Tractor Sizing Kubota L2501 vs L3301

[Tompet]

I really appreciate everyone's input on this thread. I ended up pulling the trigger on the L2501. The dealer let me test drive one today and even use a 5 foot tiller with it on a grass field they had out back. It seemed to handle everything just fine, I never felt like it was lacking for power.

I'm sure there will be moments where I'll wish I had a little extra horsepower but for what I'm planning on using the tractor for I think it will handle 99% of what I want it to do without any problems. And with this model I do not have to worry about the possible extra maintenance with the new emission system.

Should be delivered next week!

I just read through your thread. For the chores you outlined and your concerns, IMO you made a good choice...post some photos after you get it. Congratulations and enjoy.

 

[Fallon]

Weight defines what a tractor do, HP only defines how fast. As the weight & frame are the same size, you aren't giving up any capability, only speed. It might be a bit pokey for some of us, but it will get all the work done the higher HP one would. You should enjoy it.

 

[OC3]

If Kubota specs are accurate the L3200 with 31.9 hp at 2800rpm equals 59.8 ft lbs of torque from a 91.5 cu in engine. The L2501 has a 100.4 cu in engine with 24.8 hp at 2200 rpm which gives 59.2 ft lbs of torque. Both tractors should have the same capability. Torque= HP x 5252 divided by rpm. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[LD1]

Year old thread, but yes, capability is the same.

Ultimately, torque means very little in tractors this size. They are all geared so that it is pretty impossible to run out of torque before you run out of traction. If you need more torque, pick a lower gear.

But you can't gain HP with gearing. And HP is how fast the work gets done. The 3301 has more of that. Which means it can mow with a larger mower, or at a faster rate. Same with a tiller, or anything pto driven. And also means it can carry a grade at a faster rate of speed.

 

[4570Man]

Year old thread, but yes, capability is the same. Ultimately, torque means very little in tractors this size. They are all geared so that it is pretty impossible to run out of torque before you run out of traction. If you need more torque, pick a lower gear. But you can't gain HP with gearing. And HP is how fast the work gets done. The 3301 has more of that. Which means it can mow with a larger mower, or at a faster rate. Same with a tiller, or anything pto driven. And also means it can carry a grade at a faster rate of speed.

I wonder what would happen if you chained the wheels down and chained the front end down. A tractor equipped with creeper gear could produce tremendous toque. I doubt the drive train could take it.

 

[LD1]

Well, just math. Let's work through it and see.

L3400, I assume is geared same as the newer models.

0.9mph in 1st gear @2800rpm =
4752 ft per hr =
79 fpm

Tire is 11.2-24 w/21" rolling radius =
5.5 ft circumference

79 fpm / 5.5' cir = 14.4 rpm at the tire
2800/14.4= 195:1 overall gear ratio.

Peak torque is probably higher at a lower rpm vs what OC3 was figuring. Guessing maybe 80 ish ft-lbs.

Gives us a torque of 80 x 195 = 15,600.

Yep, that's alot of torque. But they are pretty big axle shafts too. Probably about the same as an average 4wd truck these days, with a low first gear, low range on the t-case.

 

[4570Man]

Well, just math. Let's work through it and see. L3400, I assume is geared same as the newer models. 0.9mph in 1st gear @2800rpm = 4752 ft per hr = 79 fpm Tire is 11.2-24 w/21" rolling radius = 5.5 ft circumference 79 fpm / 5.5' cir = 14.4 rpm at the tire 2800/14.4= 195:1 overall gear ratio. Peak torque is probably higher at a lower rpm vs what OC3 was figuring. Guessing maybe 80 ish ft-lbs. Gives us a torque of 80 x 195 = 15,600. Yep, that's alot of torque. But they are pretty big axle shafts too. Probably about the same as an average 4wd truck these days, with a low first gear, low range on the t-case.

Yeah, it's a lot of torque. A tractor with creeper gear could do substantially more. Being realistic, you could never prevent the wheels from slipping unless you chained them down. You'd also have to chain down the front end because it would lift.

 

[LD1]

0.9MPH is about as creeper as it gets I think.

I never use 1st or 2nd unless tilling. And rarely even use 3rd.

How bout this one....
Deere 9630 w 480/80r46 tires

530HP @ 2100rpm = 1325 ft-lbs

1st gear is 2.6 MPH =
229 FPM

Tire rolling cir. = 230" = 19.2'

229/19.2 = 11.9 RPM

2100 engine RPM / 11.9 tire RPM = final drive ratio of 176.5:1

176.5 x 1325 ft-lbs = 233,862 ft-lbs total torque

 

[LD1]

Case steiger 600
Max power 660@2100 = 1650 ft-lbs
710/70r42 tires = RCC 243" = 20.5'
1st gear 2.7 MPH = 237.6 fpm

Tire RPM = 11.59
Final ratio = 181:1

Total final torque 298,650 ft-lbs

And the actual torques are likely alot higher, because peak torque is at a lower RPM and higher than these figures.

Found a one on tractordata taht actually lists torque, as well as tire size and gearing to complete the calcs. The NH T9.700.

Listed at 2169ft-lbs, and 2.5MPH w/ 710/70r42 tires gives it a final ratio of 193:1
Total torque would be ~420,000 ftlbs. How freakin big are those axle shafts to handle that? Doubt my loader could even lift one of the lug nuts:laughing:

 

[steved52]

Hi, I'm in the same boat - looking at L2501 vs L3301 to do maintenance work on my steep access road to the woods lower half of my property (27 acres) and also keep up with some trails and do bushhogging around the place. I plan to run 5' rotary mower, 4' blade, and box scraper to cut some water runoff trenches. I want to knock down some trees and clear an acre down in the hollow for hunting/food plots. Most of my land is on a hillside including the access road so I definitely need the weight to do any work.

I'm not a mechanic and the distance to my dealer will be cost prohibitive for lots of service or maintenance work. I also don't have a trailer nor a vehicle large enough to pull one so the less repairs at a dealer I face the better off I'd be. Hence thinking the L2501. Cost is another factor as I'm starting fresh and have to buy all of the implements to do this stuff.

On the other hand I do not want to buy under power - I get one shot at this (I'm not a young man anymore - in my early 60s). That being said my neighbor has used a smaller Kubota 19HP engine to do the same thing I need to do and while it takes him awhile he gets it done. So very difficult decisions to make and I wonder how the thread owner has made out with his decisions a year ago.

Thanks - and Hello to everyone - Steve