Comparison kubota L2501HST vs. Mahindra 1526 HST

[Ricn]

My 2501 is almost a year old. This is our third Kubota here, the other two are excavators and all three are great units. Thought the rocker petal might be a bother but after one day I simply loved it! If doing lots of
back and forth stuff you will get used to it very quickly, and yes my Wife likes it too! Our uses are flail mowing, box scraper, land leveler plus lots of front loader and fork lift stuff. Like to get a grapple next. The 2501 has lots of power IMO, more than I expected and sooooo comfortable in the seat too. Kubota costs more yes, but then you get more plus they are just better made tractors than most if not all the Scuts and Cuts IMO. I still have an old Mitsubishi with a backhoe attached and being almost 40 now it still runs strong. My neighbors also have the 2501 but with backhoe attachment saying they feel they made the right choice over JD, Kioti and Mahindra. This is their first tractor too so they were being very cautious buyers.

Just as important is the dealer you buy from, be very careful and buy from the one who will take care of you after the purchase, even if needing to drive farther, it will be worth it!
,
Ricn

 

[s219]

The 2501 has lots of power IMO, more than I expected and sooooo comfortable in the seat too.

That's because it's running the old 35HP L3400 engine, de-rated to 25HP at a lower max RPM (2200, down from 2700). This is a real impressive engine, and it's quite deceiving to have it spec'd for only 25HP. Up to the max RPM of 2200rpm, it feels just like the "35HP" engine in the old L3400. In fact, it feels more powerful than the engine in my L3200! So for a 25HP machine, the L2501 is a real sleeper.

 

[Ricn]

S219 - I had read this once from another post, but could not remember the correct engine, L3400. Thanks for the reminder. It is "the little engine that could" for sure and I would think someone has already figured out "how to turn one up". With beet juice in the tires they are a real workhorse while being fuel friendly as well.

Ricn

 

[CheckSix]

With that decision making process I think you should absolutely buy a Mahindra. Enjoy! :drink:

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

 

[mike69440]

Steering was one weak point of my trusty old B7200.

Heard it broke again for the new owner. Kubota expensive parts are not available.

I never had a problem with the steering on my L39, other than a worn ball joint. Steering is hydraulic ram type like the Mitsubishi.

I suspect the Kubota engine beats the 1526 torque wise. 1526 has same engine in my Max28. My old 16 HP (net) Kubota had stump pulling torque, Max28 not bad power wise, but doesn't feel like 12 more HP.

 

[s219]

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

Even some 2017 tractors (from a range of brands) use dynamos instead of alternators, and sometimes it depends on the market (i.e., there are some models that get an alternator in the US and a dynamo in Canada). So anyhow, it is very common to see a dynamo on a tractor and it doesn't have anything to do with year/technology/brand/etc. It's one of many quirks you will find on tractors. Both tractors listed here use alternators as far as I know.

Deere is typically the benchmark for parts availability going back a long time, but you may even have a hard time finding parts for a 30 year old Deere. Depends on the part and the tractor. I will say that if parts support over decades is important to you, then Mahindra may not be the strongest bet. They have an OK parts system for modern tractors -- not as deep/fast with inventory as Deere or Kubota in my experience -- but typical of the smaller brands. However, there simply isn't a track record going back very far for Mahindra parts in the US. There is also a layer of unknown. They source tractors from different manufacturers in different countries around the world, so ultimately you will be dependent on how that company provides parts and support over the long haul. Deere also sources some models this way (i.e., the Yanmar units) but Deere has a more complex parts system that adds a layer on top. Mahindra's system is not nearly that deep. You can get an idea of both Mahindra's and Kubota's parts performance on the forum here, so make your own conclusions.

You will definitely save money and get a good tractor, but so far your logic is a bit out of whack with reality. Nobody is trying to talk you out of a Mahindra, but you ought to stop coming up with oddball reasons to justify it over a Kubota. Focus on the here and now when choosing a modern tractor. If you test drove both tractors and the Mahindra is the better option for you, that's all that matters.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I read some more about Kubota's today, seems like they still use a linkage setup on steering (not all of their tractors though). YIKES!

In 1993 Alternators were standard for a long long long time. If a company takes a extremly long time to utilize a far better setup, I don't mind comparing "older" failure stories. I'm in this for the long haul.

It also goes to note that Kubota stops support on older tractors, deaming them not relevant. I plan on this tractor to be my last. To hear in 30 years I have to fabricate that linkage...lol..

In one review, they knocked Kubota hard, showing a picture of the complex steering, and noted that they ALWAYS failed in the past, even in low hour machines.

I'll save my thousands, buy a better machine, and use sound logic in doing so.

I think you have made an excellent decision. :thumbsup:

 

[mike69440]

2015 Kubota L2501 HST Review

Again you need Touchy Feely seat time.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Just test, operate the loader in a pile, not just digging air, and look each tractor over for at least an hour. Then Try a bigger and smaller tractor. You will have your answer.
Keep an eye on Craigs list, etc. also as you sometimes get lucky. Old genetleman buys a tractor, then sadly buys the farm, so nice estate sale.

If you buy from an estate sale, make sure that you get a cancelled UCC filing if there was one, otherwise, check out the thread entitled "liens" for some scary stuff!

 

[Goodwrench3]

I have been shopping hard and am splitting hairs between the 1526 and L2501. I am impressed by the indicated lift capacity of the Mahindra.. but just like the fit,finish, smoothness, of the Kubota. But... I am concerned of the Kubotas lift capacity. Anyone have real world experience lifting 900+ lb. large square hay bales? That's what I need this tractor to be able to handle and stack 3 high... that's lifting that weight a minimum of 72" using pallet forks. Can the L2501 safely do this?