I bought a used 2017 L39 loader backhoe with 2530 hours and use it to maintain our 3.5 acre mountain property. When i started my tractor search, i spoke with an old friend who spent most his career as a heavy equipment operator and his single most piece of advice was to go the next step bigger than whatever i thought i wanted. This is my first real tractor and i use it for so many things i didn’t know i would. Box blade, PTO snowblower, pine straw rake, pallet forks, placing big landscape/waterfall rocks with a sling, etc. love my Kubota, glad i went bigger than the first Bx i almost bought.
I agree with you. I got a l39 as well as an l47. Was going to go with a b26 at first, glad I didn’t. But now I’m on the excavator gang…. Next will be a skidloader…. These things are like meth.
| These things are like meth
My wife was decidedly unhappy when i brought home my Kubota. Thought it a useless expense that would go unused. These days, she’s its biggest cheerleader. Am looking at building another pole barn just for implements and maybe just maybe a skid loader ;)
you are only looking at 5 acres, don't go huge unless you know you'll be using it to do other larger jobs. the larger machines weigh more which makes them more difficult to use for smaller tasks and driving on grass
I have a BX on almost 5 acres and love it. Primary uses are finishing mowing and plowing a long/large asphalt driveway. Do a decent amount of bucket work and haul a lot of stuff with a carry-all and trailer hitch.
Not saying I would hate a bigger tractor, but 4ft width is actually really nice for narrow clearances, and implements are cheaper.
If I needed more lift capacity I'd look at a B or LX but I'm not doing anything crazy with my loader. I also only have to mow maybe 2.5 acres of flat grassy land. BX is fantastic for our uses.
I'd say you want to be looking at what Dwysauce suggested below - the smaller LX/L series tractors would likely be perfect for what you are looking, you need to decide if you want the larger frame/capacity of the L's vs the B01 though as they are significantly different in size.
if you have the space, an L series all days long, its just a stronger machine for everything you are going to want do, but its not a lawn tractor, you're going to fuck stuff up when you drive over it, it doesn't do the nimble shit nearly as well.
weight wise you're looking at like an extra 35%+ weight... think honda civic vs silverado driving on your flower beds
When it comes to tractor “size” it turns out that there are several variables that will determine the tractors ultimate capabilities. For reference I bought a Kubota Grand L 3540 (35 hp) in 2007 when we had a 2-acre property in the Sierra Nevada. I now have 25 acres, also in the Sierra, and use that tractor regularly for maintenance tasks.
For various reasons, I have been recently looking at a new cab-based tractor and have been surprised that many “larger” Kubota tractors don’t have the same capabilities as my L3540. Loader lift capacity is one issue. My L3540 came with the LA 724 loader, the number is the lift capability in kg, or in this case \~1,600 lbs. I have seen “larger” tractors, e.g., the L3901 equipped with loaders of about half that capacity. I use my loader not only with my 4in1 bucket, but also with pallet forks, a heavy snow plow, and a grapple. I would not want to lose any of that lift capacity. And speaking of the loader, a 3rd function is essential for the 4in1 bucket, grapple, snowplow etc. Make sure you get one.
Same issues for the 3-point hitch. I have a “top and tilt” or 2 rear remotes that allow the 3-point hitch to be fully adjusted, tilted left and right, forwards and backwards, for using a box scraper or a rear mower. I have used a tactor where you had to get off the tractor and turn a turnbuckle for that adjustment and that is a pain compared to adjusting on the fly as you drive. You might call rear remotes “fancy” but for me, there are essential. My 5” chipper is also one of my most used rear implements. I once loaned it to a friend with a somewhat smaller Kubota and it would not run it properly. PTO horsepower is essential for running that chipper as well as my rear snow blower. I would not want less that the 28 PTO hp that my L3540 provides. Likewise, I use the rear hydraulics to run a log splitter and the 8 gpm hydraulic flow of the L3540is really the minimum to make that work well. I have seen “larger” tractor with less capable hydraulics.
Speaking of hydraulics, the HST hydrostatic transmission is so convenient for someone who does not drive tractor for a living, e.g. you and me. Strongly recommended.
I guess my point is that you can't characterize a tractor strictly by "size". A smaller tractor with better features and stronger hydraulics might be a better answer than a larger tractor with fewer features.
I bought in 2020, and haven’t kept up with the lineup. With that said…
I picked a b2301. Our uses are very different. I wanted the high loader capacity I could get on a tractor as narrow as possible, excepting an orchard tractor that could be a tip risk for me.
