My New B2601

[s219]

I think the Bs are about the best built and best value in that size tractor, and there are zillions of them out there in service -- they have a solid proven record. Don't know what comparable Kiotis are like, but I can tell you that the comparable Mahindras (large Max models) are good tractors but the fit and finish lags far behind Kubota. Comparable Deere's (2 series) are also good tractors, but all the plastic body parts are not going to impress you.

Which B models did you look at? If you are 6'4 and 400#, I wouldn't consider anything smaller than a B2650. The B2601/B2301 are much much smaller and probably too small for you. I think your starting point should be a B2650.

 

[MXBX]

Hopefully this will give those considering the B2601 an idea of the quality of the cut. It is longer than my old BX thus less nimble around obstructions but on the straight paths it is a dream. I obsessed about R4s vs Turf and am really happy I went with the Turf tires. This year has been ridiculously wet and the R4's would have torn up the yard and fields. I've been mowing every 5-6 days to keep up with the growth. There is definitely a clench factor on steep slopes even in 4WD. I'm considering wheel spacers.



I installed LED lights and a waterproof switch. You will find a pair of connectors under the right rear fender. Can't miss them.





The Tool Box that came with the tractor was too small for my need so I bought this waterproof 50 Cal ammo box off Amazon for about $30. I drilled holes in the bottom and used the mounting system Kubota provided.



I found this arrangement for the stabilizers more convenient and way faster, simple 5 minute job once I got the parts at my local Ace hardware.



I really love the machine but have one serious gripe with Kubota re: the on and off of the FEL arms. It seems to me that the tractor has to be PERFECTLY level to have a chance of a good marriage of parts and even then good luck. I hate the design of the FEL stand. You'd think they could add more surface area to the legs so you could remove the FEL on grass or dirt. It is a friggin tractor. I really liked the Deere set up much better but in spite of this issue preferred the Kubota. I do remove the FEL regularly, maybe I'm doing something wrong and one of you pros can help me out here.


Almost forgot this is a great add-on.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Is the loader remove really any different from that of the BX? I've seen this video, and it looks like he had some problems getting the loader off on the grass. I've only taken mine GC2400 loader off on a concrete floor, either in the shed or garage, but I can certainly understand how it would get hung up a bit.

Have you taken the mower off at all? How easy/difficult is that? It's drive over right? How cut clearance do you have under the mower deck when it's fully raised up?

 

[TripleR]

We have two BXs, a GL and M, all the loaders are easy on/off after the first time or two as there may be some paint interference. I've taken mine off on concrete, rock and dirt. If the dirt is soft, I put a board under the feet. No doubt concrete is preferable, but it's not always available.

 

[MXBX]

Is the loader remove really any different from that of the BX? I've seen this video, and it looks like he had some problems getting the loader off on the grass. I've only taken mine GC2400 loader off on a concrete floor, either in the shed or garage, but I can certainly understand how it would get hung up a bit.

Have you taken the mower off at all? How easy/difficult is that? It's drive over right? How cut clearance do you have under the mower deck when it's fully raised up?

It's a little different than the BX but similar. The legs come down individually. I haven't taken off the deck but I know it will be easy enough. It is a drive over but I intend to raise the front with my Rhino ramps for removal and installation, should be a cinch and much easier than the BX which really wasn't bad. Can't answer the last ? and not sure if I really understand it. If you're asking what the cutting height is in the Top position, I'd have to go out and measure. My guess is 5 -6 inches.

 

[MXBX]

We have two BXs, a GL and M, all the loaders are easy on/off after the first time or two as there may be some paint interference. I've taken mine off on concrete, rock and dirt. If the dirt is soft, I put a board under the feet. No doubt concrete is preferable, but it's not always available.

I just got off the phone with Neil Messick about my next parts purchase and I mentioned to him the issue and he made the same comment about the paint but I think it's unfortunate that such a first class product like Kubota can't get it right. This should be a seamless, bulletproof process and it's just not. I have lot's of friends that just say "I never remove the FEL" . That's not an option for me.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

It's a little different than the BX but similar. The legs come down individually. I haven't taken off the deck but I know it will be easy enough. It is a drive over but I intend to raise the front with my Rhino ramps for removal and installation, should be a cinch and much easier than the BX which really wasn't bad. Can't answer the last ? and not sure if I really understand it. If you're asking what the cutting height is in the Top position, I'd have to go out and measure. My guess is 5 -6 inches.

Sorry, typo on the last sentence there. Meant to ask how much clearance there is under the mower deck when fully raised?

One problem I have in my yard is that my driveway and lined with granite cobble curbing, which I have to go over several times to get to all areas of my yard. If I go slow and straight on to the curb I make it, but sometimes I don't pay attention, and end up banging my mower deck on the granite. I'm going to break something one of these days. The B series Kubotas have quite a bit more ground clearance than the BX series, but I am wondering if it translates to extra clearance with he mower deck raised all the way up.

 

[MXBX]

I'll measure it for you! give me half an hour.

 

[MXBX]

I get 5 and 1/2 inches but my anti scalping wheels are about 3/4 of an inch lower

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I get 5 and 1/2 inches but my anti scalping wheels are about 3/4 of an inch lower

Thanks for taking the measurements. Unfortunately, that's about what I get on mine. I was hoping that with the larger tires they would be able to tuck the deck up there a little more...