Tractor HP

[tsperry88]

I'm struggling with a decision on HP. Currently I have a Kubota B7610 and have put 200 hours on it over the last couple years. Looking to replace it. It has been immensely helpful for projects from planting grass to building a pole barn. I have 6 acres, mostly wooded, and have yet to use the PTO for anything. The most non jerry rigged implement I have is my york rake. My driveway is 1000 feet long, currently still only #3 gravel from construction days. I'll be putting down 4 or 5 trucks of 21a and buying a box blade and maybe a landplane.

That said, I don't see any new big projects on my property. It will be used 50% for driveway maintenance and 50% for random tasks. Carrying things, some grapple work to clean up my woods, ect. I'll have a grapple and forks. I know I want 3rd function on the front and triple rear remotes. I had been leaning toward the L3901. I do have some concerns with the long-term reliability of the emission stuff, and I don't know if the extra power would benefit me, over the L2501. I am not set on Orange, but in its class, I like the 3 speed hydro and skid steer QA. Thoughts??

The image is of my plywood lift rig. I also wriggled a super long boom for setting posts, trusses, and lifting shingles.

 

[MoKelly]

Welcome from Missouri.

Good luck on your search.

MoKelly

 

[Jchonline]

You didn’s say why you are wanting to upgrade or what tasks you have the require the extra HP. Are you sure you need it?

 

[pokey1416]

I have the GL4060 and it does fine for my needs. The Grand series has some extra features that really make my jobs easier.

Here’s a video using a 7’ LPGS. If that’s the width you want I would be hesitant going with less than 40hp. With rippers down partway I definitely knew it was back there at times. I have a FEL on front which is great counterweight for rear implements.

Here’s a short video

...and welcome to the forum.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN... enjoy.

There been many topics on what your seeking maybe TBN SEARCH can help.

 

[amhicks21]

the only thing the extra hp will do is allow things to be done a bit faster. the physical limitations of the 2 machines pretty much the same. So, for personal use i think it probably boils down to how patient you are vs. what you're willing to spend. since you arent using the pto, i dont see the extra hp being very useful.

 

[JCoastie]

Judging from your image attachment, we both have 6 acre wooded lots. Last year I upgraded from a 1982 Kuboda L295DT (30HP Gear) to a new LS MT240HE (40HP Hydro) I think you will appreciate the size class you are looking at. I went with the most HP in the frame size, and in my case that had a FEL lifting capacity bump which was what I was after.

I had the 3rd function for the grapple installed at purchase, and had the rear remotes added about 2 weeks ago, so we seem to have similar use objectives, though I do have a couple PTO implements, (old rotary cutter and new stump grinder, I live in hurricane country, so trees are a never ending issue)

The only time I have noticed the HP difference is when running a stump grinder. If you don't ever see a use for the PTO, you will probably be fine with the smaller engine without emissions. With that wooded lot and FEL use, you'll also probably really appreciate the hydro, the wine noise sucks, but it's worth it.

 

[tsperry88]

You didn’s say why you are wanting to upgrade or what tasks you have the require the extra HP. Are you sure you need it?

I don't need to upgrade, mine works fine I actually just want QA, 3rd function and a hydraulic top link at least would be great. It seems easier to just buy new or newer.

 

[tsperry88]

I have the GL4060 and it does fine for my needs. The Grand series has some extra features that really make my jobs easier.

Here’s a video using a 7’ LPGS. If that’s the width you want I would be hesitant going with less than 40hp. With rippers down partway I definitely knew it was back there at times. I have a FEL on front which is great counterweight for rear implements.

Here’s a short video

...and welcome to the forum.

I tried a box blade once just playing around, but my driveway is 8-12" thick of 2-6" rocks, burried by dozens of dump trucks and concrete trucks. The rippers didn't stand a chance. Once the 21a is down, I don't expect the rippers to have to work hard, if they are needed at all.

From doing searches here, I have been under the impression that even the 2501 will lose traction before the HP becomes a limiting factor in it's weight catagory? That's what started me wondering if I needed more HP or if I just wanted some new bells and whistles.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd like a 2019R JD, but they don't make them. Had a 2019E in the 4010. Was enough. Now have a 2025R: too much hp.

Not sure but Kubota may be the only ones with 3 range HST. My next tractor will be a B2301 unless JD brings back the steering brakes.

 

[ericm979]

I don't need to upgrade, mine works fine I actually just want QA, 3rd function and a hydraulic top link at least would be great. It seems easier to just buy new or newer.

There may be a SSQA kit for your tractor from Kubota. 3rd function kit can be had from WR Long or if you can fab brackets and put hoses together you can do your own. As with the rear remotes needed to operate the top link. Hydraulic top links are easy to find.

 

[buck12]

the only thing the extra hp will do is allow things to be done a bit faster. the physical limitations of the 2 machines pretty much the same. So, for personal use i think it probably boils down to how patient you are vs. what you're willing to spend. since you arent using the pto, i dont see the extra hp being very useful.

This is very accurate. After having a 26 HP for twelve years I upgraded to 54 hp almost two years ago. I did the same tasks with 26 hp that I now do with 54 just a little slower.

