L2501 Turbo: A Journey Defined - The tractor, The comparison, The modification, The results...

[Rdrcr]

It's starting to make the case for keeping the fuel timing retarded (stock) when planning a turbo upgrade.

You would think that the method of removing gasket material to advance the fuel timing would not only advance the timing, but also increase the travel on the cam, which would also increase the potential fuel volume per cycle.

Did this latest dyno result use a turbo kit with the latest changes:
Allowance for hood shock.
Reduced exhaust pipe diameter at the sharp bend coming off the turbo unit?

Just curious at this point.

I think you’re right. At least, that’s where the data is leading. I just need a few more examples to come to a conclusion. So, the other L2501 Turbo w/ the injection pump timing mod basically made the same power as my tractor. However, it required a greater load from the dyno to reach the same gains. He’s also generating a bunch more smoke on startup and more smoke just before the turbo becomes efficient.

His Turbo setup is identical to mine. So, no, he doesn’t have the new reduced diameter downpipe, but does have the new charge pipe. I’ll be testing and posting the results of the reduced diameter downpipe modification sometime in the near future.

To me, that would indicate your thesis is correct.

 

[Rdrcr]

I haven’t been using my tractor very much this past month. We’ve been getting a TON of rain but, no snow yet. However, I’ve been in contact with a couple guys in the high elevations and they’re reporting the Turbo Kit is providing effortless power for their snow blowers and both tractors are on stock fuel settings.

Mike

 

[GrizBota]

How “easy” is it to find a dyno that a tractor can be run on? IIRC, early in this thread you mentioned it took some effort to find one. But maybe you were looking for a certain type?

Another member here on OTT is suffering with a low power situation. Reportedly his dealer put the tractor on their dyno and determined it’s fine, although they then determined the fuel is contaminated and the repair is $10k.

 

[ken erickson]

Mike,
Do you have enough "kits" out in the field yet to have feedback on things like ease of installation or potential re-design of parts?

I would guess a ton of L2501 owners might be watching and waiting for version 2(if that occurs) or counting down the time till they get to closer to the end of their drive train warranty.

 

[Rdrcr]

How “easy” is it to find a dyno that a tractor can be run on? IIRC, early in this thread you mentioned it took some effort to find one. But maybe you were looking for a certain type?

Another member here on OTT is suffering with a low power situation. Reportedly his dealer put the tractor on their dyno and determined it’s fine, although they then determined the fuel is contaminated and the repair is $10k.

It depends. I have two reasonably sized Kubota dealers within 30-40 miles of my home. One of the dealers has a dyno, the other does not. The dealer that doesn’t have a dyno used to have one but, sold it because it saw little use. My other dealer is in more of a rural area and the dyno is used more frequently because of the farming industry in that area. The dynamometers are expensive so it really depends on the dealers needs and if they wish to invest in that type of equipment.

When I was originally searching for a dyno I focused my efforts on the more populated areas. In my case, that was a mistake. It was the more rural dealers that ended up having that equipment.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Mike,
Do you have enough "kits" out in the field yet to have feedback on things like ease of installation or potential re-design of parts?

I would guess a ton of L2501 owners might be watching and waiting for version 2(if that occurs) or counting down the time till they get to closer to the end of their drive train warranty.

Mike,
Do you have enough "kits" out in the field yet to have feedback on things like ease of installation or potential re-design of parts?

I would guess a ton of L2501 owners might be watching and waiting for version 2(if that occurs) or counting down the time till they get to closer to the end of their drive train warranty.

We have L2501 Turbo Kits operating in;

Washington (x2)
Oregon
California
New Mexico
Colorado (x2)
Canada (x2)
Louisiana

We’re getting plenty of positive feedback. Most folks are able to install the Turbo Kit in 2-3 hours without too much hassle (always best to have a second pair of hands). Right now, the only component we are updating is the Turbo outlet/down-pipe. We’re going to make the pipe a little smaller on the outlet flange to make installation easier and have more clearance with the heat shield. That’s about it. I’ll post some pics once that’s completed.

Mike

 

[Alexisferos]

Your experience with the L2501 sounds like it matches what I encountered. I went through a similar process, exploring kubota tractor supply, and bought a KUBOTA LX3520HSD for about $34,155. It was a step up from the smaller models I initially considered, but it was an excellent fit for my needs. Like you, I was looking for something with enough power and versatility for various tasks around my property. The LX3520HSD has handled everything I've thrown at it, from landscaping to moving heavy materials. It's always a balancing act between size, power, and cost.

 

[Yotekiller]

I am patiently waiting for the 2502 kit to be ready @Rdrcr

 

[X-Pup]

L2501 - Check!
Carport - Check!

