2025r vs B2650

23308 Views 28 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Paystar, Mar 31, 2019

quackaddict

Discussion Starter · Mar 25, 2019

Looking at purchasing a SCUT/CUT this summer and I think I have it narrowed down to either the John Deere 2025r or the B2650.

Tractor will be used largely as a snow blowing tractor on a commercial route. I would also purchase a loader with forks and a bucket for light dirt work. I would likely find a 55-58" tiller for it eventually as well.

John Deere Pros: has the closer dealer (5 min vs 35), seems to have a better quick disconnect loader, would fit down a 4' walk better (4' wide tractor with a 54" blower), better tire selection for my needs (R3 Radial), is cheaper, and would fit in my current buildings without modification, better paint and panels, and better resale locally.

Cons: Bolt on Cab, Cab is loud, No A/C, snowblowers with known weaknesses.

Kubota Pros: has the Cab advantage (layout, sound reduction, AC) , beats JD in almost every power/capacity category, and arguably has better snowblowers, Significantly more power (60lbs torque vs 39 on the JD), better capacities, three range Hydro.

Cons: Dealer farther away (unknown to me), the small snowblower is mismatched to tractor width (51" SB on a 54" wide tractor), Kubota quick attach loader is not as nice as JD, I would need to lift a shed to get covered storage, and is more costly.

I would like to hear any input people have about these two tractors and I would like to hear which way you would go. This will be a working tractor and it will earn its keep for me. Durability, accessibility to parts, and service are very important to me. I swap back and forth about every other day on a decision. If anything I probably lean green, but a recent test run has me really thinking hard about the Kubota.

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UrbanTractor

· #2 · Mar 25, 2019

Initial comment is that you are comparing a small-frame 2-Series (2025R) to a large-frame B-Series (B2650). Although both of these are considered CUTs, these are two different class of CUT, so not really a fair comparison on the power and other capacities.

The analogous Kubota would be a small-frame B-Series (B2301/B2601). These are similar size/power to the 2025R.

So before even getting to respective capabilities, you have to decide whether the larger-frame B2650 is going to work in your operating environment or do you need to keep the size smaller like the 2025? If you are doing snow removal and 48" sidewalks are a mainstay, even the small-frame 2025R and B2301/2601 will be a tight squeeze.

(The sidewalks in my neighborhood range from 44-48" wide (typically) and my +/-40" wide tractor is often tricky. There is no way a B2650 could be used on them. If you expect to be doing a lot of 4' walks, my advice is to choose the narrowest machine possible (a small-frame B2301 is about 45" wide) paired with at most a 48" blower. )

And I'll add that functionally there is almost no difference between a 1025R and 2025R for snow removal duties, except the 1025R will be a better fit on walkways etc.

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 25, 2019

UrbanTractor said:
Initial comment is that you are comparing a small-frame 2-Series (2025R) to a large-frame B-Series (B2650). Although both of these are considered CUTs, these are two different class of CUT, so not really a fair comparison on the power and other capacities.

The analogous Kubota would be a small-frame B-Series (B2301/B2601). These are similar size/power to the 2025R.

So before even getting to respective capabilities, you have to decide whether the larger-frame B2650 is going to work in your operating environment or do you need to keep the size smaller like the 2025? If you are doing snow removal and 48" sidewalks are a mainstay, even the small-frame 2025R and B2301/2601 will be a tight squeeze.

And I'll add that functionally there is almost no difference between a 1025R and 2025R for snow removal duties, except the 1025R will be a better fit on walkways etc.

I know I am not comparing directly comparable models, but these two seem to fit what I need best. The B2650 is only being looked at because of the factory cab. If Kubota (Or JD) did a factory cab on a smaller tractor I would be looking at that model.

Walks are not a majority of my work, but I have enough that I wouldn't want to go to a 5' blower and shovel them. The majority of my walks are 50-52+ wide and I would have no issue getting a 54" down them. Most of my sidewalks are on a large avenue with wide sidewalks that require a pass plus a small swipe to clear with a 47 snowblower.

The 2025r's are about 3 mph faster than a 1025r is, which is why I would select that model over the 1025. The increased height, ground speed, and r3 radial availability make me want the 2025 over the 1025. Thankfully I don't have any stretches of twisting sidewalks or tight corners that I have to deal with so either wouldn't be horrible to use on my walks.

