#20 Kubota B2601 Compact Tractor Pros, Cons, and 65 Hour Review 

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Howdy. I recently had to take over a friend's little farm, due to illness. I research before ever operating a piece of equipment They have a LA340 and while searching for starting instructions, I found that I couldn't find 1 video that actually took a person step by step, through the process without the person making video assuming that the person watching it, even knew where to look for of the items mentioned in the steps. It would be great because you are so thorough in your explanations if you could do a video " starting your tractor for dummies" to coin a phrase. Sometimes people get hurt, not because of stupidity, but trying to follow instructions which are vague at best. Would love to see this video from the driver's seat, so people know exactly where to look for the levers, etc used to start a tractor safely. If you already have one I missed it. Thank you for all the info

I have the B2301 it has done an awesome job so far for being a compact. It does way more then I could have imagined

Thanks for the walk around and for sharing your thoughts on the tractor Ed! It's a great little workhorse! I know what you mean about the floor mat - LOL. have a good weekend!

Comparing thoughts from your video with my own situation: I purchased a B2650 Super B (the name on the cabbed model) in the sprng of 2019. The biggest criteria for me, once I found out it actually existed, was the heated AND cooled cab. It was impossible for me to settle for less even though it was quite the price hike from my initial search. Listening to your "wish list" or things that could be done better, I realized that most of those were resolved in the 2650 model. So maybe that is one of the reasons for all the various models ( I agree, too confusing at times). I don't have the same problem with the rubber floor mat as mine is made of a thicker material and it stays in place. I added an exhaust extender pipe that continues down the same trajectory and doesn't adversly effect the ground or other tractor components. It wasn't really bad to begin with, though. I don't have an exposed ROPS, so no tool box. My tool shelf is on the inside but doesn't have a cover. At the time of purchase I didn't know about the R14 tires and went with the R4 tires. I might have done better with turf tires for my situation. I didn't want the spacer thing and still don't and am satisified with the current tractor width. The swift-tach FEL wasn't available for cab models so I have the standard 534 with a 3rd function valve. I would like to add some expanded metal mesh to my grill guard, but I don't run into a lot of brush and fields. Lastly, my seat is adjustable from hard to bouncey to really springy. I'm riding on liquid-filled rear tires and the tractor ride itself is really firm so my cushy, bouncy seat is a plus. I too would like to see both a 4x4 AND parking brake light added to the dash - I think everyone wants to see those 2 added. I think the new LX2610 has one of those lights added. Finally, I have 2 pair of lights for the front - one pair being on the cab above the windshield. They make a HUGE visibility difference over the lights at the front of the grill even with the bright LEDs I've installed. So maybe all those things you wanted ... were just in a different model (for a different price, of course). :-)

If Solis had a dealer nearby, that would be my next purchase

Picking up a B2601 this weekend! Thanks for the video, it really helped!

Excellent review, thanks for posting.

I don't have a "Compact" tractor, I have a subcompact tractor. I purchased a BX23s in March of this year. I took delivery in the last week of March. The BX23s has been incredibly versatile. It is literally the swiss army knife of the subcompact tractors. My BX23s came standard with front end loader, backhoe, and 60" mid mount mower. I also added a 48" box blade and a 4' rotary cutter for the brush that keeps growing and the 2 acre field I have. Since taking possession I have also purchased some aftermarket attachments. The Ratchet Rake which honestly has become my go to brush clearing tool, even over the rotary cutter. I have also purchased bolt on bucket forks 45" long, and a bolt on bucket debris fork. Both bolt on attachments have work flawlessly and have done everything I have needed them to do. I also added a set of LED lights to the ROPS that tilt, and swivel 360 so I can spin them around for if and when I am using my backhoe in the late hours. I have 46.6 hours on my BX23s and so far I have ZERO complaints. There has not been anything on my property that this little tractor has not been able to tackle. I own 12 acres and maintain 5 of it. The rest is timber and as far as I am concerned a savings account that keeps growing.

You did a great job on it! I will look for a good used one.

