Upgrading from the beginning

ahr6912

Member

Equipment
l2501HST w/ bh77
Aug 5, 2021
46
14
8
Simpsonville, SC
www.jewelsbyus.com
Hopefully, you guys can help me with some good advice regarding upgrading.
Presently, I'm on a four-acre residential wooded lot, using my Kubota L2501 which includes the BH-77 backhoe.
I'm looking to upgrade to the Kubota L3902hst
BUILD:
L3902HST - 4WD tractor w/HST & foldable ROPS
Front loader w/grill guard/qc LA526
Preference 8500 series 43 tires:
FT TITN 29X9.50-15 R14T STL 6BLT
RT TITN 43X16.00-20NHS R14T STL 6BLT ALR8596,ALR8597
Second tire choice:
FRONT 27X8.50-15 R14T GOODYEAR SST
REAR 15-19.5 R14T GOODYEAR SST
ALR8696, ALR8697
1st choice: 10 Series Combination Bucket, 72" Width CB1072-12-82
2nd choice: 66" Quick attach Square bucket, LA2256
Update: sold my first tractor recently which was the l2501hst with the bh77 backhoe it had 181 hours on it for 26k.
 
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SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
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Hopefully you guys can help me on some good advice regarding upgrading.
Presently, I'm on a four acre residential wooded lot, using my Kubota L2501 which includes the BH-77 backhoe.
I'm looking to upgrade to the Kubota L4701DT. I'm looking to sell my starter tractor with the backhoe which has only 190 hours on it.
Maintenance is up to date.
Here is a quick video, pardon the dirt on the tractor. the BH77 is cleaned.
what should I buy the new one for and what's the fair price for the old combo?
Tractorhouse.com is a good place to start researching for prices of used equipment but be advised that prices therein are asking prices and not considered representative of selling prices.

Insufficient information for much guidance regarding new 4701 replacement.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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Equipment
L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,761
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Michigan
What initially jumps out to me, is that your gonna go from a HST to a DT?

Is there a reason you don't like the HST?

Also, are you getting a BH with the new one?

Lastly, why do you need the 4701?
 

ahr6912

Member

Equipment
l2501HST w/ bh77
Aug 5, 2021
46
14
8
Simpsonville, SC
www.jewelsbyus.com
What initially jumps out to me, is that your gonna go from a HST to a DT?

Is there a reason you don't like the HST?

Also, are you getting a BH with the new one?

Lastly, why do you need the 4701?
Unfortunately I don't know exactly what I want because the Kubota website is a mess they're still showing series 01 when they discontinued it as far as new builds go. And my local dealer doesn't sell it. So I'm stuck with L2 series and at this point instead of going with the 47 which is now the 48 I'm going to stick with the 39. Thanks for helping me out.
 

fried1765

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,965
5,130
113
Eastham, Ma
Unfortunately I don't know exactly what I want because the Kubota website is a mess they're still showing series 01 when they discontinued it as far as new builds go. And my local dealer doesn't sell it. So I'm stuck with L2 series and at this point instead of going with the 47 which is now the 48 I'm going to stick with the 39. Thanks for helping me out.
There is a new L48?
I have an L48 TLB, and it is a 2006 model!
I thought the L48 model # had long been gone for new builds.
 

ahr6912

Member

Equipment
l2501HST w/ bh77
Aug 5, 2021
46
14
8
Simpsonville, SC
www.jewelsbyus.com
Since the Kubota website is not working right, maybe I can get a few questions answered by those of you with experience.
1. The tires I have on my L2501HST are the rear-15-19.5 r4 trac ldr 3.6" offset and the front 27x8.50-15 r4 in steel bias.
The L3902HST has the 27x8.50-15 r4 stl 6 blt and the rear 15-19.5. I point this out, because my garage clearance with the 2501 is 3" after passing through the garage door opening is 3" headroom. I want to make sure that the 3902 will pass under that height.
2. The L3902's bucket option: LA526 and LA526FL what is the difference between the two?
3. The L3902 upgrade bucket 66", either the L2248 or the L2256. I though the L2256 had a bigger carry load.
4. And lastly, the biggest add on for me is the Bucket level indicator for this front loader. Yes or No.
 

Rdrcr

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Lifetime Member
Vendor Member

Equipment
L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
717
824
93
WA
Thank for that reading it through now. Just added some new questions to the thread.
I may have missed it but, why are you looking to upgrade from the L2501 to the L3902?

Was there any tasks/jobs or anything that the L2501 couldn’t do for you on your property? Do you need more power? Or are you simply looking for a newer, nicer and fancier tractor? I can’t blame you if that’s the case.

If you need more power and prefer not to invest in a new tractor you’re more than welcome to shoot me a PM with any questions regarding the S2T Kubota L2501 Turbo Kit.

IMG_2020.jpeg


IMG_7991.jpeg

My Turbocharged L2501 is producing 44.1 HP and 35 PTO.

