L vs LX

[JeremyBX2200]

So after my last project with my BX2200 I decided I need a bigger machine. Mostly just because when I am working against a clock I know the BX won’t cut it. I have narrowed it down to an L or an LX. Biggest positive for an LX is that it is smaller and would be better on my soft ground in the spring. Past that no positive. I already mow with a 60” 3pt and do a lot of box scraper work. An L without the mid PTO would be the same price. I am almost thinking a use l2501 with either a turbo kit or the IP turned up to facilitate the use of a bigger 3pt mower, tiller etc. So what are ya’ll thoughts. I am in the “already have a bit saved and saving more to pay cash” mode. I do want the HST in both models

 

[PaulL]

If you don't have a specific reasons to get an LX, then get the L. It's more tractor for your money

However, if you need something only an LX does, then obviously get the LX. Things that might cause that are:

• Weight - if you need a lighter machine for soft ground (which you mention), if you're limited in what you can trailer, or other reason
• Cab - L can't have a cab
• Mid-PTO for a blower or mower
• If you've sat on it, and like the feel. The LX is a more luxurious machine

The L2501 can be a bit underpowered, but the turbo kit is a really good answer to that. There are a lot of L2501s around in the used market, it was a popular model.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I am pretty happy with my L.

If I ever needed more ponies, a turbo would be cool/must have.

I have never had a cabbed tractor though, so I can't comment on that, but I can definitely see the value, comfort wise.

As for the weight, I guess you could get those "turf tires", to try and protect the ground.

They look a little "funky" IMHO, but could be a solution?

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

If like the size of L25xx, but want more HP, have you considered and L33xx or L39xx…I believe those would come with a warrantee, unless you really just want/like to modify the machine. I’d think about other sizes before removing the warranty, especially if not already have the machine. YMMv.

there are some great deals on the standard Ls used out there.

 

[BAP]

Why would you buy a tractor that doesn’t have enough power for what you want it to have? Hoping to soup it up to make enough power and be happy with the results in the end can be a disappointing dream. Why not just buy the correct machine in the first place?

 

[JeremyBX2200]

Why would you buy a tractor that doesn’t have enough power for what you want it to have? Hoping to soup it up to make enough power and be happy with the results in the end can be a disappointing dream. Why not just buy the correct machine in the first place?

Machine complexity and $$. It also depends on how you classify the term “Right machine”

 

[JeremyBX2200]

If like the size of L25xx, but want more HP, have you considered and L33xx or L39xx…I believe those would come with a warrantee, unless you really just want/like to modify the machine. I’d think about other sizes before removing the warranty, especially if not already have the machine. YMMv.

there are some great deals on the standard Ls used out there.

I will probably look at those. Am I correct that due to their HP rating they are equipped with emission components and are computer controlled

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I will probably look at those. Am I correct that due to their HP rating they are equipped with emission components and are computer controlled

I am really not sure the specs on them.

A friend of mine just took delivery a few weeks back of a used L3302 (he wanted a B or an LX) and I think he got an absolute steal…low hours bought from a dealer…he could not have bought a new B or LX for the price he paid on a low hour hour L.

 

[JeremyBX2200]

I am really not sure the specs on them.

A friend of mine just took delivery a few weeks back of a used L3302 (he wanted a B or an LX) and I think he got an absolute steal…low hours bought from a dealer…he could not have bought a new B or LX for the price he paid on a low hour hour L.

sounds like a good deal.

 

[Old Machinist]

Sounds like you are looking at 25HP range to avoid DPF. I think the new LX isn't any different than the old LX in that HP range. They basically just changed the number to LX2520 from LX2510. The larger HP LX got the quieter Hydro trans.

 

[chim]

Sort of a similar situation here several years ago. For about 6 years the DIY-cabbed L3200 with a 6' LandPride RFM was "OK" but a wider mower and A/C were desired. Roughly figuring another 5HP each for the wider deck and A/C meant moving from 32HP to 42HP. So in 2018 we went shopping. At the time, tractors with DPF weren't something that interested me so I snapped up a very clean used tractor.

As some others mentioned, adding a turbo does add to the complexity of the machine. Whether the added HP creates sufficient extra wear or stress could be a concern. Engineers design parts and pieces with certain parameters - albeit with a margin. It would seem that relying on that margin isn't a good thing. I've seen a few posts where "yeah, I'm gonna turbo it, but no worries. I'm not gonna run it that hard". OK, then do you need more power - or bragging rights?

It has to be better for the longevity of the tractor to buy one that meets your while operating within the capabilities it has been designed for.

With regard to tractor size and yard damage see Post 17:

L2502

Hi all, new to the forum. :) I'm currently looking at buying an L2502. My question is how many ppl use this for some lawn mowing?? Is it just too heavy for that type of work? I'm planning on using an 60" finish mower with it.

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[jyoutz]

I will probably look at those. Am I correct that due to their HP rating they are equipped with emission components and are computer controlled

Every tractor 25hp and above have emissions controls. And it’s not a problem.

