Thinking about buying a new B2650

[BubbaJr]

Hi Guys, it's been a long time since I've been on here. My current 2001 B2910 has almost 1900 hours on it, runs fine and the only problem is a hydraulic leak on one of the curl cylinders. I've been extremely happy with this tractor, even more so after putting on a Sims cab with heater.

However I'm getting older, been diagnosed with diabetes, lost a bunch of weight, then 2 years ago had a 5 bypass heart operation. Heat bothers me a lot more than it used to, so I'm thinking about getting a new cab model with heat & air. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a B2650.

What I would like to know, is how you gentlemen that have a B2650, like them. What are the pros and cons that you have found. My usage would be mowing 6+ acres of grass, moving snow in the winter, tilling the garden, cutting, moving, and storing firewood, spraying for weed control and hauling stuff from here to there. I would purchase it with an FEL and 6' mid mount mower.

I would appreciate any comments, advice, suggestions, etc.

Thank you,
Joe (Bubba Jr.)

 

[oldballs]

Re: Thinking about buuying a new B2650

Hey Joe,

Hang in there......even with your age and your ills, it sounds like you can outwork many of the younger ones. If the B2650 is anything as good a your old Kubota B2910 or my B2620 (No air ...no cab...no heat) ... it will be a winner for you. The current owners will surely give you a lot of input.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[kcender]

I have only put 33 hours on my B2650 cab model. Mostly snow clearing and a bit of property maintenance. I really like the tractor and it fits my needs. The one thing to be aware of is the noise in the cab from the transmission. I find it to be quite loud,certainly louder than I think it should be. I pretty much always wear earplugs.

 

[BubbaJr]

I noticed an increase in noise when I put the cab on my tractor. It wasn't much and since I always wear hearing protection, it wasn't an issue. I'm curious to find out how loud this cabin is. I was going to go to the dealer today and test drive it, but we had a pretty raucous storm go through, so I put it off.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[mcgoo]

Bubba Jr I have a B2650 with mmm, fel with quick attach forks & bucket, rear 60" blower. It blows snow great love a full cab with heat, mower does a nice job but I would highly recommend turf tires my industrials dig in to much going up steeper inclines and on tight turns. Just cut lawn today with the AC it was great. Down side is the hight of cab with tree branches and the cab noise.

 

[rkidd]

I have 630hrs on my 2015 B2650 doing all of the things you have mentioned. Mow with 60"mmm, plow all my snow, rototill with my 66" rototiller, grade with my boxblade, and anything that needs done. I went with the turf tires for all of this and they work great. The mmm mows golf course quality. I have never run out of power and it has been trouble free in all of these hours. I have been very happy with my choice.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't understand the issue with cab noise so loud it requires hearing protection. They must install them without any isolation dampeners. My LS cab is super quiet with very little engine noise and no transmitted noise from the frame mountings.
The cab should be mounted on rubber grommets to dampen the vibration and noise. Insulation should be 360 degrees in every direction to shut out some heat and noise also.

 

[rScotty]

I don't understand the issue with cab noise so loud it requires hearing protection. They must install them without any isolation dampeners. My LS cab is super quiet with very little engine noise and no transmitted noise from the frame mountings.
The cab should be mounted on rubber grommets to dampen the vibration and noise. Insulation should be 360 degrees in every direction to shut out some heat and noise also.

Cabs on compacts do tend to be loud....louder than no cab. I've experienced it myself at the dealer. And cabs on larger tractors are just the opposite. Like your LS, my JD310 is much quieter when I get inside and close the cab door. Even my old Zetor ag tractor was quiet inside. When I get inside and close the cab door is when I get to take my noise cancelling headphone OFF ...not when I put it on....
I don't know the reason for all this, but if a cab is loud it would make sense to start by checking the isolation and insulation. Of course sound deadening does take up space. It may be that in these smaller cabs there simply isn't room to make it quiet.
rScotty

 

[BubbaJr]

I have 630hrs on my 2015 B2650 doing all of the things you have mentioned. Mow with 60"mmm, plow all my snow, rototill with my 66" rototiller, grade with my boxblade, and anything that needs done. I went with the turf tires for all of this and they work great. The mmm mows golf course quality. I have never run out of power and it has been trouble free in all of these hours. I have been very happy with my choice.

I've read conflicting opinions about turf tires. I was going to get turfs until I read some of the issues on here. I have R4's on mine, and if the ground is a little soft it will indent the turf and if I turn sharp, it will rip the grass right out. Do you have any inclines that you mow? Do you have tire slippage at that point? How is the traction on snow?