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My craftsman 917.27308

· #4 · Mar 25, 2019

First video is Kubota vs John Deere: See Why Kubota Beats John Deere. 5 Reasons Why

Second video is John Deere Is Better Than Kubota: 5 Reasons Why

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UrbanTractor

· #5 · Mar 25, 2019

quackaddict said:
I know I am not comparing directly comparable models, but these two seem to fit what I need best. The B2650 is only being looked at because of the factory cab. If Kubota (Or JD) did a factory cab on a smaller tractor I would be looking at that model.

Walks are not a majority of my work, but I have enough that I wouldn't want to go to a 5' blower and shovel them. The majority of my walks are 50-52+ wide and I would have no issue getting a 54" down them. Most of my sidewalks are on a large avenue with wide sidewalks that require a pass plus a small swipe to clear with a 47 snowblower.

The 2025r's are about 3 mph faster than a 1025r is, which is why I would select that model over the 1025. The increased height, ground speed, and r3 radial availability make me want the 2025 over the 1025. Thankfully I don't have any stretches of twisting sidewalks or tight corners that I have to deal with so either wouldn't be horrible to use on my walks.

It's hard to beat that B2650 Factory Cab. It's really a benchmark for the competition.

Yes, that extra groundspeed of the 2025R (over 1025R) could come in handy. I'm not sure you would use it much while engaged in snow removal tasks, but in moving from one job to another it would be helpful (assuming you're not trailering between jobs.) The 3-range transmission on the B Series probably gives it an an edge on groundspeed, though.

Sounds like you are leaning toward a larger machine. I only mentioned the 1025R because your initial post indicated you might be considering SCUTs, too. (Btw, Kubota does offer a very nice factory cab for their smaller BX SCUTs, and it's compatible with both the FEL and backhoe.)

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 26, 2019

UrbanTractor said:
It's hard to beat that B2650 Factory Cab. It's really a benchmark for the competition.

Yes, that extra groundspeed of the 2025R (over 1025R) could come in handy. I'm not sure you would use it much while engaged in snow removal tasks, but in moving from one job to another it would be helpful (assuming you're not trailering between jobs.) The 3-range transmission on the B Series probably gives it an an edge on groundspeed, though.

Sounds like you are leaning toward a larger machine. I only mentioned the 1025R because your initial post indicated you might be considering SCUTs, too. (Btw, Kubota does offer a very nice factory cab for their smaller BX SCUTs, and it's compatible with both the FEL and backhoe.)

..

I am really surprised JD does not have a competitor to the B2650 cab, especially since its been out for quite a while. I was very impressed with it overall.

From what I can gather a 2025r and a B2650 are almost identical (within 1mph) for top end ground speed. I do a mix of trailering and roading to yards, with the majority of my properties I just run the tractor to them. With increased ground speed over an X758 I can probably just road to all of them and drop the trailer nonsense.

The 3 speed hydro is a huge selling point, the whine that comes with that Hydro is a turn off. JD definitely has the edge in hydro whine, but I wonder if I will always be looking for the right middle ground.

I have considered a 1025, and may look at it again if costs get to be to high. The 1025 with a cab has the edge over the BX/Curtis cab IMO, but the BX has lots of really nice features too, like the new 55HD snowblower and the updated quick hitch for it. It is one of my sincere wishes that JD comes up with either an HD blower or switches to the RAD blowers like most everyone else. The BX and 1025 both suffer from slower ground speeds, which hurts for my uses.

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UrbanTractor

· #7 · Mar 26, 2019

quackaddict said:
I am really surprised JD does not have a competitor to the B2650 cab, especially since its been out for quite a while. I was very impressed with it overall.

From what I can gather a 2025r and a B2650 are almost identical (within 1mph) for top end ground speed. I do a mix of trailering and roading to yards, with the majority of my properties I just run the tractor to them. With increased ground speed over an X758 I can probably just road to all of them and drop the trailer nonsense.

The 3 speed hydro is a huge selling point, the whine that comes with that Hydro is a turn off. JD definitely has the edge in hydro whine, but I wonder if I will always be looking for the right middle ground.

I have considered a 1025, and may look at it again if costs get to be to high. The 1025 with a cab has the edge over the BX/Curtis cab IMO, but the BX has lots of really nice features too, like the new 55HD snowblower and the updated quick hitch for it. It is one of my sincere wishes that JD comes up with either an HD blower or switches to the RAD blowers like most everyone else. The BX and 1025 both suffer from slower ground speeds, which hurts for my uses.

