Kubota L2501 hydro trans noise normal?

[Dschaffer]

Hey all,
I bought a L2501 a couple of years ago and mostly love the tractor. The noise level of the hydro trans is a bit much though. This past weekend I was using a 90’s Ford 1620 that not only out “powered” my L2501 but there was literally no “whining” noise from the hydro transmission. I can honestly say that the mid 90’s Ford was more enjoyable to operate then my 2019 L2501? What the ???
This has me wondering if maybe the hydro noise of my L2501 is out of the ordinary. What are y’all’s thoughts on this? I wouldn’t say the noise is excessive but considering there was zero noise from a Ford hydro trans from the 90’s, maybe there is something wrong with mine? The Ford has around 27hp so the additional power is explainable but how the heck did they have such a smoother and much, much quieter hydro trans?
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Roadworthy]

I have no idea how Ford (Shibaura) created a quiet HST but I can tell you the Kubota HST is typically noisy. Some have said it gets somewhat quieter with use. The fluid the dealer used at setup could affect the noise level. I think Kubota had three different recommended fluids. Their UDT was acceptable and less expensive to buy but it was supposedly more prone to noise than the current SUDT2. I don't know what my dealer installed in my L2501 but I've become somewhat accustomed to the whine over time. You could have somebody who knows Kubota HST give it a listen.

 

[marrt]

I have 8 hydrostatic machines and the L3901 is the loudest BY FAR. Frankly, this is a design fault on the part of Kubota. There's a number of well known ways engineers can reduce hydraulic noise. That said, I wear headphones on all my machines so I guess it's not a big deal in the end.

 

[Rdrcr]

Yep, my L2501 is noisy too but, so is my B2601.

Mike

 

[crashz]

Same - a bit whiney. Whines less in Low, so I use Low unless its annoyingly slow. I get just a bit of gear whine from the rear-end when backing up at speed too. This is my first hydro transmission so I have nothing to compare. Nothing a good set of earmuffs can't handle.

 

[jwstewar]

It is funny, I had the New Holland TC24D for 17 years and 2600 hours. The engine was a bit loud, but the hydro was quiet. No complaints, I always wondered why people complained. Now I have the L3301. The engine is a touch quieter, but the hydro is much, much louder. I like the size of the tractor and the power, but in some ways, I regret not giving one of the LS built New Hollands a chance. My New Holland was much more comfortable to operate - from layout of controls to the sound and everything. Not dis-satisfied with the Kubota, but not overly impressed or happy with it either.

 

[LittleBill21]

Every neighbor that has a kubota, you can tell the minute it moves. I have 0 idea why their HST is that loud, it makes no sense. my Mahindra has 0 whine, except when first starting off. even my lawn mowers don't have that noise. makes no sense.

 

[check]

Every neighbor that has a kubota, you can tell the minute it moves. I have 0 idea why their HST is that loud, it makes no sense. my Mahindra has 0 whine, except when first starting off. even my lawn mowers don't have that noise. makes no sense.

Yup. My Kubota BX25 is noisy as heck. Not good for the ears, so I wear noise cancelling headphones all the time.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

NOW you guys know why I call it the "whiner tranny"...

I just can't stand that hydro whine!

SR

 

[sandyc]

I’ve had B’s and now a BX. All are noisy! The 2650 with a cab was really loud!