Comparison Advice for New Tractor

[GKChesterton]

Looking to get my first tractor. I've got a couple of acres in Texas, with the back acre covered in brush/saplings that I would like to clear and then keep in check with a rotary cutter. Will need something to move gravel for the drive, box blade some areas, and then also, help mow/manage sections of a deer lease and a private family cemetery (couple acres) a couple times a year. Size wise, I am hoping for a tractor that could work on both places, neither too large for my homestead nor too small to be of use on the larger pieces of land. I'd rather not have to upgrade later (and you never know when the wife might approve another purchase). Went to the deere and kubota dealers. They are the two dealers close enough (within a half hour) to be of use for any repairs later and both seemed like good guys with a long business history. Model wise, I liked the feel and what I read about the Kubota B2650 and Deere 2025R with loader, box blade, and rotary cutter. Both packages would be in the 20K range. The price is close enough that it wouldn't be the deciding factor, but I haven't really seen any comparison between these two models. Are they the comparable models of the two companies, or am I comparing limes to oranges? My feeling after seeing them in person was that the Deere was a little fancier but the Kubota was a little stouter, but does anyone have any experience that could help here? Would appreciate some help. The last time I used a tractor it was a ford 8n my dad and I restored in the late 90s and tractors have changed a lot since that one came out.

 

[Omega Woods]

My advice is to not limit your search to those two brands.

 

[jeff9366]

Model wise, I liked the feel and what I read about the Kubota B2650 and Deere 2025R.

VIDEOS: Kubota B3350 Tractor Advantage Video - YouTube

Kubota B50-Series tractors, B2650 & B3350. Review and functions | Messick's - YouTube

How to clear snow using your loader - Kubota B2650 Cab Compact Tractor - YouTube

 

[airbiscuit]

Both good choices. Which one "feels" better and is the nicest to operate?

 

[kevinwak]

Love my deer 2520 which is essentially the older version of the 2025R. If you plan on doing lots of mowing maybe look at the higher horsepower models of the same frame such as the 2032 or 2038.

 

[GKChesterton]

That's tough here. I looked at Branson and was impressed, but the dealer is over an hour away. Only other established dealer nearby is Case, but they didn't seem to have a model in my price range.

 

[GKChesterton]

Thanks!

 

[GKChesterton]

The Deere felt more comfortable, but I liked the function of the B2650. I'm leaning orange on this one.

 

[XSKIER]

Love my deer 2520 which is essentially the older version of the 2025R. If you plan on doing lots of mowing maybe look at the higher horsepower models of the same frame such as the 2032 or 2038.

Not exactly true. The 2320 was essentially the older version of the 2025R. The current 2017 and up 2025R is like a stretched out 1025R with bigger tires. Your 2520 would directly compare with a 2017 and up 2032R, but the new 2032R is like a shrunk down 3039R. At this time, Deere does not have a direct competitor for the Kabota B2650. On the other hand, the OROPS B3350 and 2032R should be quite compareable.

 

[kevinwak]

Not exactly true. The 2320 was essentially the older version of the 2025R. The current 2017 and up 2025R is like a stretched out 1025R with bigger tires. Your 2520 would directly compare with a 2017 and up 2032R, but the new 2032R is like a shrunk down 3039R. At this time, Deere does not have a direct competitor for the Kabota B2650. On the other hand, the OROPS B3350 and 2032R should be quite compareable.

That’s true, I haven’t seen the frame size changes in person. I just know that when I am doing pto Work I could always use more power. Not that it is underpower, just wanting more so I don’t have to slow down in the thick stuff as much

 

[TractorNH]

There are many other brands to consider than just Deere and Kubota. I looked at Deere, Kubota, Kioti, TYM, LS, Massey Fergusson and Mahindra before I bought the Mahindra (which mine is actually built by TYM). Would have considered others as well if there were dealers close enough but the dealer plays big a role in what you buy too. You want someone reliable. Kioti was my 2nd pick but the closest Kioti dealer was over an hour away whereas I have 3 Mahindra dealers all just under an hour away. Would have gone Kubota since their dealer is within 25 minutes but they weren't competetive on price.

