Beating A Dead Horse?

[PJSprog]

Depending on what your definition of "capable" is, you can likely get a lot more tractor for the money looking at options other than just Massey and Kubota. I looked at them, too, as well as LS and Mahindra. All make good, capable tractors. In the price range you're talking, you could get an open station LS XR3135H, which is 35HP, and have money left over. You won't regret the extra HP when moving dirt, and it's not a huge tractor (about 60" wide). Mahindra and Kioti offer similar tractors in a similar price range ($19-20K).

Kubota makes very good tractors. No debate there. These other companies do, too, though, and are worth a look, especially with dealers nearby. Besides, looking and test driving is half the fun. :tractor:

 

[TripleR]

We are on our third John Deere with two HST pedals, but on our fourth Kubota with rocker pedals. Most get use to either, but my wife strongly favors the rocker pedal in spite of her initial negative response. Unless you have problems with your leg, you will have no problems with either. "Most" people can easily adapt to either, but if you "hate" either, it may not be worth taking a chance.

However, the L2501 retains the right side steering brakes as it has a live PTO with the clutch on the left, some really do not like this arrangement.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Mahindra Max26 HST or Mahindra 1526HST will do the job for you. With the 1526, you get three gears and a larger, heavier unit. Both built by Mitsubishi, and no DPF. Excellently made, well rated machines.

 

[BNJeepsta]

We are on our third John Deere with two HST pedals, but on our fourth Kubota with rocker pedals. Most get use to either, but my wife strongly favors the rocker pedal in spite of her initial negative response. Unless you have problems with your leg, you will have no problems with either. "Most" people can easily adapt to either, but if you "hate" either, it may not be worth taking a chance.

However, the L2501 retains the right side steering brakes as it has a live PTO with the clutch on the left, some really do not like this arrangement.

You must be talking about the L2501 Gear model??

 

[BNJeepsta]

Mahindra Max26 HST or Mahindra 1526HST will do the job for you. With the 1526, you get three gears and a larger, heavier unit. Both built by Mitsubishi, and no DPF. Excellently made, well rated machines.

Originally, I started looking at Mahindra first since they are the closest dealer. Overall, I was impressed and the only issues I had with them was the poor paint quality (brand new and rusty is a no-no in my book) and the loader controls were twitchy. However, I REALLY liked the price and how smooth the tractor ran.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

You must be talking about the L2501 Gear model??

Nope. Many HST tractor still have a clutch pedal to change HST ranges and engage the PTO. I think, as RRR suggested, the L2501 has a clutch pedal on the right.

This means that the split brakes are on the right with the HST rocker. Most people don't use the brake very much in a HST tractor but brake-assisted turns are a little awkward with this setup. (a non-issue for most operators)

 

[motownbrowne]

Since no one has mentioned it yet, the Kioti ck2610 is the direct competitor to the L2501. I'm not sure, but my guess is that it has side by side pedals instead a rocker. Personally, I'd take the Kubota, but that's just me. I will say that the rocker pedal gets to be second nature. I have two HST tractors, both with rockers, and they're both great.

You didn't say if you're paying cash or financing, but Kubota has a pretty good financing deal right now. Probably make the Kubota cheaper than the Korean tractors over the life of a loan. Gotta find out for yourself, though.

 

[k0ua]

The Kioti CK2610HST has the two pedal HST setup. And it is made to compete directly with the Kubota L2501 as both fall under the Tier 4 cutoff horsepower of 26 HP. It does have a clutch pedal on the left for PTO engagement, and it only has a single brake pedal on the right, so if you were planning on doing brake steering, it ain't gonna happen. Many owners never brake steer or even know of the concept, but it is something I would not want to give up.

 

[BCrouse]

However, the L2501 retains the right side steering brakes as it has a live PTO with the clutch on the left, some really do not like this arrangement.

The only way I've found to do it, without some serious pedal acrobatics is using the cruise-control lever (optional kit). You have to hold the lever in place though, as when you press the brake, it disengages the CC lever.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

The only way I've found to do it, without some serious pedal acrobatics is using the cruise-control lever (optional kit). You have to hold the lever in place though, as when you press the brake, it disengages the CC lever.

That's a good idea. My B3300 had this configuration and no cruise control lever. For the about 3 times I needed to do a brake-assisted turn to go right I used my right foot on the brake and reached down and moved the HST pedal by hand. To go left I could get my left foot across to the left brake pedal and right foot as normal to the HST. Definitely a compromise.