Comparison kubota L2501HST vs. Mahindra 1526 HST

[TomSeller]

Man, for 2 k more, I'd go for the Kubota. It is worth it down the road.

X2. Get the Kubota.

 

[ProjectKing]

X2. Get the Kubota.

Yeah get the Kubota. Also I think your price for the Kubota still sounds high. Does that include tax?

 

[AchingBack]

Instead of letting other people spend your money on the Kubota, you can take the 2k savings to invest in implements, and still have a proven quality, Japanese made tractor. Mitsubishi's reputation is impeccable. Otherwise, Mahindra wouldn't be doing business with them.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Instead of letting other people spend your money on the Kubota, you can take the 2k savings to invest in implements, and still have a proven quality, Japanese made tractor. Mitsubishi's reputation is impeccable. Otherwise, Mahindra wouldn't be doing business with them.

This,..... The 1526 is a great well made, dependable machine.

 

[Indygunworks]

Well I made some visits this afternoon to both dealerships... i was most impressed with the 1526 and its ease of use...the salesman was very informative and seemed highly knowledgeable...the 2501 was also a fine machine...I liked the separate forward and reverse pedal on 1526 vs forward/reverse rocker pedal on 2501..since my wife may use at times the tilt steering wheel on 1526 was a plus. Overall I thought both were quality machines and either would meet my expectations...I priced them both w/loader and bh...no financing.. best price on 2501 was 26300.. the 1526 was 24200 out the door which is 6700 off Msrp on website.w taxes included....that seems like a really good deal..is there something I'm not seeing here? I'm trying to figure out what the justification would be to spend 2000 more for the orange tractor.. For my purposes...both would be acceptable...any thoughts?

Trying to figure out how there is this much discrepancy in price. I just priced out a 2016 new 1526 with loader, and having them add a 3rd function and grapple bucket and the quote is 24,500 with tax's. You are getting a backhoe included in yours for the same price just a few months later? I can understand a variance between different parts of the country, but not so far as to have the entire backhoe free w/in your quote. What gives?

 

[Ryansweatt2004]

Thanks guys for the input. Extremely helpful..I think one of issues with pricing is there is not as many tractor dealers in rural Maine.. So competitive pricing is limited. It sounds like most of you would go with kubota if I could get better pricing... The other issue when comparing the two Warranty programs.. It appears mahindras warrant is for a much longer period of time than kubota...as with all warranties tho... There are limitations to coverage...I've since let salesman know 25000 was my max budget so I'm waiting to here.. Since I'm not financing they should be able to shave a bit more off price...

Hey, I'm in Maine and just curious dealers you've talked to?

 

[CheckSix]

First post on here...

I've only owned one tractor, my b1750, a 1993 model. (only lived here a year, where I needed a tractor). The front wheels were wobbly... Bought new bearings..found out there is no real way to "tighten" up anything inside..no way to adjust the slop...

It wasn't charging when I bought it, no gauges worked either... In 1993 this tractor still used a Generator setup. Replaced it with a alternator..

It leaked fluid out of the top of the steering post. Found a worn out plastic bushing, no bearing. Went to ACE, bought a bearing, put it in. Who'd think a plastic bearing should EVER be used like that?

The engine is great, no blow by, well built. Transmission is a grind it till ya find it. I think synchros were put in things long long before 1993. As this is my first tractor I have no idea when they started putting synchros in.... I guess I can get why some would prefer gears, but for me, my place is not flat (at all) and its clear a hydrostat will be much safer.

I'm glad I found this thread, I'll be purchasing a 1526 in the next few weeks. While I'm sure Kubota makes a decent enough tractor, the above issues makes me say "never" to one now. I buy Jeans on how well their made, not the tag on the back.

For me, I was looking at a Boomer24 or Branson 3510 versus the 1526. Yet to get a quote back from a Branson even close to the 1526, and the boomer isn't as much tractor as the 1526, yet the price is the same.

I'll post again when I have some hours on it.

 

[mike69440]

Just test, operate the loader in a pile, not just digging air, and look each tractor over for at least an hour. Then Try a bigger and smaller tractor. You will have your answer.
Keep an eye on Craigs list, etc. also as you sometimes get lucky. Old genetleman buys a tractor, then sadly buys the farm, so nice estate sale.

 

[s219]

First post on here...

