Thinking about going from an L2502hst to a L3902hst. Looking for more power. At almost 5000 foot elevation with hills and it always feels like the little engine that could. Considered maybe modding the 2502 to get some more power but not really into voiding warranty for questionable mods in search of power. Figured its better tp upgrade. Wish I would have just got the 3902 to begin with.
L2502 to L3902
- Thread starter Tonka
- Start date
At elevation you will do better with a turbo - it doesn't lose as much power as NA does. I don't think an L3902 has a turbo, so whilst more power is good it'll still lose quite a bit of that more power at altitude, I think you'd benefit more from looking at a turbocharged model. I think some of the Grand-Ls are turbo? Or maybe have a second thought about adding a turbo to the L2502 - you'd get most of the power of an L3902, and you'd actually keep it at altitude.
What type of work are you doing that you feel like you need more power?
Id say if you’re wanting more power definitely look into the next frame size up for increased weight, stability and lift capacities.
Just look at the other thread and don’t buy one too large… not many on here has bought too large of a machine. But it seems a lot trade up to larger machines, myself included.
Id say if you’re wanting more power definitely look into the next frame size up for increased weight, stability and lift capacities.
Just look at the other thread and don’t buy one too large… not many on here has bought too large of a machine. But it seems a lot trade up to larger machines, myself included.
I'm about the same elevation with my L2501HST. I'm not trying to go fast very much. Of course, there are times a bit more power would be helpful. Still, I've been able to do everything I wanted.
If I was going bigger, the L3902 wouldn't be on the list. The L3902 brings with it other emission requirements and Regens. Once you go emissions, it opens a lot of more capable possibilities.
In open station models, I'd go L3560LE or L4060LE and move up to the more powerful loader which can lift a lot more than the LA525 or LA526. In cabs, I'd consider the MX5400 or MX6000. Center of gravity change for a cab is less impactful on a larger tractor like the MX.
Also, consider the tire choices and wheels. Some have the ability to add weights and offset and some don't.
Have fun.
If I was going bigger, the L3902 wouldn't be on the list. The L3902 brings with it other emission requirements and Regens. Once you go emissions, it opens a lot of more capable possibilities.
In open station models, I'd go L3560LE or L4060LE and move up to the more powerful loader which can lift a lot more than the LA525 or LA526. In cabs, I'd consider the MX5400 or MX6000. Center of gravity change for a cab is less impactful on a larger tractor like the MX.
Also, consider the tire choices and wheels. Some have the ability to add weights and offset and some don't.
Have fun.
Yotekiller
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
Unless things have changed recently, I don't know of any turbo kits available for the 2502, so you would have to fab your own. With that said, I would bypass the 3902 completely and jump to the 4060 at a minimum. Not THAT much difference in price but ya get a whole lot more tractor.
Orange man
Active member
Equipment
Kubota L2501 LA525 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
A big batch of L2502 were built with the pump timing retarded , causing smoking on cold start and down on power, a service bulletin came out in December. Might want to check with your dealer.
^^^^
This.
Nothing wrong with upgrading to an L3902 from a L2502. However, with both tractors being N/A, you will most likely be disappointed in performance.
I’m not sure the tasks you perform with your tractor and the tractor weight you require but, I would be looking at either a larger frame tractor like the premium Grand-L or MX series…..or….going smaller like the premium LX series which does have a turbo model(s).
We will be introducing a Turbo Kit for the L2502 in the future but, it will void your warranty. No way around that.
Mike
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The L3560 would also be a poor choice for the OP since it’s also an N/A model. The L3560 is underpowered for its weight, especially at elevation. We’ll be looking into Turbocharging the L3560 once we can find a reliable ‘tuning’ partner.
Mike
Orange man
Active member
Equipment
Kubota L2501 LA525 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
Yotekiller
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
What issues? I have 16 months and 200 hours on my 2502 without a single hiccup.
Orange man
Active member
Equipment
Kubota L2501 LA525 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
I have been trying to buy one for two months, they did the update in the service bulletin and it did not fix it. Kubota told them it would need a complete engine replacement. The dealer said Kubota had "issues" with this engine? There is over 13,000 tractors that came through with the timing off, I don't know how many have other issues. I am glad yours doesn't have a problem.
‘Some’ early L2502’s had smoking issues caused by out-of-tolerance factory injection pump shims. To my knowledge, that issue is resolved, under warranty, with the dealer replacing the injection pump shims to the correct tolerance.
Mike
That’s the first I’ve heard of the bulletin not fixing that issue. Very disappointing. I’m sorry to hear about your situation and experience.
Mike
McMXi
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Lifetime Member
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***Current*** M6060HDC, MX6000HSTC & GL7000 ***Sold*** MX6000HST & BX25DLB
And don't forget that there's always the option to buy a turbo charged model and then reach out to our Canadian friends across the border (maybe some in US too) who can help with the journey to a more responsive and less restrictive tractor with better overall performance and potentially less cost and downtime in the future.
Orange man
Active member
Equipment
Kubota L2501 LA525 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
Just lucky I Guess!! Some of the tractors were built with no shim or too little to get timing back , so I don't know how they will handle that. Really wanted one but will wait and see now.
I disagree, obviously.
It's 10 more HP than he has now. That's significant. As noted, he's basically at my elevation, and all but tractor pull tractors are underpowered for their weight.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Just get an MX with a turbo and the OP will not lack for weight, stability or power.
McMXi
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
***Current*** M6060HDC, MX6000HSTC & GL7000 ***Sold*** MX6000HST & BX25DLB
I doubt anyone has bought an MX and regretted it. I've bought two and still have no regrets.
They're the entry level utility tractor with only the Ms offering more, and are workhorses for sure.
A 60% increase in HP should be quit noticeable.
Congrats.
I like new adventures / new stuff on the yard.
Kinda like Christmas.