L2501 Turbo: A Journey Defined - The tractor, The comparison, The modification, The results...
- Thread starter Rdrcr
- Start date
You’re very very welcome!
We’re happy to hear that your Turbo installation was successful and that you are happy with the newfound performance! And, thank you for your compliments and feedback. They are much appreciated!
You’re operating in elevation. Did you add/modify the fueling or are you running the factory fuel settings?
…..and yes! You should post pics!
Mike
In what regard? There is an enormous difference in third/high range when operating the tractor. It really really gets up to speed extremely quickly (it’s hilarious) and holds speeds well with the Turbo. However, the performance in high range is limited to the HST pressure limits. Even with all the power available, these limits cannot be exceeded. So, that’s why I state that the Turbo L2501 will behave very similar, almost identical to the L3901 at sea level. In elevation, however, the Turbo L2501 will outperform the L3901 and for PTO performance, there is zero comparison, the Turbo L2501 destroys it.
Mike
Thank you!
It’s definitely enjoyable to look at and I love getting reactions from folks when I pop the hood, lol. It’s the last thing they’d expect to see on a tractor. Luckily though, the Turbo Kit performs as good, if not better, than it looks!
Mike
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He’s probably just out there enjoying the tractor! But, I’m hoping he’ll post some pics!What .... no pictures?!
….Especially considering his Turbo Kit is prettier than mine!
Mike
Hi Mike!You’re very very welcome!
We’re happy to hear that your Turbo installation was successful and that you are happy with the newfound performance! And, thank you for your compliments and feedback. They are much appreciated!
You’re operating in elevation. Did you add/modify the fueling or are you running the factory fuel settings?
…..and yes! You should post pics!
Mike
I did turn the fuel out 1 full turn. I pushed into an immovable pile and fully loaded the engine. It showed 7 psi of boost and the EGT got up to about 1,100 degrees. I plowed snow yesterday and there is a very noticeable performance difference, as well as a lot less smoke. While I was plowing, the highest EGT I saw was about 900 degrees and about 5 psi boost. It’s really a fun machine to run and the S2T turbo kit is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Thank you so much!!
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I've read through all 16 pages of this excellent thread again and well done Mike on such a well-designed and well-executed upgrade. An L series tractor isn't on my radar but I can still appreciate all the work that went into your turbo kit, and would definitely be ordering from you if I had an L2501.
When I upgraded from a BX25 to an MX6000 and M6060 I made my decisions based on the size, weight and power that I needed for the sort of tasks that I do. I made the decision to buy complexity, but from day one was aware that there are companies offering solutions for those that want to reduce the complexity and see performance gains.
My point is that options are good for all of us, whether we choose to take advantage of them or not.
On a side note, none of the L series tractors have turbos right? I think turbos only start to show up in the Grand L5060 models and up, and of course the MX models. The engines in the L3301, L3901 and L4701 have a bigger displacement than the L2501 so it would be interesting to see what turbos would do on those models.
So for those that don't have an L2501, don't despair. There are options out there if you want/need a bigger tractor but aren't sold on the idea of DPF, EGR and DEF. So as always, buy big enough. My first "tractor" was too small for sure, but I had no experience and did very little researh. My second was big enough but not ideal since it had no cab. I finally got it right with the third and fourth tractors.
Added in edit: I see that the newer LX3520 and up have a turbo.
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Mike, what part number are you including in the kit for the EGT gauge and sensor from ISSPRO?
I'd like to add a sensor and gauge to both tractors to monitor EGTs. I have a DP-Tuner programmer/chip in my truck with pre and post turbo sensors but I wouldn't go to that extreme with the tractors. Pre or post turbo would be just fine.
Thank you for the pictures Rodd!Thank you! It’s eye candy
It's nice to see what it's going to look like once I finally get it installed. The fit of those updated pipes look so... professional! They look like they belong on a show car. LOL
I received mine in time for Christmas. It was my Christmas present to myself. LOL
I'm impressed and envious that you got yours installed shortly after receiving it.
Personally, I've been procrastinating. The weather doesn't help. First it rained for a month, now it's freezing. I envision turning the farm into a mud pit with my new turbo tractor. LOL
(Ha - Mud races, hmmm...) LOL
In the meantime, I'm watching the loads of chipper shavings pile up for next year's garden paths. I'll have to get my old carcass in gear here pretty soon. Now that I've posted, maybe that will provide some motivation.