 

[TheOldHokie]

So after my last project with my BX2200 I decided I need a bigger machine. Mostly just because when I am working against a clock I know the BX won’t cut it. I have narrowed it down to an L or an LX. Biggest positive for an LX is that it is smaller and would be better on my soft ground in the spring. Past that no positive. I already mow with a 60” 3pt and do a lot of box scraper work. An L without the mid PTO would be the same price. I am almost thinking a use l2501 with either a turbo kit or the IP turned up to facilitate the use of a bigger 3pt mower, tiller etc. So what are ya’ll thoughts. I am in the “already have a bit saved and saving more to pay cash” mode. I do want the HST in both models

Dump the LX, get a bigger L, and skip the tuning drama.

Dan

 

[BBFarmer]

^^^ I'll second this!

 

[JeremyBX2200]

Dump the LX, get a bigger L, and skip the tuning drama.

Dan

This is the way I am leaning since they are comparable price wise and I don’t need a mid PTO. I have a local Kubota dealer and I am going to go sit on each and maybe see if they will let me drive them around.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you don't have a specific reasons to get an LX, then get the L. It's more tractor for your money

However, if you need something only an LX does, then obviously get the LX. Things that might cause that are:

• Weight - if you need a lighter machine for soft ground (which you mention), if you're limited in what you can trailer, or other reason
• Cab - L can't have a cab
• Mid-PTO for a blower or mower
• If you've sat on it, and like the feel. The LX is a more luxurious machine

The L2501 can be a bit underpowered, but the turbo kit is a really good answer to that. There are a lot of L2501s around in the used market, it was a popular model.

An L can have a cab and a mid PTO and is super Luxury, you just have to go to a grand series.

 

[PaulL]

An L can have a cab and a mid PTO and is super Luxury, you just have to go to a grand series.

Grand-L is not the same thing as standard L, as you know. It seems the OP is looking at the L mostly because it's the same price as the LX, but quite a bit more capable. The Grand-L is very much not the same price as an LX (at least, not an LX2620). They're a wonderful machine, but I didn't think within the OP's budget.

As some others mentioned, adding a turbo does add to the complexity of the machine. Whether the added HP creates sufficient extra wear or stress could be a concern. Engineers design parts and pieces with certain parameters - albeit with a margin. It would seem that relying on that margin isn't a good thing. I've seen a few posts where "yeah, I'm gonna turbo it, but no worries. I'm not gonna run it that hard". OK, then do you need more power - or bragging rights?

Yes, modifying a tractor has implications. However, specifically in the case of the L2501, most of the parts on it interchange with the L3301 and L3901. Those machines have significantly more power, so for all those parts that are interchangeable, there should be no issue with the additional power.

The reasons for not buying an L3301 or L3901 would be a) money, and b) if you're one of those people who prefers to avoid emissions equipment. Personally I think the worries are overblown, but it is a concern that some people have.

If the OP is buying a used machine, warranty is less of an issue.

 

[Elliott in GA]

FWIW, since you do not need a mid-PTO, the LX SU does not have a mid-PTO or the upgraded seat (plus some other small items - the seat and the other small items minus tilt wheel can be added to the LX SU). However, the LX SU does have the more comfortable loader control stick position (by your hip, not out front).

The LX SU is more than $1,500 less (MSRP) than the L2502.

When I bought my LX SU the MSRP price spread was about $2K, and the local pricing was a greater savings for the LX SU.

 

[TheOldHokie]

This is the way I am leaning since they are comparable price wise and I don’t need a mid PTO. I have a local Kubota dealer and I am going to go sit on each and maybe see if they will let me drive them around.

Just in case I was not clear. By "bigger L" I meant L3302 and up.

If the dealer wont let you test drive his tractors say goodby. If you have been operating a BX the standard L will seem like you are sitting on a monster You get used to it fast.....

Dan

 

[JeremyBX2200]

Grand-L is not the same thing as standard L, as you know. It seems the OP is looking at the L mostly because it's the same price as the LX, but quite a bit more capable. The Grand-L is very much not the same price as an LX (at least, not an LX2620). They're a wonderful machine, but I didn't think within the OP's budget.


Yes, modifying a tractor has implications. However, specifically in the case of the L2501, most of the parts on it interchange with the L3301 and L3901. Those machines have significantly more power, so for all those parts that are interchangeable, there should be no issue with the additional power.

The reasons for not buying an L3301 or L3901 would be a) money, and b) if you're one of those people who prefers to avoid emissions equipment. Personally I think the worries are overblown, but it is a concern that some people have.

If the OP is buying a used machine, warranty is less of an issue.

The plan would be to pay cash for a used one.

As far as durability at higher HP, from what I have read it appears that the L2501s engine makes mid 30s in other applications. That it was retuned to stay under the emissions limit. If you advance the IP timing and add some fuel it will make about 35hp.