Thinking of trading in my BX2680 for a B2601

dhmeiser

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After owing the BX2680 I am rather disappointed in its performance
the lifting capacity is underwhelming and from the start i have had issues with the fuel filters and constantly having to change the damed fuel filter undernetith the tractor


i am thinking of taking advantage of the current 0% financing to upgrade to a B series

does anyone have opinions on the b series

how is the belly mower for it? as i am getting up in age is it easier to attach and remove the mower

how is the fuel filter issue? i did modify the filter to what was recommended on this forum

comments suggestions?
 

McMXi

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After owing the BX2680 I am rather disappointed in its performance
the lifting capacity is underwhelming and from the start i have had issues with the fuel filters and constantly having to change the damed fuel filter undernetith the tractor


i am thinking of taking advantage of the current 0% financing to upgrade to a B series

does anyone have opinions on the b series

how is the belly mower for it? as i am getting up in age is it easier to attach and remove the mower

how is the fuel filter issue? i did modify the filter to what was recommended on this forum

comments suggestions?
I've never owned a B series tractor but I completely understand the desire for bigger and better. I have never regretted moving up in size/capability and I bet that most who have moved up will agree. Personally I'm not a fan of mid mount mowers having messed with one for 5 years when I had a BX, but they serve a purpose.

There's a Land Pride FDR1672 for sale near me and I would think that this sort of thing would be a lot easier to deal with compared to a mid mount mower. We're all getting older, and crawling around under a tractor sucks at the best of times.

 
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85Hokie

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Both the problems you have with the BX can be overcome easily, lift and fuel filter problems.

I understand bigger is better - but it really depends on what you WANT to achieve.

Now the magic question will be - how much upside down will you be to make the switch?
 

jimh406

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The B is quite a bit larger. Messicks has a YouTube comparison.


From what I understand, the B mower attaches differently than the BX. Here's a video that describes how.

 

skeets

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MHO, for someone that went with the 2601, like someone side its a BX with a lift kit. If you have the room step up to the MX , that is the old B50 series, you will be much happier with it. If I could get my money back I would dump the B2601 for the MX. Just MHO mind you, but I bought mine, and I will tell you I aint impressed.
 
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Shawn T. W

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comments suggestions?
If your always changing fuel filter, my suggestion is to get a new fuel supplier. (Not a different tractor) I can go 500 hours on my little filter ...


If you have the room step up to the MX , that is the old B50 series,
Don't you mean LX?
 
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PaulL

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I went from a BX to a B2601.

Yes, in terms of footprint it's pretty much a BX that's taller (and very slightly longer). That's not a bad thing - basically every Kubota model is about 10-15% bigger than the one below it, so actually every step in the range is about 10-15%. BX -> B -> LX -> L -> MX -> M. Each step is only 15%, so you may as well buy an M....

The MMM on the B is dramatically easier to remove than the BX. I have a video of me doing it - 1 minute off, 2 minutes on. You do have to lie on the ground to attach the driveshaft, but there's way more clearance on a B than a BX, so it's not actually hard - it's just the angle isn't good to do it without lying down.

Kubota were way smarter than you think when they designed it, but their user manual writers apparently didn't talk to the engineers, so they don't actually tell you about most of the clever stuff they did.

When you go to take it off, you set the mower height to zero. So when you put the mower down, it goes all the way to the ground, you can pull the lift pins without lifting the deck at all. Pull the driveshaft off (that's pretty easy, remove the front. Put the ramps out and drive over it - no faffing around pulling it out sideways. You do need to go in low ratio and 4wd, as otherwise the deck skitters around when you try to drive over it.

Putting it back on, you drop the arms first, then drive over it. There are ridges on the deck that guide you so your wheels are in the right place. The arms have little funnels on them, they self centre. You can lean over the side and see the arms - I usually release the pins, then get back on and rock back and forth a bit, lift and lower the arms, and the pins drop in. No manual lifting of the deck. Attach the front, then lift it a bit before attaching the driveshaft - if it's hard on the ground (zero height remember) the blades won't turn, so it's hard to attach the drive shaft. If you lift it a bit, you can turn the drive shaft easily enough.

The B lifts about 30% more on the loader than the BX, but it lifts more than twice as much on the 3ph. Depends what you're trying to do I guess, and how much you're losing in quick attaches and implement weight.

I have never had fuel filter issues on the B. I didn't on the BX either. What sort of fuel filter issue are you having, and do you have either dirty fuel or fuel that's growing algae in it? Sounds more to me like you need to resolve your fuel cleanliness?

I made this a few years back on the measures for each size machine - the large B (B2650) is now the LX, but the measures are basically the same.
 
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Bearcatrp

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I’ve been contemplating upgrading from my BX. When you look at the specifications of the B compared to the BX, not much difference. After someone posted about their LX2620, I went to check one out. After looking at all the specs and comparing, I would get the LX2620. think you would be disappointed with a B. The L series may work for you too but the LX2620 is a sweet tractor.
 
