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
Have you read through the thread by 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.