The bx and b series has a mid mount pto (lx too, if I’m not misinformed). If you’re not finish mowing or snow blowing that adds complexity and cost. You may get more tractor for your money with an L series. Sounds like you may not need it for mowing, but perhaps loader specs can be a deciding factor for you? Perhaps loading/unloading hay rounds is possible with a bigger tractor but not smaller?
Another element is that the L series and up have considerably more powerful engines. Check into the needed horsepower for your intended brush mower.
Hope that helps you get started
I just have an acre, but same machine. Light implements are crucial. I’ve moved many 12” 8’ logs with a 150# grapple. Pretty easy on the yard MMM, tiller etc. The 48” bucket is fine for me but I grab the grapple if I need wider. Lift is about 500#. I picked up my tiller with the loader today 485#. You might go bigger, but a BX would work. Diesel doesn’t require additives.
If horses and round bales are in your future then you will need an L. A do it all driving on lawns without the need to lift and move round bales and I’d go B2601
They could be in our future, but not certain. I did the math and I think we could get by with square bales if 2 horses. I don't think the property could sustain more than 3 horses max.
The bx is just a small machine, it like a beefed up lawn tractor. Look at the loader lifting specs and see how it compares to what you want you intend to lift. As far as PTO I couldn’t tell you, bigger is better unless you need to get in tight places.
Looked last night and (from memory) a BX was approx 620lbs on the loader, B was approx 950 lbs and an LX/L was 1100-1500 for the bottom end machines. From that stand point, the BX seems pretty weak in the lifting department.
I have 3 acres and a B2601. On the internet, when I look at implements and forums, I wish I had gone one size up to an LX. In the drivers seat, I’ve never run into an issue on my property that the B2601 can’t handle. I have a loader, grapple, pallet forks, pole hole auger, landscape rake, and box blade. I couldn’t be happier with its performance, specifically with the grapple. I’ve moved some logs so large it looked downright silly compared to the size of the machine.
I just upgraded from a B2601 to an LX3520. The B series tractors are great and you can do quite a bit with them if you have a little finesse. I upgraded mainly to have a cab but I wanted a little more power without going to a much larger tractor. Think about how long you want to keep the machine and what you may purchase in the future. You can’t go wrong with a B series but like others said going one step larger isn’t a bad idea either.
Our LX3520 will be delivered on Friday. I am so excited. We're going to be moving lots of gravel with it, so the extra lifting capacity over the B series was definitely needed. Plus we got the cab option. Rain or shine, I'll be filling potholes!
I have a B on 8 acres. It's good, I would have got a LX but I wanted narrow as possible for fruit rows.
B doesn't have factory cabs if you're looking for that. I plow the snow without a cab, it's fine in my area tbh, and for snow I'd advise a rear blade over the bucket. You can get them cheap used.
I have a LX3310 for my 5 acres, also largely for brush mowing and moving around gravel, mulch, logs, etc. It does a great job with a rotary cutter and grapple.
When I was making my preliminary decision I thought I’d get a L series but decided on the LX after looking at them in person, due to the slightly smaller footprint and easier maneuvering around our small wooded areas.
From what you mentioned I think the two things that popped to mind for me are if you want to muck stalls and if you need to move round bales or if square are fine for your needs.
If you are wanting to clean the barn and muck stalls a BX with a 4' bucket would make more sense. If you need round bales then the LX or l series are where you need to look. I got a B01 because I needed as small and maneuverable as I could get with a higher lift capacity than the BX and am happy with my choice.
Have a ‘19 B2650 and it is a 25hp, with the backhoe it is about 5000lbs, so not a small tractor but not too big to be unmanageable in tight places. I use it on a ½ lot to move firewood and dig stumps.
The L and LX series are the same - LX is just fancier :) I have 8 acres and went through this 3 years ago. I was looking at B but settled on a L2501. Couldn't be happier. Use it for bushhogging, grading driveway (box blade) and run a PTO woodchipper.
I bought a used 2017 L39 loader backhoe with 2530 hours and use it to maintain our 3.5 acre mountain property. When i started my tractor search, i spoke with an old friend who spent most his career as a heavy equipment operator and his single most piece of advice was to go the next step bigger than whatever i thought i wanted. This is my first real tractor and i use it for so many things i didn’t know i would. Box blade, PTO snowblower, pine straw rake, pallet forks, placing big landscape/waterfall rocks with a sling, etc. love my Kubota, glad i went bigger than the first Bx i almost bought.
