I need some help on operating rpm, l2502

[Deeds86]

Hey everyone, so I got this tractor last year (25 l2502) and im finally getting more seat time on it but am struggling a bit with operating rpm, dealer said 16 to 1800 rpm was ideal for most taskes and feel like 2k is a bit more optimal as it quiets down the hst and maybe it would even like a bit more rpms but am unsure as the tractor is only at 7 hours and per the manual shouldn't be opening it up too much! I dont notice any lugging in The 1600 to 1800 hundred range but the whine is something I'm not gonna put it through, 2k takes alot of it away! Is there anyone with the l2501/l2502 willing to help me out on what rpm i should be running at for certain tasks? I know my research had came back that the bx/b/lx's tend to run different rpm's than my 2502 based on Google searches so I haven't got alot out of searching first! Thank you guys and I apologize this is probably an ongoing topic from the newbs ut would really help m me out

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If it seems to run better for you at 2k RPM run it there, your not going to hurt anything.
The main thing is not run it too long at one set RPM, run the RPM's up and down to set the motor up for long term success.

 

[Deeds86]

If it seems to run better for you at 2k RPM run it there, your not going to hurt anything.
The main thing is not run it too long at one set RPM, run the RPM's up and down to set the motor up for long term success.

It does seem to smooth out, and have been fluctuating rpm's quite a bit... is the whine from the hst something I should try and avoid i know I'll always hear a little from it? Or am I worrying about the wrong things?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

There is really nothing going wrong with the whine, I wouldn't worry about that.
It's just the way HST's work.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Hey everyone, so I got this tractor last year (25 l2502) and im finally getting more seat time on it but am struggling a bit with operating rpm, dealer said 16 to 1800 rpm was ideal for most taskes and feel like 2k is a bit more optimal as it quiets down the hst and maybe it would even like a bit more rpms but am unsure as the tractor is only at 7 hours and per the manual shouldn't be opening it up too much! I dont notice any lugging in The 1600 to 1800 hundred range but the whine is something I'm not gonna put it through, 2k takes alot of it away! Is there anyone with the l2501/l2502 willing to help me out on what rpm i should be running at for certain tasks? I know my research had came back that the bx/b/lx's tend to run different rpm's than my 2502 based on Google searches so I haven't got alot out of searching first! Thank you guys and I apologize this is probably an ongoing topic from the newbs ut would really help m me out

congrats on a nice tractor.

I find you saying you are not lugging your tractor but hst whine decrease when rpm increases doesn't jive?

often on a lot of equipment whining increases as lugging increases so I will guess you have some lugging at 1600 rpm. HST always have some whine but more when lugging.

The L25 is a great tractor but generally accepted that the engine is on the small size in a tractor of that size. For example only 19pto hp when a lot of 5' mowers need 20hp+ at min..... so great for light/moderate work but not for heavier work is what many will say

anyways a great tractor. I would argue with you that since whining goes down as yo increase your rpm you are lugging at least a little too much. At only 25hp on that sized tractor I think you should be running closer to 540 level rpm's versus say 1600 rpm but thats just me. There will be lots of opinions and good news is you get to do what you want.

 

[ken erickson]

Hey everyone, so I got this tractor last year (25 l2502) and im finally getting more seat time on it but am struggling a bit with operating rpm, dealer said 16 to 1800 rpm was ideal for most taskes and feel like 2k is a bit more optimal as it quiets down the hst and maybe it would even like a bit more rpms but am unsure as the tractor is only at 7 hours and per the manual shouldn't be opening it up too much! I dont notice any lugging in The 1600 to 1800 hundred range but the whine is something I'm not gonna put it through, 2k takes alot of it away! Is there anyone with the l2501/l2502 willing to help me out on what rpm i should be running at for certain tasks? I know my research had came back that the bx/b/lx's tend to run different rpm's than my 2502 based on Google searches so I haven't got alot out of searching first! Thank you guys and I apologize this is probably an ongoing topic from the newbs ut would really help m me out

I have about 240 hours on my L2501 HST. I know exactly what you’re describing as far as HST whine quieting down with increased rpm’s in the 1900 + range. Vast majority of my light loader and grapple work is done in medium range , 1900 rpm. When I run my light duty LP 6 foot cutter I run also in medium and 2000 to 2100 rpm. Heavy loader dirt work and box blade work I will run up to 2300 or 2400 either in medium or low range.

I think the whine is just the nature of the L2501/2502 series. I DO like the reduced rpm operating range in comparison to some of the other Kubota series you mentioned.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Since new, I set my rpm to 2k(ish) and never give/gave it a second thought.

They are good engines, and I have my doubts about “break in” periods in general.

I have run all my new vehicles “like I stole’m” from day one.

There are all kinds of “theories” out there, but the Fairytale I subscribe too, is that diesels need to be worked hard from the beginning to seat the rings……

Anecdotally, when I was working at the automotive dealerships, I can not recall EVER seeing an engine failure attributed to “improper break in” procedures…...

Just my $.02

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

what are you doing and how are you using when you have a concern?

Is this when you are using to or loader or just driving? In either case why range settings you in? Is pedal to the floor board?

Simple solution to whine is ear plugs.

 

[Deeds86]

I have about 240 hours on my L2501 HST. I know exactly what you’re describing as far as HST whine quieting down with increased rpm’s in the 1900 + range. Vast majority of my light loader and grapple work is done in medium range , 1900 rpm. When I run my light duty LP 6 foot cutter I run also in medium and 2000 to 2100 rpm. Heavy loader dirt work and box blade work I will run up to 2300 or 2400 either in medium or low range.

I think the whine is just the nature of the L2501/2502 series. I DO like the reduced rpm operating range in comparison to some of the other Kubota series you mentioned.

Awesome this helps me out alot! Kindof a learning curve for.me to get used to this tractor, but your post helps alot! Thank you!

 

[chim]

For me, the RPM's are mostly dependent on what the tractor is being used for. None of my tractors have been equipped with DPF's which I understand should be run at higher RPM's. Probably over 90% of my tractor usage is mowing. Different weather or seasons affect the consistency of the grass. Early Spring and sometimes in the Fall the grass is thick and juicy. When I mowed on Friday it was like that plus much taller than normal because I wanted the weed n feed to have a little extra time to work. I looked at the numbers of what was working well and they were about 3MPH speed and 400 PTO RPM's. That combo spread the clippings out evenly behind the mower without leaving clumps. Anything much faster made it ugly. There are times I go a good bit faster and the mower is running at 540RPM's.

My L4240 is the first tractor I am able to see the PTO RPM's. In practice, reading those numbers is more to satisfy my curiosity than a tool for setting the speed. Tractor and PTO speeds can vary from one mowing to the next. Wet or dry conditions, life getting in the way of mowing when I should, etc. For loader work and moving around this tractor has Auto Throttle that works fine. On previous tractors in those applications I'd usually shove the throttle to a comfortable level.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Awesome this helps me out alot! Kindof a learning curve for.me to get used to this tractor, but your post helps alot! Thank you!

I operate my L3901 almost exclusively @2000+ and mid range on the HST. The engine likes it and I hate the HST whine at lower RPM. High range is pretty much useless and low range is too slow for most work.

The 3pt mower and brush cutters are always operated at the 540 PTO mark which IIRC is 2300 engine RPM. Loader work same way for both ground speed and hydraulic flow. This tractor has a DPF after treatment system so when it regens engine RPM is increased to 2500+.

If your engine bogs down when you accelerate or climb inclines its lugging which is the worst thing you can do to it. They will all happily run til the cows come home at rated PTO speed.

Dan