B2601 turns at 2800 rpm. That extra 2 HP is needed to run the HST pumps. PTO HP is identical in both models. I figure less rpm on the engine means less work.

Ahh, makes sense

 

[Vladhed]

Good to hear. Doesn't seem like there are many owners out there to share experiences with. So far I am enjoying mine, still getting used to the clutch as far as loader work goes. The manual transmission is what was appealing to me with this little tractor .

I've put a 150 hours on mine since Jan 2022, using it mostly for snow clearing, brush hogging, moving dirt, firewood, the usual.

https://youtube.com/vladhed

I borrowed a BX23S from a friend the summer before but didn't think the HST was something I wanted to pay extra for...

 

[Macroman]

I've put a 150 hours on mine since Jan 2022, using it mostly for snow clearing, brush hogging, moving dirt, firewood, the usual.

https://youtube.com/vladhed

I borrowed a BX23S from a friend the summer before but didn't think the HST was something I wanted to pay extra for...

Glad to see you are happy with your B2401. I agree on the "not wanting to pay for the hydrostatic". I find the engine sound from the B2401 is similar to a large tractor. I love it! That HST whine, to me, is quite annoying. Great videos Vladhed. "Using the pto" video is a definite watch for those not used to a geared tractor with a single stage clutch. Well done.

 

[Vladhed]

Great videos Vladhed. "Using the pto" video is a definite watch for those not used to a geared tractor with a single stage clutch. Well done.

I just added a new one on using a rear mounted cat 1 snow blower! I demonstrate how I get around the single stage clutch to keep the blower running while stopping the tractor.

 

[Trailrated]

I just added a new one on using a rear mounted cat 1 snow blower! I demonstrate how I get around the single stage clutch to keep the blower running while stopping the tractor.

Good info. I figured out when in neutral the PTO is still engaged. I was glad to see that, means you can run and feed a wood chipper or a use a logging winch.

 

[Macroman]

I just added a new one on using a rear mounted cat 1 snow blower! I demonstrate how I get around the single stage clutch to keep the blower running while stopping the tractor.

Good, thorough video. Nice! This will definitely benefit the first time user of a gear drive tractor. Which blower are you using? Seems to work quite well.

 

[Vladhed]

Which blower are you using? Seems to work quite well.

Glad you found it useful.
It's an MK Martin SB54 54" blower, made here in Ontario. I had a choice of 2 locally made models, I chose this one because the auger uses a greased shaft instead of sealed bearings which need replacing periodically....or so the salesman told me.

 

[gbaker53]

Just purchased the B2401DT, with gear drive and LA435 FEL. Have owned a L185DT with FEL for over 10 years and just couldn’t deal with the HST. I am trying to get information on adding Rear Remote Hydraulics, the cost of the kits are just not in my budget right now and I installed the FEL on my old tractor, so I believe installing a rear remote would not be too hard, just need to gather the information and get the right parts for the job. So any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Vladhed]

Just purchased the B2401DT, with gear drive and LA435 FEL. ... I am trying to get information on adding Rear Remote Hydraulics, ...

Welcome!!! Do a search for "B2401 remotes" to find the mega thread on this.

off the top of my head - the B2301/B2601 kits technically don't fit because the extra space where the levers are suppose to come up is taken up by the shifter. But there is a hard line from the loader valve to the 3pt that you can remove and replace with hoses to whatever you want.