TRACTOR

[Anonymous Poster]

Hello, I recently purchased 5 acres in rural Vt. I am in need of purchasing a tractor for the following purposes. Initally as a small workhorse to help clear 2-3 acres. Once cleared I will probably be hauling construction materials out onto the property to build a small barn. I plan on having a few small farm animals. (Scottish Highland cows, goats, sheep), so I will be hauling feed, putting up fencing materials, and the like. I also have a 600ft driveway so I will require snow plowing or blowing capabilities in winter, (and of course seasonal mowing/property maintenance). I am very confused between the KuBota models L2600DT vs B2410. Which one under these conditions would best suit my needs. I've already had one bad experience with a salesman. I felt he was not answering my questions directly and was not taking my needs into account just because I was a female.
I cannot afford to make a costly mistake and don't want to be sold something I don't really need because the salesman sees me as an easy mark. I need a high level education on tractors. Could someone help me out and explain the difference between L and B series Kubota tractors and which one I should should be considering given my above requirements. Any help at all would be most appreciated.

 

[Bird]

SCOOTRD1, we've probably all gone through those agonizing decisions. When you talk about hauling construction materials, what dimensions and weight? Are you planning to move everything with a front end loader, or pull a trailer? Remember that most things a bigger tractor can do may also be done with a smaller tractor, just in smaller "bites" and takes a little longer. You mention the L2600DT (manual transmission) and the B2410 (hydrostatic transmission). For more comparisons, try http://www.kubota.com. I think most of us much prefer the hydrostatic for safety, convenience, ease of operation, and get the job done quicker; however, there are those who prefer the manual transmissions. I think the B series tractors are generally considered as "compacts" while the L series are considered as "utility" tractors; a little better perhaps for commercial or heavy duty use, but either one will probably outlive us for personal use. If you have more specific questions, post them here and I'm sure you'll get some good answers.

Bird

 

[Jag]

TR- I would go with the L-DT. I have a L2650DT and am doing all the things you require, I have a few more acres than that but I am taking small bites.. I think that the small L will get more work done, and is just slightly bigger and can still work in as tight place. I have had the L for two years now and have sat and moved around the B's and am much more happy with the L.. Do get the 4wd and a front end loader. The 4WD really makes a big difference what you can do..... Good Luck

 

[john_bud]

Scootrd1,

A good place to start with is Carver's "tips" page. You can learn a lot about tractors in a less stressful setting. Then armed with knowledge, you will be better equiped to see the sales people.

http://www.carverequipment.com/tips.htm

My semi-sortof informed opinion is;
For 5 acres, you may be better off paying someone with some serious equipment to clear the 2-3 acres of land for you. Once the heavy work is done, your need for a larger (and more expensive) tractor is reduced. Try and write down the tasks you expect to perform with a tractor. Estimate how often you will need to do them ( cut grass - weekly). If you can, estimate the amount of time you expect to spend on the tasks. (Cut grass 3 acres at 2.0 hours/acre with a 72" mower or 1.5 acres per hour with a 60" mower or 1.0 acres/hour with a 48" mower) The larger tractors have more power and can use larger implements that you run for less time. But larger is also more money!

Even small tractors can do a lot of hard work. They just take more time than the big tractors. It's too bad that small and big are relative and the relationship is based on what the task is and the conditions. That's where you have to choose.

On your experience with the sales guy, Remember that they are after all sales guys and some are jerks!. They are supposed to make your shopping easy. If they don't, call up and speak to the owner. Let the owner or manager know that you didn't get the service you need. For me, when I've been in similar situations, dealing direct with management oftens works better. Typically, the person making money from the business will do what it takes to make the buyer (you) happy. They really need to know if you are unhappy and who knows, they may give you a better deal out of guilt. It could happen!

Have fun!

John Bud

 

[GlueGuy]

SCOOTRD1,

I have relatively little to add besides what Bird & John have mentioned, except to say that I would call the B series Kubotas sort of home/small estate styles of tractors, and the L series Kubotas are a little more heavy duty. As the others have mentioned, smaller doesn't mean less capable, only that you will be doing the same stuff in smaller bites.

I also would give consideration for your heavy duty clearing work as being "temporary", and that you may want to give more weight in your decision to the long-term uses.

The GlueGuy

 

[Jag]

One last word on Kubota shopping (choosing the right tractor) go to Steve Carver's web site... It will have just about everything you want to know... And it will make wish he was near enough to buy your tractor from.

 

[frank_f15]

SCOOT: seems like some of the things u want to do can best be handeled by l series, but in the long run what are your requirements? seems as tho the upper end of b series might be the way to go. pick the machine that is best for u on an everyday basis, i have a b2400 and found it to be able to do more than i expexted, with out abusing it. which ever one u choose u will get great service from, but like most of us, u will wish u had something else, then tomorrow something esle again, etc. etc. life in tractor land/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Almost all advice here seems well intended, tho not always of uniform value. Thanks to everyone for their many words of wisdom (I have been lurking and learning). I would like to take exception to an oft repeated refrain. Little tractors will do what big tractors do, just in smaller bites. Sometimes true. maybe even usually true but certainly not always true. An analogy: If stair steps are 8-10 inches apart vertically you can't climb them using twice the number of 4-5 inch foot- raising-stair-climbing attempts. The loader on a L4610 will dump over a 9 ft barrier (side of a dump truck). No number of all-most-high-enough attempts can be substituted. If you really do need to lift the 3000+ lb rock and carry it somewhere rather than drag it then you better have 3000+ lbs of breakout force. Now as to the lady's situation... I concur with most advice given. Hire or rent to solve big problems that are not frequently repeated. Buy your tractor for what you will do most of the time. I'm getting dozer work dome for me and back hoe as well. Now to contradict myself a bit (maybe) I will quote one of my local tractor gurus, "Nobody ever complains about having too much tractor because they got the work done too fast or too easy!" If anyone disagrees their jealous because my wife just bought me a L4610 with HST, cab, and loader plus a 6ft heavy duty brush hog, 76 inch box blade with hydraulic raise/lower scarifiers, and a 60 inch tiller. I'm still upset cause she was going to get the backhoe but you can't put it on the cab model. GRRR.

Patrick

 

[70boss]

SCOOT: The first question would be; do you have tractor experience? Have you driven a Hydrostatic tractor, or have you driven the gear type? The Hydro units, like the b-series, are very easy to position, and control. This will help if you have to haul munure and bedding out of the barn. Neither the B series or the L2600DT are strong enough to handle large round bales, so plan on using the small squares. Even if the salesperson is an idiot, just tell them to let you drive the two models around the lot. I think you will find your preference very quickly. As for the above suggestion that big is better....not the case in many situations. I have a 80 HP turbo skidsteer, that weighs 7000 pounds, knocks over 6 inch trees, has a 2200 pound lift, the hydraulics about 20 gallons per minute...BUT the thing is TOO big for a lot of things. It sinks in wet turf, it tears up my gravel driveway turning...etc. As for the land clearing, you will amazed at how much a skilled operator on a dozer or track hoe can accomplish in a few hours. What would take weeks or months to clear with a compact tractor, chainsaw, blood sweat and tears, will take a day or less with powerfull machinery. You should be able to clear 2-3 acres in 4-5 hours, and cost $1000 or less depending on terrain. Then you get the fun part of finish grading, and leveling! GOOD LUCK! and KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!!