Mahindra 1526 Vs Kubota L2501

[Goodwrench3]

Well the answer became clear. I finally got to do the same test the new model Mahindra 1626. New for 2018. I did the same bale test with the 1626 as I had done with the L2501. 900# large square and a 5ft hog off the back of the Mahindra. At engine idle...using pallet forks, lifted it to full height without breaking a sweat..! Back end planted! So easy for it that I decided to try it without the 5' hog... 1626 lifted it to full height...again! When the Kubota would have tipped on it's nose... Wow what a difference! You see proof like that in front of you it's easy. I bought the 1626 in the spot! I'm excited for all it can do for me!! The L2501 is a nice tractor. It just plain doesn't lift like the Mahindra

 

[goeduck]

Well the answer became clear. I finally got to do the same test the new model Mahindra 1626. New for 2018. I did the same bale test with the 1626 as I had done with the L2501. 900# large square and a 5ft hog off the back of the Mahindra. At engine idle...using pallet forks, lifted it to full height without breaking a sweat..! Back end planted! So easy for it that I decided to try it without the 5' hog... 1626 lifted it to full height...again! When the Kubota would have tipped on it's nose... Wow what a difference! You see proof like that in front of you it's easy. I bought the 1626 in the spot! I'm excited for all it can do for me!! The L2501 is a nice tractor. It just plain doesn't lift like the Mahindra

Congratulations on the 1626!

 

[troverman]

I'm late to the party and reviving an old thread...and since the OP already went with the Mahindra, my opinion doesn't matter. But nevertheless, I'll still comment.

Messicks did a video on the L3301 vs 1533 tractors. Some parts of the video were corny (the water bottle test was fairly inconclusive, IMO) but other parts were truthful. For example, Mahindra publishes a maximum rated capacity of the tractor which is identical to the L3301, yet has a max loader capacity that well exceeds the tractor's maximum weight capacity. The Mahindra loader is lighter duty, yet lifts more. The front axles were a great comparison - the Kubota axle is clearly much beefier. I think most people agree Kubota likely makes the best loader valve on the market, at least when it comes to raising / curling simultaneously. The L3301 is the same chassis and loader as the L2501; I'm assuming the 1533 is the same as the 1526 (aside from the engine).

I think of Mahindra as a cobbled together tractor - typically a different chassis / loader / engine manufacturer. I think of the quality difference more akin to Lexus vs Hyundai. The latter is always shouting about a big warranty and tons of features, but the base product itself isn't quite as good, and neither is resale.

That said, obviously a Mahindra will get the job done, I just wouldn't want one.

And I'll admit I'm biased, but my bias is based both upon research and experience. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up my 4th Kubota, a new L2501 (although the L4310 is gone and I'm trading the B2920 for the L2501). Just like the Messicks video states, I don't doubt the 1526 will lift more than the L2501, despite having a physically less heavy duty loader and front axle. But I'm in the fortunate position of having my MX4800 for larger loader tasks. I also think the large displacement engine of the 2501 will be appreciated, as running at lower RPM results in less noise, fuel consumption, and longer engine life. The loaders on any Kubota remove effortlessly.

 

[Roger66]

I'm late to the party and reviving an old thread...and since the OP already went with the Mahindra, my opinion doesn't matter. But nevertheless, I'll still comment.

Messicks did a video on the L3301 vs 1533 tractors. Some parts of the video were corny (the water bottle test was fairly inconclusive, IMO) but other parts were truthful. For example, Mahindra publishes a maximum rated capacity of the tractor which is identical to the L3301, yet has a max loader capacity that well exceeds the tractor's maximum weight capacity. The Mahindra loader is lighter duty, yet lifts more. The front axles were a great comparison - the Kubota axle is clearly much beefier. I think most people agree Kubota likely makes the best loader valve on the market, at least when it comes to raising / curling simultaneously. The L3301 is the same chassis and loader as the L2501; I'm assuming the 1533 is the same as the 1526 (aside from the engine).

