New B2650 Owner

JOHNTHOMAS · Mar 24, 2016

Stopped at Barlows yesterday and drove the B2650. The new HST tractors stop differently than they did in the past. This new one stops great in low gear, easy/feel safe to pull up to the side of a truck with a heavy load and know it will stop immediately when the pedal is totally released. It does not stop immediately in M range, let off pedal at a semi fast speed and it rolls some and let off when going fast in H it rolls even further coming to a gradual stop. It felt right stopping in each different gear. It does have brakes to stop faster in the M and H gear if one wants to but the brakes shouldn't and never have been needed before in L or turtle on an HST that I've owned and I'm only talking from owning about 20 Kubota HSTs. I know lots or some people own one and then become Kubota specialists because of how their one works and that's OK for them. Those of us that have owned several know changes are made in the models and over the years that let us know we only speak about our knowledge about a specific model and often times that specific machine.
Any way, best deals come out in April from Kubota so waiting to do final paperwork transaction after the first of the month. GEHL 3640e Skid Steer went to Barlows yesterday evening, buy from me till paperwork signed for $24000 with under 10 hours or buy from Barlows for ???? but he delivers and I don't.

vacman · Mar 26, 2016

I saw this part of the thread yesterday and was curious. I drove my tractor this morning and tried letting off the peddle to see about the stopping time. In all three ranges, the tractor rolls after let off. It is not still under power but it will coast until it stops. Is this wrong? Should there be some sort of braking as part of the HST? My previous kubota did this too so I have always assumed that was the way it was. It never caused me any problems but if it's not correct, I'd like to know.

Thanks
John

JOHNTHOMAS · Mar 27, 2016

vacman said:
I saw this part of the thread yesterday and was curious. I drove my tractor this morning and tried letting off the peddle to see about the stopping time. In all three ranges, the tractor rolls after let off. It is not still under power but it will coast until it stops. Is this wrong? Should there be some sort of braking as part of the HST? My previous kubota did this too so I have always assumed that was the way it was. It never caused me any problems but if it's not correct, I'd like to know.

Thanks
John

All HSTs I've owned (19) have stopped in l or turtle gear when the pedal is released without pushing the brake pedal except for a BX25D-1 I owned. I've always had confidence that when I approached the side of my truck or a building where stopping is critical that my HST Kubotas would stop when I released the footpedal and all but one has. The new B2650 I tried did stop in l but not M or H, it rolled on some but when I need to be precise I don't use M or L anyway so the new way the HSTs seem to be working of rolling some after release is acceptable except in l range and it did stop correctly in L range (release pedal and it stops, no rolling on).
The pedals can be adjusted to get the pedal to center and center quicker which isn't new, always been that way but when centered they stopped. Now they seem to roll on after centered and I even bumped the pedal a bit into reverse on the BX25D-1 and when it returned to center it rolled on forward if a slight incline. Had to use brake pedal to ensure stop and stay stopped like on a car/truck which an HST tractor isn't either one of those. A big selling point of Kubota RTVs is their stopping power with their HST when throttle released where many RTVs/UTVs keep free wheeling after throttle released which many feel is dangerous.
Sounds like yours needs adjusting to get it to center and stop in at least L gear. Maybe try bumping pedal to rear just a tad and see if it stops when pedal is centered for sure.

Trailfarmer · Jun 5, 2016

Hey guys, I've really enjoyed this thread and hope it's okay to ask a few questions. Is the tractor in this thread the same base as used for the B2650TLB? Besides horsepower and possibly other features is the B2650 the same base model as the B2920? Thought I needed an L to replace trusty dt245, but perhaps a B2650\B2920 can serve my needs? Will use for drive maintenance, trail building (dirt not rock), pushing cut down trees, hauling firewood, mowing, moving some rock and dirt, etc. Guy nearby has a nice B2920 for sale and L's just seem to keep getting more expensive. Would appreciate some feedback if you can spare it. Now back to the original thread.......Thanks, Trailfarmer

s219 · Jun 5, 2016

B2920 is an older smaller "basic" B, same tractor as the (also older) B2620 but with a larger motor. The new replacement model is the B2601.

B2650 is a "deluxe" B, and larger than the B2920. The 2650 is a newer model.

Huskerfan · Jun 5, 2016

After a year of research and reading then rereading the various posts, l too am jumping on the B2650 bandwagon, trading the trusty BX2200.

