B2601 vs B2650

sfc45acp

New member
Nov 15, 2017
2
0
0
Northern Michigan
Good afternoon all!

Trying to narrow my quest for a tractor down to a B2601 or a B2650.
I own about 10 wooded acres, with about 1.5 acres of mowing, also will utilize the tractor for snow removal and general wooded area clean-up. Any pointers, advice and or keen insight, would be most appreciated.

V/R
 

BAP

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Dec 31, 2012
2,513
657
113
New Hampshire
Both are good choices. The B2650 has a much better 3 point hitch control system which is handy if using a rear blade of some kind. You have more precise control of the position. It also has more operator comfort with control layout.
 

Tractor Dell

New member

Equipment
Kubota BX23S
Jun 13, 2017
122
0
0
Central PA
I know I quote these a guys a lot, but Messick's youtube channel has several videos on the differences between the different Kubota tractors. I don't recall if they have one of the B 01 series and the B 50 series, but they do compare them to the BX and the L series. Between those, they do a good job of pointing out the features and what you may need.

I am sure you realized that one of the major differences is the size of the tractor. The 50 series has a larger, heavier frame and I think the FEL and backhoe are stronger also.
 

sfc45acp

New member
Nov 15, 2017
2
0
0
Northern Michigan
I appreciate the insight, and I have watched some of the youtube videos from Messicks. Trying to do my due diligence and get opinions from users on this forum. The prices are really close, so I am leaning towards the 2650.
I hope to make my mind up this week.

Thank you all for the advice.
 

200mph

Well-known member

Equipment
L4740-3 Cab, FEL, Fnt Snow Blower L2185, LP Finish Mower, LP Rotary Mower
Mar 3, 2017
1,228
58
48
PA
My vote would be the B2650.

The small features will be nice to have later on.
Telescoping 3-point linkages
Greater FEL lift capacity
Tilt wheel
Greater 3-pt lift capacity

Get the FEL quick connect coupler to make it easy to exchange bucket/forks

Good luck with purchase.
 

rkidd

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, FEL With QA 60"mmm, 3pt FDR1672,homemade ballast box, BB 1572 box scraper
Dec 7, 2015
743
67
28
Jefferson Ohio
I was looking at both tractors just like you 2yrs ago. I went with the B2650 with more lifting capacity, wider footprint, and longer wheelbase for a better ride. Also the tilt wheel and great operator platform. I have over 740hrs on mine and for me was the best decision for sure. It has been a workhorse.
 

rkidd

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, FEL With QA 60"mmm, 3pt FDR1672,homemade ballast box, BB 1572 box scraper
Dec 7, 2015
743
67
28
Jefferson Ohio
Both are good choices. The B2650 has a much better 3 point hitch control system which is handy if using a rear blade of some kind. You have more precise control of the position. It also has more operator comfort with control layout.
Hey Bap. I went around on this with another poster that said the B2601 and 2301 had position control like my B2650. I had checked the brochures for those models and it said they did not. I checked with my dealer and found out the brochures were printed up wrong. According to him they have position control also like my B2650. Thats all I can tell you about that. I have never personally run one to verify. If you know for sure, would be great to know. Thanks.
 

Jim Bud

New member

Equipment
B2650 HST, 60"mmm, LA534 FL, 72" rear blade
Nov 8, 2017
15
0
0
Sedalia, CO
I just went through this decision myself, i think the difference was either $1500 or $1800. The motor, while having the same stated HP, is in fact smaller in displacement, which shows up as lower torque....less power. The bucket is smaller, the mmm mower deck, while still a 60" deck, is something like 60-80 lbs lighter on the 2601....dealer says its for lighter duty. The tires are slightly smaller.....the seat has less bump absorbing springing. the lights are smaller....etc.
It seemed to me that an extra $15-1800 was a small price to pay for more power and a tractor that should perform better for a longer time.....so I bought the 2650
 

Stmar

Active member

Equipment
B2650HSDC
May 23, 2017
904
38
28
Buffalo, Wyoming
My choice was fairly easy, B2650 has factory cab option available. Since you are working in the woods this may not be an option you want but it sure is nice in summer, AC, and winter, heat and wind protection. Good that you are doing a lot of research, large investment that should be around for a long time so making the right decision will pay off.
 

Oliver

Active member

Equipment
L2501, JD 3520
Feb 2, 2011
526
120
43
Preston County, WV
About a year ago I was deciding over the same two tractors to replace my 21hp B7500.

My concerns Re 2650 were was it too large or heavy? I didn't care for the info display as well as the more traditional gauges on the B-01 series. I felt I'd be happy with either B-01's floating deck or B-50's ground contact deck.

After I kicked tires and studied them at length I decided the B2650's slightly larger size wouldn't be a problem, it's extra weight was supported by larger tires and other than mowing the extra weight is an advantage anyway.

"For me" the B2650's larger motor developing it's power at 2,500 vs 2,800 seemed like an advantage and that along with the already mentioned higher lift capacity, available 72" deck, along with other little features made it worth the additional $1,800.

