L2501 would not start today!

[Creature Meadow]

I can tell you that it (seat switch) isn't part of the cranking safety circuit on the L3901DT I have. As long as the forward/reverse lever is in the neutral position and the PTO level is down, you can start it standing next to the tractor.

My L4600DT is the same, I often crank in while standing beside it to allow it to warm up while I'm doing other things.