Need advise on L series package

[kamil]

This is my first post. I am new to tractors and am planning to buy my first one for my 12 acres hobby farm in North Texas.

I am looking at a package deal for L2502 HST tractor at my local dealer. The package includes:
L2502 HST tractor with R4 Tires
LA 526 SSQA loader
BB 1260 box blade
RCR 1260 cutter

They also have the same implements for a L3302 package and a L3902 package.

I am still debating whether to go with L2502 or L3902 (the price difference is around $4250).

I will be using the tractor for mowing 6-7 acres with some slope several times a year (I keep bees and do not want to mow during the bees' forage time till mid-June); maintaining ~1000ft gravel driveway, doing some grading work and potentially some tree clearing work. I am also dreaming about doing some food plots in the property at some future point in time.

I neep help on the following questions:

1. Are the above mentioned implements good enough (i.e., 1200 series BB and RCR) or should I consider for heavier duty ones (dealer said that they have RCF 2060 that can replace RCR 1260 but I did not ask for the alternative for BB 1260 but could do so... perhaps BB 1560?) I want to know if I go with the standard implements in this package, whether they will be good investments or if I will regret for not going with heavier duty ones.

2. When I look at the specs for RCR 1260, it requires 20HP at the PTO but L2502 has 19HP at the PTO. Is this a concern?

3. I figured out that RCR 1260 is entry level but I am not sure if it is good enough or I should go with RCF 2060. If I should go with RCF 1260, then the same question as above for RCF 1260... it is a heavier duty compared to RCR 1260 and it also requires a min of 20HP at the PTO. Is L2502 with 19HP PTO strong enough for RCF1260?

4. Given that the price difference between L 2502 and L 3902 is not that much (for 84 month 0% finance), I feel that it makes more sense to go with L3902 but I have read in this site that some people recommend L2502 as it does not have any emission stuff and thus a simpler engine. My question is: Does the emission stuff added to L3902 make it more prone to problems IN PRACTICE (I understand that L3902 engine has more sensors/electronics/etc that increases the chances of things going wrong but I want to understand how likely is it to have problems with this tractor... is it worth avoiding L3902 despite the fact that it has higher PTO power that could be handy when needed).

Thank you very much for reading and for sharing your feedback/advise.

 

[WDF]

I have a L2501 and a similar package to what you have, so this is my opinion.

Get the L3902, RCR2060, and R1 (or at least, R14) tires.

No one ever complained about having too much power, and frankly I wish I had bought the L3901 when I was specing my machine out - about the same usage as you describe.

I run a Bad boy bush hog that's between the 1260 and 2060 and my L2501 handles it fine.

 

[Xtra PSI]

This is my first post. I am new to tractors and am planning to buy my first one for my 12 acres hobby farm in North Texas.

I am looking at a package deal for L2502 HST tractor at my local dealer. The package includes:
L2502 HST tractor with R4 Tires
LA 526 SSQA loader
BB 1260 box blade
RCR 1260 cutter

They also have the same implements for a L3302 package and a L3902 package.

I am still debating whether to go with L2502 or L3902 (the price difference is around $4250).

I will be using the tractor for mowing 6-7 acres with some slope several times a year (I keep bees and do not want to mow during the bees' forage time till mid-June); maintaining ~1000ft gravel driveway, doing some grading work and potentially some tree clearing work. I am also dreaming about doing some food plots in the property at some future point in time.

I neep help on the following questions:

1. Are the above mentioned implements good enough (i.e., 1200 series BB and RCR) or should I consider for heavier duty ones (dealer said that they have RCF 2060 that can replace RCR 1260 but I did not ask for the alternative for BB 1260 but could do so... perhaps BB 1560?) I want to know if I go with the standard implements in this package, whether they will be good investments or if I will regret for not going with heavier duty ones.

2. When I look at the specs for RCR 1260, it requires 20HP at the PTO but L2502 has 19HP at the PTO. Is this a concern?

3. I figured out that RCR 1260 is entry level but I am not sure if it is good enough or I should go with RCF 2060. If I should go with RCF 1260, then the same question as above for RCF 1260... it is a heavier duty compared to RCR 1260 and it also requires a min of 20HP at the PTO. Is L2502 with 19HP PTO strong enough for RCF1260?

4. Given that the price difference between L 2502 and L 3902 is not that much (for 84 month 0% finance), I feel that it makes more sense to go with L3902 but I have read in this site that some people recommend L2502 as it does not have any emission stuff and thus a simpler engine. My question is: Does the emission stuff added to L3902 make it more prone to problems IN PRACTICE (I understand that L3902 engine has more sensors/electronics/etc that increases the chances of things going wrong but I want to understand how likely is it to have problems with this tractor... is it worth avoiding L3902 despite the fact that it has higher PTO power that could be handy when needed).

