B2310, b2601 or L2501

RalphVa

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Jan 19, 2020
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Charlottesville
It probably came up before, but which one is better in my case? About 2-3 pretty wooded area that includes a geove of medium sized trees, cottonwoods, fern, small brush etc that need my care. To add on too, lots of old fallen branches, trunks possibly hidden in the way.

Looking to buy used due to budget. I like the b series, but if L2501 can be had for just 2k or so more, i would rather buy once, then upgrade later.

I looked at tractorhouse, and prices are pretty wide range, but are my estimates on the following model fair, assuming all are lower than 400 hrs, hst with just fel.

b2601 ~ $16k
L2501 ~ $18k

any feedback is appreciated
I've been looking at these 3. Thinking a B2301 will be fine to replace my 2025R since I was quite happy with the 18.5 hp 4010 (like a 2019E if made). JD no longer puts turning brakes on their lower hp 2 and 3 series tractors. Can have on the Bs and Ls.

Only problem with the L2501 HST is the brakes are right in front of the treddle pedal and not usable as turning brakes. it's also 1,000 # heavier and could stress my tractor overflow/underlow crossing. Like the simplicity in not having a mid PTO.
 

greg86z28

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B2601
May 17, 2020
306
177
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South Central Wisconsin
I've been looking at these 3. Thinking a B2301 will be fine to replace my 2025R since I was quite happy with the 18.5 hp 4010 (like a 2019E if made). JD no longer puts turning brakes on their lower hp 2 and 3 series tractors. Can have on the Bs and Ls.

Only problem with the L2501 HST is the brakes are right in front of the treddle pedal and not usable as turning brakes. it's also 1,000 # heavier and could stress my tractor overflow/underlow crossing. Like the simplicity in not having a mid PTO.
I want to say on the new Ls (L02 I think) they moved the brakes to the opposite side of the treadle and got rid of the clutch.
 
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Rdrcr

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L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
626
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93
WA
Only problem with the L2501 HST is the brakes are right in front of the treddle pedal and not usable as turning brakes. it's also 1,000 # heavier and could stress my tractor overflow/underlow crossing. Like the simplicity in not having a mid PTO.
You could also consider the LX tractor too. Fits nicely between the B & L sizes and has the split brakes on the opposite side of the HST pedal.

Mike
 
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nbryan

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B2650 BH77 LA534 54" ssqa Forks B2782B BB1560 Woods M5-4 MaxxHaul 50039
Jan 3, 2019
1,161
705
113
Hadashville, Manitoba, Canada
My B2650 (earlier version of LX2610) continues to impress me with its capabilities. But hard to find as a result.
 

Smf834

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L2501dt
Nov 1, 2021
49
5
8
1a2b3c
The BX is plentiful in the used market. L series is a bit harder to find. B series is hardest to find, and command a premium around here. Basically B and L about same price.
 

jimh406

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Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
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The L2501 is a lot bigger tractor. Whether you want that or not is up to you.
 
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DDCD

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1964 MF135, L2501
May 8, 2021
159
174
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Oklahoma
I just pulled a 10" stump out with my L2501. It barely got it out. It's just not heavy enough. I wouldn't buy an 2501 and think you're going to be pulling large stumps all day.

Brakes on the same side as HST is not a problem. The tractor has power steering. I never use the brakes for turning or anything else, the HST slows me down enough.
 

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Rdrcr

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L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
626
645
93
WA
^^^^
I agree. But, the L2501 is much more capable than the alternative tractors the OP is considering.

E75A268E-B11B-4AA5-9D59-38FB75A13652.jpeg


My B2601 just wasn’t capable of pulling stumps on my property. The L2501 has done everything I’ve asked of it. That being said, the Grand L / MX may have been a better choice but at a much higher price.

F2843385-1666-4412-B65B-F6F4F7A53A45.jpeg


Mike
 
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DDCD

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1964 MF135, L2501
May 8, 2021
159
174
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Oklahoma
^^^^
I agree. But, the L2501 is much more capable than the alternative tractors the OP is considering.

View attachment 70308

My B2601 just wasn’t capable of pulling stumps on my property. The L2501 has done everything I’ve asked of it. That being said, the Grand L / MX may have been a better choice but at a much higher price.

View attachment 70309

Mike
I love the 2501. It's a great tractor for the money.
 
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RalphVa

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Jan 19, 2020
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Charlottesville
Why are the LX models so much higher price?

Anyone find the owners/operators manual online free? Found one for the B2301/2601 online. Cannot seem to find for the LX2610SU.
 
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Orange man

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Equipment
Kubota L2501 LA525 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
Jul 23, 2014
160
81
28
WNY
Having owned a LX2610 and a L2501, I can say I did not think care for the LX2610, The l2501 is so much more tractor. I sold my first l2501 to get a LX2610 and belly mower, did not care for the belly mower and sold it and got a rear finish mower. When I did that, I kicked my self for letting the L2501 go, so traded the Lx2610 back in for a new L2501. The "deluxe'' features of the LX were not something I used anyway. Even though the LA535 and the LA525 loaders specs look close the LA525 loader is built so much better. Many things on the LX2610 just did not look that well made. When cold out mine had a jerk in the transmission that drove me nuts. The Lx2610 is not a bad tractor, but having owned a L2501, I just was comfortable with the L series.
 
