Buying Advice Kubota Dealer Options Comment Clarification

[toukow]

Hello: I'm getting ready to buy a new tractor in the next week or so, and visited two Kubota dealers yesterday, asking option pricing on the L2501HST. I've only owned one tractor in my life, and that's a 1979 Ford 1700, so my hydraulics knowledge is based on that model and that era. It uses a 'Power Beyond Valve' off of the FEL control valve to supply a three point backhoe or other.

For the new model, I've inferred I would need rear remote hydraulics to connect a hydraulic Top N Tilt, or my three point wood splitter with separate control valve.

1. When I asked about the rear remotes, I noted that the first dealer was listing each component in his head and tossed out $1600 installed for dual set of rear hydraulics. The second dealer said that's an unusual request for this model, and he'd have to contact Kubota. This made me think of the first guy doing it in his head meant there was no standard kit for installing these. From reading here, I got the impression this was a very common modification for a tractor. My question is how do they connect a modern backhoe to a tractor like this without rear remote hydraulics? Is this really an unusual modification? I assume I missing something basic in modern tractors given my limited background.

2. When I asked about adding the option of adjustable three point lift arms ($250), the first dealer said no one usually does this, they just go with the standard set up. I had seen these on various models of other brands, and assumed this was a useful upgrade. My main goal with the new tractor is ease of operation into my 70's, and figured this would help. Is that not the case, most do not find these a useful upgrade?


Thanks for the education, Toukow

 

[radioman]

I hate it when a dealer tells me no to something i want. I usually go to another dealer till i find what i want. I dont like living a life of regrets of should haves.I mean if it only one upgrade, a simple question to salesman is so you wont order something i want to make a sale?!

 

[Citydude]

For starters, $1600.00 for two remotes is high. Have that dealer write you a quote showing the wholegood part numbers for the valves and the cost. You should be in the $850.00 range. This is based off of a quote my dealer gave me.

 

[TheMadOne]

For the new model, I've inferred I would need rear remote hydraulics to connect a hydraulic Top N Tilt, or my three point wood splitter with separate control valve.

1. When I asked about the rear remotes, I noted that the first dealer was listing each component in his head and tossed out $1600 installed for dual set of rear hydraulics. The second dealer said that's an unusual request for this model, and he'd have to contact Kubota. This made me think of the first guy doing it in his head meant there was no standard kit for installing these. From reading here, I got the impression this was a very common modification for a tractor. My question is how do they connect a modern backhoe to a tractor like this without rear remote hydraulics? Is this really an unusual modification? I assume I missing something basic in modern tractors given my limited background.

There are an obscene amount of options for these tractors. Most people do get them with no remotes, at least in my area. My tractor was delivered, I think I had it 3 weeks, then the dealer took it back to install the 3 remotes I'd optioned. They didn't have any in stock. The Backhoe uses it's own plumbing kit that is not a rear SCV. Top-N-Tilt is one of those things that the people who use sing the praises of, but until you've had it you don't know what you're missing, kind of like SSDs vs HDDs to use a tech analogy.

A lot of people simply get the tractor and loader, then go on their merry way. Usually that kind of person tills the garden once a year, mows/bushogs a bit, and maybe uses the loader for mulching the flowers. So the dealer rarely has the opportunity to gain experience by kitting out a smaller tractor for a serious operator.(they probably recite options for MXX60s in their sleep) TBN is full of "edge cases" who actually expect their small tractor to do work.

2. When I asked about adding the option of adjustable three point lift arms ($250), the first dealer said no one usually does this, they just go with the standard set up. I had seen these on various models of other brands, and assumed this was a useful upgrade. My main goal with the new tractor is ease of operation into my 70's, and figured this would help. Is that not the case, most do not find these a useful upgrade?