Now for the turbo. That's coming but for now I'm temporarily broke. LOL

(Please get another one ready)

Bonus though, I found out the dealer I bought my tractor from does have a dyno.

I thought about running a before and after but I'm not sure I want to incur the added cost.
It would be a great experience though. I'm pretty sure I got one of the last "new" L2501. They had to order it and bring it in from another dealer. They didn't want to be stuck with it on the lot embarrassing their lineup of new L2502's.

 

[Rdrcr]

L2501 - Check!
Carport - Check!

Now for the turbo. That's coming but for now I'm temporarily broke. LOL

(Please get another one ready)

Bonus though, I found out the dealer I bought my tractor from does have a dyno.

I thought about running a before and after but I'm not sure I want to incur the added cost.
It would be a great experience though. I'm pretty sure I got one of the last "new" L2501. They had to order it and bring it in from another dealer. They didn't want to be stuck with it on the lot embarrassing their lineup of new L2502's.

For sure!
We’re working on a couple new Turbo Kits now!

I too wanted to perform a before/after dyno but, unfortunately it wasn’t an option for me. However, if we can get another local sale, I’m hoping I can convince them to do a before and after dyno. I’d just like to have it documented. I’m confident in the performance of the Turbo Kit since we now have three L2501’s making 35 PTO HP with virtually the same fuel settings I have on mine.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Here’s a few pics of the Turbo pipes along with….the new downpipe;

The new downpipe flows the same as the original pipe but, offers better clearance and easier installation.

Mike

 

[Hahnsolo]

Looks good Mike! Are you still selling a lot of kits? I made it through my first season with my turbo mod and had good luck with it. Might make some fuel adjustments next year to improve performance even more. I just about have my turbo instrument pod complete. I'll post some pictures when I'm done.

Solo

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Here’s a few pics of the Turbo pipes along with….the new downpipe;

View attachment 127268

View attachment 127269

View attachment 127270

The new downpipe flows the same as the original pipe but, offers better clearance and easier installation.

Mike

Very nice welds sir!

Those look great

 

[Hahnsolo]

Hey Mike - quick question:

Did your turbocharger require waste gate adjustments after you got it running? Does the preset tension out of the box actually open the gate at full throttle or before?

Solo

 

[Rdrcr]

Hey Mike - quick question:

Did your turbocharger require waste gate adjustments after you got it running? Does the preset tension out of the box actually open the gate at full throttle or before?

Solo

The Turbocharger is good out of the box for 6-7psi at full load. I did adjust my waste gate to ‘near-maximum’ to deliver 9-10psi at full load. It wasn’t necessary but part of the testing process.

If you’re not seeing much boost, it probably doesn’t have enough load.

As an example, I can put the tractor in high gear, full throttle and punch it from a dead stop. The tractor launches forward, hits 9psi momentarily and then bleeds boost to around 3-4psi. There’s just not enough load to maintain boost.

Mike

 

[X-Pup]

Very nice!

A mini expansion coming off the turbo's exhaust port. Again, very nice!

Now I'm just trying to figure out how to rob Peter to pay Paul. ( I mean S2T)

 

[Hahnsolo]

Ahhh. . . Got it. I'm really trying to wrap my head around the whole turbocharger performance thing. I don't understand the relationship between load and boost pressure yet. Like everybody else, I expected to set the throttle wide open and see at least 6-7 PSI boost, when in reality it only bumps up 2-3 PSI without load.

I know it was doing it's thing this past winter while I was blowing snow but I was at a disadvantage; I didn't get my instrumentation pod installed like I wanted, so I was running blind. I DID however, have a separate EGT gauge to keep an eye on things.

So, I won't be able to fine tune this until next winter season, but should I just keep the waste gate from opening? At this altitude and relatively moderate RPM (2700 max), does it even make sense to mess with it?

Solo

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I wouldn’t mess with it until you have your gauges installed and see where you’re at. You may actually want more boost at elevation…depending on your fuel settings and overall performance.

At the very least you had the EGT and that’s most important for engine health.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Very nice!

A mini expansion coming off the turbo's expansion port. Again, very nice!

Now I'm just trying to figure out how to rob Peter to pay Paul. ( I mean S2T)

Thank you!

I’m really really happy with the new down pipe! But, should I be ‘butt-hurt’ that guys are now getting L2501 Turbo Kits that a better than mine? It doesn’t seem fair.

We’ll be ready when you are. No worries.

Mike

 

[Hahnsolo]

^^^^
I wouldn’t mess with it until you have your gauges installed and see where you’re at. You may actually want more boost at elevation…depending on your fuel settings and overall performance.

At the very least you had the EGT and that’s most important for engine health.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I'll keep you posted.

Solo