With my 30 HP I have never wanted for more power. I always lose traction before I could use more power. I don't think the power difference between mine and the 2650 is going to be an issue. Another question, is the 3 cyl. more noisy than the older 4 cyl?

Thank you very much,
Joe

 

[rScotty]

I've read conflicting opinions about turf tires. I was going to get turfs until I read some of the issues on here. I have R4's on mine, and if the ground is a little soft it will indent the turf and if I turn sharp, it will rip the grass right out. Do you have any inclines that you mow? Do you have tire slippage at that point? How is the traction on snow?

With my 30 HP I have never wanted for more power. I always lose traction before I could use more power. I don't think the power difference between mine and the 2650 is going to be an issue. Another question, is the 3 cyl. more noisy than the older 4 cyl?

Thank you very much,
Joe

I like turf tires and have had them on several tractors now, but it all depends on your particular soil. Our soil is sandy and loose, so Ag tires will "plow" terribly during turns. Turfs are the answer for us, but wouldn't serve as well on black loam. Yes, turf tires do slip more....but they do less damage when they do. Turfs definitely need chains for winter snow and ice.
rScotty

 

[BubbaJr]

I like turf tires and have had them on several tractors now, but it all depends on your particular soil. Our soil is sandy and loose, so Ag tires will "plow" terribly during turns. Turfs are the answer for us, but wouldn't serve as well on black loam. Yes, turf tires do slip more....but they do less damage when they do. Turfs definitely need chains for winter snow and ice.
rScotty

Thanks Scotty. We have a heavy clay soil here that gets slick as the dickens when it turns to mud. But at least I can get through it with my R4's. I guess I'll stay with the R4's. If I pay attention and take the time to make wide circles or multiple attempts at making a sharp turn, the gouging of the grass is minimal.

Joe

 

[rScotty]

Thanks Scotty. We have a heavy clay soil here that gets slick as the dickens when it turns to mud. But at least I can get through it with my R4's. I guess I'll stay with the R4's. If I pay attention and take the time to make wide circles or multiple attempts at making a sharp turn, the gouging of the grass is minimal.

Joe

With heavy clay I'd agree with staying with the R4 industrial tread. Of the the two places where I have found my turf tires to be preferable one is on turf of course. But surprisingly the other situation is our creek bottoms with sandy gravel & rocks. On that kind of sand & rock surface lugs are no advantage at all, not even the relatively short flat lugs on R4s. What is needed there is a wide tire with lots of rubber.
I've worked on clay soils - probably most of us have - and my guess is you would be disappointed with turfs.
Right now I have R4 on two tractors and my opinion is the R4 is a good summer/winter compromise tread. Good enough for most things, no real downside, and noticibly improves sidehill stability.
rScotty

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Had a B2650 and a sweet deluxe model B. I'd suggest considering a Rear discharge rear finish mower instead of the MMM if you think a longer machine will meet your mowing/obstacles needs. Will be much easier to service and attach/detach and usually a bit less money. I have owned Landpride RFM and now have bought a used Woods RFM but haven't tried it yet. I did buy a cheap one first years ago and learned not to buy cheap and pretty implements if your going to use them.

 

[BubbaJr]

Had a B2650 and a sweet deluxe model B. I'd suggest considering a Rear discharge rear finish mower instead of the MMM if you think a longer machine will meet your mowing/obstacles needs. Will be much easier to service and attach/detach and usually a bit less money. I have owned Landpride RFM and now have bought a used Woods RFM but haven't tried it yet. I did buy a cheap one first years ago and learned not to buy cheap and pretty implements if your going to use them.

Hi John, I've been using a MMM for 16 years, so I know what a PITA it is to remove and replace it. But other than that, it works great for my needs. I don't think the 2650 is much different size wise than my 2910. If it is, that won't cause any problems for me.

Thanks guys, I plan on going to the dealer Monday to check it out again. I was in town last Sunday and stopped in, sat in it, and drooled over it, now it's time to get down to business.

Joe

 

[BubbaJr]

I went to the dealer this afternoon. Talked to the salesman, drove the tractor, then sat down with pictures of my tractor and a couple of implements I don't use anymore. He's going to get with his sales rep and give me a price tomorrow. I'll then take it to the dealer I bought my first one from and get a price from them. I will give dealer #1 another chance to beat #2. Then comes the hard part, giving away a wheelbarrow full of money.