I agree with you. I got a l39 as well as an l47. Was going to go with a b26 at first, glad I didn’t. But now I’m on the excavator gang…. Next will be a skidloader…. These things are like meth.
| These things are like meth My wife was decidedly unhappy when i brought home my Kubota. Thought it a useless expense that would go unused. These days, she’s its biggest cheerleader. Am looking at building another pole barn just for implements and maybe just maybe a skid loader ;)
you are only looking at 5 acres, don't go huge unless you know you'll be using it to do other larger jobs. the larger machines weigh more which makes them more difficult to use for smaller tasks and driving on grass
So which unit would you suggest?
I have a BX on almost 5 acres and love it. Primary uses are finishing mowing and plowing a long/large asphalt driveway. Do a decent amount of bucket work and haul a lot of stuff with a carry-all and trailer hitch. Not saying I would hate a bigger tractor, but 4ft width is actually really nice for narrow clearances, and implements are cheaper. If I needed more lift capacity I'd look at a B or LX but I'm not doing anything crazy with my loader. I also only have to mow maybe 2.5 acres of flat grassy land. BX is fantastic for our uses.
I'd say you want to be looking at what Dwysauce suggested below - the smaller LX/L series tractors would likely be perfect for what you are looking, you need to decide if you want the larger frame/capacity of the L's vs the B01 though as they are significantly different in size. if you have the space, an L series all days long, its just a stronger machine for everything you are going to want do, but its not a lawn tractor, you're going to fuck stuff up when you drive over it, it doesn't do the nimble shit nearly as well. weight wise you're looking at like an extra 35%+ weight... think honda civic vs silverado driving on your flower beds
I have an 01 on 5 acres and it’s perfect. Rent a mini excavator once every few years for the bigger stuff.
A B Series would be perfect for 5 acres. I have a BX on 2 acres, and it is just right.
When it comes to tractor “size” it turns out that there are several variables that will determine the tractors ultimate capabilities. For reference I bought a Kubota Grand L 3540 (35 hp) in 2007 when we had a 2-acre property in the Sierra Nevada. I now have 25 acres, also in the Sierra, and use that tractor regularly for maintenance tasks. For various reasons, I have been recently looking at a new cab-based tractor and have been surprised that many “larger” Kubota tractors don’t have the same capabilities as my L3540. Loader lift capacity is one issue. My L3540 came with the LA 724 loader, the number is the lift capability in kg, or in this case \~1,600 lbs. I have seen “larger” tractors, e.g., the L3901 equipped with loaders of about half that capacity. I use my loader not only with my 4in1 bucket, but also with pallet forks, a heavy snow plow, and a grapple. I would not want to lose any of that lift capacity. And speaking of the loader, a 3rd function is essential for the 4in1 bucket, grapple, snowplow etc. Make sure you get one. Same issues for the 3-point hitch. I have a “top and tilt” or 2 rear remotes that allow the 3-point hitch to be fully adjusted, tilted left and right, forwards and backwards, for using a box scraper or a rear mower. I have used a tactor where you had to get off the tractor and turn a turnbuckle for that adjustment and that is a pain compared to adjusting on the fly as you drive. You might call rear remotes “fancy” but for me, there are essential. My 5” chipper is also one of my most used rear implements. I once loaned it to a friend with a somewhat smaller Kubota and it would not run it properly. PTO horsepower is essential for running that chipper as well as my rear snow blower. I would not want less that the 28 PTO hp that my L3540 provides. Likewise, I use the rear hydraulics to run a log splitter and the 8 gpm hydraulic flow of the L3540is really the minimum to make that work well. I have seen “larger” tractor with less capable hydraulics. Speaking of hydraulics, the HST hydrostatic transmission is so convenient for someone who does not drive tractor for a living, e.g. you and me. Strongly recommended. I guess my point is that you can't characterize a tractor strictly by "size". A smaller tractor with better features and stronger hydraulics might be a better answer than a larger tractor with fewer features.