Thank you very much for reading and for sharing your feedback/advise.

I personally have a BX2670 that i bought new in 2016. its smaller than the B series but has the 26hp engine. i love it for mowing and small tasks however it doesnt have the lifting capacity i want. the B series is only marginally more. i'm planning to purchase a Grand L 4760 next week because i want much larger.

my take is if your going to pull implements mowing etc you most likely will be happier with the extra HP of the 3902 especially if you have any hills.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Maybe it's a toss up. To the untrained eye, I don't see a lot of difference in capacities.
I have the 2501 and did a crap ton of clearing and grading with the 1260 and a grapple.
First photo is looking away from the garages. Second is looking towards them.
Went from this

To this

 

[Amarillo]

You will have more lift capaci

 

[Amarillo]

You will have more lift capaci

Capacity with the 3902 but will you need it? Look to the future. I started with a L3301 and upgraded this year to a MX6000 for additional lift capacity, a cab and more HP at the PTO for a air blast sprayer. I keep bees too and it's nice having the cab while mowing around hives just in case they decide they don't appreciate the sound your rotary cutter is putting off. If you decide on a larger tractor, consider a wider cutter. I have the RCR 1272 and like it but wish it was wider. A cab costs money but I no longer eat dust and pollen for hours in the Texas Panhandle while cutting.

 

[GrizBota]

You won’t be sorry with the larger tractor. My rule of thumb is to always buy at least one size larger than I have a need at the time I buy. The needs seem to grow to fit the tool.

The L2502 will turn the rotary cutter fine, you might have to slow down or cut higher with the little L, but that’s not due to a lack of one Hp at the PTO, it’d be due to tuning a 5ft cutter, 19, 20 or 21 Hp, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

if you’re going to be very kind to the rotary cutter, a 12 series will work. Myself, I’d buy the heaviest duty one that I could fit in the budget. That way it won’t bother you when you hit a branch (or dozen) on the ground in amongst the trees.

 

[DaveFromMi]

Speaking from experience with an RCR1260, I should have gone with a heavier duty bush hog. The deck looks like grenades went off under it in a couple of places.

 

[TheOldHokie]

This is my first post. I am new to tractors and am planning to buy my first one for my 12 acres hobby farm in North Texas.

I am looking at a package deal for L2502 HST tractor at my local dealer. The package includes:
L2502 HST tractor with R4 Tires
LA 526 SSQA loader
BB 1260 box blade
RCR 1260 cutter

They also have the same implements for a L3302 package and a L3902 package.

I am still debating whether to go with L2502 or L3902 (the price difference is around $4250).

I will be using the tractor for mowing 6-7 acres with some slope several times a year (I keep bees and do not want to mow during the bees' forage time till mid-June); maintaining ~1000ft gravel driveway, doing some grading work and potentially some tree clearing work. I am also dreaming about doing some food plots in the property at some future point in time.

I neep help on the following questions:

1. Are the above mentioned implements good enough (i.e., 1200 series BB and RCR) or should I consider for heavier duty ones (dealer said that they have RCF 2060 that can replace RCR 1260 but I did not ask for the alternative for BB 1260 but could do so... perhaps BB 1560?) I want to know if I go with the standard implements in this package, whether they will be good investments or if I will regret for not going with heavier duty ones.

2. When I look at the specs for RCR 1260, it requires 20HP at the PTO but L2502 has 19HP at the PTO. Is this a concern?

3. I figured out that RCR 1260 is entry level but I am not sure if it is good enough or I should go with RCF 2060. If I should go with RCF 1260, then the same question as above for RCF 1260... it is a heavier duty compared to RCR 1260 and it also requires a min of 20HP at the PTO. Is L2502 with 19HP PTO strong enough for RCF1260?

4. Given that the price difference between L 2502 and L 3902 is not that much (for 84 month 0% finance), I feel that it makes more sense to go with L3902 but I have read in this site that some people recommend L2502 as it does not have any emission stuff and thus a simpler engine. My question is: Does the emission stuff added to L3902 make it more prone to problems IN PRACTICE (I understand that L3902 engine has more sensors/electronics/etc that increases the chances of things going wrong but I want to understand how likely is it to have problems with this tractor... is it worth avoiding L3902 despite the fact that it has higher PTO power that could be handy when needed).

Thank you very much for reading and for sharing your feedback/advise.

I have an L3901 and use it to mow turf with a 72" Woods finish mower. In mid range it maxes out the PTO going up hills to the point of stalling the tractor. Dont skimp on HP just because of the DPF scare mongering.

