Tractor Sizing Kubota L2501 vs L3301

MrDispenser · Mar 17, 2015

I'm looking for people's thoughts comparing the L2501 and the L3301.

The 2501 does not have the new Tier IV particle filter but comes in at just 24.8 HP (PTO 19) .

The 3301on the other hand does have the new filtration system and has 33 HP (PTO 26.3).

The 3301 sits right where I was hoping to be in terms of power... Seems like plenty for 5 foot implements, etc.

I have about 10 acres, 8 of which is pasture, some hills. Primarily tractor would be for mowing and some driveway maintenance. Rototilling a small garden is a possibility someday down the road as well.

New technology makes me nervous. Seems like these filters are just one more thing that could break and adds no discernable value to a tractor...

Would the 2501 be enough tractor for me? Or would I be better off biting the bullet and getting the slightly more powerful 3301 with the full Tier IV engine?

3301 costs about 2 grand more as well from the quotes I'm getting.

LD1 · Mar 17, 2015

More power is really nice for the PTO stuff. I'd start with what size mower and tiller you want and get the power to match.

teg · Mar 17, 2015

MrDispenser said:
...The 2501 does not have the new Tier IV particle filter but comes in at just 24.8 HP (PTO 19)...

From kubota's website "...The L2501's 24.8 HP (18.5 kW) engine meets the very latest EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations..." is that done without a particle filter???

Anyway, I think you'll regret not spending the extra 2 grand. And I think re-sale might be harder, fewer people looking at that size tractor.

Some things that stick out with the 2501... 2200 rpm (my L2800 is 2800); no turf tire option?; pretty small pump, 5.3 which results in slower rated speeds.

Paystar · Mar 17, 2015

The L2501 is for people that don't want to deal with a DPF muffler and regens, but need a bigger frame, heavier tractor than a B series. So keep that in mind.....it is just a big B series.

I run five foot implements on my B2620 with no problem at all. Just search some of my road building pics on my hill. I also run a snowblower and chipper/shredder no problem.

Will more h.p. do it faster? Yes. Maybe. But the L 2501 will get it done. Let's put it this way, if you don't mind taking a bit longer to do a job and want to buy a tractor that will only need oil and filter changes for the next several years to come with no unexpected costs to you....go with the L2501.
If you are comfortable with doing regens and factor in you are going to have to replace that expensive DPF muffler in the years to come, then go big.

mddorange · Mar 17, 2015

:welcome:
To TBN from Alabama. I have last years tractor, L3200, without tier4. It does everything I need it to.

Will_C · Mar 17, 2015

The big question is what size implements do you want to run. I have a B2620, the same hp as the 2501. I can run a 60" RFM and a 54" rotary cutter. I would like a L series, and hate the thoughts of a DPF tractor- but see no sense unless I upgrade hp to run a 72" RFM, and handle a 84" rake and back blade-that puts me into DPF tractor. I am going to wait until the technology is proven.

Will

MrDispenser · Mar 17, 2015

Thank you for all the feedback so far. The more I read about the new DPF systems the more I dislike them. A lot of great information available on this website (like Regeneration Mode). I'd like this tractor to be a long-term purchase and dislike the idea of higher maintenance (or worse, costly maintenance) without a reward/payoff of some kind.

I originally had planned on 60 inch implements... and I do not mind going a bit slower. At the same time I'd rather not see snails pass me by while I'm mowing the field.

Would there be any advantage to dropping down to say a B series like the B2620/B2650 over getting the L2501? On paper they eek out slightly more HP but still are small enough to not have the DPF system. Obviously the L series is a much beefier tractor (I think 700-800 pounds heavier). I've seen in several other threads most people tend to advise that the larger the tractor the better.

Steppenwolfe · Mar 17, 2015

View attachment 417065 My new 3301. I'm not to concerned about the tier iv, it is here to stay. I will say this is a very smooth operating tractor and fun to use. Very quick and responsive fel, also. I went with the gear drive, shuttle shift. Lots of straight up power.

teg · Mar 17, 2015

MrDispenser said:
...Obviously the L series is a much beefier tractor (I think 700-800 pounds heavier). I've seen in several other threads most people tend to advise that the larger the tractor the better.

What are you planning to use the tractor for? If you are going to be just cutting grass, get the B. The extra weight will just rob you of HP. If you need traction (weight=traction) get the L.

Bigger (IMO) is not always better... take your time in buying. Figure out what you need.

s219 · Mar 17, 2015

I'd say to look for an L3200 if you can find one, or even an L3800.

I have an L3200, and find it adequately powered for most everything, but it could use a little more pep sometimes. So I think the 2501 would probably seem underpowered to me.

I too would be cautious about the L3301 and it's DPF system, but to date I don't think we've heard any complaints about that particular Kubota. Most Kubota DPF complaints I have seen are about the B3350.

The B's are good tractors (I had one) but they are significantly lighter and daintier than the L series. They will be traction limited in most cases, so any extra power won't do you much good (well, maybe for stationary PTO operations). For ground engaging work where forward traction is important, the L2501 would make more use of 25HP than a B2601 would make use of its 26HP.