Kubota L2502: More than just a pretty new face?

[Rdrcr]

Everything that I’ve seen, read and heard had me believing the improvements and updates to the L2502 were mostly cosmetic, comfort and convenience based. But, there’s more to it than that.

The L2502 has a new updated D1703 engine and Kubota has moved and changed many items under the new hood. First and foremost, the L2502 has a D1703BM-DI-EF04 engine. The previous L2501 has a D1703-M-DI-E4B. I’ll have to investigate further to see if there’s any internal changes to the new engine but, on the outside, it has a new diesel injection pump, they’ve moved to oil indicator dipstick to the left (or drivers side) of the engine, the air cleaner assembly has been moved down closer to the battery, there is a fuse box mounting in front of the radiator, and the fuel tank is completely new and repositioned on the right (passenger side) of the engine compartment.

It even has a hydraulic oil dipstick, no more sight glass!!!

Based on my original conversations with my dealer, I was really surprised to see so many changes to the L2502 when compared to the L2501. He was too, lol.

Anyway, I’m sure there’s more but, I thought I’d share the information I’ve recently learned.

Mike

 

[sea2summit]

Boy it looks like that thing got wired on a Friday afternoon and fraught with areas where friction is going to be an issue sooner than later. Doesn't even look neat/clean like I'm used to seeing.

And what the heck? Did this get nearly yanked out already? That connector is gonna get the wires ripped off the first branch that goes by. New guy on the gasket maker. Very disappointing.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Thanks for all the pictures.
Looking at larger frame (heavier 25 HP) tractors with a higher loader lift capacity.

 

[Rdrcr]

Boy it looks like that thing got wired on a Friday afternoon and fraught with areas where friction is going to be an issue sooner than later. Doesn't even look neat/clean like I'm used to seeing.

And what they heck? Did this get nearly yanked out already? That connector is gonna get eh wires ripped off the first branch that goes by. New guy on the gasket maker. Very disappointing.
View attachment 799826

I noticed that too. Sadly, that was all done at the factory. Dealer had nothing to do with assembling those components.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Thanks for all the pictures.
Looking at larger frame (heavier 25 HP) tractors with a higher loader lift capacity.

You're welcome.

If you're looking for the 'heaviest' new 25HP tractors with 'advertised' higher lift capacity, I believe Mahindra and TYM will be your best options...

Mike

 

[Paystar]

That attention to detail is why Kubota raised their prices so much.

 

[2manyrocks]

How much did they raise the L2502 price over the L2501? Not seeing anything that makes me wish I'd waited for the L2502. Probably still doesn't have a grab handle on the fender on the loader stick side even for what they are charging.

 

[Rdrcr]

How much did they raise the L2502 price over the L2501? Not seeing anything that makes me wish I'd waited for the L2502. Probably still doesn't have a grab handle on the fender on the loader stick side even for what they are charging.

The L2502 is $2K more than the outgoing L2501. Shockingly enough, it does come with two grab handles!

Mike

 

[tacticalturnip]

The L2502 is $2K more than the outgoing L2501. Shockingly enough, it does come with two grab handles!

Mike

The ergonomic changes in the 02 would have been enough for me to pay the premium, had the L2502 been out when I was buying. Instead there is a different orange here, lol.

 

[Roadworthy]

I put a second (right side) grab handle on my L2501 and am very satisfied with the result. It is oem Kubota and was about $50. It's in the manuals for the larger L series Kubotas but it's identical to the left side one - other than the shape. Holes are pre drilled on the fender then covered under stick ons.

 

[Rdrcr]

I put a second (right side) grab handle on my L2501 and am very satisfied with the result. It is oem Kubota and was about $50. It's in the manuals for the larger L series Kubotas but it's identical to the left side one - other than the shape. Holes are pre drilled on the fender then covered under stick ons.

I added one to my L2501 as well. $50 sounds about right.

Mike

 

[Ricn]

So is new model really better? I don't see anything mentioned that makes it so. Maybe we will here the new engine has lessor fuel consumption or something..

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
It’s just an update, a progression really. The new features are appreciated, the new price is not. The L2501 is already very fuel efficient, it would be awesome if the L2502 is more so.

Mike

 

[tradosaurus]

Seems like a way to raise the price on a L2501.

 

[JeepHead]

@Rdrcr I have the 2502 and I laterally am not finding ANY information on this new engine D1703BM-DI-EF04. I mean there is virtually nothing about it on the web.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
Correct. I haven’t had the time to dig into the specifics yet but, another member noted that very few part numbers cross over from the L2501’s D1703. This could be a coincidence, or perhaps indicate more internal engine changes than initially thought.

Mike

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Add led lights, move the air filter and dip stick… add $2k

Any increased capacity? Productivity? Options that are now standard?

It’s interesting what some consider progress when it comes to price increases.

 

[5030]

Using Kubota's translucent SUDT, I'd prefer a sight glass over a dipstick (not that I use it because I don't). I use Chevron All Weather THC full synthetic and interestingly it comes with orange dye in it from Chevron. The ONE thing I don't miss on my Kubota's (all my previous 8 had this...) is the hood mounted fuel filler which is a royal PITA no matter how you cut it. I much prefer the twin saddle tanks my M's have. Filling is light years easier but then I don't believe the smaller units have the space capacity for saddle tanks anyway. My M's both have dipsticks for the engine oil as well as the gearbox oil and what I did was I drilled 2 holes in the dipsticks (just like car makers do today). One at the low fill mark and one at the full mark and that makes it easy to see when the fluid bridges the top hole, it's full. Something that Kubota should do.

The other thing I see is, Kubota has upgraded their pre filter from a mesh filter a pleated paper filter. Good move as the new T4 final engines with common rail injection are much more fuel touchy than the older mechanical injection. In fact, the latest model large frame units are coming in with Racor Style fuel polishing units on them. I've installed 'polishing units' on both my M's and I've yet to change a spin on fuel filter since. I've also put the Kubota white nylon drop in fuel strainer in the filler necks as well. Every little bit helps. They are only 6 bucks at your dealer.

 

[JeepHead]

Add led lights, move the air filter and dip stick… add $2k

Any increased capacity? Productivity? Options that are now standard?

It’s interesting what some consider progress when it comes to price increases.

They moved the brakes over to the left side which is a huge change. They also added a PTO electric switch/button verses a lever. But who knows yet what all really has changed. There may be very good changes that we are just unaware of yet. Although, it's also possible there are bad changes as well.

 

[JeepHead]

according to this, they would have different emissions...