Advice on smallerish tractor for the woods

Beautiful Saturday morning here spent ~2hrs playing around on the lot down in Talladega ran a B2301,2601,B2650, and L2501, L3301 - the sales guy gave me the master key and said come down anytime and help him move them around Not 100% sold on the Kubota HST rocker pedal after I went up to a JD dealership with the independent F/R pedals.
Second hangup with the Kubota is the range shift(have the same problem on the RTV1100 at work) doesn't like to move without braking/reving etc.

The Kubota sales guy said the BX series is being totally revamped and new models are due soon, the operator platform is just too small for a guy my size but JD's 1026R is much more spacious. The 2 series JD they had on the lot the loader handle hits me in the thigh/knee - that's out. The 3 series are OK until I asked what he'd put it out the door for

 

It took me a while to get used to the separate front and reverse pedals on my LS as I was used to the rocker on our rider. I still find myself looking down to make sure I am going to push the right one! It kind of brings you to your senses when you are looking behind you to back up and you hit the forward pedal!

Gary

 

Good to hear you were able to get some time in checking out the right tractor for you. The rocker pedal takes some getting used to but after a few hours seat time it's not that bad. I don't think it would be a deal breaker but I would prefer independent pedals as well.
Range selector on my Mahindra is from a stop and clutch a time or two. Who knows basod, to get the one you want you may have to make it rain !


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When it comes to buying stuff I am an impulse buyer! I saw the LS tractors advertised on Craigslist and stopped by looked them over and bought one. I pretty much do the same thing with computers,TV's , cars you name it.
So far being impulsive hasn't bitten me in the butt. Well there was that marriage thing and the Yugo!

Gary

 

All hydro tractors will take a little working from time to time to get them into gear.

The BX is really just getting a major overhaul but they claim it is a new model.

 

There are a couple local used machines I have a bead on
B2601
2015 Kubota B2601 4X4 Backhoe Loader
JD 3032E non-DEF
John Deere 3032E 2013 model

 

Compromises I am considering between construction grade Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLBs) and Agricultural Tractors. I have owned/operated several of both over the years. Just the smaller stuff though. (20-60 HP)

1. Strength: Of frame, backhoe, and lift capacities.
2. Tires: R4. Or choice of R4, R1, or Turf.
3. Seat. 1 seat or move between 2 seats.
4. Tire chains. More space in rear to get them on Ag tractors.
5. Cost. TLB more, larger Ag for more strength, still costly.
6. 4-post ROPS/FOPS or folding ROPS.
7. Want Q/A laoder, loader bucket, & backhoe. (Loaders on TLBs are not quick attach.)
8. Auxiliary hydraulics. More prevalent on TLB for construction work.

 

2014 Kubota M59 TLB HST Tractor/Loader/Backhoe 4x4 low hrs.& attachments | eBay

 

Gas in my search endeavors
1)None of the manufacturers actually rate their frame capacities - My guess is engineers upsize bits & pieces to prevent warranty claims from the "rated" lift capacities and set the cylinder reliefs accordingly.
2)I have no idea what is best in the woods - but I've punched a hole in an R1 on a small tree stub(boss didn't like that too much)
3)You ain't running a true Loader/backhoe anymore
4)Chains aren't part of my plan down south
5)Kubota dealer told me straight up the B series are more than a base L - more "bells and whistles" but my bet is the money is in better internals until you jump to MX or similar
6)You folks up north probably want a cab for snow removal otherwise a simple ROPS with seatbelt should keep you from crushing yourself
7)QA is available on newer B's
8)Aux hydros aren't really that hard to add - FEL/thumbstick integration probably best for OEM but rear aux circuits aren't that hard to lay out and plumb

 

Cab would be nice up here for winter months for sure. The 210C had one with a heater in it. Although it was an old beast, it still kept you out of the wind. A Bobcat B300 I had was also cab. Nice. Sometimes cabs can be annoying though. Windows can fog up, have to be careful in woods for branches etc. Without A/C can be hot in the summer.

But I will not be buying one with a cab if I go new. $8-10,000 more.

 

Should've kept the JD and bought a 2wd tractor for the 3pt stuff

 

Thought about it. Believe me. But I don't want an older machine that I have to work on, and I don't want to pieces of equipment to maintain and store. I bought that 210C for a specific job and that job is done. Time to get into something newer and a little smaller, easier to get around the woods in. With removable backhoe so I can do the 3-point stuff.

 

He doesn't have any TLB's
but if anything catches your eye I plan on swinging by to check out something on this lot
Tractors

 

Ummmm. They all catch my eye.its a happy tear.

 

I like the garage kept 2601 with the thumb. Looks like a really nice tractor.


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Mahindra?

 

Also the look for a tractor with a loader that has braces running to the rear axle, unless it is a full frame tractor like a BX. The braces help relieve stress on the bell housing and engine block.