Kubota B2401 Overview and Shifting + Loader Operation

Overview of my Kubota B2401.
I go over some of the basics of running this unsynchronized gear drive tractor with a loader.

[@dogfighter1]

I have never ran a geared tractor before, was curious about it and this is one of the best videos on internet explaining it. Thank you very much.

[@lilredwagon5311]

Wish i would have known about this tractor when my dad and i were shopping for a small tractor. We eventually went with the bx1880 and the hydrostat whinning is really annoying...i just got done with digging out a driveway for myself with a troybilt tiller and the bx1880. And yeah the 1880 for sure moved the dirt no problem, but the whinning is just irritating even with earplugs in.

[@RubberDuckStyle]

I love the 2401. I got it this past summer and one thing I like most is the fact this tractor can pull 2 to 3 times as much as the 2601 because of the transmission

[@zoidsfan77]

That is really nice. Can pull the front wheels off the ground, even with a loader.

[@donaldstrishock3923]

That was some Superb ""Double-Clutch-a-matic" Shift-a-lating.Once considered this 2401 small tractor for a "helper" to my other "rigs". Even thought about the Mahindra 26 max with a shuttle shift transmission 8×8, then the prices for ALL small tractors went "Crazy" with the times with "everybody & their brother" getting all the "Free" & "tractor-itis". occured. You Sir are very well informed with your tractor, and MUST of extensively studied the Operator's Manuals. My 3 other tractor's need another "little buddy" so the "quest" continues. Thank you Sir for the Excelent vidio and happy safe tractoring. Best wishes with All your endeavours.

[@120074]

Thank You for a great video. I have owned my 2401 for over a year now and have enjoyed the tractor. Did not know about double clutch ing . Thanks again

[@DominicRichens]

Excellent video! Someone saw my short little videos and asked me to do something like this. I'll send them your way :D The other reason to get the B2401 over the B2601 is price. With sales tax, it was 5000$CDN less here in Ontario. @10:30 the technique I use, while it looks stupid, is to try to move the tractor just enough to move the drive gear by standing up a little and sitting down hard against the back of the seat. @20:10 one time I could not start in H3 was pulling a trailer with 1500lb of firewood. And with all that momentum behind me, shifting on the fly was quite smooth One things I could still do a video on is using a rotary cutter (bushhog) with the geared transmission. There a lot more "user-input" required when changing direction (but we like that).

[@jakedavis2603]

great review, I was leaning towards a manual gear box as well for sake of durability. I was a Kubota mechanic for a few years and worked on too many hydrostatics. Cant wait to see some engine 'mods' in the future being that its a manual and dont have to worry about breaking a hydro.

[@zoidsfan77]

Thanks! I am hoping this manual gearbox is built pretty solidly. Time will tell I guess. I want to build a PTO dyno someday to see how much power I'm making before and after modifications. Try the easy stuff first like advancing the injection timing a bit.

[@447Film]

Just the video I've been looking for

[@user-bp2xv2cn9x]

Интересно спасибо

[@ML-lg4ky]

I have the same machine and my only complaint when plowing snow in medium range reverse is way to Slow.

[@zoidsfan77]

I do wish it had a reverser of some kind, so that it could use all forward gears in reverse.

[@jbolt002]

Where did you get the rear wheel weights? I have bio ballast in my B2401 rear tires but it could use additional weight.

[@zoidsfan77]

They are TF655 wheel weights from Taylor Foundry. I used two in each wheel, 60lbs each. I mounted them using eight 18-8 Stainless carriage bolts, 1/2"-13 thread, 6 1/2" long, along with matching stainless flanged locking nuts. The weights made a big difference. My tires are just plain air though.

[@theWortMonger]

@@zoidsfan77 could you fit 3 of the TF655’s on each wheel? Would 3 even be necessary?

[@zoidsfan77]

@@theWortMonger You could, but 2 is the most you can put without sticking out significantly past the edge of the rim. It may be a challenge to find carriage bolts long enough.

[@jarretolsen2771]

I think I’m sold on the 2401. I was looking at the LX2610 but they’re as expensive as a L2501 and that’s a tad too big for me. I wanted gear driven and this is the only one. How much extra was the rear tire weights? I also think I may want ag tires

[@zoidsfan77]

I have 4 60lb weights which were about $60, plus $20 shipping, each. ~$320, not including whatever I paid for the carriage-bolts and hardware. I got them from TaylorFoundry. Don't order any weights until you know for sure what mounting pattern your wheels have, if any. I don't recall the details, but I do know for sure that the wheels for the ag tires are different. If I had to buy the machine again, I'd go for the R14 hybrid tire. I am satisfied though with my R4s. I like my 2401 a lot. I also like the L2501, but it lacks the mid-pto and the rear pto is 540rpm only (2401 is 540/1000). Good luck on your tractor hunt!