My B2301 came in earlier this week, and like you I came from an older, manual steer, 2wd tractor (1978 Kubota L345). After less than a week its been a pleasure, smooth as a Cadillac compared! Great review and video

I recently upgraded from my 21yr old B1700 to a B2401 and am very happy with it. It came with the bucket and I have a backhoe, wood chipper and Landpride mower. I also have forks which attach to the bucket, I bought them before I got the 2401 with the detachable bucket. I concur with having a light for the 4WD and I also forget the brake, a light there would also be good. I also put a threaded bar inside a pipe on the three point hitch and use it as a log skidder. I have 9.6 acres of west coast forest, lots of slope so I am extra careful, I rolled the B1700 many time and have rolled the B2401 once, nothing serious just over on its side and I was able to step off. I think for me wheel spacers are going to be a good idea. BTW I am not a young guy, 76, and enjoying the moment and your videos. Best wishes Ed from Gibsons, BC Canada. I should also note that the B2401 being a standard transmission (clutch) has the low, mid, high range plus the three gears giving at total of nine gears forward and three reverse.

I just bought one!

Great video.

Mine is being delivered tomorrow☆ Got the 3rd attachment and rear tilt!

I've owned several 1980s compacts. 2 IH, 1 ford and 1 Kubota which i still own. All Japanese diesels and all still running well. My Kubota B8200 has been neglected and abused by myself as well as its several previous owners. I only changed oil regularly and its been kept outside year round in NY. Its a tank and I think its the best of the bunch. Will only buy Kubota in the future.

Great videos. Thanks

AWESOME review- Kubota should lusten to all the possible upgrades! None were a reach not to be GREAT tractor refreshes. LED HEADLIGHTS FOR SURE👍

Good evening ED 😊 that is a great and honest review Sir ( one of the best ! ) 🧐 Great sence of humor about set of tires 😊😂 Great video Sir and have a great week end Cheers 😊

Great review 👍🏻

Ours us being delivered in two weeks. Great Video!

Nice job Ed! I share a lot of your opinions. I looked into getting a bucket level indicator from my dealer. He said they have them for some other models, but not the B2601. Bummer. I got mine a year ago with the R-14 tires. They work great in every medium, ice, snow, mud, turf gravel. I think they are the future of tires for compact tractors. Cheers!

I've got the same tractor. I added the wheel spacers when I bought it and am very glad I did since we have some hills to work on. I didn't get the mower, but, did get the bucket and grapple. Now, the only problem I have had is that the steering wheel doesn't always come back to the "normal" position after a turn and the wheels are straightened. My dealer says that is "normal?" That you can go past the stop when turning the wheels, (sort of like autofocus on cameras turning past infinity) but, I want to see if anyone else has had this situation or if you did. So far, it hasn't affected driving it, but, I just would think it seemed strange to do that. So, I really liked your friend's mounting handle to get on and off. Since it is a bit high a step to get on, I made a step and connected it to the open holes on the bottom. It works really well, especially since I made it with stuff I had around. Using it, you don't mess up the rubber mat - a plus. Right now, I have rear view mirrors mounted in the holes where your friend's handle goes. It still looks like a good idea, though. Yes, you are right, the new style tires really work well. I went through about 12 inches of snow with them and pushed some really compacted snow in the driveway and these tires hardly slipped. My old tractor had to have chains and didn't work as well even with them. Speaking of the old tractor (maybe the great, great, grandfather of this one), one of the things I had left over from it was an exhaust deflector and I clamped it on and it worked. The old tractor had put the soot on the loader as you said (I couldn't get it off), but, with the deflector, it goes off under it and slightly down so, no soot. It just clamps on so you can turn it until it is just right. Anyway, if you find out anything about that "loose?" steering, let me know. I really enjoyed your video. It was very informative.

Ordered my B2601 + attachments today. And yeah, I got a grapple. :)

I love my B2601! I have noticed some of the same things. The only real problem I have had is that I have come up against the lift capacity with the pallet forks on more than one occasion. I have a 100 gallon diesel tank that I like to lift onto a shelf that is about 5 feet high. It won't do it if its more than about half full. Cheers!