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jimh406

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If you are considering a LX with MMM, I believe the LX attaches differently than the B2601. Someone who has an LX could confirm.
 

fmgsr

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I had the BX2380, went to the dealer to check out the B2601.
Then the salesman asked why I want to upgrade. I told him I
needed more lifting power & Had to have MMM. I wasn't aware
of the LX2620 had a MMM. I thought B was as large as a MMM goes.
I then checked out the LX specs and design.
Best move I made LX2620 is well worth the added dough.
 
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PaulL

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The LX has a ground contact deck - it rides on the deck wheels, rather than hanging off the tractor. The BX and B the wheels are anti-scalp only - they only contact if you've got some lean on the deck. There's good and bad in that, but be aware of it. The LX is a more capable machine, and the newer ones (-20 series) they did changes on the transmission to reduce whine, and they moved the brake pedals to the left. The LX does have a digital dash which I'm not a big fan of. The LX can come with a factory cab, the B doesn't.

Ultimately it comes down to what you need to lift. Sounds like the three problems OP is seeking to solve are:
  • more lift (presumably on the loader)
  • easier to attach MMM
  • fuel filter issues
My take is that the B has more lift. But we don't know how much lift the OP wants - the BX lifts 230kg, the B lifts 299kg, the LX lifts 375kg (all 500mm forward). You can always buy bigger machines, the question is how much the OP actually wants to lift. If the OP needs more than 300kg lift, then the LX makes sense. If he needs more than 375kg, then an L will make sense.

The B has an easier to attach MMM. I can't speak for the LX, but I'd expect it to be similar in attach. The main issue I see is that because it rides on its wheels, it's harder to drive over - it'll move around if you do that on a hard surface. I always take my deck off on the lawn anyway, so that wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. It may be for the OP.

Fuel filter issues sounds weird to me, I suspect there's some sort of dirty fuel going on, in which case any of these machines will have the same issue.
 
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bird dogger

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I started out with a JD750 with a MMM and other attachments. I started out liking the MMM but soon realized that a rear mower would've been better for my needs. The mower was always either in the way or needed to come off do do other tasks. If it was put on to mow...it would rain. Or I would put off doing other tasks knowing I had to mow in the next day or two....then it would rain again. :mad:

Replacing the JD with the Kubota B2650, I bought a 3 pt finish mower and couldn't be happier. Easy on/off in a minute or two. Cleaning underneath was much much easier. With plenty of trees to mow around, it didn't take long to work up the mowing pattern so there was almost no start/stop/back up, etc. If you have other 3 pt implements, its so easy to stop and switch between them and back again.

But it all depends on how much mowing you do vs the other chores requiring the mower to be off the tractor. Everybody's uses are different. Having had and used both types, I'm much happier with the 3 pt mower.... especially as I get older.

My B2650 with turf tires mows the lawn with no damage and no worries driving over the septic drainfield, etc.

And the new LX models are really Nice!!
 
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PaulL

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Lots of people have strong views that 3pt implements are way easier to put on. I just got a new transport tray for my tractor today - and don't have it on a dolly. Without a quick hitch or extending arms, attaching a 3pt implements that's too heavy to move is a real dog. I really think this is about what people are used to and what sorts of hassle they'll tolerate. I much prefer a MMM (although I'm about to get a 3pt flail on my new tractor) - I find them easier to put on and take off, and much more intuitive to use. When I lend my machine out, or my significant other drives it, they find it far easier to deal with a MMM - they can just look down and see exactly what it's doing.

None of these are deal breakers, both style of implement work fine. But it's important to realise both have tradeoffs, and therefore different people will have different preferences. Maybe even different preferences for different tasks.
 
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GrumpyFarmer

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Having owned both a BX and B, iMO they do everything they were designed to do. I’ve not have a problem with the fuel filters either. I understand that doesn’t help the OP, point here is maybe a couple things I would offer for thoughts:

1. If fuel filters getting clogged regularly, they may be doing job….that’s not a tractor issue if they are preventing a more expensive problem on your machine. Have you checked you fuel?

2. BXs and Bs both run out of traction before they do power, but they do what they are sized to do. If the BX isn’t large enough, is 15% x not enough = just right for you? When looking at the numbers I think need to determine what items or how much you want to lift at a time and then consider is that get it off the ground or safely be able to handle it across or around your property? Those are very different things IMO. I’d look at the lift ratings and then convert that to either bags of feed or mulch or blocks and see dos 15% more get you what you want. IMO a B has a higher center of gravity that a BX and feels more tippy.

3. As far as mowers I had had both a B and BX as I wanted a MMM. I regret that criteria that I set and would now rather have a 3 pt mower for easy on/off and service relative to crawling around on hands and knees on concrete.