I think of Mahindra as a cobbled together tractor - typically a different chassis / loader / engine manufacturer. I think of the quality difference more akin to Lexus vs Hyundai. The latter is always shouting about a big warranty and tons of features, but the base product itself isn't quite as good, and neither is resale.

That said, obviously a Mahindra will get the job done, I just wouldn't want one.

And I'll admit I'm biased, but my bias is based both upon research and experience. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up my 4th Kubota, a new L2501 (although the L4310 is gone and I'm trading the B2920 for the L2501). Just like the Messicks video states, I don't doubt the 1526 will lift more than the L2501, despite having a physically less heavy duty loader and front axle. But I'm in the fortunate position of having my MX4800 for larger loader tasks. I also think the large displacement engine of the 2501 will be appreciated, as running at lower RPM results in less noise, fuel consumption, and longer engine life. The loaders on any Kubota remove effortlessly.

A lot of brand bias around, I really had no connection to any of these brands as a first time buyer. To me the Kubota 2501 felt like the Hyundai to me. It is their economy tractor and it felt like it. The one thing that I believe is better on the Kubota is the loader valve, really nothing else. Everything about the Mahindra 1526 seems beefier to me. I've moved 1 ton pallets of wood pellets with this loader, Could just barely get it off the ground, but I was able to move them. My loader valve on my 1526 is not great, but I they may have improved this on the 1626. Kubota lost my sale with their competitive comparison web page, it basically showed the Mahindra was better on virtually all of the specs. Many people point out things not listed on the Kubota web page that may give the edge to Kubota for some buyers, but this data was not on the Kubota comparison page. Like higher lift, I've heard the Kubota has like 10" higher lift. This could be a deal maker for many customers! You would expect the Kubota competitive comparison page to show every superior orange point. After having this a couple of years I still think it's a great tractor with tremendous lift capability which is what I need as for me this my off road forklift. I have no problem with Kubota tractors, but I do think their web marketing team needs some help!

 

[troverman]

A lot of brand bias around, I really had no connection to any of these brands as a first time buyer. To me the Kubota 2501 felt like the Hyundai to me. It is their economy tractor and it felt like it. The one thing that I believe is better on the Kubota is the loader valve, really nothing else. Everything about the Mahindra 1526 seems beefier to me. I've moved 1 ton pallets of wood pellets with this loader, Could just barely get it off the ground, but I was able to move them. My loader valve on my 1526 is not great, but I they may have improved this on the 1626. Kubota lost my sale with their competitive comparison web page, it basically showed the Mahindra was better on virtually all of the specs. Many people point out things not listed on the Kubota web page that may give the edge to Kubota for some buyers, but this data was not on the Kubota comparison page. Like higher lift, I've heard the Kubota has like 10" higher lift. This could be a deal maker for many customers! You would expect the Kubota competitive comparison page to show every superior orange point. After having this a couple of years I still think it's a great tractor with tremendous lift capability which is what I need as for me this my off road forklift. I have no problem with Kubota tractors, but I do think their web marketing team needs some help!

I think I probably sounded harsh - I know you have a nice tractor and it works well. I apologize because it probably came across as rude. The L2501 is definitely economy - the transmission tunnel hump is pronounced and there is less leg room on this machine compared to the smaller B-series I traded in. Virtually all other Kubota tractors have the model number stuck on the side of the hood using raised silver lettering, but on the 2501 it is just a silver sticker. And even the right side fender no longer has a grab handle, just the left. Of course, Kubota left the indentations and holes in the fender, and put cheesy orange stickers over the holes. Very Hyundai-like indeed, no doubt. I was able to purchase the correct handle from the parts dept for $50 so now they match. Other cheapness includes no cruise control as standard, only an option...and an analog hour meter instead of the digital one used on any L-series larger than the 2501.

But there are still the things which make this thing nice. The very rugged axle, very heavy duty loader, easily removed loader, very nice quick attach levers, the one-piece hood on the gas strut, the smooth engine with a very low rated RPM, the large 10 gallon fuel tank, matching color cowl instead of black plastic, etc, etc.

As long as the Mahindra holds up well and can lift more...those are definitely advantages. I'm assuming you're still enjoying it now that you've had it awhile?