Tractor Sizing Kubota B2320, L2501, Mahindra Max 26XL, or Kioti CK2510

[Tractorsntats]

Hi, I am new but have been reading some forums and would appreciate some advice. I am in the market for a new compact TLB setup. I have 40-50 post holes to dig in rocky soil, I want to clear a piece of land for a garage, dig the foundations, etc. I also have to build some driveway to my new garage, but only 100 feet and I'm having the material hauled in... I also have cottage plans for my retirement home in the next few years, need to do excavation, foundations, landscaping there. My home property is only an acre but my retirement land is just shy of 30 acres, and it's wooded and soil is rocky there as well. I plan on doing some personal farming at my larger property when I retire, plus cut some firewood. Where I live there are only 3 dealers. Kubota dealer is a large company, well established, been dealing Kubota for years, they do seem kinda rude to anyone who isn't dropping a million bucks. They have a heavy truck dealership and a JCB equipment franchise. The Mahindra dealer, small, strong farming background, new to being a dealer, not sure they're selling many units. The Kioti dealer, somewhat established, decent sales, I've heard the service after the sale isn't as good.

Here's what I'm considering. Kubota B2320 TLB, hydrostatic, $25,500 Canadian dollars, like the unit, seems a little light for all the work I have in store. Kubota L2501, hydrostatic, TLB, new for 2015, very robust, large frame, 100 cubic inches of displacement which is massive compared to others in the 25-26 hp category. Price is $30,400 Canadian. Looked at Mahindra Max 26XL hydrostatic, TLB, sturdy tractor, seems cheap in certain ways, rear axle seemed small, wasn't priced well either, $28,000 Canadian money. The Kioti CK2510 ,HST, TLB, a nice machine, heavy, seemed heavy constructed, reviews well, reservations about Daedong, reservations about dealer support, also not cheap, $27,900 Canadian dollars as well.
I'm looking for some input, what do you guys think is the best unit for my needs, present and future? What should I be aware about regarding the negatives of the tractors listed? I'm a truck driver/equipment operator, born and raised in a logging environment, turns wrenches, can weld. I considered a used tractor but there's no selection here, and what becomes available is overpriced junk or a nice unit used tends to be the same price as new.

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. I am leaning towards the Kubota L2501 because it seems like a tough and strong machine.

 

[s219]

I'll stick with comments about Kubotas since I have more experience with them. The L2501 is a good combination, though I would lean towards the L3301/L3901 (or older L3200/3800 if you can find one). Knowing how the L3200 performs, I would not want less HP in the same tractor, especially for the things you described (for other tasks like row-cropping the L2501 would be fine). Might also want to look into the Kubota B2650 and B2601 (or older B2620) if you want something a bit lighter than an L. I think the B2320 is too small for what you described. Good luck!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Kubota all the way. I just bought the L3301 and love it. Lots of power and a very quick, responsive FEL. However,View attachment 419635 I got the gear drive, shuttle shift. I hate HST.

 

[Tractorsntats]

Thanks for your input. I'm trying to stay at or under the 26 hp threshold. I want nothing to do with a diesel particulate filter or diesel exhaust fluid. I have to deal with those two nightmares at work on real big trucks. You would think before emissions standards are legislated as law, the gov'ts would help industry develop ways to meet requirements. On big trucks, DPF and DEF have become a nuisance and are crippling the truck business. I'm in vac truck industry btw.

 

[s219]

Thanks for your input. I'm trying to stay at or under the 26 hp threshold. I want nothing to do with a diesel particulate filter or diesel exhaust fluid. I have to deal with those two nightmares at work on real big trucks. You would think before emissions standards are legislated as law, the gov'ts would help industry develop ways to meet requirements. On big trucks, DPF and DEF have become a nuisance and are crippling the truck business. I'm in vac truck industry btw.

So then maybe look at the B2650 -- it's dimensionally sized about like an L2501, but is lighter and a better match for 26HP. It's a nice size machine with a capable backhoe and front loader. Normally I recommend the L's over a large B because you get more tractor for about the same money, and they are heavier and make more use of their HP. But I really think the L2501 would feel a bit underpowered for the tasks you mentioned.

If by some miracle you could find an older L3200 or L3800, that would be ideal -- you could have the bigger more capable tractor, and get higher HP to move it without the Tier IV final emissions garbage. Other than DPF, new seat, and new levers, the L3200/3800 are nearly identical to the current L3301/L3901 models.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . reservations about Daedong, reservations about dealer support . . . .

I'm not sure why you would have reservations about Daedong. It's a strong South Korean company that has been making tractors for a long while, and most of the Kioti owners on this forum (including me) are happy with theirs.

Dealer support is a valid concern regardless of brand.

 

[DK35vince]

I'm not sure why you would have reservations about Daedong. It's a strong South Korean company that has been making tractors for a long while, and most of the Kioti owners on this forum (including me) are happy with theirs.

I have owned one (Kioti DK 35) for 14 years.
Mine has been an Excellent tractor.

I'm not familiar with the other models you listed.

 

[jcbGM]

I'm want to address another part of your original post. 40-50 post holes? I wouldn't want to do that many with a 3pt auger. Get your tractor with a SSL coupler on the loader and rent or buy a skid steer auger. You'd need a 3rd valve to do this, but in the rocky soils of Canada, down pressure
Is your friend.

 

[Tractorsntats]

I also thought maybe the L2501 would feel underpowered, weight versus hp rating. Then I noticed the engine size, 100 cubic inches of displacement for a 25 hp, that's about 25% more than other 25 hp units and I began thinking that after the warranty was done, just get a little 'tune up'. A good used kubota here, be cheaper to buy new....

 

[Tractorsntats]

The 40-50 post holes. I was planning on doing them with the backhoe. Last year I did 20 holes for a privacy fence section, had to rent one of those tiny excavators, soil is just that bad. The skid steer augers work pretty good here though.