I have the pin style lower arm adjusters. I had to look up the wholegoods number and order them, after I decided I wanted them(didn't order with the tractor, but got tired of fighting with turnbuckles). I think a lot of people just buy a quick hitch and never move their arms again. That honestly may be a better investment if you're worried about ease of use later. Just have to make sure everything you buy is quick hitch compatible, or you're capable of modifying it to be so. I'll be honest, I don't like the pin style, at least the way Kubota has it installed on the L3301. My tractor with R4s is borderline too narrow for them.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

For starters, $1600.00 for two remotes is high. Have that dealer write you a quote showing the wholegood part numbers for the valves and the cost. You should be in the $850.00 range. This is based off of a quote my dealer gave me.

I just priced them on build your own portion of the Kubota website, $1327 for 2 rear remotes, (1 with float feature) $1933 for 3 rear remotes. (2 with the float feature) Kubota T&T kit is $760.

 

[Grateful11]

Our son has been shopping and most every dealer is saying $900. installed for one set of remotes on a Grand L.

 

[nybirdman]

1.I would think rear remotes are available,just your first dealer was not familiar with that option.I have a third function in stalled for the front(snow plow+grapple) and just run hoses to the rear when needed.It cost about $900.
2.You definitely want the adjustable swing arms;turn buckles are a PITA.
We have two small "L's" and they are really nice tractors and the L2501 is a great choice.
3.I would add the SSQA to the loader also,makes changing buckets/grapples/snow plows much easier.

 

[Citydude]

I just priced them on build your own portion of the Kubota website, $1327 for 2 rear remotes, (1 with float feature) $1933 for 3 rear remotes. (2 with the float feature) Kubota T&T kit is $760.

Oops!, yes, I left out 2 of the valves. No wonder the wife is nervous with me ordering a tractor....

 

[Fallon]

I just priced them on build your own portion of the Kubota website, $1327 for 2 rear remotes, (1 with float feature) $1933 for 3 rear remotes. (2 with the float feature) Kubota T&T kit is $760.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/295816-kubota-l3200-tnt-3rd-function.html is the custom build I did on my former L3200 (same machine as a L2501 with a tweaked engine). I learned a **** of a lot on that project & am glad I did it. I let the dealer install the hydraulics on my new cabbed L4060HSTC though. Cabbed machines are not amicable to custom installs. The rear valves on the Grands SUCK though, massive leakdown issues.

After several failures on TnT cylinders for my L4060 leaking badly and not fitting they gave me a refund. I waited around a long time for another set from Mtnviewranch & it was worth the wait. Fit perfectly. I should have done that from the start as the stuff he sold me for the L3200 worked well.

 

[s219]

I added the Kubota rear remotes to my L3200 (very similar to L2501), using two out of the three available positions (the valves stack). Don't remember the cost but they are listed in the Kubota Wholegoods catalog which you can find online. I posted some details here:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...863-l3200-3800-3301-3901-rear.html?highlight=

The kit was very good despite a couple errors in the instructions, and the fit is very nice with the levers down to the right of the seat.

You asked how a backhoe is connected without rear remotes. Well, it's inserted into the power beyond loop after the loader and before the 3-pt hitch (which is always last). No remotes are needed. There would be a set of power beyond hoses that go to the backhoe to provide flow and a return. When the backhoe is removed from the machine, the hoses connect together to maintain the power beyond loop.

If you have remotes *and* a backhoe, they are connected in series off the power beyond loop. You could also run a backhoe off a remote valve, but for the factory backhoe from Kubota, it's plumbed in series in power beyond loop and doesn't require rear remote valves.

 

[wagne223]

Kubota does make a kit for the rear remotes. I ordered my L2501 with 3.
It has been over a year so I would have to pull my receipt to confirm but I think the first two were $850 and the third (which stacks on) was another $250.

I also upgraded to the telescoping 3ph stabilizers. They told me those were a very popular upgrade.

It is easy to go crazy with options but you can wrap it all in to the financing and the options are nice!

 

[Ortimber]

I added a factory remote to my L3901. Cost was $900 DIY. It’s insane, but adding a 2nd or 3rd will be much cheaper and easier.

