Want to buy L2502 but cold start has me re-thinking

notlawd

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Equipment
BX25D
Feb 19, 2024
2
0
1
WA
I went to try out a new L2502 at my local dealer ready to buy. This was a brand new machine just delivered. It was about 40F degrees outside. Used glow plugs for about 7 or 8 seconds. The tractor ran really rough and blew out an excessive amount of blue and white smoke for well over 3 minutes. I have a 2012 BX25D and it will blow out a little smoke (mostly black) for a couple seconds on cold start. The dealer said they are aware of the issue and Kubota should have a fix soon. However, this fix has been discussed since December online with no update on a schedule. In Canada, I read they were able to adjust (shim) the injectors to fix it. However, this increased HP so I suspect they can't do it in US with EPA regs. They made changes to the engine and injection system from the L2501 and I understand the L2501 did not have this problem. I like the L2502 upgrades but will not buy one until they fix this issue. It smokes worse then my 1960s MF 135 with scored cylinder walls. Does anyone here have information on the L2502 smoke fix or have experience with this model? I teally like everything else about this tractor but I am now considering other models or manufactures. Here is a video others posted showing the smoke:

 

85Hokie

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I would run away from that tractor with track shoes on!
 
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PaulL

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B2601
Jul 17, 2017
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Hmm. Wonder if you can "fix" it yourself with the shims? Sure, you might accidentally end up with a 30 hp tractor. But that's not the end of the world.

Amazing that they've detuned it so much that it now runs badly!!
 

Daferris

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LX2610
Nov 23, 2021
483
404
63
Mid-Michigan
WOW I have an LX2610 so still mechanical injection but it's only a 3 instead of the 4 cylinder that's in the L2502. I don't get any smoke other than a quick puff of black smoke on a cold start...
 

jimh406

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Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
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My L2501 has started near 0 more than once. It seems strange that 40 is an issue for the 2502.
 
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ken erickson

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B7100 hst, 2650 front mount snowblower, L2501 hst qa loader
Nov 21, 2010
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Waupaca Wisconsin
I have an LX2610 so still mechanical injection but it's only a 3 instead of the 4 cylinder that's in the L2502.
I believe the L2502 is a 3 cyl 100.5 cubic inch direct injection engine.
 
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Fordtech86

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Pretty similar thread a little bit ago…
 

fried1765

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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
7,847
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Eastham, Ma
I went to try out a new L2502 at my local dealer ready to buy. This was a brand new machine just delivered. It was about 40F degrees outside. Used glow plugs for about 7 or 8 seconds. The tractor ran really rough and blew out an excessive amount of blue and white smoke for well over 3 minutes. I have a 2012 BX25D and it will blow out a little smoke (mostly black) for a couple seconds on cold start. The dealer said they are aware of the issue and Kubota should have a fix soon. However, this fix has been discussed since December online with no update on a schedule. In Canada, I read they were able to adjust (shim) the injectors to fix it. However, this increased HP so I suspect they can't do it in US with EPA regs. They made changes to the engine and injection system from the L2501 and I understand the L2501 did not have this problem. I like the L2502 upgrades but will not buy one until they fix this issue. It smokes worse then my 1960s MF 135 with scored cylinder walls. Does anyone here have information on the L2502 smoke fix or have experience with this model? I teally like everything else about this tractor but I am now considering other models or manufactures. Here is a video others posted showing the smoke:

Not a problem!
A new model tractor, that will do double duty,....as a mosquito fogger? ;)
 
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DVR

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Kubota MX5400, L3560LE, L3301. KX033-4
May 8, 2020
111
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Columbia, SC
No way I'd buy that tractor.
 
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notlawd

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Equipment
BX25D
Feb 19, 2024
2
0
1
WA
No way I'd buy that tractor.
I decided against this model. I am now looking at larger HP tractors. I was hoping to get a away from DPF but after seeing the smoke issue first hand (almost identical to what is seen in the video), DPF is looking like a positive.

I hope Kubota fixes this before too many are sold. Not a good image for the L series.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
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I fancy myself a "Kubota Fan Boy".

The reason I am such a fan, is because of the "Legendary Kubota quality".

Well that starting problem certainly ain't what I would buy/want/expect.

It's sure looking like this is might be a real issue and I sure hope Kubota fixes it soon.


Edit: Grammer police got me.....Thanks Fried(y)
 
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fried1765

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Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
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Eastham, Ma
I fancy myself a "Kubota Fan Boy".

The reason I am such a fan, is because of the "Legendary Kubota quality".

Well that starting problem certainly ain't what I would buy/want/expect.

It's sure looking like this is might be a real issue and I sure Kubota fixes it soon.
sure.....hope..... ?????
 
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jimh406

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Kubota L2501 with R4 tires
Jan 29, 2021
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Western MT
I decided against this model. I am now looking at larger HP tractors.
The LX2620 isn't that much smaller and has other features with no DPF. You might take a look at it while you are at it.
 

PaulL

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B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,453
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I'd guess they'll fix it. My take is that the L2502 is made for the people who really don't like DPF. But they take a larger engine and detune the heck out of it to get under the HP limits. It means it's a high torque engine running very low revs, and tuned quite funny. Doesn't surprise me it also runs a bit weird. In my part of the world that same engine is making 33hp (no emissions limits here).

I'd just look at the L3302 or L3902. Same engine, better tuning, common rail injection I think, probably no cold start problems.
 
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ElPedro

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BX2860
Jun 16, 2022
5
0
1
Old Boston,OH
I took delivery of a new 2502 in 2/14. Has been in the shop since 2/21 trying to get the mosquito fogger fixed.
 
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TJArkie

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Jun 14, 2024
4
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3
Arkansas
Good morning...I am new to this forum and found some threads in various places regarding the L2502 having a smoking (not Marlboro) issue. I am in the market for a new tractor and narrowed my choices down to two tractors and one of which is the L2502. Does anyone have any current info on this issue and has Kubota fixed this problem? This will be my first tractor and definitely don't want to step into problems. Appreciate any assistance here.
 

Yotekiller

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Kubota L2502, LP 60" BB, LP pallet forks, 60" KK Tiller, 55" HSI root grapple
Sep 29, 2023
396
459
63
Southern Indiana
I have the 2502 that I purchased new in 10/23 and now have over 70 hours on it. Mine does not smoke like this, it barely smokes when first started but clears up in 10 seconds at most..
 

TJArkie

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Jun 14, 2024
4
3
3
Arkansas
I have the 2502 that I purchased new in 10/23 and now have over 70 hours on it. Mine does not smoke like this, it barely smokes when first started but clears up in 10 seconds at most..
Appreciate it. The smoke posts are a bit troublesome but glad to hear someone has one that operates as it should.
 

PaulL

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B2601
Jul 17, 2017
2,453
1,376
113
NZ
As always on the internet, people who have issues with their machine are massively more likely to post. Nobody really posts saying "I have an L2502 and it runs just fine". Doesn't mean there's no issue there, but the frequency will not be what you would assume from reading the internet. They wouldn't be selling any if they smoked the way some people say theirs does.
 
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TJArkie

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Jun 14, 2024
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Arkansas
As always on the internet, people who have issues with their machine are massively more likely to post. Nobody really posts saying "I have an L2502 and it runs just fine". Doesn't mean there's no issue there, but the frequency will not be what you would assume from reading the internet. They wouldn't be selling any if they smoked the way some people say theirs does.
Very true.
 
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