I'm about three months and 24hrs in with the new L2501. The longer I have it the more I discover things I wish my dealer would've told me when I bought it. Highest on my list is the 50hr break in period, especially the part about not operating full throttle. They never mentioned 50hr maintenance, lubrication or pretty much anything else. Thank goodness for OTT. Most of my use has been moving things around the barn area with the exception of some brush hogging, so not a lot at full throttle. That break in is going to bug me for as long as I own the tractor though. Any words of wisdom or things you wish you had been told from the start? Thanks.
Things you wish they had told you
- Thread starter ki4dog
- Start date
Magicman
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Equipment
M4900 Utility Special 4WD e/w FEL & 1530 John Deere "Traveling Man"
Full throttle (WOT) and operating throttle are two different things. I doubt that you have done any damage by normally operating/using your tractor.
RTFM would be the most important. My dealer was very specific about that.
Look up the ford racing break in procedure. And then don't worry about it.
Look up the ford racing break in procedure. And then don't worry about it.
I agree about the manual. I had actually downloaded it and the WSM before I received the tractor. My sped riddin approach was probably not the best idea though. I'm a former aircraft mechanic and my current job is highly technical. I live and breathe by manuals, so you'd think I would know better.
The L2501 is "derated" as I understand it with something like a 32 hp engine or so. So, there is throttle to spare that is restricted to meet the Tier IV emissions standard of 25 hp or less. I was aware of the 50 hour break in period. I quickly disregarded trying to run low (weak) RPMs. I don't go wide open all the time, but I throttle to max at times when needed. I suspect you do something similar. Just normal running the way I see it. The way i understand it, lugging a diesel is bad for it.
I seriously doubt it makes much difference. I see these tractors as rentals everywhere. I doubt they are being "broke in". They're tough.
Your best bet for longevity is doing the maintenance on time.
I seriously doubt it makes much difference. I see these tractors as rentals everywhere. I doubt they are being "broke in". They're tough.
Your best bet for longevity is doing the maintenance on time.
If you want to worry about something, check your front axle fluid. Mine had only about 1 1/2 quarts at most.
Now, THAT is something I wish my dealer told me about.
Now, THAT is something I wish my dealer told me about.
"The L2501 is "derated" as I understand it with something like a 32 hp engine or so. So, there is throttle to spare"
That's interesting.
That's interesting.
^^^^ THIS... Everyone should check this, no matter how well you trust your dealer!!!!
RCW
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BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
You bet.....Seen it many, many times here. Mine was low also.
Years ago I was an inspector for a heavy machine manufacturer who check the machine for proper operation when it came off the assembly line. This was from 75 to 83. We used Detroit diesels, 453 think they were, 3208 Cat, 504 and 378 Cummins and hope have those numbers all correct. Also some Deutzs. Those machines had much more hydraulics than any tractor. We drove it a short way to check the steering and brakes. Then would park and pull the hand throttle wide open and operate every feature on the machine. Then the machine would have the minor issues fixed and then go to our test tractor to again have the engine throttle locked near if not full throttle for again about half an hour for the load testing. I often chuckled knowing those machines were shipped with break in instructions on the engine.
On my new L6060 bought this year was careful not to hold rpms at max for long during the break in period.
On my new L6060 bought this year was careful not to hold rpms at max for long during the break in period.
This is an oft stated theory. We briefly had an L2501 and it was clearly a sub 25hp unit, quite underpowered for its size. Replaced it with an L3901 which is much more usable
Getting off topic, but I should have made it clear earlier that what I stated about the L2501 engine was based on reading other posts here and there. The conjecture that it is a "turned down" 30ish hp engine is because the L2501 has a 1.6 L engine. A L3200 has a 1.5 L engine. So, the displacement is roughly the same. This has led to many drawing the conclusion that the 25 hp engine is a bit more capable because of the bigger displacement. But, the L2501 is set up to be a 25 hp tractor.
That being said, I have been happy with it for what I do, which has been loader and backhoe work primarily.
Bmyers
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Equipment
Grand L3560 with LA805 loader, EA 55" Wicked Grapple, SBX72 BB, LP 1272 mower
I wish someone would of told me to get the 3rd function installed when I bought the tractor.
I was adamant about a 3rd function, but I wish I had not let the dealer talk me out of any rear remotes.
Well... I checked and it was low. Thanks!If you want to worry about something, check your front axle fluid. Mine had only about 1 1/2 quarts at most.
Now, THAT is something I wish my dealer told me about.
Wish my dealer had told me how loud the whine is in the HST 3301. All I did was drive it around the lot checking out operation and vibration. It is smooth but the whine while operating under load is quite loud, need ear protection for sure. Never really need full throttle for anything, pto speeds get everything done that I need.
Going out to check my front axle now.....LOL
Going out to check my front axle now.....LOL
the massive difference between the L3200 engine and the L2501 engine is indirect injection vs direct injection. there is a JDM L series kubota that uses the same exact engine as the L2501 that makes 37hp at 2600 rpms. thats why i didnt hesitate to turn mine up and add a turbo.
I saw your thread a while back about the turbo you added. Very nice. You have some skills. I found it intriguing and I would think more people will be modifying their L2501s over time. I bet a turbo kit would sell like hotcakes.
