Kubota B2650 or B3350 with cab and backhoe?

dmorean · Nov 16, 2014

I'm taking advantage of Kubota's 0% financing and buying a B series tractor with cab and backhoe, either the 2650 or the 3350. It's a bit of a budget stretch for me to do this and it would cause extra pain to pony up the additional $4500 to get into the 3350. I'll probably have the backhoe attached to the machine as my default...half of the time or more. Can the 26 HP 2650 handle the additional weight/height of the cab as well as a backhoe and loader or will I get frustrated with the lack of power? Would bumping up to the 3350 make a noticeable difference? I will be using it for plowing snow, building retaining walls with small to medium fieldstone, installing a small koi pond, putting in some small trees, scraping a gravel driveway. Thanks in advance for any help!

s219 · Nov 16, 2014

Historically, having 26hp in that size tractor is almost like a hot rod. Nowadays, it's typical. It will probably be fine.

I had a b2920, 29hp, and it was a bit of a hot rod, but was so light the power was wasted much of the time, as there wasn't sufficient traction.

The main reason I'd consider more power would be for running PTO implements that needed it. Don't see anything on your list that suggests it's a factor.

Another thing to consider is that the 3350 has extra emissions junk on the engine and has a somewhat clumsy regen mode (based on what people here have mentioned). You are free of all that with the 2650, which may be reason enough to go that direction.

Either way, I agree the extra $$ for the 3350 is hard to get over. That's a lot of $$ just for extra HP.

dmorean · Nov 17, 2014

I think your comments are spot on. I know I'm opening a can of worms here, but I haven't found this specific question addressed anywhere. I'm looking to get into the most affordable yet high quality tractor with a quality factory cab with heat and ac, loader and backhoe. With Kubota, that's the b2650. With JD, it's the 3033R. Kubota about $36k. JD about $43k. I suspect the B3350 is more apples to apples with the JD 3033R but JD doesn't offer the cab in a lower horsepower tractor. From what I've read, it sounds like the JD cab my be quieter (pressure sealed) and a bit better fit/finish. Any thoughts on the b2650 vs. the 3033R and on the b3350 vs. the 3033R?

HEC · Nov 17, 2014

I saved the $$$ and went with the 2650hsdc and didn't have to deal with the emission junk . I don't know if you would notice much difference in performance with a few more hp . . It may take a bit longer to snow blow etc. . but for me that isn't a problem . If I were a contractor a little extra time could be very important and the extra hp might be a different matter . I have a M5700 and was very surprised what this smaller tractor could do pulling cultivators etc. in my home garden and blowing some heavy wet snow we got a few days ago . I am well pleased with my choice . As far as the back hoe is concerned I would check the pump preasure of the two tractors as that could make a difference in ones choice I would think .

dmorean · Nov 17, 2014

HEC said:
I saved the $$$ and went with the 2650hsdc and didn't have to deal with the emission junk . I don't know if you would notice much difference in performance with a few more hp . . It may take a bit longer to snow blow etc. . but for me that isn't a problem . If I were a contractor a little extra time could be very important and the extra hp might be a different matter . I have a M5700 and was very surprised what this smaller tractor could do pulling cultivators etc. in my home garden and blowing some heavy wet snow we got a few days ago . I am well pleased with my choice . As far as the back hoe is concerned I would check the pump preasure of the two tractors as that could make a difference in ones choice I would think .

Thanx. Very helpful. Ya, saving a minute or two not a big deal as it might be w a contractor. I'll be enjoying a hot cocoa while plowing. Kubota's total hydraulic gpm is 8.7 on both the 2650 and 3350. JD 3033 has over 13 total I believe. This gpm thing an important issue?

buck boost · Nov 17, 2014

dmorean said:
Thanx. Very helpful. Ya, saving a minute or two not a big deal as it might be w a contractor. I'll be enjoying a hot cocoa while plowing. Kubota's total hydraulic gpm is 8.7 on both the 2650 and 3350. JD 3033 has over 13 total I believe. This gpm thing an important issue?

As far as HP:

Using the machine as a loader backhoe (dirt) and snow plowing, I wouldn't think you will have a problem with the 2650. PTO use is where you could find it on the minimum side.

Hydraulic flow rate:

If you are not running a particular implement off the rear remotes that require a specific flow, I doubt you will have any problems with the lower number.

Test for your self though. Rev the B2650 up to PTO speed or close to it, (that is where it is designed to work at) and check the speed of loader and backhoe. If the speed is to your liking, then you are good to go!

HEC · Nov 19, 2014

I am not sure about the hyd. on the JD. . Where is that total preasure designated too .

I would look at how the backhoe was hooked up , frame mounted or 3 pt. hitch mounted .I don't have a backhoe so others will have to help you in that area .

Gary Fowler · Nov 19, 2014

I have the B26 TLB and it doesn't lack for engine power and with the backhoe on it has very good traction. It might be a grand or more heavier than the B2650 but engine wise it is about equal.
The hydraulic flow is important in the speed that the hoe and FEL operate. Yes I wouldn't mind a bit faster in some instances but other times I don't run much more than 1500 RPM just so the hoe works slower. Slow is better in close quarter situation of when digging around a buried water line.
I think you will be fine with the 2650.