Sub Compact Tractor Purchase

I'm considering rear remotes now for a top and tilt setup.

 

I'm just going to do my own version, a manual monoblock valve with 4 sets of outputs. Maybe I'll do a long road to rear remotes post.

 

When I got my JD2520 10 years ago I sat down and planned out 2 years of projects and as much as I would have preferred a 3 series the 2 series was more how much I had to spend, plus I bought the backhoe and haven't taken it off yet. It gets in the way every now and then but it is ballast. The BH was pretty much the main reason to get a tractor - lots of BH projects. Bought what I needed to accomplish those 2 years of projects. Every time I consider taking the BH off and maybe selling it another project for it pops up. It is supposedly easy to take off, not so easy to put back on (from those who have done it, not a JD salesman). I'll even use the back hoe to move logs around sometimes.
A few years later I bought an Artillian fork frame with pallet forks and that's one item I wish I had gotten day 1, I use it that much, easy two pins swap from loader bucket to fork frame.

 

That’s a good price on the L2501 with only 160 hours. I don’t have any issues getting around my property with mine. The bucket is 66” vs 60” on a B2650. The hydraulic rating on the B is about 50 lbs heavier but handling all that weight safely is more a function of tractor weight and ballast, width for stability, and I prefer the cast steel transmission and rear axle vs the aluminum on the B series. It’s where most of the weight difference comes from and I feel a lot better about longevity with steel vs aluminum in an application like that. I’ve seen too many failures in aluminum castings to trust it long term in an application like that. I think that’s why the L2501 is now Kubota’s best selling compact.

 

I’m really leaning toward the L2501... so long as I can get the KTAC insurance on it. Don’t care about mid mount PTO and I do like the added weight and it’s already fitted with the 3rd function valve

Heading back up mid-week with to give it a more serious once over. The wheel spacers have to be installed ($200 or so) and the unit does have filled rear tires.

With the spacers, I think total width will be in the 58” neighborhood. That’s pushing it for one particular spot... guess I’ll have to use that loader for making that spot wider. See another project to justify this purchase.

Found out by pure pure chance that the guy I’m speaking with at the dealer has an ‘05 F150 for sale. 231k miles, 4x4, supercab with a 4.6L.... $3k

I have to research the ‘05s but, for a beater, might be a bonus purchase

 

^^^ Shop the dealer, not the brand. My Kubota service manager has walked me through repairs on the phone. You’ll eventually break any color tractor and getting it back in service quickly is key.

I have a B and would get an L next time for more weight and traction. BX is capable but shorter in stature and has much lower ground clearance.

A mini excavator is almost always faster and more agile than a backhoe. Save your hoe money for other implements and rent a mini If you need one.

 

I have a B2650 and love it! I would definitely go for the L2501 that you mentioned above. The extra weight/size would be beneficial at times.

I generally tend to disagree with most people's stance on backhoes. I have one and absolutely love it. It is so handy to have on the back. Rock in your way on a trail, spin around spend 15 minutes, its gone. Need to trench a small line, few hours, it's done. Even 12" stumps and smaller are not a problem. It's not the big jobs that make the backhoe valuable, it's the hundreds of quick little jobs that add up.

Good luck on the purchase. No matter what you get, you will enjoy it!

 

Here’s a good deal on a B3300 with low hours, like new if anyone near Maine is looking. 2014 so it’s before the emissions system of today.
2014 Kubota B 3300 4X4 - farm & garden - by dealer - sale