What engine (model number) is in the L2501?

[hitechredneck]

Hey yall,

I'm currently waiting on delivery of an L2501, and am satisfying my urge for tractor porn by trying to figure out what Kubota did to that motor to make 24.8 horsepower out of a ~100 cubic inch engine.

I was looking at some of the other Kubota models, they make more horsepower with less displacement. Significantly less in some cases. So what gives?

I have been searching the internet for a couple of days now, and I can't find an engine model number anywhere. It seems like if I had one, I might find more information at the Kubota Engine America site.

My hope is that one of you guys with an L2501 under the shed can tell me the model number of the engine. Or maybe have some insight into what limits the HP to just 24.8.

 

[85Hokie]

Hey yall,

I'm currently waiting on delivery of an L2501, and am satisfying my urge for tractor porn by trying to figure out what Kubota did to that motor to make 24.8 horsepower out of a ~100 cubic inch engine.

I was looking at some of the other Kubota models, they make more horsepower with less displacement. Significantly less in some cases. So what gives?

I have been searching the internet for a couple of days now, and I can't find an engine model number anywhere. It seems like if I had one, I might find more information at the Kubota Engine America site.

My hope is that one of you guys with an L2501 under the shed can tell me the model number of the engine. Or maybe have some insight into what limits the HP to just 24.8.

not sure of the model number - but I will betcha that the tier 4 engine needs a larger displacement to make up in HP due to the emission controls. If a smaller engine could make as much HP - the extra "stuff" in the tier 4 creates a drag on the engine thus lowering the overall HP - thus a little bigger engine to keep the HP up. The engine might not be brand new - but the emissions on it are new. Much like an old air pump was placed on many a car back in the 70's-80's - it tried to reduce emissions but typically pulled on the engine while doing so.

 

[Daren Todd]

It depends on what they slap on the motor for intake, size of the injectors, ect...... to get more pony's out of it take a standard v8 engine with a 2 barrel carb will give xxx on horse power. Add a blower, and a six pack and you get way more horse power

Same thing with a diesel. Turn the injection pump up, retard the timing and you will get a few more pony's. Add a turbo and you get more. Same motor can put out 25hp or 50hp depending on injector size, add ons, timing, injection pump settings, ect.....

 

[hitechredneck]

I was able to find the model number. I found the online parts catalog and was able to deduce the engine by looking at the parts page for the crankcase.

For future reference, the engine model number is D1703-M-DI-E4-LB1

Here's a site with some performance graphs, though I'm not sure they apply to the engine as configured on a 2501

https://www.dieselenginemotor.com/kubota/super03/D1703

When the warranty runs out on this baby it might be time to play.

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Blower!

 

[sheepfarmer]

not sure of the model number - but I will betcha that the tier 4 engine needs a larger displacement to make up in HP due to the emission controls. If a smaller engine could make as much HP - the extra "stuff" in the tier 4 creates a drag on the engine thus lowering the overall HP - thus a little bigger engine to keep the HP up. The engine might not be brand new - but the emissions on it are new. Much like an old air pump was placed on many a car back in the 70's-80's - it tried to reduce emissions but typically pulled on the engine while doing so.

I think the 2501 does not have tier IV accessories and the D engine is kind of like the old ones. Don't have time to check but one of you guys that knows that engine could look at the parts diagram and see if it is the same as before or not.

 

[85Hokie]

I think the 2501 does not have tier IV accessories and the D engine is kind of like the old ones. Don't have time to check but one of you guys that knows that engine could look at the parts diagram and see if it is the same as before or not.

not sure they are always right.....but here it is :

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/008/0/8/8085-kubota-l2501-engine.html

most tractors today (kubota) with the 01 at the end are the newest engine types, typically tier 4 variety.

 

[sheepfarmer]

not sure they are always right.....but here it is :

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/008/0/8/8085-kubota-l2501-engine.html

most tractors today (kubota) with the 01 at the end are the newest engine types, typically tier 4 variety.

Hokie, I really meant to say that I didn't think this engine had a dpf filter or any of those other gadgets added on. The E4 in the model number means it meets tier IV standards for that size engine. But I believe it does it without dpf. So you are correct that the 01 engines are the newer series and they do meet tier IV standards but the smaller ones below 26hp or so don't need a bunch of add ons to do it. So what would be interesting is to see how it differs from the older D series engines.

 

[hitechredneck]

Hokie, I really meant to say that I didn't think this engine had a dpf filter or any of those other gadgets added on. The E4 in the model number means it meets tier IV standards for that size engine. But I believe it does it without dpf. So you are correct that the 01 engines are the newer series and they do meet tier IV standards but the smaller ones below 26hp or so don't need a bunch of add ons to do it. So what would be interesting is to see how it differs from the older D series engines.

