Intro...L2501 (or similar) and what attachments?

[Sureshotshane]

Hello all,

This is my first post so I'll introduce myself.

I'm a ranch manager for a small operation in the Sierra foothills of California. At work we run a Kubota L3130 HST with a Woods 9000 backhoe attachment and a few different 3 pt hitch implements. I wish we had a bit more power for some operations but I've come to really like the machine.

For my personal property I'd like to get a smaller compact tractor, looking at the L2501 HST. I've done some test driving and dealing with dealers because my job - the Kubota dealer is way easier to work with than the alternatives. Before my experience with the L3130, I must admit I had a bias toward JD. That's changed a bit, perhaps for the better? Most my experience is with larger equipment, not compact tractors so I have a few questions.

Firstly, there are couple reasons behind getting the smaller L2501 HST over one of the larger in the L series. 1) I don't expect this to be my only tractor, in the next 3-5 years I see myself having a larger tractor, say a L4701 or equivalent (not getting rid of the smaller). 2) Where I'm at now is a small (~12 acres) property and is mostly wooded, i.e. trails are narrow, limited maneuverability.

With that said, I don't expect to live where I do now forever, or even very long at all. I hope to have a larger property in the future, and the larger tractor. There are certain attachments I would like to have that I just wouldn't be able to run on the L2501 - like a 3 point hitch mounted masticator (I'm interested in hearing experiences on their effectiveness) and post driver.

If I'm going to have two tractors - I want each to fit into its own niche, obviously there will be some overlap. So let me tell you my needs.

1. cutting tall grass, weeds and brush (rotary, flail mower and/or masticator)
2. maintaining roads
3. Fencing and more fencing - digging post holes/driving posts
4. moving and burning brush (grapple)
5. cutting trees and piling (tree saw)
6. general loader and pallet fork work (moving rock, soil, and building materials)
7. digging trenches (would like backhoe attachment)
8. prepping building sites
9. preparing garden
10. I just made a list of everyones needs

So what's my questions?

It's logical to me to purchase the smaller machine sooner and the larger tractor later. I'm having trouble deciding what attachments, implements and options I should get with the L2501, knowing I will have a larger tractor down the road. For 3 point stuff it's less critical because it's interchangeable, although, for example I could run a bigger and heavier box blade on the bigger tractor.

1) Is it worth getting the backhoe on the L2501, or would I be a lot happier with a backhoe on say the L4701? It would appear a waste to have a backhoe attachment for both.

2) I predict my most used attachment will be the grapple. Cutting and hauling brush to burn piles is a major part of life here and the soil is full of rocks. Similar question as above. It will cost quite a bit extra for the 3rd function control valve and a grapple. I don't see it being worth it to have both tractors with the control and grapple? I could be wrong. Theoretically the same grapple bucket could be interchanged between units, but I'd probably want a bigger grapple for the larger unit, and reverse. Which would you install a grapple on?

3) Are these models even different enough to warrant having both? As mentioned, there are reasons for the smaller tractor - increased maneuverability (cleaning stalls, weaving through trees) being the primary. Once I move, hopefully to a bigger property with more open ground, would I be better served just selling the smaller tractor because the larger one would be able to do everything and more? What I'm trying to avoid is having a one size will do all mentality, because with everything else in life, I've found that it doesn't work. My .204 Ruger is a good coyote rifle, never would I recommend it for deer; not that it couldn't get the job done in the right hands. Alternatively, my .270 Win is a great deer gun and would destroy a coyote but I like the hides for tanning. A .243 Win is pretty good at both but not perfect, what if you had an elk hunt planned? I'd take something else personally. I have no plans to get rid of either the .204 or .270, ever. In fact I almost never use the rifle that appears to be the happy medium, the .243. Make sense? Guns may be a bad example because they are a lot easier to store and are cheaper than tractors.

4) I'm certain I'm not the only one with this "problem." I'm open to suggestions on a good combo of tractors that fill different needs?

 

[jeff9366]

I'm a ranch manager for a small operation in the Sierra foothills of California.

For my personal twelve acre, wooded property I'd like to get a smaller compact tractor, looking at the L2501 HST.


1. cutting tall grass, weeds and brush with a rotary cutter or flail mower

25-horsepower is not enough. 33-horsepower for 30" grass. 39 horsepower for 48" grass.