[@jarretolsen2771]

@@zoidsfan77 oh okay, gotcha. Thank you, that’s good to know! You sure know your stuff. Yeah, I have experience with the R4’s on a higher HP tractor where I work, decent tire but for a compact I think I’d like something that digs a little. I’ll have to look into that more. Yeah, the PTO set up on a machine this small is a very nice extra. For the money it’s quite worth it. Thanks!

[@jarretolsen2771]

@@itsmancini Well, the dealer only had a B2601HSD in stock and it was on sale because it sat for a few months. They typically sell large farm tractors and got this to market smaller tractors. Love it though! It’s a great size and am happy with the HST after all.

[@PencilProper]

Won't double clutching enable you to get it into gear while moving?

[@zoidsfan77]

Yes it can, but because the tractors gearing is so low it is more difficult to do at lower speeds in lower gears.

[@Hillbillysniper]

Was you doing that in medium range? So I can get an idea on what low range would be lol

[@zoidsfan77]

Yes all the loader work was in medium. The road stuff was in high.

[@jutah5352]

Great video!

[@rodneydahl]

Can you provide the details on how you increased the engine rpm to 3000, I have the same tractor and am interested in the same mod, thx Rod

[@zoidsfan77]

Interestingly, someone else asked the same question in another comment only 3 hours ago. I will paste the relevant part of my reply to them: Increasing the limiter is a very easy engine adjustment, but I recommend caution. Firstly, increasing the engine speed also allows you to over-speed PTO implements, which depending on the implement can be very dangerous. Secondly, it is possible to adjust too far and overrev the engine. I set mine to 3,000 which I feel is well within design limits for the engine. Kubota makes D1105 engine variants up to 3600 rpm for generator service. Thirdly, it could effect you if you have any engine related warranty claims. If you look at the right side of the engine you'll see the injection pump. Operate the throttle and observe the linkages. It will be obvious how it works and what you will have to adjust to increase the RPM limit. Disconnect the linkage from the pump and operate it by hand until you set the limit screw to the setting you want. When reattaching the linkages you may have to install it in a different hole on the lever, and adjust the nuts at the end of the linkage rod. You want it so the lever rests against the low-idle stop when no throttle input is given, and maxes out against the limiting screw when at full throttle. At full throttle you don't want the throttle rod to have too much force on it, so adjust such that with the floor pedal floored it just reaches the limit. I would also not recommend adjusting the RPM limit on a new machine until it is out of it's engine break in period (50hrs per Kubota) and has had it's first oil change.

[@rodneydahl]

Thank you! I have 170hrs now on mine and feel comfortable making the adjustment. Funny that when I told the local kubota dealer that I was not reaching full PTO rpm (below the arc under load), they just said sorry, it’s set at the factory and we don’t touch it.

[@storemannc]

If you are not reaching full rpm under load at factory settings than it would stand to reason that your load is too great for your size tractor.

[@smoothdurban]

Just got one use with 5 hours on it. Have you used it to dig up any stumps or plant trees?

[@zoidsfan77]

I have. The backhoe works well for that, although it is not pictured in this video. I also have a 3 point post hold digger. It's not a big tractor, so digging large stumps will take some time and planning, but I've done it.

[@smoothdurban]

Hey what did you do for a 3rd function / remote rear valve?

[@zoidsfan77]

@@smoothdurban The 3rd function valve for the loader is Kubota part B1653. I do not currently have a rear remote on this tractor, although I'd like to install one in the future. There is the rear "power beyond" circuit for the backhoe though, and comes as part of the backhoe install. Hopefully that was helpful.

[@smoothdurban]

@@zoidsfan77 that kits is coming up as only for the 2301 and 2601. Were there any differences to adapt that kit to the 2401?

[@zoidsfan77]

@@smoothdurban Yeah now I remember there was some trouble as the loader handle is different. The dealer had a lot of problems installing it, all handle related. If I remember correctly they had to use the handle from the kit for the B2650 hydrostatic tractor.

[@joshsstuffs5877]

How's it holding up for you?

[@zoidsfan77]

So far so good. Really only two things have gone wrong. The backhoe valve developed an internal leak and was replaced under warranty, and later on one of the power-beyond quick connects (for the backhoe) had developed an internal restriction and caused some problems. I replaced the connectors with flat-face style couplers and they've been great. Overall it's a great machine for me. I do wish it had a bit more PTO horsepower, but that's not the fault of the machine but rather this size class. I plan to install a big engine oil cooler and do some engine mods eventually (I can't leave well-enough alone).