Great commentary on this fine tractor. I'm surprised you didn't mention the fuel fill location though. A good friend bought a 2601 and then sold me his BX subcompact. His 2601 is so much more capable in pretty much every way. One thing he always complains about is the fuel fill location. Trying to hoist up 5 gallons of diesel and pour it in can be a chore for a sixty year old. The BX clearly has a better fill location, on the right fender nice and low. Take care and look forward to more of your great vids, Steve

I picked up a B7610 about 10 years ago, wanted a John Deere, bought it a John Deere(it was a trade-in. I wouldn't switch it if they paid me. There is almost nothing I can't deal with this tractor . I can't imagine not having it . I have the mid-mount mower deck, loader and a weight box as well as Forks that I strapped to the bucket (not the best set up, but it gets the job done) . I thought the turf tires might not give me enough traction when plowing snow in the winter, but with a weight box and the four-wheel drive I've never had an issue. I wouldn't want a bigger tractor, because I have to go down a hallway to remove snow(porch, house & workshop) where three roofs dump. It just fits perfectly. Would love the quick attach accessories, maybe someday. I also have to WC 68 chipper like you and Sandy, and it works great. Thanks for the insights on your tractor.

I love it when exhaust blows out directly in front of me while I'm driving so I can inhale as much as possible.

I got the same tractor and grapple last winter and agree on your assessment almost entirely. My dealer really dropped the ball and installed the grapple in a place where that smashed some things at full curl with a load. And it came with the hydraulic fluid dipstick dry. Yes, dry. Had to add almost a gallon. Don't take your new delivery for granted like I did guys, go over every detail with your delivery person.

great job, they look amazing, id love a wee compact tractor

Great Video...After nearly 2 years of researching I just put a deposit on a B2601 with front loader and 60" mid-mount this morning! Kubota is short on inventory everywhere so it's a waiting game now! You are right with the need for a leveling rod. Have run a L45 for many hours and it's one of the more useful items on a front loader so it's shame you can't get one. I optioned mine with the 3rd function as well. Glad you said about having to jump off to detach that before dropping the bucket...I could have ended up with a very expensive mistake!

Great honest review. I have a B2601 at 160hrs. I agree with everything you said. My entire 3 acres are on a slope and I do find that it can struggle pulling the finish mower up the hill but I'd rather that than deal with the emissions bs. I looked at the B2650 at the time but with my slopes, it was just taller enough to feel more unstable. The B2601 is the perfect size for me.

Excellent review, Ed. Clear, fair, well recorded. I have the 2601 with about the same # of hours and agree pretty much with your assessment. I think the seat is comfortable but that's personal preference. I suggest you look at adding the step that comes standard on the B2650 and you won't be frustrated by the floor mat again. You'll also find it easier to get on and off. The holes are already pre-drilled in the 2601 and the step is reasonably low $. (Was about $30 with hardware when I purchased.)

I like your presentation

My 2320 which I bought used has many of the same features, but one thing I want to point out to you is that the fuel filter is exposed to damage if you run into the woods where branches on the ground can come up hit the filter and break the bowl from the right front tire running over them. When I bought my 2320 the previous owner made a shield to cover the filter as I believe he used the machine mainly in the woods hauling out timber and branches. I suspect he fabricated the shield because like I said a branch or other object came up and smashed the bowl. I liked his idea and made a much beefier one out of stronger steel. I will also add that I did not have to drill any holes in the frame for this which is a great plus. Cheers.

I brought my B-2601 about the same time. I did not know about the R-14 tires, i will need to check more. I have about the items. Thank you!

Going back on this one. They do make a bucket level indicator that you can add on. I just bought a 2019 B2601 that has a bucket level indicator on it that just bolts on.

Morning ED have you had the problem with forgetting to release the parking brake? Along with the 4wd light they should have a parking brake light on the dash. Also make it lockout the pedal because most of the time I pick up something heavy or pull I forget because I think its the load not the brake holding me back. I got in the habit of releasing it every time I get on now but still think of the unnecessary ware on my trans and brake. Anyway love your channel you put a good spin on your content and Keep the jokes coming.