I've only owned one tractor, my b1750, a 1993 model. (only lived here a year, where I needed a tractor). The front wheels were wobbly... Bought new bearings..found out there is no real way to "tighten" up anything inside..no way to adjust the slop...

It wasn't charging when I bought it, no gauges worked either... In 1993 this tractor still used a Generator setup. Replaced it with a alternator..

It leaked fluid out of the top of the steering post. Found a worn out plastic bushing, no bearing. Went to ACE, bought a bearing, put it in. Who'd think a plastic bearing should EVER be used like that?

The engine is great, no blow by, well built. Transmission is a grind it till ya find it. I think synchros were put in things long long before 1993. As this is my first tractor I have no idea when they started putting synchros in.... I guess I can get why some would prefer gears, but for me, my place is not flat (at all) and its clear a hydrostat will be much safer.

I'm glad I found this thread, I'll be purchasing a 1526 in the next few weeks. While I'm sure Kubota makes a decent enough tractor, the above issues makes me say "never" to one now. I buy Jeans on how well their made, not the tag on the back.

For me, I was looking at a Boomer24 or Branson 3510 versus the 1526. Yet to get a quote back from a Branson even close to the 1526, and the boomer isn't as much tractor as the 1526, yet the price is the same.

I'll post again when I have some hours on it.

That is a stretch to base your decision on a used 1993 tractor -- it would have made more sense to compare a 2017 Mahindra and 2017 Kubota in person. The 1526 is among the nicest Mahindras made (it's a Mitsubishi unit) but they still have some rough edges and poorer fit and finish compared to benchmarks Deere and Kubota (paint and bodywork are the most evident). The advantages to the 1526 would be weight and beef. On paper the 1526 loader seems stronger, but that's only because it doesn't lift as high as Kubota (where max lift is rated). At the same lower heights, they are almost identical.

All gear tractors I know of still don't have full synchros as of 2017. You'd need to get a glide-shift or shuttle model if you want to manually change gears/directions with some amount of finesse.

If you could go back to 1993 and compare a Mahindra and Kubota, I guarantee that Kubota of yours would have seemed like a dream. Of course, you couldn't get a Mahindra in this country back then -- they didn't show up until 1994 -- so it would have been an import/gray market machine. But even so, back in that day, Kubota was like the Honda of the US tractor market, with very nice Japanese quality and good value. They were a refreshing option against the established players. Nowadays some of the Korean brands are filling that role in the market.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

First post on here...

I've only owned one tractor, my b1750, a 1993 model. (only lived here a year, where I needed a tractor). The front wheels were wobbly... Bought new bearings..found out there is no real way to "tighten" up anything inside..no way to adjust the slop...

It wasn't charging when I bought it, no gauges worked either... In 1993 this tractor still used a Generator setup. Replaced it with a alternator..

It leaked fluid out of the top of the steering post. Found a worn out plastic bushing, no bearing. Went to ACE, bought a bearing, put it in. Who'd think a plastic bearing should EVER be used like that?

The engine is great, no blow by, well built. Transmission is a grind it till ya find it. I think synchros were put in things long long before 1993. As this is my first tractor I have no idea when they started putting synchros in.... I guess I can get why some would prefer gears, but for me, my place is not flat (at all) and its clear a hydrostat will be much safer.

I'm glad I found this thread, I'll be purchasing a 1526 in the next few weeks. While I'm sure Kubota makes a decent enough tractor, the above issues makes me say "never" to one now. I buy Jeans on how well their made, not the tag on the back.

For me, I was looking at a Boomer24 or Branson 3510 versus the 1526. Yet to get a quote back from a Branson even close to the 1526, and the boomer isn't as much tractor as the 1526, yet the price is the same.

I'll post again when I have some hours on it.

With that decision making process I think you should absolutely buy a Mahindra. Enjoy! :drink:

 

[Ricn]

My 2501 is almost a year old. This is our third Kubota here, the other two are excavators and all three are great units. Thought the rocker petal might be a bother but after one day I simply loved it! If doing lots of
back and forth stuff you will get used to it very quickly, and yes my Wife likes it too! Our uses are flail mowing, box scraper, land leveler plus lots of front loader and fork lift stuff. Like to get a grapple next. The 2501 has lots of power IMO, more than I expected and sooooo comfortable in the seat too. Kubota costs more yes, but then you get more plus they are just better made tractors than most if not all the Scuts and Cuts IMO. I still have an old Mitsubishi with a backhoe attached and being almost 40 now it still runs strong. My neighbors also have the 2501 but with backhoe attachment saying they feel they made the right choice over JD, Kioti and Mahindra. This is their first tractor too so they were being very cautious buyers.