2. maintaining roads ~~ L2501 OK but slow at tasks
3. Fencing and more fencing - digging post holes. ~~ PTO auger fine on L2501.
4. moving and burning brush (grapple) Consider Pallet Forks in lieu of a grapple.
5. cutting trees and piling (tree saw) Chainsaw with 18" bar.
6. general loader and pallet fork work (moving rock, soil, and building materials) ~~ L2501 fine
7. digging trenches (would like backhoe attachment)
8. prepping building sites ~~ not compact tractor work
9. preparing garden ~~ L2501 ample


So what are my questions?

1) Is it worth getting the backhoe on the L2501, or would I be a lot happier with a backhoe on say the L4701? It would appear a waste to have a backhoe attachment for both.

A Backhoe is $7,000. When you have site prep done by contractor have him do your trenching at the same time.

2) I predict my most used attachment will be the grapple. Cutting and hauling brush to burn piles is a major part of life here and the soil is full of rocks. Similar question as above. It will cost quite a bit extra for the 3rd function control valve and a grapple.

Consider Pallet Forks in lieu of a grapple.

3) Are these models even different enough to warrant having both? No.
Consider a Kubota MX rather than an L4701.


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When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and rear axle width third, rear wheel ballast fourth.

 

[sea2summit]

Frist post nailed it.

If you plan on a 4701 later, just get it now. Same frame, more capability to work.

 

[ericm979]

If you are not too far from Red Bluff check out Dave's Tractor. They're an excellent dealer. They sell Bransons which are well built machines with more features than the L01s, and cost less. I'm 250 miles away and they're so much better than the local dealers it was worth the drive. I do my own maintenance and they ship parts.

You're going to need a much larger machine to run a 3pt forestry mulcher (if that's what you meant by masticator). There's only one (Baumalight brush mulcher) that I know of that is small enough to run on a CUT. The smallest model would just barely go on my 37hp Branson per the manufacturer, and it's pretty limited in the size of material it can handle. The horizontal drum type mulchers take a lot of power.

There is another kind of cutter that's basically a super sturdy rotary cutter with the blades exposed on the end. Baumalight makes one of those too. While I don't think they can mulch trees like the drum type they take less power to run. There's someone here who has one. They're not cheap though.

Both of these mow in reverse. I have done a lot of that with a rotary cutter and even though I'm in good shape with no neck or back problems it gets tiring after a few hours. I would not want to do it all day.

If you're thinking of running a skid steer mulcher on the front, tractors are not made for that. The loader frame is not as sturdy as a skid steer and the hydraulic system does not have enough flow. You can add a PTO driven power pack on the back but that adds to the cost and does not make the loader stronger. If you have a lot that you want to do you might be better off renting or hiring a skid steer with mulcher.

The L2501 does not have a lot of loader capacity. My Branson has the older 2200lb loader (current ones are 2600) and I have exceeded its capacity with large logs in the grapple.

 

[Sureshotshane]

Thanks for the reply.

1. cutting tall grass, weeds and brush with a rotary cutter or flail mower

25-horsepower is not enough. 33-horsepower for 30" grass. 39 horsepower for 48" grass.
I like to wait till the grass is dry before cutting, mostly because then I only have to do it once. I've always noticed it's a much easier cut as well. I'm not talking about mowing lawn, grass hay or alfalfa. It's basically perennial grassland (2-3.5 tall), dries up by mid-May to June depending on water year.

2. maintaining roads ~~ L2501 OK but slow at tasks
3. Fencing and more fencing - digging post holes. ~~ PTO auger fine on L2501.
4. moving and burning brush (grapple) Consider Pallet Forks in lieu of a grapple.
5. cutting trees and piling (tree saw) Chainsaw with 18" bar.
6. general loader and pallet fork work (moving rock, soil, and building materials) ~~ L2501 fine
7. digging trenches (would like backhoe attachment)
8. prepping building sites ~~ not compact tractor work
9. preparing garden ~~ L2501 ample

As for the chainsaw instead of treesaw - I have numerous chainsaws. I'd like to experiment with a 3 pt hitch mounted tree saw, like the Turbo Saw. Coupling it with a grapple I imagine my efficiency would greatly increase. The grapple being the key. Things will be acquired through time, as my finances allow so the tree saw. Grapple is.
The above list of needs is not my list of things I expected I could do with the L2501. Pointing out the limitations of the L2501 is exactly what I was looking for though, so thank you. I knew it wouldn't be adequate to do all the tasks. Where would ya'll say the L2501 excels?
So what are my questions?

