Tractor Sizing Kubota L2501 vs L3301

[gsganzer]

I agree with what others are saying about bumping up to the larger size and the differences between the B and L. I initially looked at the B's, but decided I wasn't gaining much over the capabilities of the BX2200 I had.

They each have their niche:
The BX is primarily a large lawnmower that can also do some light FEL, light 48" brush hogging and garden tiller work if so equipped.
The B-series is a small tractor that can also do some heavy finish mowing if equipped with a MMM. It's also great for landscaping FEL work and backhoe work.
The L series gets you into a small tractor with added weight that is more capable of utilizing ground engagement implement (plow, harrow, subsoiler etc.), FEL and backhoe work.

As far as horsepower, I'd at least go with the L3301. I believe the frame size is the same between the L2501, L3301 and L3901.

I was originally looking at the L2501, but quickly saw the benefits of the L3301 with minimal cost difference. Ultimately, I went with a 2014 L3800 as the cost over the L3200 was minimal and the difference would typically be recovered during resale anyway.

My vote is for a L3301 or older L3200 at a minimum.

 

[Fallon]

I wouldn't go with any less HP than my L3200. I occasionally regret not getting the extra HP from a L3800. I'm sure of be disappointed with only 25hp. 25hp would get the job done, but a lot slower.

 

[diesel466]

If you buy a l3301 or l3901 make sure all the recalls are done on it!! Several have had engine runaway and blown up. The problem is caused by the oil separator freezing up. I would try to find a l3200 or l3800.

 

[Farmdog267]

The L3301 tractor has been a very popular tractor for us and has a good price point. I would not be concerned with the emission system on the engine. The L2501 is good for what it is, but I personally feel that the unit is under powered for doing some things.. For the small difference in price, I would go with the larger unit! Always better to have a little too much of something then to be stuck in the boat wishing that you had a little more..

 

[MrDispenser]

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!

 

[Farmdog267]

Congrats on the purchase!

 

[varmint]

Another plus with going with a machine that isn't overpowered for most of your tasks is better overall fuel consumption. If diesel goes back to $4 or more a gallon, that will be extra sweet!

 

[peterc38]

Congratulations on the new tractor and don't forget to post pics when you get it :drink:

 

[Garandman]

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.

Especially after reading this forum you can easily fall into the more-more-more mode.

But the amount of work that any of these tractors will do is astonishing compared to doing it by hand or with walk-behind equipment. I started off clearing an acre field of brush with a Stihl trimmer and I'd made a slight dent after a couple of hours.

Got the tractor and brush cutter and a field that had been growing weeds for 30 years went from this.

To this in an afternoon, and I wasn't wiped out.

 

[varmint]

Amen, Garandman! I have a bit of land over our septic field that I bushhog with a walk behind once a year, and as I get older, wrestling with that walk behind gets older, too. If I could justify it, I'd have a three-point brush cutter, but there just isn't enough to cut that it is worth the expense and storage for 364 days a years.