 

[Hill HIgh Guy]

I am actually looking hard at the JD 2025R. It just "feels" the right size for me and what I need to do with it. I looked at the Kubota B2650 and oddly it "feels" too big for me. I have to do a lot of slope work and the JD feels less "tippy". I need something a little bigger than a BX or a JD 1 series. I'm actually looking at the Kubota B2601 which is just a tad smaller than the B2650 and it's $1500 or so less. Both dealers are right in my town and both are good dealers.

The JD has the twin pedal HST which I like, Kubota has the 3 speed trans which I prefer. Tough choice.

 

[jeff9366]

B2601 is a sparely equipped "standard" model.

B2650 is a deluxe equipped model WELL WORTH $1,500 additional.

Either will be ample for tasks detailed.

 

[Texasmark]

My advice is to not limit your search to those two brands.

Wise suggestion.

 

[prof fate]

I shopped around went with kioti CK3510HST - 22450 out the door with quick attach bucket (std), loaded rear tires, rear remotes, arm rest, mirror, floor mat, cruise and link pedal. 6 year zero interest no money down

the 26hp model (same frame) is about $1800 less. they have a smaller framed 26hp as well for a bit less. the 40hp is about 2500 more.

They have SE models for $3500ish more - LOTS of options included.

I went up in HP to get bigger brush hog, saves on time. Also more HP is never a bad thing - and hopefully won't work it as hard as a lower hP machine - last tractor was a L175 kubota, 17hp. Half the weight and no loader. NO comparison in what the Kioti can do - i'm moving logs that just sat there and laughed at the kubota, 50% bigger brush hog gets the mowing done 50% faster and it (almost) never bogs done - up hill in 4-5foot weeds it bogs a big - the kubota just died in the same place.

Uneven ground is a HUGE difference , the bigger tractor just ignores it.

My use is at a horse farm- brush hogging, snow removal, misc loader stuff, post holes. Might do hay.

 

[Groo]

I would limit myself to good dealers in my area.

Dad went shopping for Deere and Yanmar. The Deere guy wouldn't even call back with the requested quote. Default win for Yanmar. A good product at a good price helps too.

 

[terryknight]

i was shopping for a tractor in the same size range. I wanted a 3 range hydro, that knocked a lot of the options off the table. I also spend the extra 1200 to go from a b2601 to a b2650 and it was well worth it to me

 

[GKChesterton]

I just wanted to update that after several months of going to different dealers and test driving, I went with the Kioti CK2610H. I got a good deal that allowed me to add some nice features and implements. But, to be honest it wasn't just price. The tractor fit me better than anything else I drove. The dealer seems solid. Appreciate all the help. Tractor arrives this weekend! I thought about the CK3510SE. It was at the upper limit of my budget, but I don't have a lot of brush hogging to do. I don't think I'll miss the few extra HP given that I avoided a DPF.

 

[prof fate]

congrats!
My 35 has regen'd twice so far, and I"m at 137 hours. Not a big deal. Tractor has been great.
Enjoy

 

[Jchonline]

I just wanted to update that after several months of going to different dealers and test driving, I went with the Kioti CK2610H. I got a good deal that allowed me to add some nice features and implements. But, to be honest it wasn't just price. The tractor fit me better than anything else I drove. The dealer seems solid. Appreciate all the help. Tractor arrives this weekend! I thought about the CK3510SE. It was at the upper limit of my budget, but I don't have a lot of brush hogging to do. I don't think I'll miss the few extra HP given that I avoided a DPF.

It is an amazing thing to match a person to a tractor. When you drive enough of them around...one usually sings to you. I had the same experience, spending probably a year demoing, researching.

Enjoy that machine! Oh and please post some pics when you get it delivered! Dirtier the better! I mean the mud of course