So I picked up my new L2501 HST with LA525 loader and R4 tires. Had the opportunity to use it a bit this afternoon. I traded my 2013 B2920 plus some cash for it, so that will be the direct comparison...although I also own a 2018 MX4800. Hopefully my observations will be useful to potential buyers down the road.
For starters, I'm 6'5" tall. Without a doubt, there is less leg room on the L2501 than the B2920...however, I can live with it. I would suggest it might be difficult to live with if you are my height and bought the gear drive version where using the clutch is necessary. The steering wheel does not tilt. I knew these things going in.
The transmission hump is very pronounced on this model; if you have big feet you will be kicking it probably quite a bit.
One gripe is the instrument cluster. It *appears* to be the same one as on my MX4800, although the hour meter is analog instead of digital. It has a modern and fresh look to it. However, the backlighting is terrible. Plain yellow-ish white backlighting, and the needle pointers are not illuminating, making the backlighting basically useless. The MX panel is backlit with sharp white and blue LEDs and the orange needles are backlit. Since I operate at night quite a bit, this is a disappointment.
A big time annoyance is the need to push the clutch pedal to start the engine. Why? It is an HST machine.
There are definitely pros, however. Even though the engine is all mechanical, it is direct-injected and starts extremely well. The seat, though basic, is comfortable. The loader works smoothly. It isn't super fast but seems to lift a pretty substantial amount. The lift height is pretty good. The tractor has low and high beam headlights, which is nice. They aren't great, but are vastly better than the B-series. The transmission range change is extremely smooth. I like the T-handle 4x4 engage / disengage control.
The hood is very nice, all metal, and lifts on a gas strut just like the bigger Kubotas. The radiator screen is easy to remove and clean.
The 2501 is definitely the *most* economy of the economy series Kubotas. Whereas the L3301, 3901, and 4701 (and other Kubotas) use "raised" silver painted letters on the hood sides for the model number, the L2501 badge is simply a sticker. I'm pretty certain the L3301 and 3901 use the nicer MX cluster, in part because the digital hour meter can also display error message codes about the regeneration process, and in part because the cluster needs to have more warning lights. The 2501 only has a glow plug indicator, low oil pressure warning, and battery not charging warning. That said, it still works hard and gets the job done just as well.
All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this machine, but there are a few caveats. For light loader / rake work it's fine. We'll see how it does on hilly terrain with a small flail mower behind it. I'll report back then, but it will be a month or so.
For starters, I'm 6'5" tall. Without a doubt, there is less leg room on the L2501 than the B2920...however, I can live with it. I would suggest it might be difficult to live with if you are my height and bought the gear drive version where using the clutch is necessary. The steering wheel does not tilt. I knew these things going in.
The transmission hump is very pronounced on this model; if you have big feet you will be kicking it probably quite a bit.
One gripe is the instrument cluster. It *appears* to be the same one as on my MX4800, although the hour meter is analog instead of digital. It has a modern and fresh look to it. However, the backlighting is terrible. Plain yellow-ish white backlighting, and the needle pointers are not illuminating, making the backlighting basically useless. The MX panel is backlit with sharp white and blue LEDs and the orange needles are backlit. Since I operate at night quite a bit, this is a disappointment.
A big time annoyance is the need to push the clutch pedal to start the engine. Why? It is an HST machine.
There are definitely pros, however. Even though the engine is all mechanical, it is direct-injected and starts extremely well. The seat, though basic, is comfortable. The loader works smoothly. It isn't super fast but seems to lift a pretty substantial amount. The lift height is pretty good. The tractor has low and high beam headlights, which is nice. They aren't great, but are vastly better than the B-series. The transmission range change is extremely smooth. I like the T-handle 4x4 engage / disengage control.
The hood is very nice, all metal, and lifts on a gas strut just like the bigger Kubotas. The radiator screen is easy to remove and clean.
The 2501 is definitely the *most* economy of the economy series Kubotas. Whereas the L3301, 3901, and 4701 (and other Kubotas) use "raised" silver painted letters on the hood sides for the model number, the L2501 badge is simply a sticker. I'm pretty certain the L3301 and 3901 use the nicer MX cluster, in part because the digital hour meter can also display error message codes about the regeneration process, and in part because the cluster needs to have more warning lights. The 2501 only has a glow plug indicator, low oil pressure warning, and battery not charging warning. That said, it still works hard and gets the job done just as well.
All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this machine, but there are a few caveats. For light loader / rake work it's fine. We'll see how it does on hilly terrain with a small flail mower behind it. I'll report back then, but it will be a month or so.
but it started right up. Second time I was like 'doh'. Third time I found a way to adjust my foot position and hoped no one saw/heard me. Cutter wasnt happy with me
