25 HP vs 35 HP

[Geotech]

Okay, so every time I think I have it figured out, I start thinking again, lol.

So, I was pretty set on a Kioti CK3510 or maby LS XG3135. However, I am thinking the Kubota L Series may just have enough loader lift capacity for my needs after all. That said, the L3301 is about $3,000 more than the Kioti or LS. But, the L2501 would run about the same. I really like that the Kubota will have strong resale value, that they have a such a strong reputation for reliability and that there are several strong Kubota dealerships near my property. It's pretty much Kubota country around my parts. I also like that the L2501 would not have a regen cycle/DPF filter and, maybe this is dumb, but I like that it runs at a lower RPM.

There is just no way of knowing how each would perform on my property without having each one around for a while - which is not going to happen. I'm mostly going to be clearing brush, fence lines and trails, and maybe humping logs if I get a portable saw mill. I'd like something that can tug a shipping container around as effectively as my pickup (Toyota Tundra assisted using lumber skids below the container). The extent of rotary cutting will be related to clearing woody brush. I can't foresee more than 5 acres of grass being established on the place. The tractor will be 4WD, HST with R4 tires, whichever one I get. The property is 24 acres, sandy soils, some slopes, some flats.

For those of you who have run both 25 and 35 HP tractors, what would you say the primary differences in performance are, aside from how much or how fast you can mow grass? Also, am I crazy to be comparing an L2501 against a lesser branded 35 HP tractor? Am I just falling prey to Kubota marketing hype?

 

[searcyfarms]

first thing i would consider is how close a dealer is for service, good reputation etc..... - once i have the nailed down and lets say there are equal brands close - then i would say do you plan to keep it for a long time or sell it/trade up etc......that would be important considering resale if you factor in up front costs and so forth - then i would say bigger is ALWAYS better 90% of the time - rarely do you hear someone say gosh i wish i would have gone smaller - for you and what you are doing i think you will be happier with more weight/more power especially trying to drag a shipping container - those don't pull easy

less chance of wanting ot trade up and having to worry about resale so soon - i would think you could get a bigger unit for same money in a kioti and or branson or tym or ls - i wouldn't hesitate on any of them with dealer support - i just ordered a deere today and if ls/case ih or branson would have had something in my size and needs i would have purchased theirs for a couple reasons, one price, two SSQA on the loader, GPM performance on loaders for cycle times and lift cap. So.............depending on your situation i would not just jump on the Kubota band wagon - they are good no question but are they worth it? that is the great debate/quandary -

 

[4570Man]

I’ve never had 25 hp gear tractor. The difference in a 25 hp HST to a 35 hp HST of a similar sized tractor is substantial.

 

[vvanders]

Just went through something similar cross-shopping Kubota with LS. One thing I found was that LS had a significantly higher loader capacity compared to Kubota.

For instance the XG3135 is almost a 50% larger loader capacity compared to L2501. For us we didn't have a LS dealer nearby so went with Kubota but really liked what I saw for LS.

 

[Geotech]

The loader lift capacity of the Kubota is actually much closer to the LS if taken at the pin 1.5 meters off the ground. Kubota puts their full height lift capacity out there and LS reports it at 1.5 meters. So does Kioti. LS and Kioti are still stronger, but no by 50 percent. Anyway, which models were you comparing, which Kubota did you get and are you happy with it?

 

[RayfromTX]

I used my neighbors 25 hp JD for a few years. When I was shopping I went back and forth between an LS25 and an LS35. My wife convinced me to pony up for the LS XR4140H. I will be forever glad that she did. Cost comparison to the Kubota is outrageous and the capacity is satisfying. She was the wise one.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Of the 24 acres how much of it do you plan on maintaining/shredding?
Because one that small will keep you in a 5' light duty cutter. That will keep you out there a long time.

For a 6' cutter a larger PTO HP output will be required.

As for difference between the two sizes also take into consideration PTO output, which leads us back to cutter and size.

So loader capacity and PTO both should be considered. Never did mention if your 24 acres are lightly or heavily wooded.
That also will impact how hard the machine will be asked to work. A 25 HP may meet ones needs but running a machine close to the upper end of it ability for long term is not good for reliability. It's really much better and safer to have a margin of safety.

Happy shopping!

 

[Geotech]

I doubt I will shred more than 5 acres

 

[Tractorable]

I mowed this with a L2501 and 5ft bush hog. It did great.

 

[jeff9366]

The extent of rotary cutting will be related to clearing woody brush. I can't foresee more than 5 acres of grass being established on the place.

The property is 24 acres, sandy soils, some slopes, some flats.

For those of you who have run both 25 and 35 HP tractors, what would you say the primary differences in performance are, aside from how much or how fast you can mow grass? Also, am I crazy to be comparing an L2501 against a lesser branded 35 HP tractor?

As I read this you will have five acres of grass but in addition want to mow woody brush. An L2501 is fine with a 60" light duty grass mower. If you will indeed be mowing woody brush you will need a heavier mower which will be fighting tougher verdure for which 25-horsepower will be inadequate.

The Kubota L2501 is 2,700 pounds bare tractor. I trust the other brands and models you are considering are at least as heavy. The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor chassis weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Heavier tractors are more stable on slopes.

As you are a tractor neophyte and have "some" slopes, plan on having rear R4 tires filled 50% to 75% with liquid.

A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Almost every new tractor is delivered with a glitch or two that requires correction. My kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment. Dealer proximity is less important to those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.

Kioti and LS both produce fine equipment.