 

[toukow]

Wow, thank you all for the input/education. It is hard having to trust the knowledge of dealers, when you don't have a clue how long they have been doing it, or their background. I do not consider myself a newbie, but certainly have limited brand/model exposure, so when they make these comments I immediately think I'm missing something. Obviously, one of the many values of this forum is the massive knowledge base in order to learn and fill in the gaps.

The second dealer after contacting Kubota sent the following on the two items. The three point arms seem pretty reasonable.

L7334 Base kit/1st lever/rear remote valve installed $975.00
L8430 Telescopic lower links[3pt arms] $205.00

As a total aside as to price for the rear remote option, the Kioti CK2610HST dealer quoted me $408 for two rear remotes, one with detent. No labor to install, but I think he is working it into the numbers somewhere else.

TheMadOne: I know that one can get carried away with the options, but what I did not say in the original question is that my goal is to get any option that may help when I am in my seventies. The ONLY reason I am buying a new tractor is simply ergonomics- I hate getting in and out of my Ford 1700 with size 14 boots, see attached. I usually buy something and figure I will go aftermarket for this and that, but for once said forget that. I am ordering any option that I think will have any value later on. I think I'll even take the hit and trade in my tractor, instead of selling it myself.

I currently have Pat's Easy Hitch or whatever it is called. I looked at my implements, and a few will not accept the Quick Attach due to the top link configuration, so will see how this goes. I saw there are adapters for them too. I have always been terrible making these connections, so another reason for the adjustable three point lift arms, and at a minimum hydraulic top link. I will rethink this a bit per your comment.

S219: thanks for the explanation of the backhoe connections, which explains the lack of rear remotes.

Thanks again everyone for the education, Toukow

 

[TheMadOne]

Wow, thank you all for the input/education. It is hard having to trust the knowledge of dealers, when you don't have a clue how long they have been doing it, or their background. I do not consider myself a newbie, but certainly have limited brand/model exposure, so when they make these comments I immediately think I'm missing something. Obviously, one of the many values of this forum is the massive knowledge base in order to learn and fill in the gaps.

The second dealer after contacting Kubota sent the following on the two items. The three point arms seem pretty reasonable.

L7334 Base kit/1st lever/rear remote valve installed $975.00
L8430 Telescopic lower links[3pt arms] $205.00

As a total aside as to price for the rear remote option, the Kioti CK2610HST dealer quoted me $408 for two rear remotes, one with detent. No labor to install, but I think he is working it into the numbers somewhere else.

TheMadOne: I know that one can get carried away with the options, but what I did not say in the original question is that my goal is to get any option that may help when I am in my seventies. The ONLY reason I am buying a new tractor is simply ergonomics- I hate getting in and out of my Ford 1700 with size 14 boots, see attached. I usually buy something and figure I will go aftermarket for this and that, but for once said forget that. I am ordering any option that I think will have any value later on. I think I'll even take the hit and trade in my tractor, instead of selling it myself.

I currently have Pat's Easy Hitch or whatever it is called. I looked at my implements, and a few will not accept the Quick Attach due to the top link configuration, so will see how this goes. I saw there are adapters for them too. I have always been terrible making these connections, so another reason for the adjustable three point lift arms, and at a minimum hydraulic top link. I will rethink this a bit per your comment.

S219: thanks for the explanation of the backhoe connections, which explains the lack of rear remotes.

Thanks again everyone for the education, Toukow

I own a L3301, I can say with certainty that it's better than the 1700 for ergos, but I still struggle for foot room, especially on the right side. You're fighting the brakes and rocker pedal for space, with a very awkward parking brake location as well. I don't know if your locked into the L2501, but sit on a L3560 and/or B2650 if you can, and feel the difference having the brakes on the left makes. I wear size 15s, for reference.

Also the middle hump is more prominent than you think, coming off an old tractor. As I got used to the tractor the hump went from a minor detail to a downright annoyance.