When it comes to the floor mat i took mine off and put rolled on bed liner on it and i dont regret doing that one bit i love it adds a little more traction too when its wet and muddy

I don’t own a tractor but I do like orange. I tell everyone at my shop that the orange tools have an extra few horsepower...

One day I hope to have my own tractor and you have def given me heads up on the Kubota! Thanks for the share sir! :))

Nice job and the 4 tire skit was awesome... Just sayin....

Hey Ed! I was torn between the B2601 and the BX23s. Watching GP with his I was ready to pull the trigger on the B2601. But I knew I needed a bh, I went with the BX23s and I love it. We have 5 acres in NH, very wooded and not level at all! I have the grapple, and fork attachments. I burn wood so the grapple is very handy. The only downside I have is the tractor is a little tippy. I added 3” spacers and the tractor feels like a different tractor...my tires are loaded also. I have many pros for this tractor and very little cons, it seems to always perform in whatever situation I’m in. Keep up the good work! Dave

I have a b2601 ( you can see it on my channel ) and here are my pros and cons. Pros: can run a 4ft bush hog and finish mower with no problem. Easy to hook up mid mount mower, is easy to operate for amateur owners, power steering, hydro drive, diff lock. Cons: hydro pedal is hard on your legs, more narrow stance, now very heavy, R4 tires provide poor traction in slippery conditions, not a fan of the seat ( my opinion )

I was thinking to buy bx23 but I think I ll get b2601 ! Little more hp and bigger frame! That’s mean more stable!

Morning, love the review, I've got a BX that I work pretty hard on 3 acres here in Northern Ontario. Question for you, how do you find mowing with that size? Too big or some touch up with push mower? Considering upgrading to the B for lifting logs and stuff for the sawmill. Great content keep it up. Mark at Mannisto Cay.

I have this exact tractor with the Swift Tach loader. I had the third function added just for getting a grapple also. I did get the R14 tires too.Still need to get a grapple , does yours seem adequate? Love it, have about 40 hrs on mine. I got an extension for my exhaust pipe from the guy up in Canada that makes aftermarket parts. Works well and keeps the soot in the air. Not a fan of the treadle pedal, would rather have forward and reverse pedals side by side.

Do you know what torque the engine produces? Very helpful videos bro 👍🏼

Great review. I'm looking at the 2601 as an alternative to the "green machine". Biggest different for me is gear range. 3 is definitely better than 2.

Good morning, I've been out 2601/2610 shopping and think I have settled on the 2601 as I believe the slightly smaller stature would be less intimidating for my wife too use. One question that I didn't see in the comments but may have missed is why did you opt for the 3 point mower as opposed to the belly mount. I respect your opinions in the video and hope you can provide addtional information regarding this choice. Thanks

What would help is to lock the brakes harder so you feel and hear the engine lugging.

And being that you have a grapple id suggest welding expanded metal on the back side of your grill guard

Re-watching some of you videos and had a thought something I did to my B2601 floor mat was put that grip tape from 3M under the mat were I twist my foot or rub my heel. The grip tape keeps the mat from moving and sliding on the paint. Hope that helps.

Great vid, content, and tractor. I sure wish I would have bought this tractor rather than the used John Deere 2305 FEL/BM (345 hrs) that I bought 1yr ago. It has been to the John dealership 3 times because the pto's continue to stop working and I can't use my belly mower. The first time cost me a little over $1400.00, but said it was fixed. @ 6 months later (and @ only 10 hours of use) my PTO stopped working again. It cost me almost $1,900 this time,, because they said it stopped for a different reason. I got it home 5 days ago and the pto's worked for about 15 minutes (as I mowed) and now they have stopped again. I am so frustrated, almost sick about it. I very much like the tractor size, capacity, power. Everything is great about it, except that continuous PTO problem, the $ it's costing and not knowing if the JD Dealership is doing right by me. It's killing us financially, and I don't know how to handle the dealership. I'm trying to keep my cool and be reasonable. But I think I've been wrongly charged the 2nd time, and idk the best way to handle this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I COULD sell it, everthing else (the loader) works fantastic, but can't in good conscience do that. I feel like they should honor the FIRST repair under THEIR service warranty, refund the $ I paid, the 2nd time, to fix the same exact problem, and fix it correctly. What recourse should I pursue?

im buying used one 2020 with 15 hours from private owner with box blade, bush mower, mid mower, pallet forks, snow blower , trailer hitch all for 20 K

We are fortunate to have 2 brakes on this tractor which I use a lot. I have the same problem with the floor mat thinking of drilling holes through and putting a bolt and washer through the floor so the mat can’t move.

