I’m upgrading to a B model from my 1850. Looking at used models with a backhoe and loader. Building a new home on 50ac in WVa next year. I have more than enough projects and maintenance to do that justify the BH. I was primarily looking at B2601 and B2301. But I’m wondering about the B3030 and B3200. I want to keep my 4’ brush hog, and box scraper. I know these will work on the 2600 and 2300. Any experience here with 4’ implements on the two slightly larger tractors? Thanks.
Upgrading to B model.
- Thread starter Bald1
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Most of the B's are a smidge over 48" wide at minimum track, so 4' implements won't quite cover the tracks. You could start with them and keep an eye out for 5' ones.
If this is a hilly place, you may want a wider track.
If this is a hilly place, you may want a wider track.
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trikepilot
Well-known member
Equipment
B2620HSD LA364/BH65 48SQ Bush Hog LP FDR1660 LP RB1560 B2672 42in forks LP1266
I have a B2620 and I use it in VA not far from WV. In these hilly forested areas, I find it meets the sweet spot between capability and nimbleness. It has done everything I ask of it but I do know my limitations and on anything approaching the upper limits of capacity, I just go slow and careful.
I would liquidate the 4ft implements when you get rid of the BX. The OEM width of my rear tires is right at 52 inches. A 48in implement won't cover your wheel tracks. I have all 5ft implements and they work great and don't tax the B2620 too much. I also have the OEM frame mounted backhoe (BH66) and it has been wonderful. I too would advise adding rear wheel spacers if you are in hilly country as they add a good bit of stability. Otherwise you are gonna really enjoy your new Kubota
I would liquidate the 4ft implements when you get rid of the BX. The OEM width of my rear tires is right at 52 inches. A 48in implement won't cover your wheel tracks. I have all 5ft implements and they work great and don't tax the B2620 too much. I also have the OEM frame mounted backhoe (BH66) and it has been wonderful. I too would advise adding rear wheel spacers if you are in hilly country as they add a good bit of stability. Otherwise you are gonna really enjoy your new Kubota
I sometimes run a B3300SU for my neighbor, which should be very similar to the B3200 you mentioned, I think, with the exception the 3200 has a mid pto.
I wouldn't drag anything less than 5 foot ideally. Brush hog, you could get by with a 4ft.
As a side note, I hate that 3300, I would rather use almost any other model/brand than that. Cheap and sloppy IMHO.
I wouldn't drag anything less than 5 foot ideally. Brush hog, you could get by with a 4ft.
As a side note, I hate that 3300, I would rather use almost any other model/brand than that. Cheap and sloppy IMHO.
If I go the 2601 or 2301 route I’ll definitely keep 4’ box blade and brush hog. I’m not worried about less than an inch on each side. It was mainly the larger one. I’ve got my eye on a low hr b3030.
With 50ac, if you have alot of digging, id be looking at a mini excavator instead of the (back of the CUT) BH. I have an l3901 and a bh77. While I don't "regret" this decision fully, it has alot of frustrating moments and also isnt as strong as you hope its going to be.
I needed a robust mower, so I ended up with a bx2680 as well, and I constantly internally debate getting rid of my L series, for a mini ex. My BX is doing 75% of what the L does, just slower. Like the L bucket is 4x the size of the BX, so chopping firewood means more stopping with the BX when filling/unloading the bucket.
I needed a robust mower, so I ended up with a bx2680 as well, and I constantly internally debate getting rid of my L series, for a mini ex. My BX is doing 75% of what the L does, just slower. Like the L bucket is 4x the size of the BX, so chopping firewood means more stopping with the BX when filling/unloading the bucket.
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Just a note, BEFORE you spend the money on a B2601 have your dealer bring one out for you play with. Some on said the B2601 is a BX with a lift kit,, and they are pretty much spot on. I thought the B was going to be the end to my worries,,, I was wrong, I went off all the printed material, bad move. Now dont get me wrong the B is a nice LITTLE tractor and it functions well, however if I may offer some observations of my own.
1 the rear end is about the same as the BX and you sit higher,, I put 2 inch spacers on mine should have gone with 4, and while it has never tipped over it has come pretty close. And if you are going to be in the hills, it is something to think about.