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leetdog

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l2501 bh77
Oct 25, 2021
3
1
3
NE
^^^^
I agree. But, the L2501 is much more capable than the alternative tractors the OP is considering.

View attachment 70308

My B2601 just wasn’t capable of pulling stumps on my property. The L2501 has done everything I’ve asked of it. That being said, the Grand L / MX may have been a better choice but at a much higher price.

View attachment 70309

Mike
I second this. i've pulled out large stumps with an l2501 and bh77 . might take some creativity, but it works. i imagine the lx with the bh77 couldnt have done it. now that the stumps are gone, i had been considering an lx for the cab. also consider an excavator rental for the stump job, if its a one and done.
 
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Rdrcr

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L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
626
645
93
WA
Why are the LX models so much higher price?

Anyone find the owners/operators manual online free? Found one for the B2301/2601 online. Cannot seem to find for the LX2610SU.
The LX series tractor is a ‘premium’ tractor meaning it has several deluxe options that the standard L series does not have. Ultimately, you get ‘more’ tractor and less ‘features’ with the L2501.

A similar comparison would be a Grand L vs the MX series tractors.

The LX2610SU is a good example of Kubota removing deluxe features in an effort to bring the tractor cost down. However, I will admit, I haven’t compared the prices between the L2501 and LX2610SU.

Mike
 

nbryan

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Equipment
B2650 BH77 LA534 54" ssqa Forks B2782B BB1560 Woods M5-4 MaxxHaul 50039
Jan 3, 2019
1,161
705
113
Hadashville, Manitoba, Canada
I second this. i've pulled out large stumps with an l2501 and bh77 . might take some creativity, but it works. i imagine the lx with the bh77 couldnt have done it. now that the stumps are gone, i had been considering an lx for the cab. also consider an excavator rental for the stump job, if its a one and done.
And I've pulled large stumps out with my B2650/BH77 combo, too. It's mostly technique, that "creativity", when the stumps are getting the size that the tractor can barely handle.
Yes the B2610 is a few hundred pounds heavier. I consider that a disadvantage in some situations - my 2650 won't sink in the mud or deep snow as easily, and adding a few hundr4ed pounds isn't a big deal if I needed it.

Just looking at the specs, though, on the B2610 the 3-point will lift more, the pto is live instead of independent hydraulic, the loader will lift a bit more, and the engine has a bit more power.
 

JimmyJazz

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B2601
Aug 8, 2020
1,094
643
113
Pittsburgh, Pa
Why are the LX models so much higher price?

Anyone find the owners/operators manual online free? Found one for the B2301/2601 online. Cannot seem to find for the LX2610SU.
This might sound kind of stupid but here goes. Kubota is a publicly owned company. Their first order of business is to generate profits for the shareholders. The more the better. Much time is spent trying to determine how many tractors can be sold at various prices and how much they can make. A balance is struck whereby the company prospers, shareholders are happy and tractors are sold. I myself balked at the price of the LX models and bought a B2601. There is an old saying "there is an ass for every seat" that may be applicable here.
 
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Oliver

Active member

Equipment
L2501, JD 3520
Feb 2, 2011
526
120
43
Preston County, WV
Yes the B2610 is a few hundred pounds heavier. I consider that a disadvantage in some situations - my 2650 won't sink in the mud or deep snow as easily, and adding a few hundr4ed pounds isn't a big deal if I needed it.

Just looking at the specs, though, on the B2610 the 3-point will lift more, the pto is live instead of independent hydraulic, the loader will lift a bit more, and the engine has a bit more power.
I'm trying to understand. What model is B2610? Are you meaning B2601 or LX2610?
B2610 lift a bit more than what... 2501?
 

RalphVa

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Jan 19, 2020
738
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Charlottesville
Found a good review on the LX2601SU by a guy who had a B2601. He said the B2601 had butter smooth treadle control. The LX's jerked on. Only redeeming feature was a very nice seat on the LX2601.

Think the butter smooth treadle control has sold me on the B2301 for me. Would be the same as the B2601, just less hp, and I do not need the hp.
 

Mossy dell

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B2601 (2021) JD970 (1998) B2100 (1991) B6100E (1988)
Jul 20, 2020
274
125
43
sw VA
Found a good review on the LX2601SU by a guy who had a B2601. He said the B2601 had butter smooth treadle control. The LX's jerked on. Only redeeming feature was a very nice seat on the LX2601.

Think the butter smooth treadle control has sold me on the B2301 for me. Would be the same as the B2601, just less hp, and I do not need the hp.
My B2601 treadle is smooth in forward. I found the reverse stiff and awkward because you have to find it and stomp straight down with your heel, which feels unnatural. I guess you can put your toes under the forward treadle and lift, but that felt even worse to me.

After 8 months, I think I'm pretty used to reverse, however. I did chock the treadle pedal occasionally trying to weaken the reverse spring. Doubt it worked because it is a very stiff, powerful spring. There are other fixes like replacing the spring, but I couldn't figure those out. Dealers seem to be no help on this issue, saying it will break in fine.

You should try the B2301 and see how it feels. Kubota has a number of treadle variations. The B2301's is probably the same as the B2601 but may feel different. It also may or may not bother you. I figured I'd get used to the pedal and, like I said, seem to be adjusting and don't notice it so much. I think my body has gotten used to how it feels and what needs to be done.

Treadle Therapy B2601.jpg
 
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sheepfarmer

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Nov 14, 2014
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