Dan

 

[BAP]

If you are just mowing down grass, weeds and very small brush each year, then consider getting a flail mower instead of a rotary mower. Flail mower will leave a nicer cut. Also, it is very easy to fall into the trap of, Well if I just buy one more size bigger tractor for more power and lift capacity because it is only a little bit more money. If you keep doing that, then you are very soon, spending way more money than you can afford.

 

[Elliott in GA]

Value for the money is how I chose my equipment; otherwise, you will simply waste money. I have had my equipment for 2.5+ years, and I am very satisfied with my choices. I will not be upgrading to a larger/more HP tractor; I do not need more than I have.

In terms of mowing fields with slopes, I cut our field (1.7 acres) every month when the grass is growing with my finish mower. I cut another small field (2 acres) with my rotary cutter 3-4 times a year; it takes about 2 hours. Finally, I mow a larger field (5+ acres) 3 times a year; it takes 3 hours. I reclaimed all of these fields from 4+ foot tall weeds and briars with my equipment. If I had a bigger more powerful tractor, I could do these mowing tasks more quickly, but the time savings would not make the extra cost worthwhile for me.

I would suggest using the ~$4K difference between a higher HP tractor and the L2501/2 to upgrade your rotary cutter to an RCR1860 with a slip clutch (medium duty cutter with no delays due to a snapped shear pin) and buy a grapple and 3rd function kit to help with your planned clearing work. I have gotten far more value for money from my grapple than I would have gained from another 8 HP.

If money is no object and your tractor is a hobby, buy a 60 HP machine - an M62?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

This is my first post. I am new to tractors and am planning to buy my first one for my 12 acres hobby farm in North Texas.

I am looking at a package deal for L2502 HST tractor at my local dealer. The package includes:
L2502 HST tractor with R4 Tires
LA 526 SSQA loader
BB 1260 box blade
RCR 1260 cutter

They also have the same implements for a L3302 package and a L3902 package.

I am still debating whether to go with L2502 or L3902 (the price difference is around $4250).

I will be using the tractor for mowing 6-7 acres with some slope several times a year (I keep bees and do not want to mow during the bees' forage time till mid-June); maintaining ~1000ft gravel driveway, doing some grading work and potentially some tree clearing work. I am also dreaming about doing some food plots in the property at some future point in time.

I neep help on the following questions:

1. Are the above mentioned implements good enough (i.e., 1200 series BB and RCR) or should I consider for heavier duty ones (dealer said that they have RCF 2060 that can replace RCR 1260 but I did not ask for the alternative for BB 1260 but could do so... perhaps BB 1560?) I want to know if I go with the standard implements in this package, whether they will be good investments or if I will regret for not going with heavier duty ones.

2. When I look at the specs for RCR 1260, it requires 20HP at the PTO but L2502 has 19HP at the PTO. Is this a concern?

3. I figured out that RCR 1260 is entry level but I am not sure if it is good enough or I should go with RCF 2060. If I should go with RCF 1260, then the same question as above for RCF 1260... it is a heavier duty compared to RCR 1260 and it also requires a min of 20HP at the PTO. Is L2502 with 19HP PTO strong enough for RCF1260?

4. Given that the price difference between L 2502 and L 3902 is not that much (for 84 month 0% finance), I feel that it makes more sense to go with L3902 but I have read in this site that some people recommend L2502 as it does not have any emission stuff and thus a simpler engine. My question is: Does the emission stuff added to L3902 make it more prone to problems IN PRACTICE (I understand that L3902 engine has more sensors/electronics/etc that increases the chances of things going wrong but I want to understand how likely is it to have problems with this tractor... is it worth avoiding L3902 despite the fact that it has higher PTO power that could be handy when needed).

Thank you very much for reading and for sharing your feedback/advise.

Good day. Is the hobby farm new to you? (Congrats). I am not sure you are just starting or been doing for a while. IMO a 12 acre hobby farm can have lots of tasks, some of which may be helpful with a larger machine. If not sure which model, I’d encourage you consider what else you hope to do with the place over the next 5-10 yrs. Any plans for construction? Landscaping? Or what type of material handling will you potentially be doing? Pallets of bricks/blocks/feed or totes for handling liquids (water for animals or purchased totes of syrup for your bees? Round bales? To me those are items that will very quickly determine how much lift capability is needed. So i’d sort of think about that. Generally for those types of tasks I think weight of the machine is helpful, more so than HP.

If you have uneven terrain I’d also be thinking about width of machine for stability. If you handling / hauling much weight I’d want wider stance of the machine for stability and safety margin.

Good luck.

 

[Rdrcr]

Either tractor L2502 or L3902 will do the work you’re planning on doing. If the extra $4K is in the budget and you don’t mind the emissions complexity, I’d go with the L3902.

My L2501 has been just about perfect on my “hilly” property but, for the few times I’ve needed a bit more power for the hills and a couple PTO implements, I added a Turbo Kit. My L2501 is now producing 44HP/35 PTO. There’s nothing wrong with a little more power. I have zero complaints.