2 The kitchen is not made for a big man or if you are a big ,crippled up some ,it is not an easy beast to get on and off, the lay out if great for someone young and maybe 5'9" and 140 pounds, but a big old fat man,, not so much.
3 Yes it will drag a 48 inch mower snow blade , blower and a ton of things. But I don't think you will be happy with it, looking at the size one would expect more from it. I don't know where you are building in the Wild and Wonderful but I would stay away from the R4 tires, someone figured skid steer tires on a little tractor was a good idea should be horse whipped. just MHO you understand. And on 50 acers while it might do well on the flats , if you plan on hauling fire wood out,,,,,,,,,
It is your money spend it wisely, all I am saying it dont just jump on it because it looks like it might to the job. If all you want to do is mow the lower field or clean stalls it will do fine for light stuff.
All I am telling you is what I have found with my B2601, I bought a bill of goods before I really dug in to it, and I want to save you the pain I have for it. My old BX 2360 has been through the wringer and still comes back for more, but in your case I would go for the bigger tractor , all you can afford. If I had known then, what I know now I would not have bought the 2601.
1 the rear end is about the same as the BX and you sit higher,, I put 2 inch spacers on mine should have gone with 4, and while it has never tipped over it has come pretty close. And if you are going to be in the hills, it is something to think about.
2 The kitchen is not made for a big man or if you are a big ,crippled up some ,it is not an easy beast to get on and off, the lay out if great for someone young and maybe 5'9" and 140 pounds, but a big old fat man,, not so much.
3 Yes it will drag a 48 inch mower snow blade , blower and a ton of things. But I don't think you will be happy with it, looking at the size one would expect more from it. I don't know where you are building in the Wild and Wonderful but I would stay away from the R4 tires, someone figured skid steer tires on a little tractor was a good idea should be horse whipped. just MHO you understand. And on 50 acers while it might do well on the flats , if you plan on hauling fire wood out,,,,,,,,,
It is your money spend it wisely, all I am saying it dont just jump on it because it looks like it might to the job. If all you want to do is mow the lower field or clean stalls it will do fine for light stuff.
All I am telling you is what I have found with my B2601, I bought a bill of goods before I really dug in to it, and I want to save you the pain I have for it. My old BX 2360 has been through the wringer and still comes back for more, but in your case I would go for the bigger tractor , all you can afford. If I had known then, what I know now I would not have bought the 2601.
Of the 50 acres 47 are wooded. Which is just how I want it because the hunting is fantastic. The BH
The BH (not pto driven) would be used for keeping a very nice logging road network cleaned with proper drainage. I also have a natural spring pond I want to slowly widen out (check out Tractor Therapy videos). There are many boulders I’d like to bring off mountain down to homesite for landscaping purposes. And with the addition of a mechanical thumb it’d be nice for budding trees. I won’t be doing anything “farming” activities. I can till a small vegetable garden with my TroyBuilt.
so your saying I can buy your 2601 cheap?
. I’m kidding and appreciate your input. I’ve played with the 2601 and bh a little. Your right that it’s not roomy. I’m 6’2” 225lbs. If I’m being honest, a BX with bh would probably do all I want to do. But in the world of tractors and workshops, bigger is ALWAYS better !Yea my mistake, I didnt mean powered by PTO, just mounted at the back of the CUT.
I have a thumb as well on my BH77.
Honestly, id consider a mini ex with your stated use cases. It's a FAR better earth mover than a light CUT, IMO. So is a skid steer...might be worth it to rent an ex for the pond work and use a steer for the grading/moving and still have the bucket for firewood.
I agree with skeets, see if you can get one to try. I don't think you will find it a big improvement over what you have now.
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fyi this is how I ended up with an L series, and its not big enough to do what I want, ultimately.
I have zero interest in a skid steer or mini Ex. I want one piece of equipment to do it all. This will lead to some compromises of course.
I move more boulders with my FEL and pallet forks than with the BH, because it can't lift them.
Suggest you look at the L or LX series tractors. Love my BX1880 but if I ever upgrade, the LX2620 is what I want.
As @someguy9000 mentioned above, the backhoe is not good for lifting much above ground level and carrying things. To lift very high the boom and stick have to be out so far you lose lifting effort.
And if you use a thumb, you'll be kicking yourself before long for not getting a hydraulic one.