I believe you are correct in regards to the tier iv status. The lack of the dpf is what made me pick the 25 over the 33.

I'm taking delivery this afternoon! I feel like a kid at christmas.

I won't be doing anything until it goes out of warranty but I'm convinced this engine is capable of more than it's rated at, and half the fun is in the research and planning!

I'd bet a dollar to a donut that HP could be bumped to the 28HP range just by changing the ecm, just based on the different D1703 applications I see at the kubota engine website.

 

[Chief81]

I researched this tractor before I purchased my l3800. This tractor is tier IV final complaint without the need of a DPF and is also accomplished by using electronically controlled direct injection. I'm just guessing but, I figure if you could find a way to re-flash the computer with the proper "tune" it should be capable of around 35 hp. That's assuming the fuel system could support it.

 

[TurboFire Orange]

I have a new L2501.

This lil' tractor is a torque monster as it's rated @ 2200 RPM.

I seldom run it over 1500 using box scrape, front end loader and 5' bush hog (in light brush)

 

[Diydave]

I researched this tractor before I purchased my l3800. This tractor is tier IV final complaint without the need of a DPF and is also accomplished by using electronically controlled direct injection. I'm just guessing but, I figure if you could find a way to re-flash the computer with the proper "tune" it should be capable of around 35 hp. That's assuming the fuel system could support it.

Get a volkswagon chip, LOL!!!

 

[Youngn5]

I would bet kubota 2501 has more actual horse than what it's rated at. We know the 1.6 L is capable of it. They just rated it lower to scoot under the dpf regs. Those Japanese are smart.

 

[Bigshooter]

Thread bump for more info.

 

[Robert3301]

I just bought a 2501 last week and I love it! I was debating on the 3301/3901 but all the dpf stuff kept scaring me off and I didn't think I'd need all the power of the 3901. So I asked the dealer about the 2501 and he smiled and said it was probably the best little tractor nobody has heard of(I guess since it's so new?). He told me to take the 2501 home and try it for a weekend (Thursday-Monday) and if I didn't like it then I'd know the 3301 would be for me. This little monster has serious torque! It idles at 1000rpm but 540pto is marked as 2000rpm on the dash (I've heard others mention 2200 so I'm sure it's one or the other). I did see how far it would turn up and it only goes up to about 2400rpm. The loader is just as strong as the others (mins like 68 lbs according to the website). This tractor recently moved a log skidder rim with the loader and it didn't have any trouble at all. Wrapped the chain around the hooks I have on the bucket and lifted it off a trailer with no problem at all.

 

[Bigshooter]

I just bought a 2501 last week and I love it! I was debating on the 3301/3901 but all the dpf stuff kept scaring me off and I didn't think I'd need all the power of the 3901. So I asked the dealer about the 2501 and he smiled and said it was probably the best little tractor nobody has heard of(I guess since it's so new?). He told me to take the 2501 home and try it for a weekend (Thursday-Monday) and if I didn't like it then I'd know the 3301 would be for me. This little monster has serious torque! It idles at 1000rpm but 540pto is marked as 2000rpm on the dash (I've heard others mention 2200 so I'm sure it's one or the other). I did see how far it would turn up and it only goes up to about 2400rpm. The loader is just as strong as the others (mins like 68 lbs according to the website). This tractor recently moved a log skidder rim with the loader and it didn't have any trouble at all. Wrapped the chain around the hooks I have on the bucket and lifted it off a trailer with no problem at all.

Thanks for sharing, I actually just ordered one myself and have been trying to get more info wherever I can find it.... so few out there right now though it seems. So your initial impressions are good, and that it's not under powered for what it is?

It's in a really tough spot model wise. Bigger than a B so all the B guys think it's too big, and less HP than all the L's so the L guys think it's under powered.

We were between the B2650 and the L2501 for the longest time, then we went and test drove/ kicked tires.... the B has a lot of nice creature comforts, but just isn't "built" to the same degree as the L's I felt. So my only lingering concern is that the L chassis is a maybe little to beefy for a 25HP.... though from the 100 cubic inch powerplant and everything I've read, it seems to be a winner.

I too want nothing to do with the new EPA diesels, and is the only reason I didn't jump up to the 3301 or the 3901. What a nightmare those things will be long term, if not short term even.

 

[Robert3301]

Thanks for sharing, I actually just ordered one myself and have been trying to get more info wherever I can find it.... so few out there right now though it seems. So your initial impressions are good, and that it's not under powered for what it is?

It's in a really tough spot model wise. Bigger than a B so all the B guys think it's too big, and less HP than all the L's so the L guys think it's under powered.