I ordered it last week with the standard 54 inch bucket and QUICK CHANGE. My thinking; less ballasting, more stability, easier to fit in tight spots around house and trees, less storage space in garage and less weight to move around when changing to a pallet fork bucket. Anyone have further thoughts about the merits of a 54 vs. 60 inch bucket?

robertm · Jun 6, 2016

Huskerfan said:
After a year of research and reading then rereading the various posts, l too am jumping on the B2650 bandwagon, trading the trusty BX2200. I ordered it last week with the standard 54 inch bucket and QUICK CHANGE. My thinking; less ballasting, more stability, easier to fit in tight spots around house and trees, less storage space in garage and less weight to move around when changing to a pallet fork bucket. Anyone have further thoughts about the merits of a 54 vs. 60 inch bucket?

Not looking for an argument... But are you sure what you are looking at? The B2650 is larger and not as nimble as the BX, thus less easy to fit in tight spots. The steering on the B alone has a larger turning radius, and the geometry of the front end of a B will cut up any turf on turns. Ask me... I know.

Not sure you'll get better stability, the BX is on the ground compared to the B. I have had a few of both, and the B is not as stable on hills as the BX, and with a loader AND ballast behind, the BX will feel more stable closer to the ground. My B is easy to lift the back up curling the bucket, where my BX could not. When the Loader lifts the back, the pucker factor is equal on ANY tractor. The old B's allowed spreading the rear tires out for stability. The new ones do not.

The BX is lighter than the B, and its footprint is smaller in the garage. The length of the BX in the specs includes the 3pt, where the B does not.

In regards to the 54 vs 60 bucket. The 60 is likely a snow bucket... For light duty. Not that the Bucket is lighter in construction, but it will max your loader capability. Your use will dictate.

prichard · Jun 6, 2016

robertm said:
Not looking for an argument... But are you sure what you are looking at? The B2650 is larger and not as nimble as the BX, thus less easy to fit in tight spots. The steering on the B alone has a larger turning radius, and the geometry of the front end of a B will cut up any turf on turns. Ask me... I know.

Not sure you'll get better stability, the BX is on the ground compared to the B. I have had a few of both, and the B is not as stable on hills as the BX, and with a loader AND ballast behind, the BX will feel more stable closer to the ground. My B is easy to lift the back up curling the bucket, where my BX could not. When the Loader lifts the back, the pucker factor is equal on ANY tractor. The old B's allowed spreading the rear tires out for stability. The new ones do not.

The BX is lighter than the B, and its footprint is smaller in the garage. The length of the BX in the specs includes the 3pt, where the B does not.

In regards to the 54 vs 60 bucket. The 60 is likely a snow bucket... For light duty. Not that the Bucket is lighter in construction, but it will max your loader capability. Your use will dictate.

What he said. The b2650 is a "big" B. 2301 and 2501 are one size up from BX, the 50's are 2 sizes up.

Huskerfan · Jun 6, 2016

Don't get me wrong, the BX 2200 has been a great tractor but it's small size has created plenty of pucker moments. My requirements are for greater FEL lifting capacity, quick change bucket to pallet loader bucket for loading logs and moving wood, more pto power for chipper, more three point hitch lifting capacity for the chipper and aerator. Strongly considered the B2601, Mahindra Max 24 and 26xl and drove them but the B2650 has superb ergonomics with a cab and ac to protect against heat, sun, bugs, dust and cold. That is worth a lot to me. For mowing tight spots and snow blowing, the grasshopper 725Dt will soldier on.

vacman · Jun 10, 2016

I've had both sizes of the B series and the smaller one actually feels more stable. This is likely because of the lower height / wheel spread ratio. I loaded the rear tires of the new B2650 with rimgard which helps quite a bit. I can lift a lot before the rear end comes off the ground now. For hill use, I am actually considering spacers as well. It feels like I want to roll when on a slight hill but this might be because of the suspension seat combined with the taller height combined with my inexperience with it.
I bought the 60" bucket because I like the idea of it for snow removal and I can just not fill it to capacity when working with heavier materials. Its worked well so far but if I ever want a small bucket, I can buy one so I'll have the best of both worlds.

