B2601 w/R4s for Brush Cutting

[Vraz]

Have an overgrown pine tree farm that I am thinning over time. Tight rows of pines with widths from 70-55". Unfortunately, it only takes a single misplaced tree to deny access to my existing 64" wide tractor + 62" rotary cutter. Was originally considering a L3301 upgrade, but even with R1's at minimal width, my 62" (external width) King Kutter rotary cutter becomes the blocker. Therefore, a 48" rotary cutter and appropriately sized tractor appears the next best option.

Seems like the B2601 might fit the bill. Look to be appropriate width (would prefer the tractor match the rotary cutter width) with decent power (my old 8N is likely under 20hp PTO at present and running a 60" cutter) and supports a mid-mount mower (have a small semi-lawn area that I need to keep up).

A few questions to the B2601 knowledgable:

Can somebody provide the sidewall-to-sidewall width w/R4s? The specs say "49 inches min. tread". Have no idea what that really means. 49 inches from rim center to center? 49 inches from rim edge to edge (my best guess)? A definitive answer would be great (and any explanation of the curious terminology a bonus).

Any concerns of the B2601 running a 48" rotary cutter to its full obliteration capacity? Going into a new area, I can encounter buckthorn up to 1.5" diam. (Above that, I get out the chainsaw.) The 8N+60" Kutter destroys it in appropriately sized rows (though a nail-biting ride).

Can the MMM be run against edging (assuming close to grade) to avoid a separate trimming pass? I dont want to pull out the string trimmer later. Any concerns with removing the mower deck on a regular basis?

Two pictures below to help visualize what I am up against. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Vacman369]

I can't specifically answer your B2601 questions but I had a B2410 that was the 2004 equivalent. I used a 4' brush mower on it all the time with no issues. I'm certain it could have run a 5' because it felt like it had power to spare. It would routinely shatter rocks so small trees wouldn't stand a chance.
I had a 60" mmm and it can get reasonably close to edges and obstacles. You are limited by the size of the tractor though. It's not as nimble as a lawn tractor or a zero turn mower so just keep that in mind.

Good luck.
John

 

[Vraz]

I used a 4' brush mower on it [B2410] all the time with no issues. I'm certain it could have run a 5' because it felt like it had power to spare.

That confirms my impression. I currently run a 5' on my 8N and am guessing its less power than any recent mid-20HP tractor. Some interesting physics at work. The actual destruction is mostly unrelated to tractor power-- its how fast the blades are spinning (and their mass) at impact. Tractor power then determines whether they bog or come back up to operating speed (and how quickly). Suffice it to say I bogged down the 8N in nasty buckthorn many a time.

I have decided to pull the trigger on the B2601. Drove a B2301 at the dealer and was impressed. According to the dealer, the B2301 or B2601 w/R4's (both use the same size R4's) are ~51" wide (sidewall to sidewall). Will pair it with a 48" King Kutter as its around 50.5" wide making a perfect fit.

I had a 60" mmm and it can get reasonably close to edges and obstacles. You are limited by the size of the tractor though. It's not as nimble as a lawn tractor or a zero turn mower so just keep that in mind.

My comparison is the 5' rotary cutter behind the 8N. Was very awkward for mowing. Not expecting zero-turn performance, but trying to avoid a manual edging pass later. Thanks for taking the time to respond-- appreciate it.

 

[Manvito]

I just measured my sidewall width on my B2601, using broom handles pressed against the sidewalls of the tires and measuring the inner dimension. My tractor has R4 tires and the width is 48 3/4".

 

[n3ckf]

I just measured my sidewall width on my B2601, using broom handles pressed against the sidewalls of the tires and measuring the inner dimension. My tractor has R4 tires and the width is 48 3/4".

I'm making this call right now on the B2601 i'm ordering. The sales person i just talking to says that the Ags are 49 inches and the R4s would be a couple inches more. (of course he was reading off a spec sheet and you're looking at a real tractor).

Anyway the reason i wanted to know is i've speced 54" implements and i want to make sure the tractor didnt end up wider than those.

 

[Vraz]

I'm making this call right now on the B2601 i'm ordering. The sales person i just talking to says that the Ags are 49 inches and the R4s would be a couple inches more. (of course he was reading off a spec sheet and you're looking at a real tractor).

Anyway the reason i wanted to know is i've speced 54" implements and i want to make sure the tractor didnt end up wider than those.

This turned into a more complicated question than I anticipated. The info from the dealer matched yours (he called somebody who had a B2601 w/R4s to measure).

Manvita>> I just measured my sidewall width on my B2601, using broom handles pressed against the sidewalls of the tires and measuring the inner dimension. My tractor has R4 tires and the width is 48 3/4".

This is fascinating as it seems closer to claimed R1/Ag width. Appreciate your taking the time to check

For my purposes, anything from 49-51 is fine. It does not need to be exact, but wanted the fairly tractor close to my rotary cutter width as need to cleanly get down the rows. Ordered the unit earlier this week and should join the Legion of Orange tomorrow afternoon (assuming my delivery date holds). Appreciate the feedback-- thanks.

 

[Vraz]

A couple critical parts (rear remote valves) were delayed and dealer got them later yesterday (Friday). He brought in a tech Saturday morning to complete installation and then delivered the finished product.

Tried out the MMM and it was so easy compared to the rotary cutter on the 8N. Biggest "issue" is the directional nature of the mower chute. Some operator retraining required to address this little aspect. The combination of power steering and ground speed independent of PTO speed almost made it too easy. Not quite twice as fast cutting on my first try, but pretty close. Best part is that it will be usable by the wife, allowing another operator in the seat.

First attempt at removing the MMM was frustrating. My own fault as my removal location was not as flat as expected. Suspect the R4s reduce clearance a bit and that can make it even harder if the ground is even slightly elevated. Had to reattach and find a better spot and then it went pretty smoothly.

Having purchased my prior rotary cutter years ago, forgot the fun of removing from the truck and doing the assembly. (The Land Pride cutter is too wide and would have proven problematic-- however, midway through dealing with the King Kutter, was kind of wishing had just gotten one from the dealer.) Nonetheless, some persistance and the new one was seup. Per the picture, the 8N proved it was not getting replaced, just getting a nimble partner for certain tasks. Will run the rotary cutter through the trees tomorrow and see how it cuts the buckthorn.

Pictures:
#1- Arrival
#2- Next to its older buddy
#3- Older buddy unloading the rotary cutter (old school style)
#4- With rotary cutter attached
#5- Visual of tractor/rotary-cutter width match (one of my key criteria)

 

[Manvito]

Great looking tractor! Glad I could help.

 

[Vraz]

Spent 2.5 hours with the rotary cutter today and was super happy. Never got round to measuring the final tire width, but am guessing its closer to 49.9" (or just under). I tested the limits and managed to pass the tractor through a couple trees where the rotary cutter would not fit. Easy enough to resolve by backing up a bit and raising the cutter beyond the butt of the adjoining trees.

Compared to my 8N, it was almost too easy. The wife came out with a "replacement beverage" and I was so happy and focused, had not finished my prior refreshment. (Lets just say that does not happen often.) Fun little tractor and really appreciate how easy it is to maneuver!