All good observations. Although having studied the respective cabs closely for the 1-Series and the BX, I disagree that JD has an advantage there. The OEM Kubota cab for the BX (made by Curtis, but branded Kubota and not to be confused with the standard BX cabs by Curtis) is the best of the various options available, imo. Full factory functionality/integration (including fel/bh compatibility), tightly sealed, and with tons of nice options, including a/c. But pricey, that’s for sure.

Any of these machines will serve you well. But to get more groundspeed you are going to have to move out of the superGT/SCUT size wheel/tire set. I still think the B2301/2601 is worth considering. They offer a lot of value and Curtis has some nice cabs for them, too.:fing32:

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 26, 2019

UrbanTractor said:
Any of these machines will serve you well. But to get more groundspeed you are going to have to move out of the superGT/SCUT size wheel/tire set. I still think the B2301/2601 is worth considering. They offer a lot of value and Curtis has some nice cabs for them, too.:fing32:

I took a look at the B2601 when you mentioned it and was initially impressed with the specs. I totally missed that tractor in there product line. I plan to have a dealer work up a quote with a Curtis or tektite cab to get an idea of where that would land. Lots of things going for that tractor as well.

Thank you for your input Urban, I really do appreciate it.

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UrbanTractor

· #9 · Mar 26, 2019

quackaddict said:
I took a look at the B2601 when you mentioned it and was initially impressed with the specs. I totally missed that tractor in there product line. I plan to have a dealer work up a quote with a Curtis or tektite cab to get an idea of where that would land. Lots of things going for that tractor as well.

Thank you for your input Urban, I really do appreciate it.

As long as you’re studying the small frame B-Series, don’t necessarily rule out the 2301. The narrower stance of that machine is a potential big benefit for snow removal ops.

You may be discounting it due to the engine HP rating. A lot of folks mistakenly conclude that it uses the same engine as the BX2380/23S (i.e., the 0.9L D902, which is a great engine.)

Don’t be fooled. The 2301 actually uses the same engine family as the BX2680, the 1.0L D1005. However, in the 2301 Kubota doesn’t wind up the rpm as much, and they tweak the fuel delivery to increase torque. So although it has a lower HP rating than the version in the BX2680, it generates more useful power and at less rpm, so less wear/tear and less noise.

It’s a good engine choice with plenty of power for snow removal ops.

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 26, 2019

UrbanTractor said:
As long as you’re studying the small frame B-Series, don’t necessarily rule out the 2301. The narrower stance of that machine is a potential big benefit for snow removal ops.

You may be discounting it due to the engine HP rating. A lot of folks mistakenly conclude that it uses the same engine as the BX2380/23S (i.e., the 0.9L D902, which is a great engine.)

Don’t be fooled. The 2301 actually uses the same engine family as the BX2680, the 1.0L D1005. However, in the 2301 Kubota doesn’t wind up the rpm as much, and they tweak the fuel delivery to increase torque. So although it has a lower HP rating than the version in the BX2680, it generates more useful power and at less rpm, so less wear/tear and less noise.

It’s a good engine choice with plenty of power for snow removal ops.

At first glance the B2601 looks like the tractor I would really like to have size wise. I have inquired with a dealer about cabs, pricing, and the like. I will wait to hear back and see what they say.

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UrbanTractor

· #11 · Mar 26, 2019

quackaddict said:
At first glance the B2601 looks like the tractor I would really like to have size wise. I have inquired with a dealer about cabs, pricing, and the like. I will wait to hear back and see what they say.

Good plan. I can't be the only one that will be curious to hear how that package looks pricewise.:fing32:

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Farmdog267

· #12 · Mar 26, 2019

Don't forget to look into the Mouser cab for the John Deere 2025R. Those cabs are very nice despite not having the AC. Have you driven either machine yet? Put some weight in the loader bucket or on the forks and make some tight turns with the Kubota and then do the same with John Deere. You can experience the tighter turning of the John Deere machine. If you already have attachments or have access to skid steer attachments; Kubota will beat JD unless you get an adapter for about $450.

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 28, 2019

Farmdog267 said:
Don't forget to look into the Mouser cab for the John Deere 2025R. Those cabs are very nice despite not having the AC. Have you driven either machine yet? Put some weight in the loader bucket or on the forks and make some tight turns with the Kubota and then do the same with John Deere. You can experience the tighter turning of the John Deere machine. If you already have attachments or have access to skid steer attachments; Kubota will beat JD unless you get an adapter for about $450.

