Looking hard at a Kubota B01 series......advice please...

[River19]

Typical newbie situation.......at least newbie to buying a modern tractor. Been running our 1975 Wheel Horse C-160 for ~35 years......

We have 2 properties in New England, primary residence in NH on 4.5acres and a log cabin my wife and I built back in 2009 in northern VT on 8.5 acres. Both are not flat.....

Primary tasks I would like to use the tractor for are hardscape and landscaping projects, some woods clearing, gravel driveway maintenance (550' and 800') and snow removal in NH. I also would like to figure out the best way to mount a 2" receiver to the loader (skid steer quick attach etc.) to easily move around a couple trailers (horse and TT) with tongue weights of 400-550lbs.

I started looking at Kubota BX series and have now moved on to the B01 series, specifically thinking the 2301. The additional 3pt hitch level control feels like a good call for using a box grader and I want the added capacity of the 8gal hydraulic system. The new 2401 is intriguing but clearly a price point move with the geared trans and lower capacity hydraulic system.

I am limited in height to get it into my 16 x 12' shed (no implements) with a door height of 70". Folding ROPS on the Bx/B should be fine from what I can tell.

Implements on my shopping list are:

50" front snow blower w/hydraulic controls for NH 550' driveway with significant incline up to the road
Front Loader
Pallet forks
Box Grader
Rear Spreader (sand not salt.....I salt with a push spreader)

What am I missing here as I am sure there is a lot?

Thanks in advance......

Steve

 

[rademamj1]

Sounds like you already put alot of thought and research into the tractor and implements. The B01 Kubota series can fit very well on a single axle utility trailer for transport between your two properties. They are a little more robust in the frame than a BX series.

For moving trailers around, I have avoided mounting any hitch directly onto my loader, and went with a 3pt trailer hitch. The higher lift capacity of the 3pt, means it can handle higher tongue weights, and trailer movement is more natural. Here is something like I use, just add the 2" hitch. This one has strong welds.

Amazon.com: Mophorn 3 Point Trailer Hitch Heavy Duty 2In Receiver Hitch Category 1 33In Hitch Attachments Tow Hitch Drawbar Adapter Black (Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch): Automotive


Amazon.com: Reese 7 Tri-Ball Mount with Hook: Automotive

 

[River19]

Sounds like you already put alot of thought and research into the tractor and implements. The B01 Kubota series can fit very well on a single axle utility trailer for transport between your two properties. They are a little more robust in the frame than a BX series.

For moving trailers around, I have avoided mounting any hitch directly onto my loader, and went with a 3pt trailer hitch. The higher lift capacity of the 3pt, means it can handle higher tongue weights, and trailer movement is more natural. Here is something like I use, just add the 2" hitch. This one has strong welds.

Thanks for the reply. Good point on the "transport-ability" of the B series. Second good thing to think about was the leveraging the 3pt hitch for the trailer, honestly the 3pt is still a mystery to me and I am doing what I can to learn. I saw folks using the loader with a skid steer receiver attachment to move trailers and I was like "Bingo!!".....but clearly the 3pt can lift much more than the Loader and my TT would be just under the real limit of the loader (once you factor in the weight of the quick attach etc.)

One thing that is sticking in my mind specific to the B series and my needs is the 2301 is 20HP/17.5PTO vs. the 2601 being 24/19.5.....given one of the core "needs" is clearing New England snow (can be anything on the snow spectrum dry, wet, layers etc.).....the incremental 2 PTO HP of 2601 might be a better call..... and I'm not sure if the 20hp would be taxed or near max dragging a land plane/box grader up a grade on my gravel driveway.......

Am I thinking about all this "stuff" correctly?

 

[fried1765]

Sounds like you already put alot of thought and research into the tractor and implements. The B01 Kubota series can fit very well on a single axle utility trailer for transport between your two properties. They are a little more robust in the frame than a BX series.

For moving trailers around, I have avoided mounting any hitch directly onto my loader, and went with a 3pt trailer hitch. The higher lift capacity of the 3pt, means it can handle higher tongue weights, and trailer movement is more natural. Here is something like I use, just add the 2" hitch. This one has strong welds.

