L2501 Advice?

Tioga Tim

Member

Equipment
B2620
Nov 11, 2020
35
16
8
Upstate New York
Trying to help a good friend buy his first tractor. He was looking at L series tractors, specifically 2501. I found one with 300 hrs, ag tires, that looks in great shape for 18K. All the other ones on FB were around 20K. I need some advice if this is a good purchase for a first time owner who wants to do some basic work in the woods skidding small trees, some firewood, and general property maintenance.

The specs concerned me a bit. It has a 100 ci engine with 26 gross and 20 pto hp. My 2620 has the exact same power rating with a 68 ci engine. I am guessing its a lower reving engine in the 2501 with more low end torque?

I gave up looking at Kubota models after I bought my 2620. Is the 2501 a decent engine, performance OK,, etc? It is a hydro.

Thanks - would appreciate any info anyone can provide to help a newbie.

Tim
 

old and tired

Well-known member

Equipment
L2800 HST; 2005; R4
It's a popular model... yes, it's a de-tuned engine. A couple of threads about putting a turbo on it and estimate low 40 hp... I think the 540 PTO is at 2200...

Is the tractor HST model or gear? Assume, it's 4x4 with a Front End Loader...
 
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jimh406

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
2,360
1,794
113
Western MT
I own a L2501HST and use it for all of the general purpose stuff on my property. It’s a great tractor. Compared to your LX2620, it’s quite a bit larger/heavier with more torque and can lift the same weight higher.
 
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JimmyJazz

Well-known member

Equipment
B2601
Aug 8, 2020
1,219
739
113
Pittsburgh, Pa
Make sure it has the hydrostatic transmission. I have seen low hour L3901 models being offered at the same price point. You may also want to consider that. Good luck.-- After just checking on eBay there is an L3901 with 191 hours being offered at $19,750 OBO. Located in Texas. Generally speaking given your friends stated usage more horsepower would be desirable. By contrast if you were using the tractor for primarily mowing your yard a smaller lighter machine would be preferable. Good luck (again!)
 
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Tioga Tim

Member

Equipment
B2620
Nov 11, 2020
35
16
8
Upstate New York
Make sure it has the hydrostatic transmission. I have seen low hour L3901 models being offered at the same price point. You may also want to consider that. Good luck.-- After just checking on eBay there is an L3901 with 191 hours being offered at $19,750 OBO. Located in Texas. Generally speaking given your friends stated usage more horsepower would be desirable. By contrast if you were using the tractor for primarily mowing your yard a smaller lighter machine would be preferable. Good luck (again!)
Thanks everyone for your replies. It is a hydro tranny. with the FEL. We are going to look at it tomorrow.
 
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Rdrcr

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
671
741
93
WA
The L2501 is a great tractor! Let us know how it goes.

Mike
 
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Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,445
2,820
113
Michigan
I love my L2501.

From your description, I seem to use mine for about the same things.

If I had to do it over again, I would pick the exact same tractor.

I don't keep up with prices, so I can't comment on the price with any authority, but it sounds reasonable.
 
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rc51stierhoff

Well-known member

Equipment
B2650, MX6000, Ford 8N, (BX sold)
Sep 13, 2021
2,565
3,093
113
Ohio
Good day. I don’t have one but I’d like to have one. To me the L25XX is best capability/weight and value in that size. Was it not for my (then) foolish requirement of a MMM (which now I would prefer a rear cutter) that’s likely what I would have bought. I think similar to the popularity and longevity of Ford 8N, L25XX sort of fills that modern size niche. If no need the mid PTO in that capability range it’s a no brainer unless really want/need a cab IMO.
 
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Tioga Tim

Member

Equipment
B2620
Nov 11, 2020
35
16
8
Upstate New York
Success! Tractor looked as good as the pictures. Only issue I saw was the hood had been roughed up behind one of the loader arms. But its not visible unless you are looking in that exact spot. He's happy, and I am happy for him on his 65th birthday today. We have to go back next week with my trailer and pick it up. He has never owned a tractor, so he has a lot to learn.

 
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TheOldHokie

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
8,779
4,515
113
Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
Trying to help a good friend buy his first tractor. He was looking at L series tractors, specifically 2501. I found one with 300 hrs, ag tires, that looks in great shape for 18K. All the other ones on FB were around 20K. I need some advice if this is a good purchase for a first time owner who wants to do some basic work in the woods skidding small trees, some firewood, and general property maintenance.

The specs concerned me a bit. It has a 100 ci engine with 26 gross and 20 pto hp. My 2620 has the exact same power rating with a 68 ci engine. I am guessing its a lower reving engine in the 2501 with more low end torque?

Tim
Same HP but much larger frame and much more capable.

Dan
 
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Brazos

Member

Equipment
L2501DT
Jul 12, 2016
118
4
18
Texas
I have a 2501. Mine is the manual transmission. I love it. Don’t regret the purchase for a minute. Zero regrets on the manual transmission. It works great. I have had it 6+ years. The one thing I did after buying it was to take it back to the dealer and have them fill the rear tires with beet juice and reconfigure the rims to their widest setting. That made a world of difference. Zero mechanical issues other than replacing the battery a year or two ago.
 
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Runs With Scissors

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,445
2,820
113
Michigan
Congratulations to y'all!!!!

I'm sure he will love it.

He is going to be amazed at how much stuff he will get done, and wonder how he ever got along without one.(y)
 
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Tioga Tim

Member

Equipment
B2620
Nov 11, 2020
35
16
8
Upstate New York
I have a 2501. Mine is the manual transmission. I love it. Don’t regret the purchase for a minute. Zero regrets on the manual transmission. It works great. I have had it 6+ years. The one thing I did after buying it was to take it back to the dealer and have them fill the rear tires with beet juice and reconfigure the rims to their widest setting. That made a world of difference. Zero mechanical issues other than replacing the battery a year or two ago.
The tractor he bought has Rim Guard in it. But really good point on flipping the rims to get wider. I never thought to look at that!
 
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Brazos

Member

Equipment
L2501DT
Jul 12, 2016
118
4
18
Texas
Correct. I have the AG R1 tires. When I was shopping for tractors some 6 years ago I wanted the 3301 as I wanted at least 30hp. The fact the 2501 didn’t have the emissions stuff to deal with and the 2501 got the same torque at a lower RPM I rolled with it. I am glad I did.