L2502 to L3902

[Rdrcr]

I disagree, obviously.

It's 10 more HP than he has now. That's significant. As noted, he's basically at my elevation, and all but tractor pull tractors are underpowered for their weight.

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion. But, the L3560 weighs at least 600lbs more than the L2502. In that case, the OP would be better off with an L3902 which basically weighs the same as his current tractor. The main issue with both the L3902 and L3560 is that they’re both powered by N/A diesels. If he’s looking for more performance at elevation, he’s much better off buying a turbocharged alternative.

Mike

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

OP, have you asked dealer if they would bring you a demo unit (or two or whatever models considering) so that you can compare where unsatisfied with power delivery for your uses? (Or ask if they let you bring back and no charge and try another if unhappy with it…tell them your situation they may understand and accommodate…mine did at least. They should want you to be confident and happy in your purchase)

The way I read your mail it’s power, not weight, correct? I have a hilly property and IMO it’s hard to simulate driving up a hill vs a flat parking lot at a dealership. I’d want to try it if upgrading. YMMV.

I am not aware of a substitute for CCs. Could be time to pay the piper. But I’d sure want to check to make sure which will meet your expectation.

Send us some pics

Good luck.

 

[Tonka]

Oh boy .... this is going to be an interesting thread! Have you read through the thread by @Rdrcr regarding adding a turbo to an L2501?

Actually just started looking at the turbo kit. Don't have one for 2502 yet. Interesting idea.

 

[Tonka]

^^^^
This.

Nothing wrong with upgrading to an L3902 from a L2502. However, with both tractors being N/A, you will most likely be disappointed in performance.

I’m not sure the tasks you perform with your tractor and the tractor weight you require but, I would be looking at either a larger frame tractor like the premium Grand-L or MX series…..or….going smaller like the premium LX series which does have a turbo model(s).

We will be introducing a Turbo Kit for the L2502 in the future but, it will void your warranty. No way around that.

Mike

Actually just started looking at your turbo kit. The tractor is still under warranty so as I get closer to the end of warranty there might be a kit for the 2502? Any idea of time frame - this year or years away?

 

[Rdrcr]

Actually just started looking at your turbo kit. The tractor is still under warranty so as I get closer to the end of warranty there might be a kit for the 2502? Any idea of time frame - this year or years away?

We have lots of folks waiting for their warranties to expire before they purchase a Turbo Kit. We’re certainly okay with that. We’re probably 12-18 months away from releasing the L2502 Turbo Kit.

Mike

 

[PaulL]

L5060 has a turbo. And would be a great machine.

I get not wanting to void warranties, but.....once the machine is 2-3 years old, most of what could go wrong has gone wrong. And I'm pretty sure it only voids the bits of warranty that relate to things the turbo could plausibly impact. If putting more power into your machine breaks something, then waiting till after the warranty expires doesn't mean it won't break it.

If it were me, I'd do the turbo on the L2502 just because. I think it's lower cost, and if you're happy with the machine but just want more power, then that's exactly what it does. And a turbo is a good solution at altitude.

Now, Rdcr says he doesn't have the kit yet. But he has a kit for an L2501 and they're not that different. And last I heard, what he actually needed was someone with an L2502 that wanted to work with him on developing the kit. So.....if you're keen to get it, no doubt there's discussions to be had. Or just wait 18 months.

 

[jyoutz]

L5060 has a turbo. And would be a great machine.

I get not wanting to void warranties, but.....once the machine is 2-3 years old, most of what could go wrong has gone wrong. And I'm pretty sure it only voids the bits of warranty that relate to things the turbo could plausibly impact. If putting more power into your machine breaks something, then waiting till after the warranty expires doesn't mean it won't break it.

If it were me, I'd do the turbo on the L2502 just because. I think it's lower cost, and if you're happy with the machine but just want more power, then that's exactly what it does. And a turbo is a good solution at altitude.

Now, Rdcr says he doesn't have the kit yet. But he has a kit for an L2501 and they're not that different. And last I heard, what he actually needed was someone with an L2502 that wanted to work with him on developing the kit. So.....if you're keen to get it, no doubt there's discussions to be had. Or just wait 18 months.

A turbo just adds a bit more hp, but the machine is still the same weight and frame size. If the basic machine weight and lift capacity fits the OP’s needs, then it might be a consideration. But I would take heavier, longer wheelbase and more lift capacity over more hp any day.

 

[jimh406]

But, the L3560 weighs at least 600lbs more than the L2502. In that case, the OP would be better off with an L3902 which basically weighs the same as his current tractor.

Weight is just one variable. HP isn't equal to HP. If it was all that mattered, there wouldn't be multiple 25-26 HP tractors in the Kubota line. Torque and the HST transmission makes a difference as well.

What the L3560LE has is the option for a much more powerful loader that the L3902 can't match.

At the end of the day, OP has to decide what to tradeoff, and we are just throwing out options to consider.

 

[OntheRidge]

Just buy an L47 TLB

 

[Rdrcr]

A turbo just adds a bit more hp, but the machine is still the same weight and frame size. If the basic machine weight and lift capacity fits the OP’s needs, then it might be a consideration. But I would take heavier, longer wheelbase and more lift capacity over more hp any day.

Just a bit more power…

Stock - Kubota L2501 HST:
Engine Horsepower - 24.8 HP
Engine Torque - 70.2 LB-FT
PTO Horsepower - 19 HP

S2T Turbocharged - Kubota L2501 HST (as tested on the AW AG.2X PTO Dynamometer):
Engine Horsepower - 44.1 HP
Engine Torque - 109.8 LB-FT
PTO Horsepower - 35 HP

But, yes, I agree, tractor weight is the most important factor.

