Buying Advice Is the BX2380 capable of doing what I need v. Land prep for seeding

[Tractor Dell]

I'm seriously contemplating a L2501 now. At least it has a 2000 lb lifting capacity

Maybe I just missed it, but how much land do you have in total? While the L2501 may be great for what you need to do now, will you need all that tractor when you are done, and just need to maintain? In that case, maybe a B will work if you are just patient in what you are doing? I have a BX23S, and I am pulling out stumps from a mess of a woods that I want to clean up. While it does the job, it takes longer than it would if I would have gotten a B or an L. However, once the initial cleanup is done, then that tractor will be all I need to maintain it.

Just a thought.

 

[jeff9366]

I have been through what you are going through. L2501 is the first Kubota model with sufficient weight for real tractor tasks.

MORE: Why L251? site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

 

[darrylgmc]

Maybe I just missed it, but how much land do you have in total? While the L2501 may be great for what you need to do now, will you need all that tractor when you are done, and just need to maintain? In that case, maybe a B will work if you are just patient in what you are doing? I have a BX23S, and I am pulling out stumps from a mess of a woods that I want to clean up. While it does the job, it takes longer than it would if I would have gotten a B or an L. However, once the initial cleanup is done, then that tractor will be all I need to maintain it.

Just a thought.

You're absolutely right, once the project is finished I won't have much use for the heavy duty tractor. Maybe I'll look into buying a used L2501 and sell it after I'm done (I expect the project to take a few years to ultimately finish), then put it towards a BX2380.

But just another thought, the base tractor appears to be $16500/$12000 for the L2501 and Bx2380 respectively. So maybe I could just go with a used L2501 and it might come up with similar pricing as a new bx.

 

[jeff9366]

L2501 is a new Kubota model in the last three years. It was engineered to be attractive in performance while staying under 25-horsepower. (Noteworthy is its 100 cubic inch engine.) Above 25-horsepower all the expensive Tier 4 emission control requirements come into effect. Used L2501s will be few. However, there are lots of used tractors, Kubota and otherwise, in the L2501's weight category, 2,600 pounds bare tractor.

As you will find, used Kubota's do not depreciate rapidly. Used Kubota's are usually not as cheap as you would hope.

L2501 is not a heavy duty tractor. It does have sufficient weight and stability for most residential tractor uses. Heavy Duty in tractors starts at 8,000 pounds, bare tractor.

With prudent operation a bucket spade is practical on an L2501 in moist, not hard, soil.
LINK: Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

If you have LS or Kioti tractor dealers near you check out their 2,400 pound models. Fine tractors, somewhat less money.
LINK: XG325H-24.4HP | LS Tractor

You are contemplating a multi-year project. BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.


(All of us contributors are good at spending YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.)

(It is divergent opinions, from operators with divergent experiences, that make TBN valuable.)


The value of the US$ is decreasing pretty rapidly this year. <80-horsepower tractors are fully or partially imported one way or another. I forecast less generous promotions or higher MSRPs in 2018 as a result of the weakening dollar. I may be wrong.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

You are contemplating a multi-year project. BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.

Yep. Whether it's drills, chainsaws, trucks, tractors, or any other kind of tool, undersized tools break, create unnecessary hazards, and wind up costing more in the long run.

 

[4570Man]

I'm seriously contemplating a L2501 now. At least it has a 2000 lb lifting capacity

Unless I'm missing something the L2501 has a LA525 loader that doesn't lift 2000 pounds.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm seriously contemplating a L2501 now. At least it has a 2000 lb lifting capacity

The number associated with Kubota FELs is approximate lift capacity in kilograms.

LA525 X 2.2 = 1,155 pounds lift capacity approximately.

 

[darrylgmc]

Unless I'm missing something the L2501 has a LA525 loader that doesn't lift 2000 pounds.

good catch. I was looking at the tractor's hydraulic spec "Lift capacity at lift points: 1918 lbs", not the FEL's capacity.


Still enough for me to move trees, but not enough to move my pallets of brick.

 

[darrylgmc]

L2501 is a new Kubota model in the last three years. It was engineered to be attractive in performance while staying under 25-horsepower. (Noteworthy is its 100 cubic inch engine.) Above 25-horsepower all the expensive Tier 4 emission control requirements come into effect. Used L2501s will be few. However, there are lots of used tractors, Kubota and otherwise, in the L2501's weight category, 2,600 pounds bare tractor.

As you will find, used Kubota's do not depreciate rapidly. Used Kubota's are usually not as cheap as you would hope.

L2501 is not a heavy duty tractor. It does have sufficient weight and stability for most residential tractor uses. Heavy Duty in tractors starts at 8,000 pounds, bare tractor.

With prudent operation a bucket spade is practical on an L2501 in moist, not hard, soil.
LINK: Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

If you have LS or Kioti tractor dealers near you check out their 2,400 pound models. Fine tractors, somewhat less money.
LINK: XG325H-24.4HP | LS Tractor

You are contemplating a multi-year project. BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.


(All of us contributors are good at spending YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY.)

(It is divergent opinions, from operators with divergent experiences, that make TBN valuable.)


The value of the US$ is decreasing pretty rapidly this year. <80-horsepower tractors are fully or partially imported one way or another. I forecast less generous promotions or higher MSRPs in 2018 as a result of the weakening dollar. I may be wrong.

How well do you think the bucket spade would handle rocky soil?

I have no LS dealers near me, but that does looks like a good machine. A quick search shows I can get a bare L2501 for under $10k (minus shipping cost). I suspect I would need 4wd if I wish to plow/snowblow? What are the must have options? Is HST necessary?
Which front loader package do I want? Is the 2 lever style the same as the ssqa?

 

[jeff9366]

How well do you think the bucket spade would handle rocky soil?

I used my Bucket Spade on B3300SU bucket for several years without difficulty, however prudence is advised. I am age 70 and prudence comes naturally at this stage. I believe B3300SU and L2501 have identical buckets. Bucket Spade should be fine in the soil you photographed, if the soil is moist, rather than dry.

A quick search shows I can get a bare L2501 for under $10k (minus shipping cost).
I suggest you outfit L2501 appropriately considering you have a multi-year project.

I suspect I would need 4wd if I wish to plow/snowblow? YES, indubitably.

Is HST necessary? With HST you get a contemporary PTO. The resale on a clutch and gear L2501, with old style PTO, would be ZIP. Clutch rebuilds are $1,200 per each. Kubota HST transmissions are bullet proof. The HST is three range.

L2501 HST LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...523-warning-those-considering-gear-drive.html

Which front loader package do I want? There is only one; LA534A.
Is the 2 lever style the same as the SSQA? YES.

HERE ARE MY KIT SUGGESTIONS:

L2501/HST + 4-WD.

FEL with SSQA and standard bucket. (May be all you need for moving snow.)
Aftermarket Ratchet Rake bucket attachment. Aftermarket Bucket Spade.

R4/industrial tires. + Aftermarket tire chains.

Telescoping Lower Link Stabilizers

Kubota Rear/Center Drawbar. + Aftermarket Clevis Grab Hook.

Cruise Control

KTAC Insurance

(MAYBE Folding ROPS.) (MAYBE GRILL GUARD)

Around $22,000 MSRP - 10% = $19,800 tractor consumer cost (plus aftermarket options)


Ag and Forestry equipment is sales tax exempt in Florida. Ask your dealer about sales tax in NY.