I have sat in a 2025r with a mauser cab. Overall I really liked the feel of the machine. It did seem like it would be tippy (just by how it feels) but think so wheel weights and maybe some wheel spacers would help that. Its fast relative to an x758, but I don't really like how long high range takes to stop. I wish the blowers were better and I wish they would go away from that quick hitch.

I have some seat time on a 1025 with 54" blower. It does a nice job, but I would like more ground speed. Same complaints about the blower here.

I spent about 15 minutes test driving a B2650. It is a nice machine but I worry about the size.

I haven't heard one person talk about turning with a load, if that's the case id favor JD even more. The quick park loader and access to a close dealer (that has been very good with any service needs) are big selling points for me.

Every tractor in this range has a weakness of some sort, I just want to make a good decision as it will be a lot of money whichever way I go.

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Farmdog267

· #14 · Mar 28, 2019

I'm in the North east suburbs of Philly so its not a big rural area until you either go 60 or more miles out into PA or down into central NJ. I've worked for both Kubota and now currently JD. When I worked for Kubota I swore when I had the correct size property I would own one of the 2601 series tractors. The 2650 was nice and the cab really dominates the market. Don't waste your money on the B3350! Unless they made heavy changes to that engine and emissions system, it is the only Kubota tractor I wouldn't recommend. Very problematic machine but all the other units ran well and were reliable.

I like the new 2025R tractor. It sells well for us (our dealership has 5 locations) and isn't much more expensive compared to the 1025R. I like John Deere for the nicer mower deck and the auto connect system for those mower decks. The loader on and off process is nice as well. It is a disadvantage you cant run dual functions with the loader on the Deere but the hydraulics are nice and powerful. Tractor overall seems to be quieter compared with Kubota and the steering is better because of the fluid Deere throws at the system.

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quackaddict

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 28, 2019

Farmdog267 said:
I'm in the North east suburbs of Philly so its not a big rural area until you either go 60 or more miles out into PA or down into central NJ. I've worked for both Kubota and now currently JD. When I worked for Kubota I swore when I had the correct size property I would own one of the 2601 series tractors. The 2650 was nice and the cab really dominates the market. Don't waste your money on the B3350! Unless they made heavy changes to that engine and emissions system, it is the only Kubota tractor I wouldn't recommend. Very problematic machine but all the other units ran well and were reliable.

I like the new 2025R tractor. It sells well for us (our dealership has 5 locations) and isn't much more expensive compared to the 1025R. I like John Deere for the nicer mower deck and the auto connect system for those mower decks. The loader on and off process is nice as well. It is a disadvantage you cant run dual functions with the loader on the Deere but the hydraulics are nice and powerful. Tractor overall seems to be quieter compared with Kubota and the steering is better because of the fluid Deere throws at the system.

The dealer I am working with told me flat out they wouldn't even sell me a B3350. Its disappointing Kubota flopped on that tractor as It would be about perfect. I would live with the extra size to get the power.

I agree the 2025r is a good step for JD. I think that size of tractor with an integrated factory cab option (especially with JD's reputation for good quiet cabs) would mop up competition. I also think JD would have been better off with the 24hp motor from the 3025 to differentiate it from the 1025 and to give the tractor more power for 5' implements. I would love to design a small tractor from the ground up, the guys that do it definitely have my envy.

I will continue exploring and learning for the time being, and will get a quote on a b2601. I think after reading and learning I have pretty well settled on a 2025r, but I swore that about 50 decisions ago. I plan to purchase this summer, so I will try to take advantage of some test drive days and make as informed a decision as possible.

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Sidponcho

· #16 · Mar 29, 2019 (Edited by Moderator)

Cabs are for wussies

Cat385B

· #17 · Mar 29, 2019 (Edited by Moderator)

Sidponcho said:
Cabs are for wussies

Says someone who lives in a tropical state.

Nouveau Redneck

· #18 · Mar 29, 2019

Cat385B said:
Says someone who lives in a tropical state.

His location under his avatar says he's in MA.

Cat385B

· #19 · Mar 29, 2019

Nouveau ******* said:
His location under his avatar says he's in MA.

Correct. Tropical.

Cat385B

· #20 · Mar 29, 2019

Nouveau ******* said:
His location under his avatar says he's in MA.

Correct. Tropical.

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