I can't wait to see how this new turbo does - brush hogging that 4ft grass in the back field.
If I had more money, I'd do a before and after dyno. I'm not all that far from where they are made. My local dealer has a dyno getting all lonely in the corner under a tarp. He pointed out to me when I bought my tractor.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Thanks for posting some pics!
See…. I told you….prettier than mine!
I still don’t even have the ARP hardware on my tractor either. I feel cheated, lol!
Mike
Very good. Excellent!
Thank you for sharing your fuel settings and tractor performance.
Wow! That’s the best feedback we can get!
You’re very welcome! We’re happy we’re able to offer this setup to the community.
Mike
Thank you!
I totally agree.
The Turbo Kit ain’t for everyone, but for those that want an option like this, we’re glad we can deliver.
Theoretically, you can Turbocharge the L3301 and L3901, however, both tractors would require ECU “tuning” since the engines are not simple mechanical diesels. Plus, assuming we could double the HP/TQ/PTO HP, I’m not sure the powertrain can handle the increase like the L2501. It might. We just haven’t dove into it. If we do find a good, reliable tuning company to work with, I would like to Turbocharge an L3560…that would be my tractor nirvana. And I totally agree….buy tractor “weight”, not HP. You need a tractor that’s large enough to get the job done. The L2501 has been just a perfect tractor for me in that regard.
Yep, Kubota turbocharged the premium LX series and we are getting quite a few requests to build a Turbo Kit for the base 25HP model.
Mike
I just wanted to add that your turbo kit looks like a really good value given the quality of the components, and the obvious engineering and design effort that has gone into this. Basically the customer is getting a lot of good stuff for a very reasonable cost.
We’re looking forward to installation and feedback too!Thank you for the pictures Rodd!
It's nice to see what it's going to look like once I finally get it installed. The fit of those updated pipes look so... professional! They look like they belong on a show car. LOL
I received mine in time for Christmas. It was my Christmas present to myself. LOL
I'm impressed and envious that you got yours installed shortly after receiving it.
Personally, I've been procrastinating. The weather doesn't help. First it rained for a month, now it's freezing. I envision turning the farm into a mud pit with my new turbo tractor. LOL
(Ha - Mud races, hmmm...) LOL
In the meantime, I'm watching the loads of chipper shavings pile up for next year's garden paths. I'll have to get my old carcass in gear here pretty soon. Now that I've posted, maybe that will provide some motivation.
I can't wait to see how this new turbo does - brush hogging that 4ft grass in the back field.
If I had more money, I'd do a before and after dyno. I'm not all that far from where they are made. My local dealer has a dyno getting all lonely in the corner under a tarp. He pointed out to me when I bought my tractor.
I'm really looking forward to it.
I can completely relate….it’s been crazy wet, and now, crazy cold. I totally understand and it definitely affects my motivation when I need to get work done outside.
Where/who is your local dealer?
I will be doing a before/after dyno on the Kioti CK2610 / CK2620, Bobcat CT2025 once I get one (probably spring/summer). And, when we get an L2502, I’ll be doing a before/after dyno on that too.
Mike
Thank you!I just wanted to add that your turbo kit looks like a really good value given the quality of the components, and the obvious engineering and design effort that has gone into this. Basically the customer is getting a lot of good stuff for a very reasonable cost.
There’s not a lot of margin in it. I’m definitely hoping folks can see the value!
I’ll get you those part numbers shortly….
Mike
Thanks, and I figured that the margins were small given the quality of the components and the fabrication costs, combined with your pricing.Thank you!
There’s not a lot of margin in it. I’m definitely hoping folks can see the value!
I’ll get you those part numbers shortly….
Mike
Could you realize a reduction in your costs by eliminating many of the welds on the intake and exhaust tubes i.e. having the entire section mandrel bent? I welded up custom exhausts last year for my tractors since none are available, but used mild steel mandrel kits to keep the "R&D" costs down. At some point I might create a 3D model of the exhausts and have a company such as Xometry bend up some stainless steel tubing for me. But like someone said, "it's a prototype unless it works".
Tube Bending Services
Xometry offers precision tube bending services for round metal tube stock to meet your needs.
www.xometry.com
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Kitsap Tractor in Marysville WA.
https://www.kitsaptractor.net/
They're a good sized dealership and usually have a pretty good selection.