4. I think both a B and BX are great but I did not get much for my dollar when I upgraded. I should have either bought the B to start with or if bought the BX first just kept it as the upgrade wasn’t much and several years later i added an MX.

I suspect this may come off as harsh (I am not trying to be a DH), but IMO since you suggested not happy with the capability of the BX I think you need to determine what you need for your uses/tasks(that really hasn’t been described above and I think k maybe you get other suggestions if you share more on size and scope of your uses)…you are only one that knows that. Personally if not happy with BX, I’d go a size bigger than you think you need. ☕

I also would not want to be without a BX or B. They are great and can accomplish a lot of things and get you closer to things than a larger machine would allow in some cases. It’s so convenient to have a BX/B sized machine…it’s like having a diesel powered wheelbarrow for me and I use B more than my other tractors as majority of my chores don’t require a utility tractor. (There’s also nothing wrong with more than one machine IMO)
 
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Runs With Scissors

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I am with @Shawn T. W on the fuel filter thing. EDIT: and apparently @GrumpyFarmer too 👏

Having to "constantly change the fuel filter” will not change one bit when/if you buy a new tractor.

Something else is causing that. (i.e. contaminated fuel, fuel storage problems, debris entering tank……etc)


Now, the whole “ performance thing” I completely understand.

I bought the biggest “old school diesel" I could, and since the loader performance was “basically the same” until you get to the 40+ HP arena, the 2501 was was good fit for me.

Good luck on your decision. (y)(y)

Sounds like a nice problem to have ;):)
 
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Bearcatrp

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What ever you do, if you still owe money on your tractor, do not trade it in. Sell it out right. I tried when I looked at the LX. They low balled me, and added it to the total price. I passed. Will sell mine out right when the time comes. The BX is great for cutting grass around a house. Small and compact. For your fuel issues, suggest you buy your diesel from a truck stop. They go through diesel fast so always a good resupply.
 
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dhmeiser

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Thanks everyone

I did modify the BX fuel location, and installed the fuel mod many people discussed here. The one next to the fuel tank was always a pain to get to and remove. I did get one load of crap fuel where i had to completely drain the tank and flush it ( never went back to that gas station) still at my age getting under the tractor and getting the filter out was a PIA!

as for Fel lifting it really does not have much lift power. if you put on front pallet loader it really can't lift as much as I was hoping it could. tried to move a picnic table with the forks and it couldn't lift it. was hoping to be able to lift my other implements i have, box blade, front grapple onto vertical storage racks but it has no power. it also to me digging with the front bucket just doesn't cut it, while i did cut in a 300 foot french drain it did the job and just barely had the power for that

I am going to have to look into the LX models. just have to see about the dimensions as my barn doesnt have much head room.

the reason i want a belly mower is because of the number of trees and obstacles i have to mow around, figured with all that in the back would make it hard to maneuver between trees and such. but if i am wrong about a pto finish mower let me know
 
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BruceMc

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I am going to have to look into the LX models. just have to see about the dimensions as my barn doesnt have much head room.
I bought an LX2620 to replace my BX25 last fall. With the ROPS up, the LX is actually about 5" shorter. You wouldn't suspect that just looking at them separately, but the tape measure tells the tale. Of course you're at a fixed height with the cab.

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GreensvilleJay

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re: MMM
Funny, when I bought my BX23S 8 years ago, salesguy asked do I want the MMM ? No, I have a dedicated rider for that ,that only cost 1/5th of what the MMM does. None of us are getting younger, as we get older, so making chores NOT a chore is key to happiness. Perhaps a dedicated riding mower will do the job for the OP ?
 
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Bearcatrp

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Thanks everyone

I did modify the BX fuel location, and installed the fuel mod many people discussed here. The one next to the fuel tank was always a pain to get to and remove. I did get one load of crap fuel where i had to completely drain the tank and flush it ( never went back to that gas station) still at my age getting under the tractor and getting the filter out was a PIA!

as for Fel lifting it really does not have much lift power. if you put on front pallet loader it really can't lift as much as I was hoping it could. tried to move a picnic table with the forks and it couldn't lift it. was hoping to be able to lift my other implements i have, box blade, front grapple onto vertical storage racks but it has no power. it also to me digging with the front bucket just doesn't cut it, while i did cut in a 300 foot french drain it did the job and just barely had the power for that

I am going to have to look into the LX models. just have to see about the dimensions as my barn doesnt have much head room.

the reason i want a belly mower is because of the number of trees and obstacles i have to mow around, figured with all that in the back would make it hard to maneuver between trees and such. but if i am wrong about a pto finish mower let me know
What are you using for ballast when using the FEL? I have 300 lbs on my 3 point so can lift a tad bit more than the listed lift capacity. Without any ballast, you won’t be able to lift full capacity.