Should I buy an L3800 or L2501?

[redfalcon302]

Good evening!

I have a little over 5 acres in TN, and about 3 acres is mature forrest. I'll be clearing some land for a house and garage as well as cutting in a new driveway which I will be grading once the house is built. I will be bush hogging about 2 acres, and I have a commercial walk-behind mower so I won't be finish mowing with the tractor. Given the nature of the work I will be doing I think a hydrostatic L Series with R1 Ag tires will suit me well. I grew up using a B2710 hydro and John Deere 1530 (about 6000 lb, 45hp) gear drive so I'm not a stranger to the tractor world and both gear and hydro transmissions.

My question is this: would a lightly used L3800 or new L2501 be better?

I have found an L3800 with 51 hours for sale locally with a Land Pride 60" bush hog and L524 SSQA loader. It is a hydro with R1 Ag tires and looks practically new. It was owned by a retired gentlemen, and I'm going to try to look at it tomorrow.
I like the higher horsepower of the L3800 (and the lack of emission equipment), but it won't have the warranty of a new tractor. I think the L2501 will do everything I need, but I don't want to wish I bought a few more ponies once I start using it heavily.
A new L3901 isn't out of the question, but it's substantially more $$$ than the two options I have presented, and I'm not a huge fan of the DPF. Emission equipment is not a deal breaker, but the L3800 and a new L2501 are pretty close in price.

What would you do?

 

[Nicfin36]

If I could have found a nice L3800 around here at a decent price, I would have bought it. If they do go up for sale, they are snapped up in a hurry.

However, I am happy with the L2501. Just the thought of a 25 hp tractor does make many take pause, as it did me. But, reading peoples' experiences here, made me decide to go with the 2501. Like you, I did not want a DPF. I have been happy with mine. No regrets.

I don't think either choice is bad. Personally, if I could get the L3800 at a good price, I would. 51 hours is insanely low hours. I would be curious about that.

 

[JimmyJazz]

On a price per horse (horsepower) basis the larger used tractors can offer considerable value. One of the reasons the smaller tractors sell for more is the ease of transport. That should not be of concern in your scenario. I am a sucker for value, more for less. In economics its known as the "economic man" model or some such thing. The "better deal" wins most of the time over a long time period. When in doubt that's my default. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[PaulL]

I'd get the L3800 if it was similar price or cheaper than the L2501. That's a lot of extra HP. I believe the machine is otherwise basically the same size.

Of course, none of the uses you list particularly reward HP - they're all traction limited I think, and same size tractor means same traction. I'd get it anyway though. You could maybe drive a bigger bush hog, and drive a bush hog in thick grass whilst going uphill, which I hear can bog the L2501 down.

 

[bearbait]

I used to own an L3800 and it was a great tractor so if it were up to me that would be my choice. Good luck in whatever you decide on and don't forget, we like pictures.

 

[Henro]

I used to own an L3800 and it was a great tractor so if it were up to me that would be my choice. Good luck in whatever you decide on and don't forget, we like pictures.

I have a B2910 on 8 acres and if I were in your shoes, since the L3800 is pre emission BS, that would be my choice. ESPECIALLY since it is a one owner, low hour machine.

By the way, a warranty on a new tractor that you may never use has little value in the end. Never used the warranty on either of my Kubotas.

 

[ctfjr]

I picked up an L3800HST a few months ago. My previous tractor was an L3400HST. This one had 264 hours on it. I thought it was a good deal and didn't hesitate (plus the seller's friend delivered it to my house). I've been really happy with it.

 

[bearbait]

She's a beauty congrats!!

 

[Nicfin36]

ctfjr,

Clean tractor. Looks great.

 

[redfalcon302]

Well I looked at the tractor tonight and it actually has 51 hrs on it. I drove it around a bit, and we agreed on $20,500 with the SSQA loader and RCF2060 Land Pride rotary cutter. The gentleman is retired and moving to a smaller property so he doesn’t need it anymore.
I feel like I got a fair deal because of the increased hp over a new 2501, super low hours, and premium Bush hog (also no TN sales tax!). It’s always been garage kept and looks brand new.
Picking it up tomorrow and I’ll start a new thread with lots of pics. Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[PaulL]

Still has paint on the bucket. Are you sure he drove it at all? That looks like an amazing deal. They're usually due their first service at 50 hours. You should check if that ever got done - I think they run a lighter duty oil until that first service.

 

[redfalcon302]

PaulL - he had it serviced at 33.7 hrs I think in 2017. It has a white Kubota filter with the service date on it. Truly a “barn find”

 

[Nicfin36]

Congrats on the tractor. It looks to be in great shape.

 

[bearbait]

Congrats on a great deal, very nice tractor!!

 

[old and tired]

View attachment 51450

Congrats on the purchase... I hate that Kubota does this, the correct mark for 540 PTO speed is 2580 for HST tractors but since the early L's; Kubota only shows the mark for Gear tractors (2425).

Check how much gear oil is in the front axle... usually come from dealers low.