Just as important is the dealer you buy from, be very careful and buy from the one who will take care of you after the purchase, even if needing to drive farther, it will be worth it!
,
Ricn

 

[s219]

The 2501 has lots of power IMO, more than I expected and sooooo comfortable in the seat too.

That's because it's running the old 35HP L3400 engine, de-rated to 25HP at a lower max RPM (2200, down from 2700). This is a real impressive engine, and it's quite deceiving to have it spec'd for only 25HP. Up to the max RPM of 2200rpm, it feels just like the "35HP" engine in the old L3400. In fact, it feels more powerful than the engine in my L3200! So for a 25HP machine, the L2501 is a real sleeper.

 

[Ricn]

S219 - I had read this once from another post, but could not remember the correct engine, L3400. Thanks for the reminder. It is "the little engine that could" for sure and I would think someone has already figured out "how to turn one up". With beet juice in the tires they are a real workhorse while being fuel friendly as well.

Ricn

 

[CheckSix]

With that decision making process I think you should absolutely buy a Mahindra. Enjoy! :drink:

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

 

[mike69440]

Steering was one weak point of my trusty old B7200.

Heard it broke again for the new owner. Kubota expensive parts are not available.

I never had a problem with the steering on my L39, other than a worn ball joint. Steering is hydraulic ram type like the Mitsubishi.

I suspect the Kubota engine beats the 1526 torque wise. 1526 has same engine in my Max28. My old 16 HP (net) Kubota had stump pulling torque, Max28 not bad power wise, but doesn't feel like 12 more HP.

 

[s219]

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

Even some 2017 tractors (from a range of brands) use dynamos instead of alternators, and sometimes it depends on the market (i.e., there are some models that get an alternator in the US and a dynamo in Canada). So anyhow, it is very common to see a dynamo on a tractor and it doesn't have anything to do with year/technology/brand/etc. It's one of many quirks you will find on tractors. Both tractors listed here use alternators as far as I know.

Deere is typically the benchmark for parts availability going back a long time, but you may even have a hard time finding parts for a 30 year old Deere. Depends on the part and the tractor. I will say that if parts support over decades is important to you, then Mahindra may not be the strongest bet. They have an OK parts system for modern tractors -- not as deep/fast with inventory as Deere or Kubota in my experience -- but typical of the smaller brands. However, there simply isn't a track record going back very far for Mahindra parts in the US. There is also a layer of unknown. They source tractors from different manufacturers in different countries around the world, so ultimately you will be dependent on how that company provides parts and support over the long haul. Deere also sources some models this way (i.e., the Yanmar units) but Deere has a more complex parts system that adds a layer on top. Mahindra's system is not nearly that deep. You can get an idea of both Mahindra's and Kubota's parts performance on the forum here, so make your own conclusions.

You will definitely save money and get a good tractor, but so far your logic is a bit out of whack with reality. Nobody is trying to talk you out of a Mahindra, but you ought to stop coming up with oddball reasons to justify it over a Kubota. Focus on the here and now when choosing a modern tractor. If you test drove both tractors and the Mahindra is the better option for you, that's all that matters.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

I think you have made an excellent decision. :thumbsup:

 

[mike69440]

2015 Kubota L2501 HST Review

Again you need Touchy Feely seat time.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Just test, operate the loader in a pile, not just digging air, and look each tractor over for at least an hour. Then Try a bigger and smaller tractor. You will have your answer.
Keep an eye on Craigs list, etc. also as you sometimes get lucky. Old genetleman buys a tractor, then sadly buys the farm, so nice estate sale.

If you buy from an estate sale, make sure that you get a cancelled UCC filing if there was one, otherwise, check out the thread entitled "liens" for some scary stuff!

 

[Goodwrench3]

I have been shopping hard and am splitting hairs between the 1526 and L2501. I am impressed by the indicated lift capacity of the Mahindra.. but just like the fit,finish, smoothness, of the Kubota. But... I am concerned of the Kubotas lift capacity. Anyone have real world experience lifting 900+ lb. large square hay bales? That's what I need this tractor to be able to handle and stack 3 high... that's lifting that weight a minimum of 72" using pallet forks. Can the L2501 safely do this?