Mike
 

McMXi

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
***Current*** M6060HDC, MX6000HSTC & GL7000 ***Sold*** MX6000HST & BX25DLB
Feb 9, 2021
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Montana
I may have missed it but, why are you looking to upgrade from the L2501 to the L3902?
If there was no such thing as a turbo charged L2501 I would think that the jump from an L2501 to an L3902 would be worth it. But since your kit exists, and assuming that the OP's tractor is out of warranty, it'd be a no-brainer to buy and install your kit rather than pay a bunch more money for an L3902 offering very little in the way of performance improvement over an L2501 with a turbo.

If someone was planning to add a turbo to an L3902 at some point that would be a different discussion.

Mike, out of interest, what do you think makes sense in terms of "upgrading" from an L2501 to a more expensive model rather than installing your kit? So L2501 to what model is what I'm asking.

l2501 vs l3902.jpg
 
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Orange man

Active member

Equipment
Kubota L2502 LA526 loader , woods prd6000 mower, Land pride RB 1672
Jul 23, 2014
232
139
43
WNY
Since the Kubota website is not working right, maybe I can get a few questions answered by those of you with experience.
1. The tires I have on my L2501HST are the rear-15-19.5 r4 trac ldr 3.6" offset and the front 27x8.50-15 r4 in steel bias.
The L3902HST has the 27x8.50-15 r4 stl 6 blt and the rear 15-19.5. I point this out, because my garage clearance with the 2501 is 3" after passing through the garage door opening is 3" headroom. I want to make sure that the 3902 will pass under that height.
2. The L3902's bucket option: LA526 and LA526FL what is the difference between the two?
3. The L3902 upgrade bucket 66", either the L2248 or the L2256. I though the L2256 had a bigger carry load.
4. And lastly, the biggest add on for me is the Bucket level indicator for this front loader. Yes or No.
The tire sizes are the same for the L01 and L02 series, The loader versions are pin on bucket or quick coupler, the L2248 bucket is drilled for a bolt on cutting edge and yes you can add a bucket level rod
 
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jyoutz

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MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Jan 14, 2019
3,317
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Edgewood, New Mexico
Looking at that table, I’m wondering why there is a difference in loader lift and 3ph capacity? Aren’t the 2501 and 3901 identical machines with the same loader, just different engine hp?
 

Rdrcr

Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Vendor Member

Equipment
L2501 w/ S2T Turbo Kit = 35 PTO HP (Current), B2601 (Sold)
May 7, 2021
717
824
93
WA
Mike, out of interest, what do you think makes sense in terms of "upgrading" from an L2501 to a more expensive model rather than installing your kit? So L2501 to what model is what I'm asking.
I think a worthwhile upgrade would be to go to an MX tractor. Tractor weight is still king. However, a case could be made for the Grand L series if someone was looking for additional features and comfort. The Grand L is a mighty fine tractor. A case could also be made for the L4802 but, I’d still suggest the MX or Grand L.

Mike
 

PaulL

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Equipment
B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,505
1,437
113
NZ
I'd have to suspect the changes in 3ph and loader are changes in the way they measure, not changes in the machine itself. Kubota always used to rate conservatively, perhaps they've decided that's not in their best interests any more. Unless someone is aware of changes to the loader or 3ph, I'd assume this isn't a real change.

I'm also in the camp that says either put a turbo on your L2501 (if you're happy with an L sized machine but want a bit more power), or go to a bigger machine if you want more capacity. The Grand-L are great machines, an MX also adds a lot of capability.
 
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PoTreeBoy

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L35 Ford 3930
Mar 24, 2020
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WestTn/NoMs
Looking at that table, I’m wondering why there is a difference in loader lift and 3ph capacity? Aren’t the 2501 and 3901 identical machines with the same loader, just different engine hp?
The difference is very small. For some reason, Kubota's hydraulic system pressure spec is slightly higher for the 3901. Considering the tolerance they allow, one 2501 might slightly out lift a specific 3901.

I can't explain the different specs. Maybe they base it on safety factor limiting loader lift to tractor weight ratio, or ?
 
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SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
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SE, IN
Since the Kubota website is not working right, maybe I can get a few questions answered by those of you with experience.
1. The tires I have on my L2501HST are the rear-15-19.5 r4 trac ldr 3.6" offset and the front 27x8.50-15 r4 in steel bias.
The L3902HST has the 27x8.50-15 r4 stl 6 blt and the rear 15-19.5. I point this out, because my garage clearance with the 2501 is 3" after passing through the garage door opening is 3" headroom. I want to make sure that the 3902 will pass under that height.
2. The L3902's bucket option: LA526 and LA526FL what is the difference between the two?
3. The L3902 upgrade bucket 66", either the L2248 or the L2256. I though the L2256 had a bigger carry load.
4. And lastly, the biggest add on for me is the Bucket level indicator for this front loader. Yes or No.
If you want to be CERTAIN regarding garage door clearance, you will need to measure.

FWIW, I would certainly not add a turbo to any engine or tractor not designed for such, regardless of the quality or completeness of the package.
 
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