Mike

 

[Tonka]

I'm about the same elevation with my L2501HST. I'm not trying to go fast very much. Of course, there are times a bit more power would be helpful. Still, I've been able to do everything I wanted.

If I was going bigger, the L3902 wouldn't be on the list. The L3902 brings with it other emission requirements and Regens. Once you go emissions, it opens a lot of more capable possibilities.

In open station models, I'd go L3560LE or L4060LE and move up to the more powerful loader which can lift a lot more than the LA525 or LA526. In cabs, I'd consider the MX5400 or MX6000. Center of gravity change for a cab is less impactful on a larger tractor like the MX.

Also, consider the tire choices and wheels. Some have the ability to add weights and offset and some don't.

Have fun.

Just came across a 24 very low hour (less than 50hr) L4060 rops that I'm now considering too.

 

[Tonka]

How the tractor is used: we currently have 40 acres in the southwest (field grass, weeds, and mesquites) that we are in the beginning stages of building on. I cut in a 1400 foot driveway with the 2502 and have backfilled 1450 feet by 52" deep trench with 24" of AB for primary electric service. Still have to backfill the trench over the ab with the spoils from digging the trench and move the left over material somewhere else. There's some areas that I'd like to build up so the remaining material will go to fill those areas. Then general leveling and grading for the house and yard. There's probably about 10 acres of the property, field, that will be rotary cut maybe twice a year. The 2502 has been doing a good job but there's more than a few times I wish it had just a little more grunt to it( brush hogging). Also, since we are not living on the property yet, I trailer the tractor to the property and back. Occasionally I'll leave the tractor there for a few days or a week but for the most part it's back and forth. So I don't want a 8000 lb plus tractor. And I'm not doing AG work with it. Once the house is built it will just be used for driveway and property maintenance.
I'm considering just making due with the 2502 (or maybe add a turbo to it when those are available), go to a 3902, or a 4701, 4802 or 4060. The plus for the 2502 size machine is it's size and maneuverability. The 4701 size machine should offer decent maneuverability with a nice increase in lift and power. The 4060 might be getting a little bulky but I actually don't know because I've never actually seen one.
Back in the early 2000's I had a New Holland TC33 loader backhoe on 4 acres that I built a home on. It was the perfect combination of size and power for that. After the house was done, I used to pickup side jobs with it - brush hogging, clearing, grading, ect.

 

[jyoutz]

How the tractor is used: we currently have 40 acres in the southwest (field grass, weeds, and mesquites) that we are in the beginning stages of building on. I cut in a 1400 foot driveway with the 2502 and have backfilled 1450 feet by 52" deep trench with 24" of AB for primary electric service. Still have to backfill the trench over the ab with the spoils from digging the trench and move the left over material somewhere else. There's some areas that I'd like to build up so the remaining material will go to fill those areas. Then general leveling and grading for the house and yard. There's probably about 10 acres of the property, field, that will be rotary cut maybe twice a year. The 2502 has been doing a good job but there's more than a few times I wish it had just a little more grunt to it( brush hogging). Also, since we are not living on the property yet, I trailer the tractor to the property and back. Occasionally I'll leave the tractor there for a few days or a week but for the most part it's back and forth. So I don't want a 8000 lb plus tractor. And I'm not doing AG work with it. Once the house is built it will just be used for driveway and property maintenance.
I'm considering just making due with the 2502 (or maybe add a turbo to it when those are available), go to a 3902, or a 4701, 4802 or 4060. The plus for the 2502 size machine is it's size and maneuverability. The 4701 size machine should offer decent maneuverability with a nice increase in lift and power. The 4060 might be getting a little bulky but I actually don't know because I've never actually seen one.
Back in the early 2000's I had a New Holland TC33 loader backhoe on 4 acres that I built a home on. It was the perfect combination of size and power for that. After the house was done, I used to pickup side jobs with it - brush hogging, clearing, grading, ect.

I think that if you go drive some, you’ll find the L4702, L4060 , and MX sized machines to be more maneuverable and nimble than you’re thinking. And if the 4702 works for you, the MX is only inches larger. All of these with loader and filled tires will weigh in around 6k pounds. The MX has the advantage of better stability and more loader capacity. Also the ability to use both category 1 and 2 implements.

Edit: I moved from a small 20hp JD tractor to my MX. I was originally a bit concerned that there would be a size issue with getting around tight areas of my place. My rotary cutter was upsized from a 4’ to 6’. The first time that I spent some time on the MX my size concerns evaporated. There was very little that I can’t do and access with the MX that I could with the little JD, especially since the Mx has functional left side steering brakes. Of course I won’t drive it over the septic tank or the manicured lawn, but I didn’t do these things with the little JD either. The best thing about the Mx is stability, especially when using the loader.

 

[Shawn T. W]

How about rent a L3902 or bigger tractor for a weekend ... See if it will do what you want?

I completely understand about having too big of a tractor, that then needs a bigger trailer, and more truck to pull it ...

 

[Tonka]

Update - bought an L4802hst with a BB3584 box blade

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Update - bought an L4802hst with a BB3584 box blade

Congrats! That should get the job done!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Update - bought an L4802hst with a BB3584 box blade View attachment 149812 View attachment 149812

Congrats!