Good luck
John

Huskerfan · Jun 11, 2016

Thanks for the advice, I've ordered the 60 inch bucket with turf tires and a 72 inch MMM deck. How much weight did you add in rimguard ballast? Do you mow with yours? If so, does the extra weight compact the turf?

check 6 · Jun 11, 2016

I went from a BX 25 to a B 2920 and have never looked back The power and higher ground clearance of the B 2920 makes all the difference. I have added work lights, a 12 volt take off for the electric motor on my sprayer and a rear looking camera ( easier on my back and neck then always turning around to see how the plugger is running. Next mod will be a more supportive and suspended seat. I have the quick disconnect 54" bucket with the pallet fork option. The tractor does everything I need it to do

XSFMED18D · Jun 25, 2016

Tom,
I've been looking at a used B3300 and a new B2650. One is obviously a cash transaction vs 0% financing. How do you think your 2650 compares to your old 3300? Power, comfort etc?

Thanks!
John

Huskerfan · Jul 2, 2016

XSFMED18D said:
Tom,
I've been looking at a used B3300 and a new B2650. One is obviously a cash transaction vs 0% financing. How do you think your 2650 compares to your old 3300? Power, comfort etc?

Thanks!
John

Can't comment on the B3300 but after 14 years of a BX2200, traded it and implements yesterday for a B2650 HSTC, turf tires, 60" quick change bucket, pallet bucket and 72 in MMM. Mowed today in ac comfort. FEL hydraulics, engine and hydrostatic seem very smooth, and powerful. Going from a BX to a B is a big step up for me but going from a B3300 to a B2650 should still allow you to appreciate the well thought out operator ergonomics like dual brakes on left, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, accessory outlet, upgrades on 3 pt hitch etc, and 3 range hst. Are you considering the cab model?

XSFMED18D · Jul 4, 2016

Considering the ROPS model. I've had the opportunity to buy a used 3300SU and new 3350su but really like the 2650 and its more deluxe features. Plus I had read about the 3300's 4 cyl engine being rough and regen issues with the 3350.
I wish the incentives were as strong as they are for the L2501, which has a $1300 CIR and I think a $1500 multi implement rebate. For the 2650, If you finance at 0% you dont get a CIR and the implement discount is $500. I only have 5 acres, which are wooded so I think the 2650 is about as big as I should go.

Huskerfan · Jul 4, 2016

For me with 2 acres, lawn and wooded, the 2650 is bigger than needed, but the cab was the key.

vacman · Jul 7, 2016

The 2650 has been a great tractor for me so far. I'm pretty sure the big advantage over the B3300 is the position control of the three point. The previous generation used the quarter inching valve. I think the SU configuration also does away with the mid pto which would be a consideration if you are going to want the mid mower.
FWIW, I have about the same property you describe but maybe not as wooded. I strongly considered the 2601 as well which I know would have been enough tractor. It might even be a little maneuverable in the woods. Just food for thought.
As to incentives a) I don't if you've checked in the last few days, but Kubota changes those quarterly and the 2nd qtr just ended so possibly they are better now and b) the incentives were better last fall so that might possibly be a better time to buy if you can wait.

Good luck.
John

check 6 · Jul 17, 2016

check 6 said:
I went from a BX 25 to a B 2920 and have never looked back The power and higher ground clearance of the B 2920 makes all the difference. I have added work lights, a 12 volt take off for the electric motor on my sprayer and a rear looking camera ( easier on my back and neck then always turning around to see how the plugger is running. Next mod will be a more supportive and suspended seat. I have the quick disconnect 54" bucket with the pallet fork option. The tractor does everything I need it to do

Well, I need to amend my last post. As you know it gets hot and dusty here in Texas and I'm getting older so this past week I made a decision and I'm trading in my B 2920 which has served me well ... a great tractor that does all I ask of it, on a B 2650 WITH A CAB . Yes it is warm as in heat index above 105 this month. The dealer will install the pigtail and switch for my sprayer and the power cable for my rear view camera which I am transferring from my B 2920. The main reason i chose the B 2650 over the B3350 is the 2650 does not have all the pollution devices the 3350 is required to have. While losing three Hp I gain a hydraulic system that provides more power to the front bucket and three point hitch PLUS climate control YEA . I am getting a 60" middle mower with the B2650 as a back up for my ten year old and still faithful ZD1800 mower. I should take deliver this week