Mike

 

[fried1765]

Value for the money is how I chose my equipment; otherwise, you will simply waste money. I have had my equipment for 2.5+ years, and I am very satisfied with my choices. I will not be upgrading to a larger/more HP tractor; I do not need more than I have.

In terms of mowing fields with slopes, I cut our field (1.7 acres) every month when the grass is growing with my finish mower. I cut another small field (2 acres) with my rotary cutter 3-4 times a year; it takes about 2 hours. Finally, I mow a larger field (5+ acres) 3 times a year; it takes 3 hours. I reclaimed all of these fields from 4+ foot tall weeds and briars with my equipment. If I had a bigger more powerful tractor, I could do these mowing tasks more quickly, but the time savings would not make the extra cost worthwhile for me.

I would suggest using the ~$4K difference between a higher HP tractor and the L2501/2 to upgrade your rotary cutter to an RCR1860 with a slip clutch (medium duty cutter with no delays due to a snapped shear pin) and buy a grapple and 3rd function kit to help with your planned clearing work. I have gotten far more value for money from my grapple than I would have gained from another 8 HP.

If money is no object and your tractor is a hobby, buy a 60 HP machine - an M62?

BINGO ...on the M62 !

 

[ken erickson]

I am an outlier with my L2501 HST and RCR 1272 (6 foot light duty cutter).
I work the L2501 on 56 somewhat hilly acres of oak savanna habitat in central Wisconsin. Lots of grapple and bucket work but also a lot of maintenance mowing of native grasses and forbes along with miles of two track trail maintenance . Occasionally cutting up to 2 inch black locust , pine and oak.

HP is seldom an issue. Slowing down to avoid a rough ride is a bigger issue! The L2501 stock seat is less than ideal. I think the L 02 series seat is improved?

I wanted to avoid over complicating the tractor with added emissions, wiring and electronics. I wanted to reduce as much as possible a break down away from my tractor shed as possible.

Everyones needs and wants for a tractor is going to vary, what seems like a perfect fit for me with my L2501 and 6 foot cutter might be the wrong choice for you but glad your learning the pros and cons and asking questions! Good luck on your future tractor and land!

 

[Trapper Bob]

I rented a 32hp green tractor & 5’ bush hog to mow a portion of my property (before I bought the L4701). It did the job, but I had to slow down to get the quality of cut I wanted. I also mowed some saplings up to 1” with the same tractor. It did it, but again, slow. This told me I want/need more HP. I was looking for a L3901 before finding a deal on my current tractor. Everyone is different. A couple hundred dollars on a rental might tell you exactly what you need, for your purposes.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Welcome sir!

Lots of good advice/opinions above.

I have a set up similar to what you are describing.

I love my 2501 and the emissions thing for me was a big factor; However the other factor for me was the lift capacity was the same for the 3901 as it was for the 2501 at the time, so I reasoned that since I like to "work on my own stuff", I would rather have a "simpler machine" if I was going to get the same lift capacity.

I may have been swayed to the 3901 if there had been a significant increase in lift capacity.....but whatever.

I also went with the 2560 box blade due to the "silly clip" design for the scarifiers of the other 12 series BB, whereas the 25 series uses simple pins instead of "special clips".

I went with the 1860 RCR with front and rear chains, (slip clutch too) and that thing is beastly (at least to me). I don't actually use it very often yet, but it is clearly a "quality tool" for sure.

Since your financing it, one cheaper thing that will add about 10 bucks to your payment, and you wont regret, is a set of forks. (trust me)

Either way your gonna love it!!!

Good luck.

Oh yea, since I am the resident backhoe nut job......

 

[PortTackFarm]

As they say "buy once cry once". If you're considering the L3901 maybe go a bit further and look at L3560 LE with the 805 loader. It'll get you more lift capacity if that's a priority. It could also get you into a cab, of course for a lot more money, but a cab might be a nice feature. No matter which way you decide to go with the tractor, I'd definitely recommend the heavier duty implements. I bought my tractor a couple years ago and made the jump from 3901 to 3560 because of lift capacity. The dealer talked me into the heavier implements mostly because they were what he had available at the time and I'm even more happy he did that. I don't think I've abused my tractor or implements, but I know I've been in a couple situations with both my box blade and cutter that the lighter weight ones wouldn't have worked well or would have been torn up. It was easy for me to make the upgrade choices because with the 84 month, 0% financing available then (not sure what's available now), the upgrades were really a nominal increase in the monthly payment. Good luck with your shopping and decision making.

 

[pokey1416]

Ditto on the Grand L series. It might be a big upgrade but it’s worth it IMO.

 

[OntheRidge]

Or just go right to the L47 TLB!