Amazon.com: Mophorn 3 Point Trailer Hitch Heavy Duty 2In Receiver Hitch Category 1 33In Hitch Attachments Tow Hitch Drawbar Adapter Black (Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch): Automotive


Amazon.com: Reese 7314 Tri-Ball Mount with Hook: Automotive

A lot depends on how you choose to use that hitch.
I have one, but rarely use it.

My need is usually for moving equipment into, and out of, my buildings.
I find the best trailer moving attachment for me is a slip on ball, on one of my fork tines.
Very good trailer, and coupler visibility looking forward, rather than over the shoulder.

 

[rademamj1]

That 2Hp increase may not sound like much, but it is a real increase and is achieved in the B series by using a different bore and stroke. Check the specs. Many manufacturers simply "tune" the diesel engine to acquire that 2Hp, however in this case Kubota upgraded the engine.

 

[mred2]

Pallet Fork Attachment with 2-in Trailer Receiver Hitch
these pallet forks have a place for receiver. Remove the forks and go with it. If it can't lift the trailer, nothing lost. You still have a set of pallet forks. You can still buy the hitch for the back. I have both.

 

[TMGT]

Get the 2601 since you have hills and plan to use PTO powered equipment you won't regret it. I have a B2620 (prior model to the 2601) and I wish I had a little more power at times, I grade the steep road in front of my house regularly and even in low range its working.

If you're blowing heavy snow up a hill you'll appreciate the extra power.

 

[River19]

Get the 2601 since you have hills and plan to use PTO powered equipment you won't regret it. I have a B2620 (prior model to the 2601) and I wish I had a little more power at times, I grade the steep road in front of my house regularly and even in low range its working.

If you're blowing heavy snow up a hill you'll appreciate the extra power.

Thanks, that is pretty much what I am thinking.

I appreciate everyone's input and experience based suggestions.

I'm also planning for the future of working smarter not harder here.......when we bought the NH place last year I bought the biggest baddest Honda tracked snowblower. It worked flawlessly. That being said I like redundancy and frankly I'm 45 and in shape and active and wrestling that Honda for an hour or so up and down the gravel driveway isn't exactly a walk in the park. I would love for he Honda to handle the tighter areas around the garage, trailers, etc. while I use the tractor to handle the long runs up and down the hill. And if I have a machanical issue......I have that awesome Honda for backup.

Plus I would like to run a rear mounted sander.........beats the **** out of pushing 60lbs of sand in a spreader up hill.......just sayin.

Add in plenty of hard scape and drainage rock work and I think the 2601 will be the right choice in the Spring/Summer next year.

I need to build a large shed in VT then move the Wheel Horse up there, build an implement shed here and procure said 2601........so some work to be done.

 

[dodge man]

They make hitches that go on the three point for moving trailers that are easy to use. You might look at the 25 hp L series tractor from Kubota. If you want a mid mount mower the L2501 doesn’t have a mid pto but if you don’t plant to mow and would use a rear mount throw shower that is an option. Rear mount snow blowers are quite a bit cheaper but you have to look backwards.

 

[trueg50]

Hey, fellow Vermonter and B2601 owner here.

I think the 2601 would be a good call if you are going the front snowblower route.

A few random items:
1. Any plans for a grapple or front impliment needing a 3rd function kit? It would be easier to get that installed from the dealer, but I believe it makes the loader removal for the snow blower a little trickier (2 more couplers to remove, maybe some other things).
2. If you want chains you will have to get wheel spacers; I think 1-1.5" was needed.
3. Don't forget lighting; this is VT, do you really think you will be snowblowing on a beautiful sunny day? Plus it will help extend your working time in the spring/fall.
4. Have a plan for front grab hooks. My dealer (Essex equipment) welded on one in the center for me and it has been very useful for picking up logs next to the road, pulling logs onto the road etc.. You can drill and install your own, but I had my dealer do it and they didn't charge for it.
5. Storage on the tractor stinks, make sure you have a 50 cal ammo can, or similar sized toolbox you can use to swap out the $2 Kubota one.
6. Snow blowers are great for deep snow, not so much for small stuff from what I've heard. I seen guys on youtube using a back blade and say its very useful when coupled with the blower. Back blade will deal with the small amounts and slush so they don't have to switch to using the bucket for that stuff. I just have the bucket (60") and backblade, no blower and I haven't tried it in snow yet, so don't take my word as gospel!