I want your thoughts on a belly mower for your lawn vs the pull behind and if you prefer a dedicated smaller garden tractor just for mowing grass.

Don’t like the turn signal control location, I’m always bumping if on/off getting on and off the tractor.

Did I hear you correctly 9 months and 65 hours? I'm going on 3 weeks with my new one now and I already have 35 hours and I haven't really had a chance to do anything other than move a little snow around with the bakblade once my loader finally shows up I'll really rack up hours LOL... I'm enjoying your videos

The sliding rubber floor mat was a major irritant for me too. Spray-on adhesive fixed it.

You're killing me here - There's things I don't like about Kubota (metal hood, fuel fill, treadle pedal, grille guard) but what I do like much more than Deere is the 3-sp. and the adjustable swing arms on the hitch, both of which you emphasize. The physical size of the B2601 (& I think Deere 2025 - Have yet to see one in person) is exactly what I want but then I keep thinking for a few inches more I can go to a 2038R which is much more capable but the 2038R just seems so much bigger.

Buy orange never go wrong..buy green it's always mean

I'm buying the brand new 2023 ....b 2601... I just submitted my paperwork yesterday he will start working on and on Monday if I get it this will be my very first tractor ever in my life I'm 40 years old anything you can tell me

A parking brake light on the dash would be helpful.

Good video how much does something like that cost

which mower deck do you have in the video and how do you like it?

Which grapple is that? You should consider putting together a video reviewing it.

The big Advantage of the Gear Drive. You loose No PTO hp. So a 2301 has 19 PTO hp. The HP lost in the HST the 2301 and 2401 are better machines. ALSO a Big bonus. Will haul more, lift more and you can Operate the engine at 1800 rpm's and Save a PILE on fuel. HST you gotta rev the crap out of it because of the HST pump.

Hey Ed, did you look at other tractors before you bought the 2601?

You keep mentioning a great value for the price. I keep looking for one with a backhoe and from loader. And can not come down below 34 k plus tax. I like the tractor, what do you think about the price and value at this price point?

Hi Ed, I am weighing this one and the 2025r. Did you consider it. Sounds like kabota is very close to your home. My feeling exactly the same on the fit and finish, though the kabota power rating are impressive. There are ways to improve the 2025r ratings to get it closer. For me the price is the same with JD insurance included almost. The Katac insurance which I like is another $3000. Anyway I’m torn. My kabota dealer can’t get any product it seems, so adds another element to deciding. I’m meant the fit and finish on the JD seems better. Better plastics, funny to say right!

I just ordered one today with the 60" bucket and a rear tiller. Should have it in 3-6 weeks...ugh...I went with the reverse tiller so hoping it isnt too much strain on the tractor, i think it will work good.

Do you feel like anything larger would be an issue for you? Do you ever want for a cab?

regarding the exhaust... could you put a free standing piece of plastic or wood in front of the load so it would not turn black.

Did you compared the Yanmar SA424 with leveled loader?

Do you have a riding mower or do you mow your yard with Kubota?

You look like Kenny Chesney

Will the B2601 handldva 72" (6') finish mower? I see you have one hooked up but didn't see the size. Thanks

Dose it have a horn

Wen you say the icsost caks the lodr in black smoke all you have to do is raez the lodr a little bit

I would not consider 65 hours in nine months working it quite a bit... I've had mine for nine months I have 225 hours I still ain't working it as much as I would like to

wrongstuff starts at 9:08

if its red leave it in the shed ,,,,,orange is close to red

brother get them bottom teeth fixed. invisalign etc costs virtually nothing compared to what braces used to be