1) Is it worth getting the backhoe on the L2501, or would I be a lot happier with a backhoe on say the L4701? It would appear a waste to have a backhoe attachment for both.

A Backhoe is $7,000. When you have site prep done by contractor have him do your trenching at the same time.

By prepping building sites, I don't mean for a home, this would be small outbuildings, think chicken coops, pig/goat barn; all things I've done in the past with tractors (but not as small as the L2501). I'm no stranger to track loaders, skid steers, dozers, excavators; so if the tractor cannot do it, I'll rent. Some don't like a backhoe attachment, I quite like them.

2) I predict my most used attachment will be the grapple. Cutting and hauling brush to burn piles is a major part of life here and the soil is full of rocks. Similar question as above. It will cost quite a bit extra for the 3rd function control valve and a grapple.

Consider Pallet Forks in lieu of a grapple.
I will definitely have pallet forks regardless. I've used forks for trying to move brush, for large logs they work okay but I vastly prefer the grapple for brush. I suppose my question is, would I be better off forget the grapple on the smaller tractor, instead having it on the larger machine?
3) Are these models even different enough to warrant having both? No.
Consider a Kubota MX rather than an L4701.
I will check out the MX series. So you'd say there is enough difference between the L2501 and one of the MX models to warrant having both? Having a physically bigger tractor does concern me because of maneuverability. Especially on my current property. I have spent a lot more time thinking about the smaller tractor than the larger ones, I don't have my eyes set on any larger compact tractor yet. The L4701 was more of an example. Fact is, stock is limited right now. It's hard to see these units in person and test drive. Went to a Massey dealer today to look around and they didn't have anything larger than a 1526.

 

[Sureshotshane]

If you are not too far from Red Bluff check out Dave's Tractor. They're an excellent dealer. They sell Bransons which are well built machines with more features than the L01s, and cost less. I'm 250 miles away and they're so much better than the local dealers it was worth the drive. I do my own maintenance and they ship parts.
I'm from Shasta, I drive through there often. I'll check them out.

You're going to need a much larger machine to run a 3pt forestry mulcher (if that's what you meant by masticator). There's only one (Baumalight brush mulcher) that I know of that is small enough to run on a CUT. The smallest model would just barely go on my 37hp Branson per the manufacturer, and it's pretty limited in the size of material it can handle. The horizontal drum type mulchers take a lot of power.

There is another kind of cutter that's basically a super sturdy rotary cutter with the blades exposed on the end. Baumalight makes one of those too. While I don't think they can mulch trees like the drum type they take less power to run. There's someone here who has one. They're not cheap though.

Both of these mow in reverse. I have done a lot of that with a rotary cutter and even though I'm in good shape with no neck or back problems it gets tiring after a few hours. I would not want to do it all day.

If you're thinking of running a skid steer mulcher on the front, tractors are not made for that. The loader frame is not as sturdy as a skid steer and the hydraulic system does not have enough flow. You can add a PTO driven power pack on the back but that adds to the cost and does not make the loader stronger. If you have a lot that you want to do you might be better off renting or hiring a skid steer with mulcher.

The L2501 does not have a lot of loader capacity. My Branson has the older 2200lb loader (current ones are 2600) and I have exceeded its capacity with large logs in the grapple.

I was not looking at front mount mulchers. The Baumalight mulcher is the one I was looking at, as you mentioned - it's the only mulcher that has specs for a compact tractor. Obviously not something that would go on a L2501. I know I would be limited on the size of material, of course nothing would replace a skid steer mounted masticator. I'd be really interested to hear from someone who has ran one on a 35-40 HP tractor (the lower end of the PTO requirements).

 

[nybirdman]

I owned a L3130 HST but not with a back-hoe.In your case I believe going big would save some money.The foot-print for a MX or the Grand L is not that much larger than a L2501.
The L4701 is the odd duck,uses a less capable loader than the MX or the Grand L's.

 

[Sureshotshane]

The MX series doesn’t really seem that much more expensive than the larger L series. I’m going to have to take a hard look.

 

[sea2summit]

The MX series doesn’t really seem that much more expensive than the larger L series. I’m going to have to take a hard look.

I was looking at an L39 when I bought my MX. Not sure where you are but Barrlow's made such a good quote when I called about a MX4800 I ended up with the 5800.