So far I really like this tractor and find it has plenty of power to run a 60" rotary cutter and lift capacity for the EA grapple. The engine is very smooth too in fact smoother than the smaller one in my B7500.
 

Bevan175

New member

Equipment
Kubota B2650 HSDC
Aug 11, 2017
30
0
0
Ontario, Canada
I just had the same question this fall. I have an 11 acre property with 5 wooded and 2 acres grass now that will become 6 to cut. I also have a 1400' driveway to move snow on. I went with the B2650 with Cab 72MM, 54" Loader, 60" box scraper and 72" Rear Blade.

Love it so far!
 

sdk1968

Active member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2601HSD & CK4010HST 4WD/FEL
Oct 19, 2016
929
35
28
Ohio
very nice indeed!

see you got the bigger FEL by going with the 2650...
 

dmbjohn

Member

Equipment
Kubota B2650HSDC FEL60"SSQA ,LP 60" BB, HLA 42" forks, Ingersoll 4118 snowblower
Apr 8, 2017
26
30
13
New Era, MI
I was making a similar decision earlier this year, ended up going with a B2650 with factory Cab, 60" box blade, Pallet forks and 60" bucket and rear remotes. I have been very pleased with it, rebuilt our driveway and cleared some old RR ties and logs out of the prop. The AC in the summer was fantastic and though it hasn't been super cold here yet but he heat was nice to have the other day in the low 30f 's. I'm looking forward to playing (working) in the snow this winter.

I'd say look at what you need to do with it. If the price is very similar between then two I'd go with the B2650 as it would give you just a bit extra capacity to get your task done. just make sure it will fit the places you want to take it.
 

Javabean

New member
Jul 13, 2019
8
1
0
Durham NC
I know this is an old thread, but I keep coming back to it in my decision process.

I've been leaning toward the b2650 as well, but now with the b2601-1 out, it's looking more appealing. R14 tires, Quick Attach loader. I prefer the analog dash to the digital one of the b2650 (much easier to see in bright light). The b2601 now has tilt steering wheel standard. It also has the same 3-point lift system as the b2650. And the telescoping lift ends and ratcheting draft control from the b2650 will fit right on it. It might be my imagination, but the b2601 cockpit feels a little roomier than the b2650.

The b2650 still has a slightly nicer seat suspension, slightly higher flow hydraulics (8.7 gpm vs 8.4 on the b2601), slightly more loader and 3-point lift capacities (about 120 and 180 usable pounds, respectively) and slightly higher total lift of the FEL.

Every time I think I've reached a decision, Kubota throws something in to sweeten the pot the other way. (IF I could get the b2650 with digital dash and R14 tires it'd be a no-brainer at this point.....)

<sigh>

-Keith
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

davidmem

Active member

Equipment
Soon to be owner of Kubota B2601 Toro TimeCutter Model 7577
Mar 14, 2021
179
78
28
Bethany, CT
I know this is an old thread, but I keep coming back to it in my decision process.

I've been leaning toward the b2650 as well, but now with the b2601-1 out, it's looking more appealing. R14 tires, Quick Attach loader. I prefer the analog dash to the digital one of the b2650 (much easier to see in bright light). The b2601 now has tilt steering wheel standard. It also has the same 3-point lift system as the b2650. And the telescoping lift ends and ratcheting draft control from the b2650 will fit right on it. It might be my imagination, but the b2601 cockpit feels a little roomier than the b2650.

The b2650 still has a slightly nicer seat suspension, slightly higher flow hydraulics (8.7 gpm vs 8.4 on the b2601), slightly more loader and 3-point lift capacities (about 120 and 180 usable pounds, respectively) and slightly higher total lift of the FEL.

Every time I think I've reached a decision, Kubota throws something in to sweeten the pot the other way. (IF I could get the b2650 with digital dash and R14 tires it'd be a no-brainer at this point.....)

<sigh>

-Keith
Which did you send up with?
 

PaulL

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,098
1,105
113
NZ
That's a very old thread now for a second bump!!
 
  • Wow
Reactions: 1 user

Mossy dell

Active member

Equipment
B2601 (2021) JD970 (1998) B2100 (1991) B6100E (1988)
Jul 20, 2020
274
125
43
sw VA
An interesting thread to me, too, as the owner of a new B2601. I might have gotten a BX, so for my place and needs the B2601 was a step up and I didn't consider the 2650. After over 10 years without a tractor, mine seems plenty large. Not sure if my adjustment would feel as great if I'd kept using my 33 hp tractor.

I recently noted on the GP Outdoors Youtube channel that he seemed to have some buyer's remorse going from his trusty B2601 to a 2650. It's one of his first few posts with the new tractor; last winter, I think. He got a cab and mentioned how loud it is. The other thing I remember is that he said it is a lot slower. Not sure why that would be unless it is that it's a bigger tractor with a cab using much the same engine.