The bucket on the larger tractor means I reduce the number of trips with rock or dirt. I can pull more dirt with a box blade. I can mow faster with a 6 foot rotary cutter compared to a 5 foot but at the end of the day I get same work done.

The big thing for me is HST vs gear is so much faster.

 

[tsperry88]

There may be a SSQA kit for your tractor from Kubota. 3rd function kit can be had from WR Long or if you can fab brackets and put hoses together you can do your own. As with the rear remotes needed to operate the top link. Hydraulic top links are easy to find.

The hydraulics would be somewhat easy. The QA would be custom fab best I can tell. I saw a guy cut the pin on tabs off, weld them to a QA adapter, and then weld a QA plate to the bucket. The time and most of the money would be lost on resale and I have a slight itch for something shiny.

 

[tsperry88]

This is very accurate. After having a 26 HP for twelve years I upgraded to 54 hp almost two years ago. I did the same tasks with 26 hp that I now do with 54 just a little slower.

The bucket on the larger tractor means I reduce the number of trips with rock or dirt. I can pull more dirt with a box blade. I can mow faster with a 6 foot rotary cutter compared to a 5 foot but at the end of the day I get same work done.

The big thing for me is HST vs gear is so much faster.

I just sold a JD 750 I had for awhile as well. Definately preferred the the HST.

 

[Rdrcr]

It sounds like the L2501 would be great for your application, since you don’t have any requirements for the PTO.

I recently purchased a L2501. I too was considering the L3301 and L3901 (among other tractors). One of my considerations was the emissions components...I didn’t want the complexity or extra cost.

Really, the only negative thing I’ve read about the L2501 is regarding ground engagement work and that it’ll bog down in medium to high gear in some applications forcing you to engage low gear and move slower. My L2501 struggles going up my big hill with large loads. I’m forced to use low gear and take it slow. It also doesn’t like high gear unless you’re traveling on flat ground. I’m fine with that.

I do have a wood chipper which does require some power at the rear PTO. The L2501 is at the bottom of that requirement. However, my B2601 doesn’t have any issues running it so I fully expect the L2501 to do just fine.

Mike

 

[Williy]

I'm struggling with a decision on HP. Currently I have a Kubota B7610 and have put 200 hours on it over the last couple years. Looking to replace it. It has been immensely helpful for projects from planting grass to building a pole barn. I have 6 acres, mostly wooded, and have yet to use the PTO for anything. The most non jerry rigged implement I have is my york rake. My driveway is 1000 feet long, currently still only #3 gravel from construction days. I'll be putting down 4 or 5 trucks of 21a and buying a box blade and maybe a landplane.

That said, I don't see any new big projects on my property. It will be used 50% for driveway maintenance and 50% for random tasks. Carrying things, some grapple work to clean up my woods, ect. I'll have a grapple and forks. I know I want 3rd function on the front and triple rear remotes. I had been leaning toward the L3901. I do have some concerns with the long-term reliability of the emission stuff, and I don't know if the extra power would benefit me, over the L2501. I am not set on Orange, but in its class, I like the 3 speed hydro and skid steer QA. Thoughts??

The image is of my plywood lift rig. I also wriggled a super long boom for setting posts, trusses, and lifting shingles.

I just ordered one of these:

Great machine

willy

 

[pokey1416]

You’re right weight is probably more important than hp. Look at your weight with what you have now and spec out the weight of a new tractor - make sure your increasing weight otherwise you’ll be going backwards in capability.
Here’s how I spec’d my weight.

 

[tsperry88]

I just ordered one of these:

Great machine

willy

Yanmar looks nice. I wouldnt be interested in anything they have without the dpf. 30k with the goodies I want puts it about where the 3901 would be.

Dad has a customer who deals Branson. 25k would get me a machine that out specs orange and green in the 35hp class, but if circumstances change, resale would bite me from lack of brand recognition.

 

[tsperry88]

It sounds like the L2501 would be great for your application, since you don’t have any requirements for the PTO.

I recently purchased a L2501. I too was considering the L3301 and L3901 (among other tractors). One of my considerations was the emissions components...I didn’t want the complexity or extra cost.

Really, the only negative thing I’ve read about the L2501 is regarding ground engagement work and that it’ll bog down in medium to high gear in some applications forcing you to engage low gear and move slower. My L2501 struggles going up my big hill with large loads. I’m forced to use low gear and take it slow. It also doesn’t like high gear unless you’re traveling on flat ground. I’m fine with that.

I do have a wood chipper which does require some power at the rear PTO. The L2501 is at the bottom of that requirement. However, my B2601 doesn’t have any issues running it so I fully expect the L2501 to do just fine.

Mike

I had considered a chipper. Just a smaller one for limbs.

 

[Jchonline]

I don't need to upgrade, mine works fine I actually just want QA, 3rd function and a hydraulic top link at least would be great. It seems easier to just buy new or newer.

You will loose some lift capacity with QA, usually a few hundred lbs. Third function is interesting, personally I prefer electronic and a dedicated hydraulic line as opposed to plumbing it into one of the rear remotes or the FEL curl. Hydraulic top should be no difference in cost, it is an add on no matter what. I have it on mine, and yes it is great if you have a use for it. I use it with a rear blade. For 6 acres the B seems like a good match.

L is a pretty big jump up in size, just make sure you are ready for it!