Kubota L2501

[4merfarmer]

Thinking of buying this for my 6 acre farm and wondering if anyone has any comments on the tractor? I understand that its engine size avoids the federal regulation regarding emissions and it won't have the regeneration cycle. I put 440 hours on my 3350 in the past 7 years.
Thanks for any thoughts

 

[dodge man]

The way I look at it if you need a lot of pto power it’s the wrong tractor for you. For example you want to pull a 7 or 8 foot mower, power a big pto generator etc. For end loader work, pulling a box blade and that type of work engine power is less critical.

 

[2manyrocks]

More information about your intended use is needed. 25hp HST isn't the best choice for running even a 6' cutter in thick vegetation at a reasonable speed. Then there is the value question of whether it makes sense to buy a L2501/02 when the 48hp TYM T474 can be had in the same price range with mechanical fuel injection and a simple DPF system, but roughly double the HP.

 

[tacticalturnip]

What are you looking to do with it?

If it's loader work, and the L series is the right size for you, then the L2501 will be great. It's got the hydraulic capability, it just doesn't have the horsepower. Do you have a lot hills? Depending on the slope you may find yourself wanting for more power as you're chugging up in low range. So, PTO aside, it'll do anything a higher horsepower machine of the same size will do- just potentially at a slower pace.

Also, give the L2502 a look, you may find the improved ergonomics worth the money.

 

[Rdrcr]

Thinking of buying this for my 6 acre farm and wondering if anyone has any comments on the tractor? I understand that its engine size avoids the federal regulation regarding emissions and it won't have the regeneration cycle. I put 440 hours on my 3350 in the past 7 years.
Thanks for any thoughts

My L2501 has been a great tractor, has accomplished virtually every task I’ve asked of it and is super reliable. Yes, due to its power output, it isn’t equipped with DPF or DEF emissions equipment, which is nice.

I’d highly recommend it!

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

The way I look at it if you need a lot of pto power it’s the wrong tractor for you. For example you want to pull a 7 or 8 foot mower, power a big pto generator etc. For end loader work, pulling a box blade and that type of work engine power is less critical.

Well, it could still be the right tractor if you choose to modify the L2501. My L2501 is equipped with a Turbo Kit and produces 44 HP and 35 PTO.
With the Turbo, the L2501 produces more than enough power and continues to be just as reliable as stock.

Mike

 

[Roadworthy]

I love my L2501. It handles my five foot rotary mower with ease. I bought it to avoid the DPF issues. It's quite reliable, always ready to go when I am. The only drawback I've noted is weight - it's kind of light. I put a weight box on the back to compensate for that rather than filling the tires.

 

[CliffordK]

I agree with others, start with your plans. I assume your other tractor is the B3350HSD which is relatively similar in size to the L2501.

What do you like or not like about the old tractor? What is the reason for the upgrade?

I use the bucket for lifting a lot on my old Ford 1715 which would be similar to your Kubotas, and find it to be undersized for my needs. A tractor with a little more weight and stronger hydraulics would be nice.

 

[jyoutz]

More information about your intended use is needed. 25hp HST isn't the best choice for running even a 6' cutter in thick vegetation at a reasonable speed. Then there is the value question of whether it makes sense to buy a L2501/02 when the 48hp TYM T474 can be had in the same price range with mechanical fuel injection and a simple DPF system, but roughly double the HP.

If there is a TYM dealer within a couple hundred miles.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Regionally it does vary; they're common here in New England.

He seems pretty set on Kubota, which is why I didn't suggest the Kioti CK2620; though I had to toss the L2502 out there, because that thing really impressed me.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
I appreciate all the cosmetic and ergonomic improvements the L2502 has to offer, with the exception of the price. Whew! It’s quite a jump from the L2501 pricing!

Mike

 

[number two]

At least the OP logged 400+ hours on the B3350 and isn't complaining about it!
Perhaps he's not hard to satisfy?
Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[4merfarmer]

Thank you everyone! I will be using it on mostly flat terrain, just a gentle slope, for mowing with a 6' finish mower getting the most use. Occasional tiling with a 4' tiller and rare use of a 3' brush hog. Otherwise, picking up firewood, branches, yard debris, etc. Even though we have always run the B3350 at high RPMs and put insulation over the engine in the winter, the DPF continues to be a major annoyance and the machine will just stop altogether right in the middle of being used. We are tired of the inconvenience and expense of wasted diesel.
It sounds like the L2501 will fit our needs. We did look into the TYM, but as you thought, there aren't any dealers within 3 hours drive!
I love that I can get such honest information from this site. Thank you all again for your help.

 

[4merfarmer]

Well, it could still be the right tractor if you choose to modify the L2501. My L2501 is equipped with a Turbo Kit and produces 44 HP and 35 PTO.
With the Turbo, the L2501 produces more than enough power and continues to be just as reliable as stock.

Mike

Can a Turbo kit be put in after sale and avoid the Regen?

 

[tacticalturnip]

The L2501, just from a reliability standpoint, is going to outwork your 3350. It's hard to put hours on a machine that won't run reliably.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Can a Turbo kit be put in after sale and avoid the Regen?

Well, you may want to wait for the warranty to expire, but absolutely.

Check out Rdrcr's thread!

 

[Rdrcr]

Can a Turbo kit be put in after sale and avoid the Regen?

Absolutely! No regen whatsoever.
But, as mentioned, it will void your factory warranty if applicable.

The L2501 is practically bulletproof, so, I threw caution to the wind and installed the Turbo Kit soon after I purchased my tractor.

Mike

 

[ericm979]

It won't "void" the warranty. Look up the Magnuson-Moss act.

If you have a problem that can be traced to a mod you made, the manufacturer can not honor the warranty on that. But for an unrelated problem, they have to honor the warranty.

Of course dealers or manufacturers may try to make you think your mod voided the warranty so the broken seat (or another unrelated problem) won't be covered. You might even have to sic a lawyer on them. But the law's pretty clear.

 

[CliffordK]

It won't "void" the warranty. Look up the Magnuson-Moss act.

If you have a problem that can be traced to a mod you made, the manufacturer can not honor the warranty on that. But for an unrelated problem, they have to honor the warranty.

Of course dealers or manufacturers may try to make you think your mod voided the warranty so the broken seat (or another unrelated problem) won't be covered. You might even have to sic a lawyer on them. But the law's pretty clear.

Not much of what I own is covered by warranty. However, there could be a lot of aspects of a tractor that a dealer might not want to cover due to adding a turbo.

So, just about anything having to do with the engine, pistons, rods, valves, etc... And, then if you're pushing in more power, then the transmission, differential, or other parts of the drivetrain might also be excluded. Exclude the PTO too.

The headlights may still be under warranty.

Now, you might argue that a bearing or seal might not be impacted by the turbo, and then it would be up to the service department and dealer whether or not they choose to accept or exclude the repair.

It all depends on how important that warranty/dealer service is.

The legal system is expensive for everyone involved, and if you blew a rod through the block, it likely would be a losing battle if the dealer chose to fight it.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
100% agreed.
That’s why I always say, no warranty with the Turbo.

But, luckily, these tractors are so reliable, it doesn’t much matter anyway.

Mike