Several of you commented on the noisy hydrostatic drive. I was surprised how quiet the engine was, and maybe that's why the transmission sounded so loud. I did find out the one they have is a 2016 model which has extendable 3 pt. arms and a ratchet height adjustment on the rt. arm, like my 2910 has. I found out that they are an option on the 2017 models.

Joe

 

[check 6]

I''l try and comment on several questions/ opinions presented. first I agree with John Thomas I have a middle mower on my B 2650 as I'm concerned about length. that said if I were mowing with it on a regular basis ( I have a Kubota zero turn for the lawn) I would go with a rear mower on the tractor. Maint. is easier and it balances the tractor if you leave the front loader on.

As to the other issue, noise in a compact tractor cab YES it is. I have solve the problem by wearing Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. The really reduce the noice and bluetooth to my phone so I can respond if I'm called. Interestingly even though the radio in the cab is not bluetooth ed I can hear it through the speakers quite clearly with the headphones on as they cut out the normal cab noise.

Lastly how do I like the 2650 GREAT you just have to be aware that the small tractor with a narrow wheel base and a cab has a higher center of gravity. If careful you can safely operate on uneven ground but lack of attention can get dangerously interesting quickly. all in al great tractor that services all my needs and provides some creature comfort in our "warm" south Texas summers

 

[Utopia Texas]

The only thing I do not like about my new B2650 is that it Idles at 1100 rpm even with the AC off and since there is no clutch pedal engaging the PTO on a rear shredder is quite traumatic. The small Ford 1215 with hydrostatic I traded in did have a clutch pedal and you could feather the PTO. On the B2650 I cannot imagine what turning on a post hole digger might be like!

 

[BubbaJr]

The only thing I do not like about my new B2650 is that it Idles at 1100 rpm even with the AC off and since there is no clutch pedal engaging the PTO on a rear shredder is quite traumatic. The small Ford 1215 with hydrostatic I traded in did have a clutch pedal and you could feather the PTO. On the B2650 I cannot imagine what turning on a post hole digger might be like!

It never occurred to me to flip on one of the PTO's. Are they traumatic at idle or are you engaging it at PTO speed. My 2910 is also clutch engaged and I always feather it in.

Joe

 

[BubbaJr]

I''l try and comment on several questions/ opinions presented. first I agree with John Thomas I have a middle mower on my B 2650 as I'm concerned about length. that said if I were mowing with it on a regular basis ( I have a Kubota zero turn for the lawn) I would go with a rear mower on the tractor. Maint. is easier and it balances the tractor if you leave the front loader on.

As to the other issue, noise in a compact tractor cab YES it is. I have solve the problem by wearing Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. The really reduce the noice and bluetooth to my phone so I can respond if I'm called. Interestingly even though the radio in the cab is not bluetooth ed I can hear it through the speakers quite clearly with the headphones on as they cut out the normal cab noise.

Lastly how do I like the 2650 GREAT you just have to be aware that the small tractor with a narrow wheel base and a cab has a higher center of gravity. If careful you can safely operate on uneven ground but lack of attention can get dangerously interesting quickly. all in al great tractor that services all my needs and provides some creature comfort in our "warm" south Texas summers

I'm used to the MMM and all it's issues, and I get along with it fine. A rear mount mower would not work in my situation. I never mow with the loader on as that puts additional weight on the front tires and the R4's tear up the yard bad enough without the FEL on.

I have a noise cancelling headphone I use for shooting, but there is no Bluetooth with it. How much would a pair of Bose quiet comforts cost? I like the idea of linking to the bluetooth in my phone. With my current tractor there is no way I can feel the vibrator or hear the ring of the phone. I currently use a pair of Hear-O foam ear plugs. They are not made like normal foam plugs, they have 3 silicone valves that block out an incredible amount of noise IF you install them correctly.

Joe

PS. I'm also very aware of the tip factor. I've almost pinched a hole in my seat several times mowing my ditch.

 

[Utopia Texas]

It never occurred to me to flip on one of the PTO's. Are they traumatic at idle or are you engaging it at PTO speed. My 2910 is also clutch engaged and I always feather it in.

Joe

I am engaging a 4 foot rear shredder/ mower at the 1100 rpm idle speed. Maybe I will get used to it but on any tractor with a clutch pedal I would not pop the clutch at 1100 rpm with any implement attached.
PS- I have also never owned a tractor that idled this fast but the salesman said it was normal for the B2650.