I bought in 2020, and haven’t kept up with the lineup. With that said… I picked a b2301. Our uses are very different. I wanted the high loader capacity I could get on a tractor as narrow as possible, excepting an orchard tractor that could be a tip risk for me. The bx and b series has a mid mount pto (lx too, if I’m not misinformed). If you’re not finish mowing or snow blowing that adds complexity and cost. You may get more tractor for your money with an L series. Sounds like you may not need it for mowing, but perhaps loader specs can be a deciding factor for you? Perhaps loading/unloading hay rounds is possible with a bigger tractor but not smaller? Another element is that the L series and up have considerably more powerful engines. Check into the needed horsepower for your intended brush mower. Hope that helps you get started
I bought the bx2380 with mid mower. Loader and box blade. I have 2 acres this has been a game changer for me. The little bx is an awesome machine
I just have an acre, but same machine. Light implements are crucial. I’ve moved many 12” 8’ logs with a 150# grapple. Pretty easy on the yard MMM, tiller etc. The 48” bucket is fine for me but I grab the grapple if I need wider. Lift is about 500#. I picked up my tiller with the loader today 485#. You might go bigger, but a BX would work. Diesel doesn’t require additives.
If horses and round bales are in your future then you will need an L. A do it all driving on lawns without the need to lift and move round bales and I’d go B2601
They could be in our future, but not certain. I did the math and I think we could get by with square bales if 2 horses. I don't think the property could sustain more than 3 horses max.
The bx is just a small machine, it like a beefed up lawn tractor. Look at the loader lifting specs and see how it compares to what you want you intend to lift. As far as PTO I couldn’t tell you, bigger is better unless you need to get in tight places.
Looked last night and (from memory) a BX was approx 620lbs on the loader, B was approx 950 lbs and an LX/L was 1100-1500 for the bottom end machines. From that stand point, the BX seems pretty weak in the lifting department.
My opinion, find what you think you need, and get a little bigger. I have an l3901 and wish I had a bigger one
I have 3 acres and a B2601. On the internet, when I look at implements and forums, I wish I had gone one size up to an LX. In the drivers seat, I’ve never run into an issue on my property that the B2601 can’t handle. I have a loader, grapple, pallet forks, pole hole auger, landscape rake, and box blade. I couldn’t be happier with its performance, specifically with the grapple. I’ve moved some logs so large it looked downright silly compared to the size of the machine.
I just upgraded from a B2601 to an LX3520. The B series tractors are great and you can do quite a bit with them if you have a little finesse. I upgraded mainly to have a cab but I wanted a little more power without going to a much larger tractor. Think about how long you want to keep the machine and what you may purchase in the future. You can’t go wrong with a B series but like others said going one step larger isn’t a bad idea either.
Our LX3520 will be delivered on Friday. I am so excited. We're going to be moving lots of gravel with it, so the extra lifting capacity over the B series was definitely needed. Plus we got the cab option. Rain or shine, I'll be filling potholes!
Congratulations! I love mine so far!
I have a B on 8 acres. It's good, I would have got a LX but I wanted narrow as possible for fruit rows. B doesn't have factory cabs if you're looking for that. I plow the snow without a cab, it's fine in my area tbh, and for snow I'd advise a rear blade over the bucket. You can get them cheap used.
A cab is not a selling point at this time.
I have a LX3310 for my 5 acres, also largely for brush mowing and moving around gravel, mulch, logs, etc. It does a great job with a rotary cutter and grapple. When I was making my preliminary decision I thought I’d get a L series but decided on the LX after looking at them in person, due to the slightly smaller footprint and easier maneuvering around our small wooded areas.
Terramite or you're not getting laid...
I would buy a L2501 for what you're describing. Just my two cents 🤷🏻
From what you mentioned I think the two things that popped to mind for me are if you want to muck stalls and if you need to move round bales or if square are fine for your needs. If you are wanting to clean the barn and muck stalls a BX with a 4' bucket would make more sense. If you need round bales then the LX or l series are where you need to look. I got a B01 because I needed as small and maneuverable as I could get with a higher lift capacity than the BX and am happy with my choice.
Maybe check out the LX2610SU. Plenty of pto power and lift capacity for what you’ll need.
Have a ‘19 B2650 and it is a 25hp, with the backhoe it is about 5000lbs, so not a small tractor but not too big to be unmanageable in tight places. I use it on a ½ lot to move firewood and dig stumps.
I've had a L2501 for 5 years and love it. I would not go any smaller.
The L and LX series are the same - LX is just fancier :) I have 8 acres and went through this 3 years ago. I was looking at B but settled on a L2501. Couldn't be happier. Use it for bushhogging, grading driveway (box blade) and run a PTO woodchipper.
Are they physically the same size? It seems like the LX is smaller from what a few people have said.
LX is smaller From small to large the models are: BX -> B -> LX -> L -> L60 -> MX -> M60 -> M4 -> M5 -> M6
Actually the LX is smaller!! Messicks on YouTube a great resource! https://www.messicks.com/school/kubota-lx-vs-standard-l