We were between the B2650 and the L2501 for the longest time, then we went and test drove/ kicked tires.... the B has a lot of nice creature comforts, but just isn't "built" to the same degree as the L's I felt. So my only lingering concern is that the L chassis is a maybe little to beefy for a 25HP.... though from the 100 cubic inch powerplant and everything I've read, it seems to be a winner.

I too want nothing to do with the new EPA diesels, and is the only reason I didn't jump up to the 3301 or the 3901. What a nightmare those things will be long term, if not short term even.

I think the weight of the L makes more use of the 25hp when doing ground engaging tasks. I've never felt it be underpowered, but I only plan to run 4'-5' implements behind it too. I have a 6' scrape blade on it right now and it handles that fine. I'm considering buying a tiller for it, that'll be the only pto work it does, besides run a bush hog sometimes. I bought this tractor for box blade/scrape blade work, the maneuverability to use in the woods and places my larger tractors cant get to, and some loader work. With the amount of loader work it'll be doing I didn't see the need for HST and find the gear transmission to be exactly what I need for the purposes I'll be using it for.

I was basically willing to give up horsepower and have to run smaller implements rather than take a chance on the dpf equipped larger tractors. Every day since I've had the tractor I haven't questioned or regretted my decision one bit.

To me the B's would be too small for me, for instance today when I was moving around that log skidder rim I would have never been able to do that with a B. I needed the capability of the L's but really didn't need all the hp of them, and dang sure didn't want the dpf that came with them either (as stated earlier).

If I had to give one gripe about the tractor it would be when the range lever is in H it seems to hit my left leg slightly. There's not a whole lot of room on the operator's platform and I'm not a big guy at 5'9" 175. It's not cramped, don't get me wrong, but it's just enough room put it that way.

I'm still amazed that this little diesel motor is 100ci and only puts out 24.8 hp. No wonder it makes 540 pto so low! Never seen a diesel that had a powerband as short as this tractor but yet had tons of torque throughout the entire range. Eventually when word gets out about this particular tractor and its performance, I think you'll see them fly off the lots.

Oh and btw, when you turn this little sucker up to 540 it just chugs along. You know how most Kubota's(as well as other tractors) sound like they're singing because the engine is running so fast to get 540? Not this thing, I've never seen anything like this in my life. This motor is turned wayyyy down from what it could really produce. There's AT LEAST 10hp Kubota could get out of this thing with a minor tweak or two. This engine isn't running hard at all and doesn't struggle one bit in this size chassis.

 

[hitechredneck]

I've got about 10 hours on mine now, mostly clearing land that has been logged. Maybe an hour box blading my gravel drive, and another cutting drainage ditches on the uphill side of said road with the subsoiler.

I'm extremely happy with this tractor.

The soil is clay, and there are lots of rocks, stumps, and good sized roots (the kind of things that implement manufacturers are thinking of when they put shear pins in their designs.) The terrain is very hilly.

Using the 6' box blade with rippers down or the subsoiler, I'm thankful that I have 4wd. With just 2wd I would not be able to use these two implements effectively (in 2wd, the tires just spin at the first good sized rock or root.) The tires are fluid filled.

With the aforementioned implements I work mostly in low with 4wd engaged, running the engine at about 1800 rpm. The tractor seems to work best there (it's hst.) I can subsoil at max depth going uphill and the motor doesn't lug or miss a beat.

For stumps, I really wish I had the backhoe attachment. The fel wasn't designed for digging. And I'd give my left nut for a root grapple.

 

[Robert3301]

I Googled "100 ci Kubota diesel" just to see what would pop up. Found out that an engine this size is used in mini ex's all the way up to 35 hp. Not sure if it's the same exact motor as found in the L2501 but this motor is detuned because when you run it at 540 speed it's not even turned up whatsoever.

The 25hp in this size tractor will probably scare off some people (I was almost scared off to be honest) but you have to drive it, run the loader, look at the specs on this tractor and realize quickly that this is a little beast. The weight of the tractor is actually perfect for 25 and even the L3301. The L3901 seems to be the choice for a lot of pto intensive tasks. Don't let the gpm on the L2501 fool you too, I ran the loader on this tractor as well as the 3301 and 3901(same gpm) and there is only a slight slight difference in speed. It's a whole lot faster than any older tractor with a loader that's for sure. As stated in an earlier post, this tractor had no problem lifting a rim from a log skidder off the back of a truck the other day. In other words I had to lift it to the highest point the loader would go and the back end (filled rear tires and blade on the back) didn't get light at all.

I really like opening the hood and being able to put my hand on everything very easily without seeing a big dpf sitting under there.

 

[Eray]

I just turned 90 hours on my L2501. The loader is great. The little tractor has pushed over several 6 inch diameter trees. Has tons of pulling torque. The only time I wish for more power is when running a bush hog uphill.